TDP MLA resigns from party and assembly membership

In a jolt to the ruling Telugu Desam Party in Andhra Pradesh, its MLA Ravela Kishore Babu resigned from the party and assembly membership Friday.

He is likely to join the Jana Sena Party of actor Pawan Kalyan, according to sources close to the legislator.

A first time MLA, Ravela served as social welfare minister in the Chandrababu Naidu Cabinet from June 8, 2014 to April 1, 2017.

He was sacked for non-performance and his controversial behaviour.

He was elected from the Prathipadu Assembly constituency in Guntur district but reportedly never maintained cordial relations with the local party leaders.

He has been staying away from party affairs for some time now.

Babu sent his resignation letter to the Assembly Speakers office Friday evening, party sources said.

He also sent a note, addressed to Chandrababu Naidu, to the TDP state office at Guntur, saying he was resigning from the primary membership of the TDP with effect from November 30.

He, however, did not give any reason.

Reacting to the development, state Civil Supplies minister P Pulla Rao, who represents Guntur district, said it was a hasty decision by Babu.

"I tried speaking to him since yesterday but he was not available," Rao added.