In the last five years, Courts played a significant role in thwarting the undemocratic practices of the state government led by YSR Congress party in Andhra Pradesh. Many controversial decisions of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and his government were stalled because of the intervention of both the High Court and the Supreme Court.
Even after its humiliating defeat, Court decisions continue to haunt the decisions of YSR Congress party. In another big shock ahead of the crucial MLC elections ( Local Body quota) in Vizianagaram district, the High Court of Andhra Pradesh has struck down the disqualification of YSRCP MLC I. Raghuraju by the Council Chairman Koyya Mohshen Raju. The Court has declared that Raghuraju will continue as MLC till 2027 November. This decision will immediately put an end to the ongoing process of MLC elections in Vizianagaram.
A Division Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, comprising justices G. Narendar and T.C.D. Sekhar, has set aside Legislative Council Chairman K. Moshenu Raju’s order disqualifying Vizianagaram local bodies’ constituency MLC Indukuri Raghu Raju (YSR Congress Party) on Wednesday, thereby restoring his membership
Raghuraju was nominated as MLC in 2021 December by YSR Congress party. However, his shifted loyalties to Telugu Desam Party before the recent polls over some internal differences with YSRCP. Though he officially didn’t join TDP, his wife jumped the fence and openly canvassed for NDA MLA K. Lalitha Kumari.
This irked YSRCP Chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and he instructed Koyye Moshen Raju, chairman of the Council to disqualify the MLC from the Council. As per his instructions, the Chairman has announced the disqualification of Raghu Raju from the Council for his anti-party activities by maintaining close relations with the TDP. Later, Raghu Raju approached the High Court and challenged the decision taken by the Council chairman. The High Court delivered the judgement in favour of Raghu Raju.
Appearing for the petitioner, senior advocate Jandhyala Ravi Shankar maintained that there was no prima facie case at all, but the Council Chairman acted in haste without duly inquiring into the matter. He contended that the personal choices of Raju’s wife has no bearing on his party affiliations.
Meanwhile, the Election Council has started arrangements for conducting bypolls in December this year. Both YSRCP and TDP are planning to field candidates in the election to grab the post. As per the information, the YSRCP has chosen S V Ch Appalanaidu, former MLA of Bobbili, who was defeated in recent elections, as candidate for the elections. The TDP has also been searching for a suitable candidate to contest the post.
One has to wait and watch whether the YSRCP will challenge the verdict of the High Court in the Supreme Court.