You are here:  Andhra speaker disqualifies 15 Congress, TDP
rebels  Hyderabad, June 8 (IANS) Finally acting against the
rebels, Andhra Pradesh assembly speaker Saturday disqualified 15
members of the legislative assembly belonging to the ruling
Congress and the main opposition TDP for violating party whips.
Speaker N. Manohar, who heard the petitions moved by the two
parties during the last few weeks, announced his decision
Saturday evening. Nine of those disqualified belong to the
Congress while six others are members of the Telugu Desam Party
(TDP).  The speaker took the action under Rule 2(1)(b) of the
Tenth Schedule of the constitution for voting against the party
whip.  The disqualifications have brought down the strength of
Congress to 146 in 294-member house. However, with 16 vacancies
in the house, the Congress government is in a comfortable
position.  The ruling party needs 140 members for majority in
the effective strength of 278. With less than a year to go for
the assembly elections, the by-elect