Political crisis as 128 MLAs resign

Hyderabad, Dec 11: With the resignation of 128 MLAs altogether, Andhra Pradesh Political scene has plunged into a deep crisis over regional lines after the central nod for the commencement of process for Telangana statehood.The Central move to allow Andhra Pradesh commence the constitutional procedure to bifurcate Telangana out of the state opened up a pandora’s box and many handed over their resignation letters to Assembly Speaker Kiran Kumar Reddy.

The legislators took this step to intensify their protest against the proposed constitution of the Telangana state.Earlier on Friday, Speaker Kiran Kumar Reddy told the House that of the 294 legislators, he had received 102 resignations on Thursday. "I have not accepted their resignations and will take a decision after talking to them individually," he stated.As per the sources, 76 MLAs belonging to the ruling Congress Party, 38 of the Opposition Telugu Desam Party and 14 of Praja Rajyam Party have submitted their resignations.These legislators have offered to quit alleging that the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre has taken a "unilateral" decision while approving of he Telangana statehood issue and did not consult them before taking such a step which will have a far-reaching consequences..

There are 175 legislators in the House who represent Rayalaseema and Andhra regions. The remaining 119 come from telangana region.Although the Speaker said the MLAs would continue to be members of the Assembly till he accepts their resignations, they legislators stayed  away from the House and a din over the Telangana issue forced him to adjourn it till Monday. The ministers and a few top leaders from the two regions have not resigned. TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu hails from Rayalaseema and PRP chief K Chiranjeevi who is from Andhra  represents Tirupati constituency in Rayalaseema, have not resigned. Rosaiah, who hails from Andhra region, is a member of the Legislative Council.In the 294-member Assembly, the Congress has a strength of 156, TDP 92, PRP 18, TRS 10, MIM 7, CPI 4, BJP 2, CPI-M 1, Lok Satta 1 and three others.