From 15 MLAs in Telangana in 2014, TDP now left with just 3

HYDERABAD: The strength of Opposition TDP in Telangana Assembly has been reduced from 15 to just three, with 12 party MLAs, who switched loyalty to TRS, being recognised as members of the ruling party in the House.

A bulletin to this effect has been issued, official sources said here today.

"They are now treated as members of TRS," the sources said.

Out of the 15 MLAs who won on TDP ticket in the 2014 Assembly elections, 12 have switched over to TRS since then.

The Chandrababu Naidu-led party, which is ruling adjoining Andhra Pradesh, is now left with just three MLAs -- A Revanth Reddy, Sandra Venkata Veeraiah and R Krishnaiah.

Ten TDP MLAs, who had switched loyalty to TRS, urged the Assembly Speaker last month to merge them with the ruling party.

Two more -- M Gopinath and Arikapudi Gandhi -- have joined them in the last few days. Yesterday, TDP suspended the duo for violating party discipline and principles.

The Budget session of Telangana Assembly began today.