The opposition YSR Congress Party in Andhra Pradesh continues to lose its legislators, as the Party is hit by defections to the ruling Telugu Desam Party.

M Mani Gandhi, the legislator representing Kodumuru in Kurnool district in the Rayalseema region, is the latest to cross over. He met Chief Minister and TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu in Vijayawada on Wednesday and formally announced his joining.

Last week, four MLAs and an MLC of the opposition party had defected to the TDP. The defections portend a strong impact on the YSR Congress Party led by YS Jaganmohan Reddy, which did well in the region, especially in the districts of Kurnool and Anantapur.

In Kurnool, Bhuma Nagi Reddy (Nandyal), his daughter Akhila Priya (Allagadda) had quit earlier. Adinarayana Reddy (Jammalamadugu), Kadapa and Jaleel Khan (Vijayawada West), were among the MLAs who defected. In addition was the legislative council member (MLC), Narayana Reddy from Kadapa. The exit of Bhuma Nagi Reddy, also the Chairman (Public Accounts Committee), Legislative Assembly, as well as Akhila Priya, was in the air. The family wields considerable influence in parts of Kurnool district. In the 2014 Assembly elections, the TDP swept to power with 104 out of the 175-member House. The BJP won four seats.

The YS Jaganmohan Reddy-led YSR Congress emerged the main opposition, with 67 seats. With the addition of four, the TDP strength will go up to 108.

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