In a fresh setback for the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), Deputy Chairperson Zakia Khanam has resigned from her MLC post. This marks the sixth resignation from YSRCP-affiliated MLCs’ since the party lost power in Andhra Pradesh.

Since the YSRCP government was ousted 11 months ago, a series of resignations have plagued the party. Earlier, five MLCs’ Balli Kalyan Chakravarthy, Karipeddy Sri, Rajasekhar Pothuru, Sudhitham Jayamangala Venkataramana, and others stepped down, citing dissatisfaction with the party’s functioning.

The resigning MLCs have repeatedly urged the Legislative Council Chairman to accept their resignations. They have even staged protests during council meetings, alleging unnecessary delays in processing their resignations.

With Zakia Khanam’s exit, YSRCP’s strength in the Council is technically shrinking, even though the party still holds a majority. The resigning leaders claim they are leaving due to disagreements with Jagan Mohan Reddy’s leadership and policies.

If the Chairman accepts these resignations, by-elections will be held to fill the vacancies. With the next elections due only in July next year, YSRCP faces a major battle to retain its influence in the Council.

This ongoing leaving of leaders shows that many people are unhappy inside YSRCP. This is making the party weaker before the coming elections. Will more leaders leave YSRCP? Only time will tell.