HYDERABAD: The Telangana Legislative Assembly on Monday began hearings on disqualification petitions filed under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution against 10 BRS MLAs accused of defecting to the ruling Congress.
Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar, acting as the Tribunal, presided over the proceedings. Petitioners and respondents, along with their counsel, presented arguments and underwent cross-examination. Meanwhile, outside the Assembly, BRS leaders reiterated their demand that the legislators resign and seek a fresh mandate.
The Tribunal first took up the petition filed by Kalvakuntla Sanjay, who was cross-examined by the counsel for respondent T Prakash Goud. This was followed by the hearing of a petition by Chinta Prabhakar, questioned by the counsel for respondent Kale Yadaiah.
In the afternoon, two more petitions were heard. Chinta Prabhakar and Palla Rajeshwar Reddy were cross-examined by the counsel for Gudem Mahipal Reddy and Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy, respectively.
Tight security was in place at the Assembly, with visitors and media personnel barred. Press briefings were not allowed from media points. Former MLAs, former MLCs and former MPs were restricted from entry, while serving legislators were permitted access only to their party offices.
The Assembly Secretariat also directed that members and their advocates should not carry mobile phones into the court hall, warning of confiscation and removal from the proceedings in case of violations. Hearings will continue on October 1.
Speaking to the media after the session, Kalvakuntla Sanjay said the defected legislators had openly joined the Congress but denied it in affidavits before the Speaker and the courts.
Some MPTCs, GPs, wards excluded
Announcing the schedule, State Election Commissioner I Rani Kumudini said a preparatory meeting was held on September 27 with senior officials, including the chief secretary, to review arrangements. All departments expressed readiness to conduct the polls, she said.
The elections will cover 31 districts, 565 mandals, 5749 MPTCs, 565 ZPTCs and 12,733 gram panchayats, comprising 1,12,288 wards and 1.67 crore rural voters. Some MPTCs, gram panchayats and wards have been excluded due to stay orders. The SEC urged candidates and voters to follow the model code of conduct and called upon media organisations to encourage high voter turnout.
DGP Dr Jitender, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development principal secretary N Sridhar, and Commissioner Srijana Gummalla were also present at the press conference.