Kiran Kumar Reddy government has survived the no-confidence motion moved by TDP convincingly after midnight on Monday.
As expected, Jagan loyalist MLAs threw their weight behind their leader voting against the government. Eighteen (18) Jagan loyalist MLAs, besides YSR Congress Party MLA Vijayamma, voted for no-confidence motion.
It means the 18 MLAs who swore by Jagan and defied Congress Party’s whip have exposed themselves for disqualification under anti-defection laws.
While the Kiran Kumar Reddy government got the support of a total 160 MLAs, the opposition combine secured 122 votes. The government passed the floor test by a margin of 38 votes.
If Congress chooses, it can seek disqualification of 16 of its MLAs who voted against the government. One MLA from PRP and another from TDP, who are presently sailing with Jagan, also voted for the no-confidence motion.
In such an event, there will be a mini general election in the state, with 18 seats falling vacant. Already, by-elections are due in 7 Assembly seats – 6 in Telangana and 1 in Nellore.
