TDP expels Dalit MP, serves notice to another

Hyderabad, Jul 23 (UNI) Shocked by the cross voting in yesterday's trust vote in Parliament, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief Chandrababu Naidu today expelled its three-time Dalit Parliamentarian M Jagannatham and served a showcause notice to another MP Aadikesavulu Naidu as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.

According to TDP sources, TDP Parliamentary Party leader K Yerran Naidu and newly-elected MP E Dayakar Rao maintained a close watch on Dr Jagannatham during the confidence vote and established that he had voted in support of the UPA Government.

''This is the biggest betrayal the party has witnessed. The party will take stern action against the duo,'' they added.

Meanwhile, Mr Jagannatham, the Lok Sabha Member from Nagarkurnool (SC) constituency, told newspersons that he had voted as per his conscience as he felt that the Indo-US nuclear deal was in the best interest of the country.

''I am ready to face any action from the party,'' he added.

Dr Jagannadham, belonged to Madiga sub-caste of the SC, whom the TDP has been cultivating over a period of time by supporting their demand for categorisation of SCs on the matter of reservation in government jobs and education.

Chittor MP Adikesavulu Naidu, belonged to Kapu community, was reportedly toying the idea of joining the party to be floated by matinee idol Chiranjeevi next month.

A former Pradesh Congress Committee Treasurer had joined the regional party following his differences with former Union Minister Chinta Mohan.

UNI SM SY KN1902