'Inducting defectors into Andhra cabinet undemocratic': Purandeswari writes to Amit Shah, Modi

This comes after the ruling TDP in Andhra inducted four defectors from YSRCP into the cabinet.
'Inducting defectors into Andhra cabinet undemocratic': Purandeswari writes to Amit Shah, Modi
'Inducting defectors into Andhra cabinet undemocratic': Purandeswari writes to Amit Shah, Modi
Written by:

In a major move that shook the TDP-BJP alliance in Andhra, former Union Minister and BJP leader Daggubati Purandeswari shot off letters to party President Amit Shah, and PM Narendra Modi, about staying silent on the defections in the state.

This came two days after the Chandrababu Naidu government inducted four former YSRCP MLAs into his Cabinet, following their defection to the ruling TDP.

Purandeswari is also the daughter of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister NT Rama Rao, and is Naidu's sister-in-law.

Stating that the BJP should have spoken up against the defection, Purandeswari also criticised the Governor for inducting the turncoats.

“Speakers of Legislative Assemblies, under whose purview the decision to disqualify such defected members lies, have for years together kept silent, without initiating action, thereby mocking democracy and Law," the letter stated.

Purandeswari also said that it was 'ironical' that Governor ESL Narasimhan stated that the defected MLAs could seek re-election in six months, when he had said otherwise, just a few months prior to that. 

"I personally feel that it is undemocratic to encourage such practices particularly as a coalition partner. It is unfortunate that luring of legislators from other parties is going on despite X Schedule prohibiting such practices," she added.

Earlier in the week, when Venkaiah Naidu was asked about the TDP's move, he dismissed it, and said that anyone who defects to the party will have to resign and get re-elected to the post.

The four new Ministers - Sujaya Krishna Ranga Rao from Bobbili, C Adinarayana Reddy from Jammalamadugu, N Amaranath Reddy from Palamaner and Bhuma Akhila Priya from Allagadda - are among the 21 YSRCP MLAs who defected to the TDP.

Already, this move has drawn flak from opposition parties like the YSRCP.

The YSRCP is also planning to meet President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issue. 

YSRCP chief Jaganmohan Reddy has called the induction of defected MLAs into the Cabinet a “mockery of the Constitution and democracy”.

Jagan also submitted a letter to Andhra Governor ESL Narasimhan on Monday, seeking immediate action on the issue.

“We will hold a dharna on April 7 in all Assembly constituencies to highlight the violation of constitution in Andhra Pradesh, and to draw national attention,” Jagan Reddy said.

Related Stories

No stories found.
The News Minute
www.thenewsminute.com