The Telangana High Court has disqualified Kothagudem MLA Vanama Venkateswara Rao for not providing complete information in his election affidavit. The court has declared Jalagam Venkat Rao as the elected MLA. However, Vanama is seeking a stay on the High Court verdict by approaching the Supreme Court. He has filed an interim application in the High Court requesting a suspension of the judgment. Vanama has not yet received the certified copy of the judgment to approach the Supreme Court. He also plans to contest the upcoming Assembly elections from Kothagudem.
On the other hand, Jalagam Venkat Rao has tried to meet Assembly Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy to schedule his oath-taking ceremony. As the Speaker was not available, Jalagam submitted his representation to the Assembly Secretary. He also handed over the 88-page order copy to Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj. Jalagam believes that the mention of the word ‘forthwith’ in the order copy will allow him to take oath as MLA.
The issue involves two BRS leaders and is politically sensitive. Party chief K Chandrashekar Rao may take some time to consider before making a decision. The BRS is facing challenges in Khammam, particularly with the departure of Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy to the Congress. There is also groupism within the constituency. Therefore, KCR will not rush in deciding who should be given the party ticket. It is worth noting that even a bureaucrat is aspiring for a ticket from Khammam.
