Apex Court’s Order on MLA Defections Kicks Off Political Slugfest
BRS, BJP demand swift disqualification of defectors; Congress accuses BRS of double standards
Hyderabad: The Supreme Court's directions to the Telangana Speaker on Thursday on the BRS’ disqualification petitions against party MLAs who switched to the Congress, triggered a major political slugfest. While the BRS and BJP demanded immediate action without waiting for the three-month deadline set by the court, the Congress hit back, accusing the BRS of hypocrisy over the defection issue.
Government Whip Adi Srinivas said BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao had no moral authority to speak on the issue as the BRS, during its 10-year rule from 2014 to 2024, had admitted over 60 MLAs, MLCs, and MPs from the Congress, Telugu Desam, and CPI.
"KTR should be ashamed of talking about ethics. KCR set a new benchmark in political defections by merging opposition Legislature Parties en masse, while inducting legislators individually," Srinivas said.
Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao welcomed the apex court's directive as a step in the right direction, saying it reaffirmed democratic values and the authority of the judiciary. “The Speaker must now act swiftly and deliver a verdict within the time frame set by the court,” he said.
Accusing both the BRS and the Congress of manipulating the anti-defection law, Ramchander Rao said, “Just as the people rejected the BRS for its anti-democratic conduct, the Congress too is treading the same path. They will face the consequences in the upcoming local body and Assembly elections.”
The BRS stepped up pressure on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him to prove his commitment to his "Paanch Nyay" pledge by ensuring disqualification of the defectors. Rama Rao questioned Rahul Gandhi's silence on the issue and demanded prompt action.
“There is no need for further inquiry. The Speaker must disqualify the MLAs right away and conduct by-elections in the 10 affected constituencies. The BRS is fully prepared for the contest,” Rama Rao stated.
He also thanked the Supreme Court for “defending democratic values and proving that manipulation by public representatives cannot shake the foundation of Indian democracy.”
