SNCN ACHARYULU
The ruling Congress is in an advantageous position regarding the defection of BRS MLAs.
Ten BRS MLAs have joined the Congress so far. These MLAs joined separately. As per the Anti-Defection Act these 10 MLAs have to be disqualified.
But no ruling party anywhere in India is bothered about enforcing the Anti-Defection Act. The BRS did the same when it was in power. The BRS is now making all-out efforts to prevent the defection of its MLAs.
The BRS has filed a complaint with the Assembly Speaker requesting to disqualify the 10 BRS MLAs who joined the Congress going against rules specified in the Anti-Defection Act.
If two-thirds of MLAs of a party decide to join another party they will not face action under the Anti-Defection Act. The BRS won 39 Assembly seats in the 2023 elections. One MLA died and in the by-election the Congress won the seat.
Now, the number of BRS MLAs has come down to 38. If 25 MLAs among the 38 pass a resolution to merge with the Congress Legislature party (CLP) then the Anti-Defection Act will not become applicable to them.
So far 10 BRS MLAs have joined the Congress and to escape the Anti-Defection Act 15 more BRS MLAs have to defect.
BRS leaders say that only one or two MLAs more may join the Congress and that another 15 MLAs defecting is not possible. Keeping this in view the BRS has complained to the Assembly Speaker to disqualify them. The BRS also went to court regarding the disqualification of its MLAs who defected. If the Speaker or the court disqualifies these MLAs as requested by BRS there is nothing to lose for the Congress. If these MLAs are disqualified, by-elections will have to be held for these 10 seats.
In the present political circumstances it is not possible for the BRS to retain all these 10 seats. If the Congress wins even one seat it will score a political point over the BRS.
The BRS fared badly in the Assembly and LS elections. If by-elections are held the same thing can happen again and it may not prevent defections by BRS MLAs. In that case the BRS will face deep trouble.
