Telangana Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar has issued notices to 10 defecting MLAs after the Supreme Court ruled that the Speaker has the final authority to decide their fate.
The BRS had earlier approached the Supreme Court seeking disqualification of these legislators under the Anti-Defection Law. On July 25, the apex court directed that the Speaker must decide within three months.
Sources suggest that before sending notices, the Speaker sought legal advice from the Advocate General and senior lawyers.
The MLAs who received notices include Kadiyam Srihari, Danam Nagender, Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Sanjay Kumar, Tellam Venkat Rao, Arikapudi Gandhi, Kale Yadaiah, Prakash Goud, Krishnamohan Reddy, and Mahipal Reddy.
The Speaker will now hear their reasons for shifting from BRS to the Congress before taking a final decision. Interestingly, a couple of these MLAs had earlier claimed they did not formally join Congress, reportedly fearing disqualification.
This development marks a crucial phase in Telangana politics, as the ruling will directly impact the strength of both parties in the Assembly.
