Date:26/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/26/stories/2008072656870600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

TDP undecided on disqualification of MP

J. Balaji

Party may go slow as M. Jagannath represents a reserved constituency

NEW DELHI: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is still undecided on moving against its rebel MP M. Jagannath for defying the party whip and voting in favour of UPA.

The TDP MP from Nagarkurnool (SC) in Mahabubnagar district, has already been suspended from the party. Even party president N. Chandrababu Naidu had announced here that the MP’s disqualification from Lok Sabha would be sought.

However, party insiders feel that the organisation wanted to go slow or even not proceed further as the MP was elected from a constituency reserved for Dalits. “As there are only a few months left for the completion of the present term of the Lok Sabha, why should we unnecessarily incur the wrath of SCs by seeking his disqualification,” said a senior party leader.

When contacted TDP floor leader K. Yerran Naidu said the party was still thinking on how to go about it and the petition seeking disqualification of Dr. Jagannath had not yet been finalised. “Why should we hurry up as there is enough time to file the complaint?” he said.