YSR Congress loses one more MLA V. Rajeswari to TDP

Amaravati, Nov 4 (IANS) Opposition YSR Congress Party in Andhra Pradesh received a jolt on Saturday as one more legislator crossed over to ruling Telugu Desam Party.

V. Rajeswari, a member of the assembly from Rampachodavaram constituency in East Godavari district, formally joined the TDP in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu,

Naidu, who is also TDP's national Presidentm offered her the party scarf to induct her in the organisation. The MLA's supporters also joined the ruling party.

Rajeswari is the 22nd legislator from YSRCP to cross over to TDP in last three years. She told reporters that she took the decision for the development of her constituency. She said Naidu was leading the state on the path of development and prosperity.

YSRCP had bagged 67 seats in 175-member assembly in 2014 elections and emerged as the lone opposition party.

The latest defection came two days before party President Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy is scheduled to embark on state-wide 'padyatra' or foot march to seek support in the 2019 elections.

Under the 'yatra', Jagan plans to cover 3,000 km in 125 constituencies over a period of six months.

YSRCP has already decided to boycott the legislature session likely to be convened this month to demand that all its MLAs who crossed over to TDP during last three years are disqualified.

As four of these defected MLAs had joined state cabinet in April, Jagan's party is seeking their immediate dismissal.