In a significant setback for the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), two of its Rajya Sabha MPs, Mopidevi Venkataramana and Beda Mastan Rao, have resigned from both the party and their positions in the Upper House. Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar accepted their resignations, as per reports
Likely to Join TDP
The two MPs, whose terms were set to end in 2026 and 2028 respectively, are expected to join the N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP). This move comes after the TDP’s sweeping victory in the Andhra Pradesh elections held alongside the general election earlier this year. Both MPs recently met with Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, indicating their shift to TDP.
Impact on YSRCP and TDP
Following their resignation, YSRCP’s Rajya Sabha strength has reduced to nine MPs, while it has four members in the Lok Sabha. The departure of these two MPs is a blow to Jagan Mohan Reddy’s party, which has already been grappling with leadership exits after its poor performance in the recent elections. The two MPs are expected to be re-inducted into Rajya Sabha, this time under the TDP, marking the return of the TDP to the Upper House after not holding any seats since 2019.
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Political Background
Beda Mastan Rao was previously with the TDP, serving as a representative of the Kavali constituency from 2009 to 2014. He later joined YSRCP in 2019. Mopidevi Venkataramana, on the other hand, had been a two-time MLA and served as a state minister in the government of Jagan’s father, YS Rajasekhara Reddy.
Implications for National Politics
The resignations are seen as good news for the BJP and its NDA alliance, which recently achieved a majority in the Rajya Sabha. If these MPs switch to the TDP, the NDA’s numbers in the Upper House could be further strengthened, aiding the passage of key legislation.
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