Speaker to restart hearings on BRS MLA defections.
Visitor entry to the Assembly has been restricted until October 31 as disqualification petition hearings continue, ensuring an undisturbed environment for smooth and fair proceedings inside.
**Speaker to Resume Hearings on BRS-Defected MLAs; Visitor Entry Restricted Till October 31**Hyderabad: Telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar is set to resume hearings on the much-discussed disqualification petitions filed against a group of MLAs who were elected on Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) tickets but later crossed over to the Congress Party. The political buzz around the Assembly is expected to intensify as the proceedings move forward in the coming days.
The Speaker, who had been away attending the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference in Barbados, is scheduled to return to Hyderabad on Thursday, October 23. His return marks the continuation of a politically charged process that has captured the attention of both parties and the public alike.
**Four Key MLAs Under Scrutiny**Before leaving for the international conference, Speaker Prasad Kumar had initiated hearings on disqualification petitions involving four BRS defected MLAs — Prakash Goud, Kale Yadayya, Gudem Mahipal Reddy, and Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy. These legislators are among those accused of abandoning their parent party, the BRS, to align with the Congress after the recent state elections — a move that has fueled sharp political debate in Telangana.
According to sources close to the Speaker’s office, the hearings for these four MLAs are expected to conclude by Friday, with final observations likely to follow soon after. The Speaker’s decision is anticipated with keen interest, as it could set the tone for how similar cases might be handled in the future.
**Eight Responses Submitted, Two Still Pending**Out of the ten BRS MLAs who received formal notices regarding disqualification petitions, eight have already submitted their written explanations. However, Danam Nagender and Kadiyam Srihari have yet to file their responses, sources said. Their delay has added a layer of uncertainty to the proceedings, although officials believe they may submit their explanations once the next round of hearings begins.
If all goes according to schedule, hearings for the remaining MLAs — Arikepudi Gandhi, Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, Tellam Venkata Rao, and M. Sanjay Kumar — are likely to commence on October 27. This phased approach is aimed at ensuring that each case is examined carefully, allowing adequate time for both sides to present their arguments.
**Assembly Entry Restricted During Hearings**In view of the sensitive nature of the ongoing proceedings, the Telangana Assembly Secretariat has barred the entry of visitors, former MPs, MLAs, MLCs, and media representatives into the Assembly premises until October 31. Officials have clarified that the move is purely procedural, intended to maintain order and prevent any disruptions during the crucial hearings.
Security measures around the Assembly have been strengthened, with staff instructed to allow entry only to authorized personnel directly involved in the process. “The restrictions are temporary and necessary to ensure a calm and focused environment for the Speaker and legal teams,” said a senior Assembly official.
**Political Implications Loom Large**The disqualification petitions have significant political implications for Telangana’s evolving landscape. The Congress, which currently holds power in the state, faces accusations from the BRS of encouraging defections to consolidate its strength in the Assembly. The BRS, on the other hand, has been pushing aggressively for the disqualification of its former members, arguing that their switch to the Congress violates the anti-defection law under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
Political observers note that the Speaker’s eventual decision could have a domino effect on both parties’ strategies moving forward. “These rulings could reshape the arithmetic of the Assembly and influence future alliances,” said a Hyderabad-based political analyst. “If the Speaker rules in favor of disqualification, it would strengthen the moral position of the BRS and send a message about party loyalty. However, if the petitions are rejected, it could embolden more legislators to switch sides.”
**A Tense Wait Ahead**For now, all eyes are on Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar as he returns to take charge of the pending hearings. The proceedings are expected to unfold over the next several days, with a formal conclusion likely by the end of the month.
The atmosphere in the Assembly remains tense yet calm, with both the ruling and opposition benches preparing their legal arguments and political counterpoints. While the hearings themselves will be held behind closed doors, the outcome is sure to reverberate across Telangana’s political corridors.
As the Speaker resumes his duties after his international engagement, the state’s political watchers — and indeed, the MLAs under scrutiny — will be waiting anxiously to see which way the gavel falls.