Internal unrest grips YSRCPafter Vijayasai’s resignation

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) is grappling with internal unrest following the unexpected resignation announcement of Rajya Sabha member V Vijayasai Reddy. Once a central figure in the party, Reddy’s sudden retirement from politics has sent shockwaves through political circles, raising questions about the true nature of his departure and whether there are underlying factors at play.
Speculation is rife that Aurobindo Pharma, a company linked to Reddy and involved in major dealings at Kakinada port, is facing significant financial distress. These financial challenges are thought to be contributing to the political shift, possibly complicating matters for party chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy and prompting the exit of one of the party’s top leaders.
Before the rise of the YSRCP to power, Reddy was instrumental in managing the party’s operations in Uttarandhra. His influence remained strong after the party’s success, particularly in Visakhapatnam, where his dominance overshadowed other ministers. The leadership under Reddy was marked by a strong-arm approach, with opposition leaders facing severe setbacks, including property destruction, legal cases, and instances of harassment. Key decisions during this time included the removal of Daspalla lands from government listings, changes to the Visakhapatnam-Bhogapuram coastal corridor, and land acquisitions in Bhimili against local resistance.
Reddy’s tenure also caused familial discord within the region. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, the chairman of Simhachalam Devasthanam, was ousted in favour of his niece, Sanchayita, creating friction within the influential Gajapathi family.
The internal dynamics of the party worsened following Reddy’s removal from his position a year before the 2024 elections, with YV Subba Reddy taking over his responsibilities. After the party’s electoral defeat, Jagan reassigned the Visakhapatnam charge to V Vijaysai Reddy. However, his attempts to regain control were met with resistance from local leaders such as MP MVV Satyanarayana and Auditor GV, exacerbating factional tensions within the party.
The resignation of Vijayasai Reddy adds to a growing list of high-profile exits from the party, including former minister Muthamsetty Srinivasa Rao and Western constituency in-charge Adari Anandakumar, fueling concerns of further defections.