Fri Jan 16 07:13:43 UTC 2026: ### Telangana Speaker Dismisses More Disqualification Petitions, Drawing Criticism and Legal Challenges

The Story:

Telangana Assembly Speaker, Gaddam Prasad Kumar, has dismissed disqualification petitions against two more Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) legislators, Chevella MLA Kale Yadaiah and Banswada MLA Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, who were accused of defecting to the ruling Congress party. This action follows a previous dismissal of similar petitions against five other BRS MLAs in December 2025. The BRS has strongly condemned the Speaker’s decisions, accusing the Congress of exerting undue political pressure and undermining constitutional values. The party had previously approached the Supreme Court, which issued a contempt notice to the Speaker in November 17, 2025, for delaying a decision on the disqualification pleas.

Key Points:

  • Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar dismissed disqualification petitions against Kale Yadaiah and Pocharam Srinivas Reddy.
  • BRS alleges the MLAs defected to Congress after the 2023 Assembly elections.
  • The Supreme Court issued a contempt notice on November 17, 2025, to the Speaker for delaying the decision.
  • BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao accused Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of supporting the defections.
  • BRS vows to continue its agitation legally and politically.
  • The Congress maintains the Speaker is acting constitutionally.
  • Seven out of ten disqualification petitions have been rejected.

Critical Analysis:

The actions of the Speaker in dismissing disqualification petitions, despite a Supreme Court contempt notice, suggest a deeply politicized environment. The BRS accusations of Congress influence over the Speaker’s office further support this view. The Congress’s alleged “Operation Akarsh” aimed at attracting members from other parties adds another layer to the analysis, suggesting a strategic effort to consolidate power. The BRS claim that Congress fears by-elections indicates the ruling party wants to avoid potential electoral setbacks resulting from disqualifications and subsequent elections.

Key Takeaways:

  • Political defections remain a contentious issue in Telangana politics, sparking legal and political battles.
  • The independence of the Speaker’s office is under scrutiny, raising concerns about the separation of powers.
  • The BRS is portraying itself as the defender of constitutional values against what it sees as Congress’s abuse of power.
  • The Supreme Court’s involvement underscores the seriousness of the issue and the potential for judicial intervention.
  • The upcoming political landscape of Telangana is unstable, with the BRS attempting to regain its power.

Impact Analysis:

The ongoing defections and the Speaker’s decisions are likely to have a significant impact on the political stability of Telangana. The BRS’s efforts to challenge these actions through legal and political means could lead to prolonged uncertainty and potential instability. Furthermore, the controversy surrounding the Speaker’s actions could erode public trust in democratic institutions. The ultimate impact will depend on the Supreme Court’s future rulings and the ability of the BRS to mobilize public support against the defections and the Congress-led government. The “Operation Akarsh” if successful could consolidate Congress power but could also breed resentment and future instability.

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