The proposed disqualification of the 16 congress rebels who supported the no-confidence motion violating the party whip is postponed again, according to reports.

The Speaker Mr Nadendla Manohar was to have announced his decision on the disqualification today but he was forced to postpone it till the first week of March by the congress leadership, sources said.

Reports appearing in a section of the media for the last two days said the Speaker would disqualify 16 congress rebels and accept the resignation of PRP MLA Sobha Nagi Reddy.

By-elections to six assembly constituencies in Telangana area and Kovuru assembly constituency in the Nellore district are due any time. The election commission is expected to announce the schedule shortly for the by polls.

If the Speaker announces disqualification of the 16 rebel MLAs now when the by polls notification is yet to be issued, the election authorities may announce by polls to the 16 assembly constituencies also. Such a notification will embarrass the congress party as the by polls to 23 constituencies may look like a mini general election and the losing of majority of the seats is likely to destabilize the Kirankumar reddy government.

For this reason, the Speaker was forced to postpone his decision till March first week. (JUBS)