Vote may force bypolls on AP

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The no-confidence motion by the Telugu Desam may not bring down the government, but it can put Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy in a fix.

It is almost certain that the government will win the no-confidence motion hands down, but as some of the Jagan group of MLAs have resolved to vote aga-inst the motion, even at the cost of disqualification, the Congress and the Desam may be forced to rethink pressing for a division as it may land them with the possibility of bypolls in several constituencies.

The no-confidence motion can be put to either voice vote or division. If the second option is exercised, the parties will issue whips, violation of which attracts disqualification.

The debate on the no-confidence motion appears certain with Speaker N. Manohar announcing in the House on Friday that he has received a TD notice to the effect. However, before the decision could be announced, TRS members disrupted proceedings, forcing an adjournment.

“There are already six vacancies due to resignations and one on account of death of a sitting member. In case of disqualification of just 10-12 Jagan loyalists, by-polls will be inevitable in not less than 20 Assembly seats,” a senior minister pointed out.

Several Congress leaders were of the view that despite their public posturing, the CM and Mr Chandrababu Naidu are as averse to by-polls as Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

They have also cautioned the CM that a loss would mean a chance for detractors within the party to put the blame on the failure of the former’s leadership.