Telangana Speaker Faces SC Deadline on Turncoat MLAs’ Status

### Fast Summary

– The Supreme Court directed telangana Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad on July 25, 2025, to decide within three months on disqualification petitions against ten Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLAs accused of defecting to Congress.
– Some of the MLAs claimed they were still with BRS but distanced themselves from the party. Legal responses are anticipated as the Speaker may issue notices under the anti-defection law after consulting experts.
– BRS alleges defections while Congress defends their induction. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy dismissed concerns over disqualification, implying it is unlikely to affect them considerably.
– Party switching has historically shaped Telangana politics; BRS itself absorbed opposition MLAs during KCR’s rule since 2014. Congress was among key victims in previous defecting waves led by KCR but now engages similarly upon regaining power.
– Historically high rates of defections led BRS to consolidate power at scale in prior terms, though public rejection often followed for those who switched their allegiance during elections.

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### Indian Opinion Analysis

The Supreme Court’s directive underscores institutional tensions between judiciary adn legislature regarding anti-defection laws.The outcome will hinge on procedural clarity and timely responses from both Speaker’s office and accused MLAs. If disqualifications proceed, potential by-elections could test voter sentiment toward party-switching practices that have shaped Telangana politics since its formation.

Even though current political dynamics give Congress stability under CM revanth Reddy, long-term implications rest on public perception of switched loyalties-an increasingly decisive factor in electoral outcomes as shown previously when defectors faced rejection at polls. Maintaining legislative neutrality during investigations will be crucial for reinforcing democratic norms amidst ongoing defections.[Read more](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-directs-telangana-speaker-to-decide-on-disqualification-petitions-against-10-mlas-within-three-months/article69877043.ece)