Did KCR make MLAs from other parties who joined BRS resign?: Kadiyam Srihari

Telangana’s Station Ghanpur MLA Kadiyam Srihari on Friday (September 19, 2025) hit back at the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), questioning its moral right to speak about defections in politics.

Mr. Srihari alleged that during former Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao’s (KCR) tenure, about 36 MLAs from various parties joined the BRS over 10 years, with two of them even being inducted into the Cabinet. “Did KCR make them resign?” he asked.

KCR destroyed the political culture in the State, and now the BRS dares to speak about morality in politics, said the senior MLA, who worked as Deputy Chief Minister in the KCR led government, after Thatikonda Rajaiah was ‘unceremoniously’ removed.

Mr. Srihari also accused the BRS of hypocrisy for demanding the resignations of 10 MLAs who, who argued that dissented and started working with the ruling party. “The BRS has now gone to the Supreme Court. But the court only asked the Speaker to decide within three months,” he said clarifying that it was not a directive.

The Station Ghanpur MLA confirmed that he, along with other legislators, had received a letter from the Speaker seeking an explanation. “I will reply within the specified time. I will abide by the Speaker’s decision, and my political decision will follow accordingly,” he said.

The MLA further noted that defections were not unique to Telangana but a phenomenon across the country. On his decision to work with the Congress, Mr. Srihari said it was based on the assurances given by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to ensure development of his constituency.