Hyderabad: The Silver Jubilee celebrations of American Telugu Association in Chicago, USA turned into a platform for debate over defections from one party to another in TS and AP.
NRIs questioned the invitee leaders for defecting after being elected on the ticket of one party. They insisted such people should quit their seats and contest again.
However, leaders like Malkajgiri MP Ch. Malla Reddy who had defected from the TD to the TRS, defended their action and said it was done in Prajala interest (public interest)!
Deputy Chief Minister Kadiam Srihari, TRS MP A.P. Jitender Reddy, TD working president L. Ramana, former minister E. Peddi Reddy, Congress former MP Madhu Yakshi, YSRC MLA K. Roja, YSRC spokesman Ambati Rambabu and others participated and were grilled by the NRIs.
Mr Srihari said he quit TD and joined TRS as desired by the people before the TRS came to power. Mr Malla Reddy defended joining the TRS, adding he did not change the party under pressure. “I won on TD ticket. Naidu (AP CM) is a great leader even today. I changed the party after GHMC polls. Of the 46 divisions in my constituency, TRS won 45,” he explained.
He added, “Since MLAs are also in TRS, I had no option but to change the party. I don’t have a corporator...I don’t have a MLA. How can I develop my constituency in such a scenario?” he said.
A NRI questioned Mr Ramana’s condemnation of TRS while his party lured YSRC legislators in AP. “Those carving for power are resorting to this. Society, politicians need to change besides we need stringent laws,” he answered.
Madhu Yakshi said ruling parties in both states are trying to wipe out the Opposition which is not good in a democracy.
Ambati Rambabu said those elected on a party symbol and got B Form should resign if they wanted to join another party and contest again.
