YSRCP leaders in nominated posts cling to power amid charges of abuse

In the aftermath of the YSRCP’s resounding defeat in the general elections, the party’s appointed officials refused to relinquish their positions, sparking controversy and public outcry. Despite the electorate’s clear message, those occupying nominated posts within the YSRCP government have displayed a reluctance to resign. Justification for their tenure retention centers around scepticism that the government would nullify their resignations. Since assuming power, the YSRCP administration has distributed nominated posts predominantly among party loyalists, some of whom failed to secure electoral victories. Notably, several leaders have been granted lucrative positions, indicating a pattern of favoritism.
The Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) Chairmanship exemplifies this trend. Successive appointments, including Dronamraju Srinivasa Rao, Akkaramani Vijaya Nirmala, and recently Sanapala Chandra Mouli, suggest a revolving door of influence within the party’s ranks. Allegations have emerged regarding the misuse of authority, particularly in real estate dealings, implicating VMRDA officials closely aligned with the YSRCP leadership.
Further scrutiny falls on Kayala Venkata Reddy, who retained the chairmanship of the Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board despite the end of his term. Accusations of financial mismanagement and lack of transparency have marred Reddy’s tenure, raising concerns about accountability within the organization. Similarly, Chokkakula Venkata Rao’s wife, Lakshmi, continues to occupy the chairpersonship of the Visakhapatnam-Kakinada Petro-Chemical Investment Region (PCPIR), despite the expiration of her term. Rao himself has assumed positions of power, reflecting a nepotistic trend within the YSRCP’s governance structure.