Hyderabad: Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender on Wednesday sparked fresh political debate by declaring that he belongs to the Congress. His statement came even as disqualification petitions against defected BRS MLAs remain pending before the Speaker.
Speaking to the media, Nagender said he is a Congress MLA and will continue with the party. He added that he will work for the Congress in the upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections. He also said he plans to campaign across all 300 GHMC divisions and nearby areas.
Nagender won the Khairatabad seat on a Bharat Rashtra Samithi ticket in the 2023 Assembly elections. However, he has not yet responded to the notice issued by Speaker G Prasad Kumar on petitions seeking his disqualification.
Danam Nagender Congress claim gains traction amid hearings
When asked about defections, Nagender said he did not know which MLAs had switched parties. However, he reiterated that he stands with the Indian National Congress. He did not clarify whether he formally joined the party, but insisted that he is a Congress MLA.
His remarks carry weight as the Speaker hears petitions against 10 MLAs who defected from the BRS to the Congress. Nagender later aligned with the Congress and contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on its ticket, but lost.
Recently, the Speaker dismissed disqualification petitions against five defected MLAs, citing lack of evidence. He continues to examine the remaining cases, while Nagender’s statement adds momentum to the ongoing political debate.
