Notwithstanding the tremendous public response to YSR Congress party president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy to his marathon foot-march Praja Sankalpa Yatra, there has still been defection of leaders from his party to the ruling Telugu Desam Party, raising many eyebrows in political circles.
The resignation of Giddi Eshwari, YSRC MLA from Paderu, from the party and her defection to the TDP on Monday came as a big shock to many.
She has been the most trusted loyalist of the party all these days and has been struggling to withstand the onslaught of the TDP in Visakhapatnam. Yet, she was compelled to quit the party and join the TDP, which she had attacked till recently.
Same was the case with Rampachodavaram MLA Vanthala Rajeshwari. She was also a hard core YSRC loyalist but for her own reasons, she joined the TDP. A couple of other YSRC MLCs are also said to be preparing ground to join the TDP.
Now, what is the reason for these defections, irrespective of the growing public support to Jagan?
One can easily allege that the ruling TDP has been trapping the YSRC MLAs by offering big money or threatening to stall the developmental works in their constituencies, with a view to demoralise Jagan. This might be true to some extent.
But there could be other reasons as well. The YSRC MLAs, who are not politically or financially sound, might have been feeling insecure with the involvement of some top party leaders, closer to Jagan.
They are playing big role in deciding the fate of candidates and selection of new candidates in the constituencies, may be with or without the knowledge of Jagan.
It is better Jagan reins in such leaders who are playing spoil sport with the party prospects and misleading him.
In any case, defection of MLAs at this stage will only send wrong signals to the party.
