Telangana Congress to approach court against two party defectors

NEW DELHI: Concerned over some of its legislators joining the ruling TRS, Telangana Congress today said it is approaching the judiciary, seeking directions to the Speaker for initiating action against them under the anti- defection law.

"If the Speaker is not taking any action against (the defectors) immediately, we will approach the High Court or Supreme Court seeking justice," Leader of the opposition K Jana Reddy told reporters here.

The development comes on a day when Telangana Legislative Assembly was adjourned without transacting any real business on the defections issue which rocked the House with the main opposition Congress MLAs stalling the proceedings during the Question Hour.

Reddy also said that he would give a petition to the Speaker tomorrow demanding disqualification of the two MLAs, who switched over the ruling party in the newly-carved out state.

"Already I have submitted a petition to the Speaker against two MLAs. Tomorrow, I am going give another petition against two more MLAs," he added.

Terming defection as "unconstitutional and undemocratic", he said that Congress party would take disciplinary action against the defected MLAs and MLCs.

Asked about allegations that Congress had initiated defections during its rule in undivided Andhra Pradesh by luring TRS MLAs, Reddy claimed that he had opposed such measures even at that point of time and conveyed his displeasure to then Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy as well.

While four Congress MLAs defected to TRS, nine MLCs switched over to the ruling party recently.

Deputy Leader of Opposition in Telangana Legislative Council P Sudhakara Reddy said petitions have been given to the Chairman of the Council in this regard.