BRS MLAs defection: In-camera hearings on disqualification begin in Telangana Assembly

Hyderabad: In a first for the Telangana Legislative Assembly, Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar on Monday began in-camera hearings on disqualification petitions filed by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) against its MLAs who defected to the ruling Congress.

Four MLAs face the dock

The trial has summoned the four defected MLAs: T Prakash Goud (Rajendranagar), Kale Yadaiah (Chevella), Gudem Mahipal Reddy (Patancheru) and Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy (Jogulamba Gadwal).

The proceedings are being held under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and will continue on Monday and Wednesday.

Cross-examinations begin

The hearings opened with BRS MLA Kalvakuntla Sanjay being cross-examined by Prakash Goud’s counsel.

This will be followed by counsel of Kale Yadaiah and Gudem Mahipal Reddy questioning Chinta Prabhakar, while Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy’s counsel will examine Palla Rajeshwar Reddy.

On October 1, the four defected MLAs themselves will be cross-examined by the petitioners’ counsels.

Tight security at Legislature

The Assembly has imposed strict security measures for the unprecedented trial. Media personnel and visitors were denied entry, while participants were barred from carrying mobile phones inside.

Legislature Secretary V Narasimha Charyulu warned that anyone attempting to record or photograph the proceedings would face confiscation of devices, and the concerned advocate would be barred from further appearance.

Supreme Court pushes for action

The BRS had last year petitioned the Speaker to disqualify ten MLAs who crossed over to Congress after the November 2023 elections.

With the Speaker delaying action, the party moved the Supreme Court, which on July 31 directed the Assembly to decide on the petitions within three months.

Following the order, the Speaker issued notices to the defectors, reviewed their replies, and initiated the trial now underway.