The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has pitched for the prestigious Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman post, despite not having enough numbers in the Andhra Pradesh state assembly to stake claim for the post.
The position traditionally held by the recognised main opposition in the assembly, but the Telugu Desam Party-led National Democratic Alliance government in the state is said to be unwilling to give the post to YSRCP which has not been given the leader of opposition status.
Yet, the YSRCP has decided to enter the fray to claim the post. It has nominated its senior MLA and former minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy for the same.
Peddireddy has already reached the assembly premises and is expected to file his nomination shortly.
According to legislative norms, a PAC member must command the support of at least 18 MLAs to secure a seat.
Currently, YSRCP has 11 members in the committee, raising speculation about the party's next move.
The PAC comprises 12 members, including nine from the legislative assembly and three from the legislative council.
The chairman is traditionally selected from assembly members, with the Speaker of the legislative assembly having the final say.
In the previous assembly, the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) managed to elect just one member, Payyavula Keshav, who was subsequently appointed as the PAC chairman.
Following established convention, the position has historically been reserved for the opposition.
However, with no opposition member expected to qualify for the chairman post this time, the situation has become a subject of intense political interest.
Observers are keen to see how the YSRCP’s move unfolds and whether it will challenge the long-standing tradition.