As expected, the ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh has begun poaching of the members of state legislative council (MLCs) belonging to the YSR Congress party to increase its strength in the Upper House.
During the ongoing assembly session, several YSRCP MLCs have reportedly met TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh and expressed their interest to join the ruling party. However, he has not given them any concrete assurance, sources said.
On Friday, legislative council deputy chairperson and YSRCP leader Mayana Zakia Khanam met state minister for minority welfare N Md Farooq and later, Lokesh, along with her family members and held discussions for over 20 minutes.
Interestingly, Zakia Khanam has been attending the legislative council meetings, though the other YSRCP leaders have been staying away. Yet, some other MLCs have reportedly met Lokesh in private.
Zakia, who hails from Rayachoti in Kadapa was once considered to be the most loyal leader for Jagan. She was preferred for the deputy chairperson post, bypassing the other seniors. Yet, she is planning to join the TDP for her political future.