BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao hits out at Rahul Gandhi, accusing Congress of “MLA Chori” in Telangana. Ten defected MLAs face disqualification notices.

Hyderabad: BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) on Friday sharpened his attack on Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of encouraging “MLA Chori” in Telangana.

Sharing images of 10 defected BRS legislators who joined the ruling Congress, KTR asked Gandhi if he could “recognise the Congress scarf” worn by them. He alleged that the MLAs, despite meeting Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, continue to deny switching parties. “Is this not MLA Chori? How is it any different from the ‘Vote Chori’ you often speak about?” he posted on social media.

The controversy involves legislators Danam Nagender, Tellam Venkat Rao, Kadiyam Srihari, Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, M. Sanjay Kumar, Arekapudi Gandhi, T. Prakash Goud, B. Krishna Mohan Reddy, G. Mahipal Reddy, and Kale Yadaiah, who crossed over to Congress after the 2023 elections.

The legal battle is still unfolding. In July, the Supreme Court directed Assembly Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar to rule within three months on disqualification petitions filed against the defected MLAs. Last month, the Speaker issued notices to the legislators seeking clarity on their political status.

Political analysts say prolonged delays in disqualification cases risk eroding public trust in democratic institutions.

Citizens closely following Telangana politics may see this issue dominate Assembly proceedings in the coming months.