The Telugu Desam Party received a setback on Tuesday night when two of its MLCs voted in favour of the YSR Congress party after the debate on a motion moved by the party under Rule 71 of the business rules to oppose the discussion on the two government bills.
The two MLCs – Pothula Sunitha and Shivanath Reddy – rose from their seats in support of YSRC, when headcount was being taken by the council authorities after the debate under Rule 71. This angered the TDP members who were shocked at the development.
Party president and former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed anger over the betrayal of the two MLCs.
He directed that the party submits a petition to the council chairman to disqualify the two rebel MLCs.
On Wednesday, leader of opposition in the legislative council Yanamala Ramakrishnudu issued a notice to the council chairman seeking to disqualify the two MLCs.
The TDP also issued two other notices to send the bills to the select committee and suggesting the amendments to the bills.
Interestingly, even before the council chairman took any decision, Sunitha approached the YSRC.
She is expected to meet the party president and chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy at 3 pm in his chambers and join the party formally.
Shivanath Reddy also is likely to follow suit shortly, party sources said.