BRS MLA Prakash Goud Defects to Congress Amidst Speculations of More Crossovers

BRS MLA Prakash Goud has joined the Congress in Telangana, marking the eighth opposition legislator to make the switch. Welcomed by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, Goud's defection adds to Congress' growing strength. Speculation suggests more BRS members may follow suit, potentially weakening the BRS' stance.

BRS MLA Prakash Goud joined the Congress in Telangana on Friday, bringing the total number of opposition legislators switching over to the ruling party to eight.

Goud, elected from Rajendranagar, was welcomed into the Congress fold by Chief Minister and PCC president A Revanth Reddy.

Speculation is rife that more BRS MLAs will join the ruling party soon.

Last year, BRS won 39 of the 119 Assembly constituencies, while Congress secured 64 seats to gain power.

After the recent death of BRS MLA G Lasya Nanditha from Secunderabad Cantonment, Congress won the by-poll, increasing its strength to 65. With eight new defectors, Congress' strength rose to 73.

Six BRS MLCs also transitioned to Congress, boosting its count to 10 in the 40-member Legislative Council.

Danam Nagender, the first BRS MLA to switch to Congress, claimed BRS would soon be left with only a few MLAs.

On BRS seeking his disqualification under the anti-defection law, Nagender stated that while the party has the right, its strength would diminish soon.

BRS Working President K T Rama Rao criticized Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over the defections, questioning his commitment to safeguarding the Constitution.

(With inputs from agencies.)