In Andhra Pradesh, eight members of the State Legislative Council joined the ruling Telugu Desam Party last evening. They are Chaitanya Raju, Ravi Varma, Srinivasulu Naidu, Pullaiah, Sheik Hussain, Reddappa Reddy, Lakshmi Shiva Kumari and Indira. All of them are either independents or elected from Teachers’ Constituencies or nominated under the Governor’s quota.

With this, TDP has improved its tally to 15 in the Council. Congress has 20 members in the 50-member Council. 12 are Independents.

TDP senior leader CM Ramesh told reporters that they have reposed faith in Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership and want to contribute to the development of the state.