YSRCP faces wave of defections

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is grappling with a political storm as corporators from the ruling YSR Congress party abandon ship, causing a significant upheaval in the political landscape. The discontent within the YSR Congress party has escalated to a boiling point, leading to a series of defections. Two corporators from the South constituency have already severed ties with YSRCP, aligning themselves with Jana Sena. Adding to the turmoil, four more corporators from the same constituency have declared their intentions to exit the party, stemming from internal disagreements and a press conference held against sitting MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar.
In the GVMC elections held less than three years ago, YSRCP secured a dominant win with 58 wards, establishing control over the council. However, as general elections approach, discontent among party members is surfacing, especially in the southern constituency, where a notable trend of defections to rival parties like TDP and Jana Sena is emerging.
The southern constituency has become a hotspot for dissent, with corporators pledging allegiance to the recently departed Seetamraju Sudhakar, former chairman of the State Brahmin Corporation. Sudhakar, citing disillusionment with the party leadership, resigned from both the party and his prestigious post. YCP MLC Vamsikrishna Srinivas expressed dissatisfaction, pledging to collaborate with Sudhakar to encourage more YCP leaders in Visakhapatnam to join their cause.
The departure of Sudhakar has triggered a domino effect, with several corporators deciding to part ways with the YSR Congress Party. A joint press conference at Daspalla Hotel saw Sudhakar and the four corporators criticise South MLA Vasupalli Ganeshkumar, fueling speculation about more exits from the party, not only in the southern constituency but also in the North, West, and Gajuwaka constituencies.
Party elders are expressing deep concerns about the potential weakening of YSRCP’s presence in the GVMC council, fearing complications in approving crucial items. As the YSR Congress grapples with internal strife, Visakhapatnam’s political landscape is undergoing a noteworthy transformation, setting the stage for an intriguing lead-up to the upcoming general elections.