Another YSR Congress MLA, this time M Ashok Reddy from Giddalur, may defect to the ruling TDP after he reportedly held discussions with his followers on Thursday.
The Hindu reported:
A majority of his followers from Giddalur and Racherla mandals gave him a “free hand” to take a decision in the best interest of people of the constituency, sources close to the MLA told The Hindu. They impressed upon the MLA to take an assurance from the ruling party that funds would be released liberally for development of the drought-prone constituency.
However, the reported added that discussions remained inconclusive.
If Reddy decides to defect, he would be the 16th MLA from the Opposition party to jump to the ruling party in three months.
The defection of legislators started with two MLAs from Kurnool district on February 22, and at least 15 legislators have switched to the TDP since.
The YSRCP has alleged that the TDP is bribing its legislators to defect and has also sought for the disqualification of defectors.