All the MLAs who defected from Congress to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) were given tickets in the recently announced list by BRS leader KCR. Only one Congress MLA, Atram Sakku, showed resistance.
Congress and TDP MLAs Join BRS
Twelve MLAs from Congress and two from TDP joined BRS. The Congress defector MLAs who were given tickets are as follows:
- Jajala Surender from Ellareddy
- Sudhir Reddy from LB Nagar
- Sabita Indra Reddy from Maheswaram
- Pyletrohitreddy from Tandur
- Chirumurthy Lingayah from Nakirekal
- Gandra Venkataramana Reddy from Bhupalapalli
- Rega Kantha Rao from Pinapaka
- Haripriya Naik from Illendu
- Vanama Venkateswar Rao from Kothagudem
- Kandala Upender Reddy from Paleru
- Harshavardhan Reddy from Kolhapur
Atram Sakku, who won twice with Congress and later joined BRS, was not given a ticket. However, he’s expected to receive a Lok Sabha ticket according to BRS sources.
Ticket Distribution Process
Jupalli Krishna Rao, a senior leader, left BRS, leaving no competition for Harshavardhan Reddy in Kolhapur. Sudheer Reddy from LB Nagar and Sabita Indra Reddy from Maheshwaram faced opposition from senior leaders but received KCR’s approval for the tickets. KCR followed a similar strategy as in 2018 by considering public sentiment, class dynamics, and party cadre issues in finalizing the ticket distribution.
Opportunity for TDP Defectors
Two TDP MLAs who later joined BRS were also given tickets. Sandra Venkata Veeraiah from Satthupalli and Mecha Nageswara Rao from Ashwaraopeta were assured of tickets when they joined the party. KCR prioritized honoring promises made to these members.
Despite potential dissatisfaction among party loyalists due to ticket allocation to defectors, KCR proceeded with his decision, leading some senior members to part ways with the party.