BRS President KT Rama Rao
Credit: PTI photo
Hyderabad: Welcoming the Supreme Court's verdict, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K Tarak Rama Rao (KTR) on Thursday demanded that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demonstrate his commitment to his 'Paanch Nyay' (five justices) by ensuring the disqualification of MLAs who defected to the Congress.
KTR questioned Gandhi's silence on the issue and urged immediate action against the legislators.
In a statement on Thursday after the apex court's verdict, KTR asserted that the Supreme Court's judgment should be respected, and the Speaker should promptly disqualify the defected MLAs.
He emphasised that Rahul Gandhi, who often speaks about constitutional values, must adhere to his own words regarding defections.
"There is no need for further inquiry. The Speaker should immediately disqualify the MLAs, paving the way for by-elections in 10 constituencies. The BRS cadre is ready to win these elections. Ultimately, truth and righteousness have prevailed," KTR said.
KTR expressed his gratitude to the Supreme Court for upholding the democratic system of the country, proving that the "malicious methods" adopted by some public representatives cannot undermine India's democratic foundations.
He also alleged that the Congress party's attempts to mislead the courts had been thwarted, and truth had ultimately triumphed. KTR criticised the Congress for what he termed their "unethical and anti-constitutional politics of defections," using the Speaker's position, stating that the Supreme Court's verdict was a "slap in the face" to such practices.
Demanding the immediate implementation of the Supreme Court's order, KTR challenged Rahul Gandhi to prove his sincerity and commitment on this matter. He reminded Gandhi of his 'Paanch Nyay', which advocated for automatic disqualification upon defection, and urged him to welcome the Supreme Court's decision. "Rahul Gandhi must put his 'Paanch Nyay' principles into practice," KTR asserted.
KTR further added that Rahul Gandhi, who often carries the Constitution, now has an opportunity to stand by the Supreme Court's observations regarding the Congress government's "undemocratic and anti-constitutional actions" in Telangana and prove his integrity.
He questioned the Congress party's opportunistic stance on defections, maintaining different standards when in the opposition versus when in power.
"Rahul Gandhi has a chance to show he has a spine by questioning the unethical defections engineered by the Congress in Telangana. Merely chanting democratic ideals while holding the Constitution is not enough," KTR advised Gandhi, warning him that he would otherwise be remembered unfavorably in history.