Hyderabad Assembly Speaker to Hear Key Defection Case Against BRS MLA Kadiyam Srihari
In a significant development in Telangana's political landscape, Assembly Speaker G Prasad Kumar is set to hear another crucial defection case on Wednesday. This hearing comes as scrutiny continues over BRS legislators who have been accused of switching loyalties following the party's electoral setback in the state.
Details of the Disqualification Petition
The speaker will specifically hear the disqualification petition against Station Ghanpur MLA Kadiyam Srihari. This petition was filed last year by BRS MLA and party whip KP Vivekanand, who alleged that Srihari defected to the Congress party ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. The timing of this alleged defection has made it a particularly sensitive political issue.
However, Srihari has consistently denied these charges. In an affidavit submitted to the speaker, he maintained that he continues to be a member of the BRS and has categorically stated that he has not joined the Congress party. This creates a direct contradiction between the petitioner's allegations and the respondent's defense.
Broader Context of Defection Cases
This hearing is not occurring in isolation. It comes amid a series of petitions moved against BRS MLAs who have been accused of crossing over to other parties after the Congress came to power in Telangana. The political atmosphere has been charged with allegations and counter-allegations regarding these defections.
In total, disqualification petitions were filed against ten BRS legislators, triggering intense political slugfest between the ruling party and the opposition. The debates have centered not only on the alleged defections themselves but also on their legal validity and constitutional implications.
Status of Other Defection Cases
To understand the significance of Wednesday's hearing, it's important to consider the broader picture of these defection cases:
- So far, the speaker has delivered verdicts in seven cases, giving a clean chit to those MLAs
- The petition against Jagtial MLA M Sanjay Kumar remains pending
- The cases involving Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender and Station Ghanpur MLA Kadiyam Srihari are yet to be decided
Recent Developments and Political Implications
Last week, the speaker was scheduled to hear the petition against Nagender. However, one of the petitioners and BJP floor leader Alleti Maheshwar Reddy sought a deferment until after February 20, citing his preoccupation with the ongoing municipal elections. This postponement has added to the anticipation surrounding these remaining cases.
With only three cases left undecided, Wednesday's hearing is expected to be closely watched by political observers, legal experts, and party members alike. The outcome may provide important signals about how the speaker intends to deal with the remaining defection petitions and could set precedents for similar cases in the future.
The political stakes are particularly high given that these defection allegations emerged following the Congress party's ascent to power in Telangana. The rulings in these cases could potentially influence party dynamics, legislative stability, and the broader political narrative in the state.
