Danam Disqualification Hearing Deferred To Feb 18

The politically sensitive issue of MLA disqualification reached a crucial stage today as Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar held a hearing on petitions seeking the disqualification of Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender.

However, the Speaker adjourned the proceedings to February 18 following a request for postponement.

The petitions were filed by BRS MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy and BJP Legislative Party leader Aleti Maheshwar Reddy.

Kaushik Reddy, along with his legal team, attended the hearing. Nagender was also present with his lawyers. With the Supreme Court deadline for deciding the disqualification cases involving defected MLAs ending on Saturday, the Speaker had expedited the hearing process, adding significance to the case.

However, the BJP leader sought a deferment citing the ongoing municipal elections, after which the Speaker rescheduled the hearing.

The Speaker had earlier dismissed disqualification petitions against several MLAs accused of defection, making the outcome of Nagender's case a matter of intense political interest.

Speaking to the media after the hearing, Kaushik Reddy reiterated his demand for Nagender's disqualification, and called for a by-election in Khairatabad.

He also alleged match-fixing between the BJP and the Congress, and claimed that both parties were one and the same.