New resignations will lead to bypolls

The manner in which the resignations of over 100 MLAs was rejected by the Speaker, Mr N. Kirankumar Reddy and the seriousness with which the Congress high command is looking at the issue, it has now become clear in party circles that any new resignation will lead to bypolls in the respective constituencies.

The ruling party members got a message from the high command that under no circumstance will it accept losing a government and impose President’s rule. This stern warning by the high command to the warring Congress MLAs especially from Telangana region means that there will be no new resignations by its members and the strength of the party will be safeguarded at any cost.

The Congress MLAs who were approached by the Telugu Desam and JAC leaders on Sunday to consider submitting new resignations in the backdrop of summary rejection on Saturday were clearly told that they won’t create a crisis, and that there was no question of submitting new resignations.

They told the TD leaders: “If you want to resign again, you can do so; but be prepared to face bypolls.”

Sources close to the Speaker said in case the TRS or the BJP MLAs want to quit again, he will have no option but to accept their resignations and conduct bypolls.

A majority of the MLAs do not want to face bypolls as it involves huge expenses.

The Congress high command was serious as its party MLAs did not withdraw resignations.

The political secretary to the Congress president, Mr Ahmed Patel, and the AP Congress affairs in-charge, Mr M. Veerappa Moily, talked to Mr K. Jana Reddy and Mr Damodar Reddy to convey their displeasure.