In a development that underscores Telangana’s volatile politics, Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar will conduct hearings on January 30 regarding disqualification petitions targeting BRS MLA Danam Nagender. Once a loyalist of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Nagender’s perceived shift towards Congress has ignited controversy since his 2023 election from Khairatabad.
Notices have been served to Nagender and petitioner Kaushik Reddy, a fellow BRS legislator. Compounding the matter, BJP’s A. Maheshwar Reddy’s separate petition against the same MLA will also be addressed that day.
Responding proactively, Nagender submitted an affidavit rejecting the claims. The ex-minister maintains no resignation or suspension from BRS has occurred, dismissing his Congress meeting attendance as personal.
Contextually, the Speaker dismissed seven similar petitions against BRS defectors earlier this year, citing insufficient evidence of formal joining Congress and affirming their technical BRS membership.
Prior proceedings wrapped up for eight MLAs with reserved judgments; Sanjay Kumar’s remains undecided. Nagender and Kadiyam Srihari’s cases were deferred over unanswered notices.
BRS levels serious charges: open Congress alignment, treasury seating, Nagender’s Lok Sabha bid from Secunderabad for Congress, and Srihari’s canvassing for daughter Kavya in Warangal. The MLAs rebut, framing interactions as development advocacy with CM Revanth Reddy.
This showdown could influence future anti-defection rulings, with political observers watching closely for implications on party loyalty and legislative stability in Telangana.
