Harish Rao Says Defected MLAs Should Seek Fresh Mandate From People | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: Former minister T Harish Rao welcomed the Supreme Court’s verdict concerning the disqualification proceedings involving Danam Nagender, saying the judgment should be viewed in the context of constitutional principles governing defections and the role of the speaker.“The Supreme Court verdict is a strong message on the importance of constitutional values. If those in power believe they can act as they wish simply because they have political power, the courts will not remain silent,” he said.Harish Rao questioned the Congress leadership over defections and challenged Rahul Gandhi to ask all MLAs who switched parties to resign and seek a fresh mandate from the people.“Rahul Gandhi travels across the country holding the Constitution in his hands. Does he not see what is happening in Telangana? Does he not see elected representatives changing parties and joining the Congress? If the Congress genuinely respects the Constitution, ask all the defected MLAs in Telangana to resign and face the people,” he said.He also questioned the Congress leadership’s position on the anti-defection law.“The Congress has often spoken about the importance of the anti-defection law. Then why is the same principle not being followed in Telangana?” Harish Rao asked.He said the Supreme Court verdict should be respected and urged the Congress to allow the people to decide the political future of those who changed parties.“After the Supreme Court verdict, the govt should ask the remaining defected MLAs to resign as well. Let them go before the people and seek a fresh mandate. The people should have the final say,” Harish Rao said.He said the BRS would continue to raise public issues and pursue the matter through democratic and legal means.“We will continue to raise public issues, question the government and fight for the rights of the people. No amount of diversion politics or personal allegations will stop the BRS from doing its duty as the opposition,” Harish Rao said.