Where is the value for our vote? Ask voters post defections

Kothagudem: In a rather swiftly changing political situation in erstwhile Khammam, the opposition parties' MLAs and leaders are falling into the hands of ruling TRS and creating a vacuum in the opposition, besides confusing the general public who voted for them.

In the past too, the Khammam district has seen political defections. But this time, they are occurring at a faster pace much to the dismay and shock of voters who had chosen them. Earlier, the elected representatives used to take some time before switching loyalties, but now everyone is eager to make most of the time.

Recently, six MLAs, four from Congress and two from Telugu Desam, have defected to TRS. However, this magnitude of defections in the Khammam district doesn't come as a surprise, as the district had faced similar situation in 2014 general elections. After a year of general elections, in 2015, one YSR Congress Party MP and three of its MLAs joined the pink party in erstwhile Khammam district wiping out the party from Telangana politics. In the same year, two other MLAs also defected to the ruling TRS.

"Erstwhile Khammam is often considered very active in politics. However, the present political environment is altogether different with the MLAs becoming more active to ditch their own parties and barter their position for personal gains," felt P Rammohan, a senior citizen. "It is surprising to see the candidates who fought against one another in the elections three months ago are now becoming friends and coming under one roof. It leaves no space for the opposition in the district, which is very unfortunate," he rued.

"In a democratic system, the opposition has an important role to play. One has to be there to question the elected government by acting on behalf of people. But what is happening in Khammam is against it. Everyone elected MLA wants to be in the ruling party, which is not good for the democracy. The MLAs even if they are in opposition party have to deliver their duties for which they have been elected for," opined KV Ramana Rao, a retired headmaster.

Overall, the political defections are time and again questioning the voters' decision and brining the value of their votes a few notches down.