MLA Disqualification Hearing Deferred To February 18
- MLA disqualification hearing against Danam Nagender postponed
- Speaker hears petitions under anti defection law
The MLA disqualification hearing against Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender has been deferred to February 18. Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar postponed the proceedings on Friday after hearing requests from parties involved. The hearing relates to disqualification petitions filed under the anti defection law.
The Speaker was hearing petitions filed by BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy and BJP floor leader Maheshwar Reddy. Both sought action against Danam Nagender for alleged defection. While the Speaker took up Kaushik Reddy’s petition during the morning session, Maheshwar Reddy did not appear in person. Instead, his lawyers represented him before the Speaker.
MLA disqualification hearing sees cross examination
The hearing began with the petition filed by Padi Kaushik Reddy. During the proceedings, his lawyers cross examined Danam Nagender. They questioned the reasons for filing the petition and the evidence cited to support the claim of defection. The cross examination focused on Nagender’s political conduct and past electoral record.
Kaushik Reddy placed several documents before the Speaker. He presented details showing that Danam Nagender contested and won the Khairatabad Assembly seat on a BRS ticket. He also cited that Nagender later contested as a Member of Parliament from Secunderabad on a Congress ticket. The evidence submitted also included campaign photos, videos, and images showing Danam Nagender wearing a Congress scarf.
Speaker adjourns hearing on second petition
Meanwhile, Maheshwar Reddy’s counsel requested more time. Through his lawyers, the BJP floor leader informed the Speaker that he wished to be present for the cross examination. He cited the ongoing municipal election process as the reason for seeking a deferment. The Speaker considered the request during the hearing.
Taking note of this submission, Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar adjourned further proceedings in Maheshwar Reddy’s petition. He fixed February 18 as the next date for the MLA disqualification hearing. Therefore, both petitions will now be heard together on the scheduled date.
Danam Nagender attended the hearing along with his legal team. He submitted an affidavit before the Speaker. In the affidavit, he maintained that he had not resigned from the BRS and continued to be a member of the party. He also stated that his participation in a Congress meeting last year was in a personal capacity. He argued that such participation did not amount to defection under the law.
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