Telangana Speaker Dismisses Disqualification Petitions Against Defected MLAs

In a significant political development, the Telangana Assembly Speaker has dismissed disqualification petitions against five MLAs who defected from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi to the ruling Congress party. The decision, based on a lack of evidence, has sparked controversy, with BRS leaders alleging political influence from the Chief Minister. As the remaining petitions await resolution, the implications of this ruling could have far-reaching effects on the state's political landscape. The Supreme Court has previously mandated a timeline for the Speaker to address these disqualification matters, emphasizing the importance of curbing political defections to protect democracy. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 18, 2025, 10:25 IST

Disqualification Petitions Dismissed

On Wednesday, Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar rejected disqualification petitions concerning five out of ten MLAs who switched allegiance from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) to the ruling Congress party following the 2023 state elections.

The Speaker's decision was based on a reported absence of sufficient evidence, affirming that the MLAs continue to be associated with the BRS.

The MLAs who received relief include Tellam Venkat Rao from Alhambra, Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy from Gadwal, T Prakash Goud from Rajendranagar, Gudem Mahipal Reddy from Patancheru, and Arekapudi Gandhi from Serilingampally.

Meanwhile, the petitions against Kale Yadaiah, Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Sanjay Kumar, Danam Nagender, and Kadiyam Srihari are still pending a decision.

In March and April 2024, the BRS had urged the Speaker to disqualify the ten MLAs.

Following the ruling, BRS Working President KT Rama Rao accused the Speaker of acting under the influence of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, stating, “It is a cruel joke in democracy.” He further claimed that the Speaker's actions align with the Chief Minister's earlier comments that no consequences would follow for the defecting MLAs.

Rao announced that the party intends to contest the ruling in court.

On July 31, the Supreme Court instructed the Speaker to resolve the disqualification matters within three months, emphasizing that unchecked political defections could undermine democratic processes.

The court also overturned a previous ruling by the Telangana High Court that prohibited imposing a deadline on the Speaker regarding disqualification requests.

On November 17, the Supreme Court issued a contempt notice to the Speaker for failing to address the petitions.