In a significant political development from Hyderabad, Khairatabad legislator Danam Nagender has publicly quashed swirling rumours about his potential departure from the Indian National Congress. On Wednesday, the MLA firmly reaffirmed his commitment to remain with the party, putting to rest speculation about his political allegiance.
Speaker's Ruling Intensifies Scrutiny on MLA Status
The timing of Nagender's declaration is crucial. It follows a recent pronouncement by Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker, Gaddam Prasad Kumar. The speaker ruled that five BRS MLAs who had allegedly switched sides to the Congress would, for official purposes, continue to be recognized as BRS legislators only. The MLAs affected by this order are Dr Tellam Venkata Rao, Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy, T Prakash Goud, Gudem Mahipal Reddy, and Arekapudi Gandhi.
Speaker Kumar rejected the petitions filed against these five members. However, decisions on similar petitions against a second group of MLAs, including Kale Yadaiah, Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Sanjay Kumar, Danam Nagender himself, and Kadiyam Srihari, are still pending. This context adds considerable weight to Nagender's public address.
"I Am In Congress": Nagender's Firm Stance
Addressing the media directly, Danam Nagender left little room for ambiguity regarding his own position. "I don't know about other MLAs, I am in Congress," he stated emphatically. He further expressed a bold confidence in his political influence, adding, "Whichever party I am with, that party will triumph."
Beyond clarifying his own status, the Khairatabad MLA also shared his optimistic outlook on the electoral prospects of a Congress and MIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen) alliance. He forecasted a commanding victory for such a coalition, predicting they could secure an estimated 300 divisions in their grip during upcoming polls.
Plans for Grassroots Campaigning in Hyderabad
Looking ahead, Nagender unveiled proactive plans to strengthen the party's base. He announced his intention to embark on an extensive campaigning tour across Hyderabad. The twin objectives of this tour are to foster a deeper community connect and to raise public awareness about the various beneficial schemes and initiatives introduced by the Congress-led state government.
This move is seen as an effort to consolidate the party's presence on the ground and translate administrative work into political capital, especially amidst the ongoing legal and procedural scrutiny surrounding MLA defections.
