Why Did Andhra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Leave YSRCP for BJP?
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Synopsis
In a surprising political shift, Mayana Zakia Khanam has resigned from her deputy chairperson role in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council and the YSR Congress Party to join the BJP. This move signifies a potential reshaping of alliances and trust within the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh, as numerous resignations challenge YSRCP's strength.
Key Takeaways
- Mayana Zakia Khanam has joined the BJP after resigning from her role as deputy chairperson.
- This marks a significant political shift in Andhra Pradesh.
- The YSR Congress Party has witnessed a wave of resignations.
- The BJP's outreach to minorities is reportedly increasing.
- The YSRCP still holds a majority in the Council despite recent exits.
Amaravati, May 14 (NationPress) Just hours after stepping down as the deputy chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council and resigning from the YSR Congress Party, Mayana Zakia Khanam embraced the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Upon her arrival, P. D. Purandeswari, the state BJP President and MP, greeted her warmly, alongside state Health Minister Sathya Kumar Yadav and party legislators.
Purandeswari adorned Zakia Khanam with the BJP’s scarf following her resignation as MLC, which she sent to Council chairperson Koyye Moshen Raju.
In her welcoming remarks, Purandeswari noted that this marks a significant transition and reinforces the BJP's dedication to inclusive leadership.
She emphasized the BJP's commitment to the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, asserting that the party's relationship with minorities is strengthening.
According to the MP, the BJP aims to provide welfare services that transcend caste and religion, prioritizing support for the underprivileged and marginalized groups.
Zakia Khanam, who was nominated to the Council under the governor’s quota in July 2020, made history as the first Muslim woman to serve as an MLC.
In November 2021, she was elected unopposed as deputy chairperson, becoming the first woman to hold this position.
A homemaker from Rayachoti in the Annamayya district, Khanam is the sixth MLC to depart from the YSRCP since the party lost its stronghold to the TDP-led NDA in June of the previous year.
Prior to her resignation, Balli Kalyan Chakravarthy, Karri Padmasri, Pothula Suneetha, Marri Rajasekhar, and Jayamangala Venkataramana also left the Council, citing discontent with the party's internal dynamics.
Despite their efforts, Council chairman Moshen Raju has yet to accept these resignations, with the leaders voicing their frustrations through protests over the delay.
With Zakia Khanam's departure, the YSRCP's presence in the 57-member Council has further diminished, although it still maintains a majority. The resigning members have attributed their exits to disagreements with the leadership and policies of Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Following these exits, the YSRCP retains 31 members in the Council. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has 10, while coalition partners BJP and Jana Sena each have one member. The Progressive Democratic Front (PDF) maintains four MLCs.
A wave of resignations has plagued the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP since its severe defeat in the last Assembly elections.
The party, which captured 151 seats in the 175-member Assembly in 2019, saw its representation plummet to just 11 seats in the elections held last May.
Numerous leaders, including four Rajya Sabha members, have departed from the YSRCP.
In January, a close aide of Jagan Mohan Reddy, Vijaya Sai Reddy, resigned from both the Upper House of Parliament and the party.
Point of View
It’s crucial to recognize the evolving political landscape in Andhra Pradesh. The recent exit of Mayana Zakia Khanam from the YSR Congress Party to the BJP underscores growing discontent within the YSRCP ranks. This shift not only reflects personal discontent but also raises questions about the party's leadership and future direction, especially following their recent electoral setbacks.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mayana Zakia Khanam resign from YSRCP?
Mayana Zakia Khanam resigned due to dissatisfaction with the party's functioning and leadership under Jagan Mohan Reddy.
What position did Zakia Khanam hold before joining BJP?
She served as the deputy chairperson of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council.
How many MLCs have resigned from YSRCP?
Zakia Khanam is the sixth MLC to resign from the YSR Congress Party.
What is the current strength of YSRCP in the Council?
After the resignations, YSRCP still has 31 members in the 57-member Council.
What does 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' mean?
'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' translates to 'Together with all, development for all,' emphasizing the BJP's commitment to inclusive governance.
