The BJP has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the High Court’s historic verdict disqualifying MLA Danam Nagender stating it is a “victory for democracy and constitutional morality.”

Party president N. Ramchander Rao said the Supreme Court’s ruling has once again proven that in a democracy, no matter how powerful one is, one must bow to the Constitution, and ultimately, truth prevails. He demanded that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy immediately make all the defecting MLAs who joined the Congress resign, and go for by-elections. “If he has the guts, he should face the people’s verdict,” he said.

He acknowledged the “uncompromising” legal battle waged by the party’s Legislature Party leader A. Maheshwar Reddy to safeguard democracy. With this same spirit, the party will intensify legal battles in court and public struggles on the ground against the unconstitutional actions of the Congress government, Mr. Rao said.

“The Chief Minister encouraged defections himself. Although attempts were made to exploit the Speaker’s office for unconstitutional gain, it has become evident that no one can escape the reach of justice,” said Mr. Maheshwar Reddy in a separate release.

Union Minister of Coal & Mines G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of State for Home Bandi Sanjay Kumar also welcomed the verdict. Mr. Kumar urged people to defeat both the Congress and BRS in order to send a clear message against those engaging in unethical practices and defections. He questioned the BRS for claiming “victory” after having “encouraged defections solely for the sake of opportunistic power politics” during its governance.