Legislative Council issues notices to four MLCs who ‘defected’ to TDP

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council has issued notices to four MLCs who resigned from the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and later joined the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), following a complaint alleging defection.

Council Chairman Moshen Raju served notices to Balli Kalyan Chakravarthy, Jaya Mangala Venkata Ramana, Marri Rajasekhar and Padma Sri Sunitha, directing them to appear for an inquiry on the 25th and 26th of this month.

The notices ask the members to present themselves before the Chairman in connection with the petition filed by the YSRCP.

The YSRCP had lodged a formal complaint stating that the MLCs defected to the TDP after resigning from the party, allegedly succumbing to inducements.

Based on the complaint, the Chairman initiated proceedings and called for their personal appearance to examine the matter.

All four leaders were originally elected as YSRCP members, but subsequently resigned and joined the TDP, triggering political controversy.

The inquiry is expected to determine whether their actions attract provisions under the anti-defection law and what further action may be taken by the Council.