The Election Commission (EC) has announced the schedule for by-elections to fill three vacancies in the Rajya Sabha from Andhra Pradesh. These vacancies arose following the resignations of sitting members Beeda Mastan Rao, Mopidevi Venkataramana, and R. Krishnaiah. On Tuesday, the EC released the schedule for the by-elections to these three seats.
Andhra Pradesh has a total of 175 assembly seats, with the NDA alliance having won 164. The YSR Congress Party (YSRC) secured only 11 seats, failing to achieve opposition status. A minimum of 25 MLA votes is required for a single candidate to win a Rajya Sabha seat. With its current strength of 11, the YSRC is not in a position to contest the by-elections. As a result, it is almost certain that the NDA alliance will win all three seats. However, there is speculation over whether the TDP will secure all three seats or whether its alliance partners, the BJP and Jana Sena, will also be given a chance.
It may be recalled that following their loss of power, YSRC MPs Mopidevi Venkataramana and Beeda Mastan Rao resigned from the Rajya Sabha, dissatisfied with the party’s internal affairs. Their resignations were accepted by Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on August 29. Both later joined the TDP and are hopeful of regaining their Rajya Sabha seats.
R. Krishnaiah, elected from the YSRC, also resigned from his Rajya Sabha position. His resignation, submitted to Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar on September 23, was accepted the following day. Krishnaiah resigned with four years remaining in his term, citing challenges in strengthening the BC movement in Telangana.
The EC will issue a notification for the Rajya Sabha elections on December 3. The last date for filing nominations is December 10, scrutiny will take place on December 11, the last date for withdrawal of nominations is December 13, polling will be held on December 20, and the counting of votes will take place on the same day.
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