Four TDP Rajya Sabha MPs resign, cross over to BJP
File photo of former Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu.
In a setback to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu, Rajya Sabha MPs YS Chowdary, TG Venkatesh, CM Ramesh and GM Raoon Thursday resigned from the TDP.
The four TDP MPs submitted their resignations to the vice president and Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu.
They passed a resolution to merge Legislature Party of TDPwith the BJP.
Welcoming the lawmakers in the party, BJP working president JP Nadda said that the party will be strengthened with their inclusion."I assure them that the BJP believes in politics of positivity and inclusiveness," he said.
Reacting to the development, Naidu said, "Central Ministers for Special Status, condemn attempts of BJP to weaken TDP. Crisis is not new to the party. Leaders & cadre have nothing to be nervous about."
As Naidu suffered a major loss in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, most TDP leaders are keen to join the BJP.
Their decision to back the BJP will give a boost to the saffron party in the Upper House as the ruling National Democratic Alliance does not have a majority there yet.
(With inputs from agencies)