Telangana CM Says No Clear Rules On Party Defections, Questions Centre's Policy On Maoists

Last Updated:September 19, 2025, 18:44 IST

During his Delhi tour, he informally interacted with the media and raised concerns over the ambiguity surrounding MLAs switching parties

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy addresses a gathering at Golconda Fort, in Hyderabad. (PTI file photo)

Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Friday said that there are no specific or clear rules regarding party defections in politics. During his Delhi tour, he informally interacted with the media and raised concerns over the ambiguity surrounding MLAs switching parties.

Reddy pointed out that even Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders were unsure about the numbers.

“In the Assembly, Harish Rao claimed the party has 37 MLAs, while KT Rama Rao mentioned a different number. Does simply putting a party scarf on someone who visits your house mean they have defected?" he asked.

The BRS had approached the court alleging that 10 of its MLAs defected to Congress. The Supreme Court, in July, directed the Assembly Speaker to decide on the issue within three months.

Following this order, the Speaker has begun summoning the accused MLAs individually for inquiry. Against this backdrop, the Chief Minister’s remarks have attracted attention.

On the issue of local body elections, Reddy clarified that no decision has been taken yet.

“Three bills relating to 42 percent reservations for Backward Classes are pending with the President. The question of time limits on the President’s decision is before the Supreme Court. We are waiting for the verdict. After consulting legal experts, we will decide whether to approach the courts again," he noted.

On the Maoist issue, Reddy criticised the Centre’s approach as inconsistent. “The Union government is ready to hold diplomatic talks with Pakistan and even terror outfits, but is unwilling to engage with Maoist insurgents, who are Indian citizens."

The Telangana Chief Minister further added, “If Maoists surrender their weapons and wish to return to mainstream society, they should be welcomed back — provided peace and security considerations are ensured."

Commenting on the controversy involving BRS MLC Kalvakuntla Kavitha, Reddy said the matter was purely a family and property dispute.

“Four people are ganging up against one woman. How does this concern the common citizens of Telangana? People have already socially boycotted KCR’s family. Between 2014–19, there wasn’t a single woman in KCR’s cabinet. In the name of the movement, he sacrificed the lives of hundreds of children — and those lives will not be forgotten," he stated.

On the Hyderabad Metro expansion, Reddy accused Union Minister Kishan Reddy and K.T. Rama Rao of creating hurdles.

“The Centre is insisting that permissions will only be granted if an agreement is signed with L&T. Kishan Reddy is twisting the matter in Delhi," he alleged.

He also targeted Kishan Reddy over the Kaleswaram irrigation project probe. “The Union Minister repeatedly demanded a CBI inquiry and promised action within 48 hours. The commission led by Justice P.C. Ghose examined 132 people, recorded their statements, and identified accountability. Based on this, we handed over the case to the CBI so that an FIR could be filed and a fresh probe launched. What happened to Kishan Reddy’s promise?" the CM asked.

News politics Telangana CM Says No Clear Rules On Party Defections, Questions Centre's Policy On Maoists

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