KTR hails ‘Truth Alone Triumphs’ as court upholds Danam Nagender’s disqualification

The Telangana High Court on Tuesday affirmed the disqualification of Congress legislator Danam Nagender, a decision that was met with a celebratory “Satyameva Jayate” from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao, The Hindu reported.

The bench ruled that Nagender’s election was void because he had allegedly contravened the Representation of the People Act by holding an office of profit at the time of filing his nomination. The court’s order not only stripped him of his seat but also barred him from contesting any election for a period of three years.

KTR, who also serves as the state’s finance minister, took to social media shortly after the verdict, posting the Hindi phrase that translates to “Truth alone triumphs.” He framed the judgment as a vindication of the rule of law and a warning to politicians who attempt to sidestep electoral norms.

Danam Nagender, a veteran Congress leader and former minister in the state cabinet, had been elected from the Khammam constituency in the 2023 assembly polls. His disqualification stemmed from a petition filed by the BRS, alleging that he continued to receive remuneration as a director of a government‑linked corporation while contesting the election – a status the court deemed incompatible with the constitutional requirement of a “clean” candidature.

The episode arrives at a sensitive juncture for Telangana politics. The BRS, which has governed the state since its formation in 2014, is gearing up for the 2024 general elections, and the removal of a senior opposition figure could shift the balance in several marginal constituencies. Analysts note that the ruling party has been leveraging legal avenues to weaken the Congress’s foothold, a strategy that has drawn both praise for upholding legal standards and criticism for perceived politicisation of the judiciary.

For voters in Khammam and across the state, the ruling underscores the importance of compliance with electoral statutes. It also sets a precedent that could prompt other parties to scrutinise the eligibility of their candidates more rigorously, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.