Defector MLAs Sit On Treasury Benches In Assembly
- Defector MLAs and defection allegations in Telangana Assembly
- Speaker hearing, BRS disqualification petition and political reactions
The issue of defector MLAs again drew attention in the Telangana Assembly on Monday after three legislators facing allegations of defection were seen sitting towards the treasury benches during the ongoing session. The development triggered fresh discussion in political circles, especially in the context of recent decisions by the Speaker and sharp reactions from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi leadership.
MLAs Arikepudi Gandhi, Prakash Goud and Gudem Mahipal Reddy, who are facing allegations of defection, attended the Assembly sessions and were seated near the treasury benches. Their seating arrangement became a talking point as questions continue over their political status and alignment.
Recently, Speaker Gaddam Prasad conducted a hearing on a petition filed by the BRS seeking disqualification of the three MLAs. During the hearing, the Speaker clarified that the MLAs continue to remain in the BRS. He also announced that he was dismissing the disqualification petition, stating that there was no evidence to show that the MLAs had joined the Congress party. Therefore, from a procedural point of view, the Speaker ruled out any disqualification at this stage.
However, the matter did not end there. Following the Speaker’s decision, political discussions intensified over the MLAs’ presence on the treasury benches. It is also noteworthy that the Jagityal MLA, who is also facing allegations of defection, has been sitting on the treasury benches, adding to the debate within the Assembly and outside.
Meanwhile, BRS Working President KTR made strong remarks on the issue during the winter session of the Assembly. He criticised the defected MLAs for being absent from public view. He said that they are “nowhere to be found” and added that they are not even able to say which party they belong to. He further stated that the doors have been closed in BRS for the defected MLAs.
KTR also said that the party would give opportunities to new people to replace the defected MLAs. He asserted that BRS continues to have a strong foothold on the ground. He pointed out that the Congress party suffered a setback in the Sarpanch elections and reminded that BRS secured 40 percent results in those elections.
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