After a disastrous defeat in the general elections, the YSRCP is suffering blow by blow as most of its prominent leaders, particularly MLAs and MLCs are in search of ‘safe placements’. In a desperate mood, YCP chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy said recently that ‘whoever wants may go and whoever remains may remain’.
Though TDP is not showing interest to induct YCP MLAs due to compulsions of local politics, as YCP is having absolute majority in the Legislative Council and TDPs presence is nominal it is likely to encourage YCP MLCs to join the ruling party.
As of now five YCP MLCs are said to be showing keen interest to join TDP and they have already contacted some TDP ministers. Recently, it became interesting that the Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council, Zakia Khanam has met Minister for Minority Welfare, NMD Farooq.
She has reportedly deplored over the humiliating treatment she has been facing in YSRCP all these years and made it clear that no more she can continue in that party. She has expressed interest to join TDP.
One of the other two MLCs belonging to her community has already met Minister Farooq. The second MLC was informed that he would come and meet if he gave time. Two of the Teacher MLCs who won with the support of YSRCP are also reportedly in touch with TDP.
Several YSRCP MLCs are said to have been expressing discontent over their party leadership as they were not at all given any priority in the government or in the party during the last five years. More than the defeat of their party in the elections, they are said to be more worried about the ill-treatment accorded to them by the party leadership.
Most of the MLCs are complaining that former chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy had never given them an appointment and given scope to discuss any issue with him. As they were made MLCs, the party leadership may felt they will remain `loyal’ to them always.
It is interesting to note that for the first time Jaganmohan Reddy summoned all the MLCs only after his defeat in the elections and advised them to be brave and continue in the party.
Meanwhile, Kuppam Municipal Chairman Dr Sudhir of YCP is also looking towards TDP. He has reportedly left for Amaravati with 9 municipal councillors. It is being spread that they will soon join TDP.
