Hyderabad: With the disqualification of Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender, the political spotlight has now shifted to the remaining BRS legislators accused of defecting to the Congress, with the opposition party determined to press ahead with its legal battle against them.Buoyed by the setback suffered by Nagender, the BRS has decided to actively pursue disqualification cases against the remaining eight MLAs who allegedly switched loyalties in 2024, barring Gudem Mahipal Reddy, who has since returned to the party and has been participating in BRS activities. Party leaders are hopeful that the high court will deliver its verdict on the pending cases next month.Sources in the BRS claim that at least two of the eight MLAs facing defection allegations are keen to return to the party fold and have been trying to secure an audience with BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao. However, the party leadership is yet to take a call on their future.Among the legislators under scrutiny, former assembly speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy recently drew attention by openly criticising the Congress govt for allegedly failing to release funds for his constituency and clear pending bills. Speaking a month ago, he credited KCR for the development witnessed in Banswada, saying most of it was achieved during the former BRS regime.Some legislators, including Chevella MLA Kale Yadaiah and Gadwal MLA Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy, are also said to be facing pressure from local Congress leaders in their constituencies.BRS leaders claim that a legislator from Greater Hyderabad recently expressed a willingness to return to the party, citing difficulties with local Congress leaders. However, the BRS is reportedly uninterested in taking him back as it has already asked another leader to strengthen the organisation in that constituency with an assurance of a ticket in the next elections.At the same time, some of the MLAs who have aligned with the Congress are expected to remain with the ruling party, with chief minister A Revanth Reddy reportedly assuring them of political support. A few have already been accommodated in prominent positions. Arikepudi Gandhi, for instance, was appointed chairperson of the assembly’s public accounts committee.“We have not shifted loyalties to the Congress party. We met chief minister A Revanth Reddy for seeking funds for the respective constituencies and there was no evidence proving joining Congress except meeting the CM, which is not wrong. Assembly speaker G Prasad Kumar dismissed the disqualification petitions against the BRS MLAs stating there were no proofs of joining Congress,” an MLA facing defection allegations said.BRS leaders, however, insist that their case is backed by substantial evidence. They point out that some of the MLAs were seen openly campaigning for Congress candidates during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. According to the party, video footage, speeches and campaign material showing legislators seeking votes for Congress candidates were submitted before the court as proof of defection.
