Several MLAs who switched from the BRS to Congress are reportedly questioning their decision, particularly after a recent High Court ruling which requires the Assembly Speaker to take action. The ten MLAs who defected to Congress are now apparently frustrated as uncertainty looms over their membership in the House.
On one side, public support for the BRS seems to be growing, while on the other, many Congress members are reportedly uncooperative with these newly joined MLAs. Adding to the turmoil is the perception that Congress’s popularity is dwindling, especially in light of unfulfilled promises, including delayed loan waivers for farmers and a lack of clarity on welfare schemes, such as the Rs. 2,500 monthly assistance for women and pensions for the elderly.
Further complicating matters is the internal division within the Congress party. In particular, Congress’s own internal struggles in constituencies like Gadwal, Jagtial, and Station Ghanpur have frustrated the new members. Additionally, the appointment of Arekapudi Gandhi, a defected MLA, as chairman of the Public Accounts Committee has added fuel to the fire.
The political situation is further inflamed by reports of the BRS attempting to woo back some of the defected MLAs. Some leaders, like Banswada MLA Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and Serilingampally MLA Arikepudi Gandhi, have found themselves in the middle of factional disputes within Congress. There is also widespread discontent among the Congress cadre in the constituencies these MLAs represent.
Political analysts believe that the High Court’s judgment has added to the pressure these MLAs face, as they now contend with both growing public dissatisfaction toward the Congress government and internal party struggles. All ten constituencies could face by-elections soon, making the future for these MLAs increasingly uncertain.