In a significant development, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu has confirmed Undi TDP MLA Kanumuru Raghurama Krishna Raju as the Deputy Speaker. The official notification for the Deputy Speaker position is expected to be issued on Wednesday and Thursday, with Raju’s election anticipated to be a formal process.
Raghurama Krishna Raju, who initially won the Narasapuram Lok Sabha seat in 2019 representing the YSRCP, quickly became a vocal critic of the party. Through his platform “Rachhabanda,” he consistently highlighted allegations of corruption and misconduct within the ruling party. His actions led the YSRCP government to file a sedition case against him, during which he reportedly faced severe treatment in custody. Since raising his concerns about the YSRCP leadership, Raju has stayed in Delhi, only returning to Andhra Pradesh after the recent elections.
Ahead of the 2024 elections, Raju resigned from the YSRCP and joined the TDP, where he successfully contested the Undi constituency seat in West Godavari District.
Andhra Pradesh Assembly Appointments
In related appointments, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced new whips and chief whips for the Assembly and the Legislative Council. TDP MLA GV Anjaneyulu from Vinukonda has been named Chief Whip for the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, while MLC Panchumarthi Anuradha has been appointed Chief Whip for the Legislative Council. The positions also include representatives from both Jana Sena and BJP.
Assembly Whips:
– Adinarayana Reddy – Jammalamadugu (BJP)
– Arava Sridhar – Koduru, SC (Jana Sena)
– Bendalam Ashok – Ichchapuram (TDP)
– Bolisetti Srinivas – Tadepalligudem (Jana Sena)
– Bommi Narayana Nayakar – Narasapuram (Jana Sena)
– Bonda Uma Maheswara Rao – Vijayawada Central (TDP)
– Datla Subba Raju (Buchibabu) – Mummidivaram (TDP)
– Divya Yanamala – Tuni (TDP)
– VM Thomas – Gangadhara Nellore, SC (TDP)
– Jagadeeshwari Thoyak– Kurupam, ST (TDP)
– Kalava Srinivasulu – Rayadurg (TDP)
– Madhavi Reddappagari – Kadapa (TDP)
– GVR Naidu (Ganababu) – Visakhapatnam West (TDP)
– Tangirala Sowmya – Nandigama, SC (TDP)
– Yarlagadda Venkata Rao – Gannavaram (TDP)
Legislative Council Whips:
– Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao (TDP)
– Kancharla Srikanth (TDP)
– P. Hari Prasad (Jana Sena)
This reshuffle highlights the government’s strategy to bring in leaders from diverse regions and backgrounds, aligning representation within both the Assembly and Legislative Council.