Speaker issues fresh notices as disqualification hearings of MLAs near conclusion

Hyderabad: The Telangana Assembly Speaker accelerated the disqualification hearings involving 10 MLAs facing defection allegations. Fresh notices went to Danam Nagender and Kadiam Srihari after both failed to file their affidavits in response to earlier notices. Moreover, the Speaker reminded them that affidavits must be submitted without delay as part of the ongoing process.

The Speaker moved swiftly because the Supreme Court expressed concern about the delay and granted a four-week deadline for completion. Officials said the Assembly took steps to finish arguments within the given time. Additionally, the Speaker clarified that adjudication required timely cooperation from all MLAs named in the petitions.

Disqualification hearings progress amid strict timeline

The disqualification hearings entered their final phase on Thursday. Four MLAs appeared before the Speaker as part of the second round of inquiry. Proceedings began in the morning with the case of Pocharam Srinivas Reddy versus MLA Jagadish Reddy. The Speaker heard oral arguments from both sides and recorded their submissions. Furthermore, another case Arikepudi Gandhi versus MLA Sanjay was scheduled for the afternoon session.

With these two hearings, the inquiry covered eight out of the ten MLAs involved in defection petitions. Officials noted that the Speaker aimed to complete all hearings by the end of the day. They added that final orders would follow only after examining all affidavits and arguments, including those pending from Nagender and Srihari.

Disqualification hearings complicate political moves

The disqualification hearings created uncertainty for Danam Nagender, who travelled to Delhi to meet senior AICC leaders. He had not filed his affidavit until Thursday, raising questions about his next steps. Party sources said he feared that attending the hearing could trigger immediate disqualification. Moreover, disqualification would block him from contesting elections for six years.

Nagender was reportedly considering resignation as a strategic move. He wanted clarity from party leadership on his political future if he stepped down. Meanwhile, the Speaker continued efforts to finish the inquiry within the court-mandated timeline.