BRS Moves to Disqualify 10 Rebel MLAs
In a politically charged development, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has formally petitioned the Telangana Assembly Speaker to disqualify ten of its MLAs who recently defected to the Congress party. The move comes just weeks ahead of local body elections, intensifying the battle for control in key mandals and municipalities.
The Speaker’s office confirmed that hearings are underway to examine the disqualification plea under the anti-defection law. Legal teams from both parties are presenting arguments, with BRS citing violation of party loyalty and breach of mandate.
These ten MLAs, elected on BRS tickets in the 2023 assembly elections, switched allegiance to Congress citing leadership dissatisfaction and constituency neglect. Their sudden move has shifted the balance in several districts, giving Congress a tactical edge in upcoming polls.
BRS leaders, including party working president K.T. Rama Rao, have accused the Congress of engineering defections to destabilize the party’s grassroots machinery. “This is not political growth—it’s political theft,” said a senior BRS spokesperson.
The Congress, on the other hand, maintains that the MLAs joined voluntarily and that their decision reflects the changing mood of the electorate. Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) leaders have welcomed the defectors, promising them key roles in local governance.
The Speaker’s decision will be crucial in determining whether these MLAs can contest under the Congress banner or face disqualification. Legal experts suggest that if disqualified, they may be barred from holding office until fresh elections are held.
This episode has triggered a wave of reactions across Telangana. In constituencies like Nalgonda, Khammam, and Warangal, BRS cadre staged protests demanding immediate action. Meanwhile, Congress workers celebrated the defections as a sign of momentum.
Political analysts believe this could be a turning point in Telangana’s post-election landscape. With municipal elections around the corner, both parties are recalibrating their strategies to retain voter trust and organizational strength.
BRS has also approached the Election Commission, seeking clarity on the status of these MLAs and requesting that their names be removed from official party rolls. The EC is expected to respond after the Speaker’s verdict.
At the grassroots level, the defections have created confusion among voters. In some areas, local leaders are unsure whom to support, while others are waiting for official confirmation before shifting loyalties.
The Telangana government has maintained a neutral stance, stating that the Speaker’s office is independent and will follow due process. However, the political temperature in the state continues to rise.
This isn’t the first time BRS has faced internal churn. In the past, the party has dealt with similar defections but managed to retain its core voter base through aggressive campaigning and welfare schemes.
As the hearing progresses, all eyes are on the Speaker’s ruling. A decision in favor of BRS could reinforce party discipline, while a lenient approach may embolden further crossovers.
For now, Telangana’s political theatre remains unpredictable, with each move triggering ripples across party lines and public sentiment.
