Will the Council Chairman Accept the Resignations of Six MLCs from Andhra Pradesh?
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Synopsis
In a significant political move, six MLCs from Andhra Pradesh are pushing for the acceptance of their resignations by the Council Chairman, following a court directive. This situation unfolds amidst a backdrop of shifting party allegiances and court interventions, raising questions about legislative processes and constitutional duties.
Key Takeaways
- Six Andhra Pradesh MLCs are pressing for their resignation acceptance.
- The High Court has mandated a 30-day decision timeframe.
- Political realignments are evident as MLCs shift party affiliations.
- Judicial oversight is critical in legislative processes.
- The situation highlights accountability in governance.
Amaravati, Dec 1 (NationPress) On Monday, six members of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council met with Council Chairman K. Moshen Raju following a directive from the High Court, which mandated that the presiding officer must address resignation letters from legislators within a maximum timeframe of 30 days.
Among them, Jayamangala Venkataramana, who had previously approached the court regarding the delay in his resignation's acceptance, presented a copy of the court's order to the Chairman, urging him to expedite the decision.
Venkataramana, elected on a YSR Congress Party ticket, resigned and joined the Jana Sena Party on November 23, 2024.
Additionally, the resignations of five other MLCs, also elected under the YSRCP banner, remain pending. These members submitted their resignations after the party lost power last year.
As of now, the Chairman has neither accepted nor rejected their resignations.
On Monday, Council Deputy Chairperson Zakia Khanam, Pothula Sunitha, B. Kalyan Chakravarthi, Padmasri, and Marri Rajasekhar met with the Chairman, collectively urging him to make a decision regarding their resignations.
In response to Venkataramana’s petition, the High Court on November 27 instructed the Chairman to complete the inquiry into the resignations and reach a decision within four weeks.
A single-judge bench deemed the ongoing inaction by the Chairman as "illegal, arbitrary, and an abuse of the process."
Justice Gannamaneni Ramakrishna Prasad emphasized that the Chairman, holding a constitutional position, must not delay decisions on submitted resignations under the guise of discretionary powers. The court highlighted that those in constitutional roles should uphold the spirit of the Constitution rather than contradict it.
Venkataramana was elected as an MLC under the MLA quota in 2023, subsequently resigning to join the Jana Sena Party led by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.
Zakia Khanam, nominated as an MLC under the Governor’s quota in July 2020, also tendered her resignation and left the YSRCP in May 2025 to join the BJP.
Sunitha resigned as MLC in August last year; a three-time legislator, she was part of the women’s wing of the YSR Congress before joining the BJP.
Both Padmasri and Chakravarthi submitted their resignations in August 2024.
Rajasekhar followed suit in March 2025, resigning to the Council Chairman, with all three later joining the Telugu Desam Party in September.
Point of View
The situation in Andhra Pradesh reflects the intricate balance of power within state legislatures and the critical role of judicial oversight. The High Court's intervention underscores the need for timely decision-making by elected officials, emphasizing accountability in governance. As the political landscape evolves, observers should closely monitor how these resignations may influence party dynamics and legislative effectiveness.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the six MLCs to resign?
The resignations were submitted following the loss of power by the YSR Congress Party, reflecting a shift in political allegiance and strategy.
What did the High Court order regarding the resignations?
The High Court mandated that the Council Chairman must address the resignation letters within 30 days, highlighting the need for timely action.
Which parties are involved in this political shift?
The resigning MLCs were originally elected under the YSR Congress Party and have since joined or are considering joining the Jana Sena Party and the BJP.
What is the role of the Council Chairman in this situation?
The Council Chairman is responsible for accepting or rejecting resignations and is expected to make timely decisions as directed by the High Court.
How has the situation impacted the MLCs' political careers?
The pending resignations and party shifts could significantly affect the MLCs' political futures, as they navigate new alliances.
