The hot topic in the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is the recent developments in the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP.
Published Jan 26, 2025 | 12:00 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 26, 2025 | 12:00 PM
Jagan Mohan Reddy at YSRCP’s Siddham rally in Ananthpur. (Supplied)
The hot topic in the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is the recent developments in the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP. Following in the footsteps of Rajya Sabha members like Mopidevi Venkataramana Beeda Mastan Rao and R Krishnaiah, Vijayasai Reddy is the latest to resign from the Upper House and the party.
While the first three resignations didn’t cause much controversy, Vijayasai Reddy stands out because he was considered Jagan Mohan Reddy’s self-proclaimed soul.
His X post wishing Jagan Mohan Reddy success, coupled with his support for the latter during tough times, has added to the drama. Does the exit of key leaders signal the weakening of YSRCP?
Vijayasai Reddy is facing allegations of illegal land dealings related to Kakinada Port. On the ground, there’s speculation that he resigned to relieve himself from the political pressure, with rumours suggesting his move was strategically timed.
There are also talks among YSRCP workers about leaders enjoying power in good times but abandoning the party when it faces difficulties, with some sarcastically asking “Positions and assets for you, and cases for us?”
Despite these rumours, no leader or worker shows sympathy towards Vijayasai Reddy. Even after his resignation, attempts to arrange a coordinated response have been absent. This reflects the disarray within the party.
Despite 12 years since YSRCP’s formation, the party remains organisationally weak, despite a solid voter base. On top of this, even after the devastating defeat in the 2024 elections, Jagan continues to make one-sided decisions.
Attempts at reconciliation when leaders resign have been missing, which reflects badly on the party’s internal dynamics. However, to view the resignations as a sign of the party collapsing would be a mistake. The departure of a few key figures won’t necessarily damage YSRCP, though it may affect Jagan’s moral standing. However, the party’s real strength lies in its voter base, which remains loyal to YSRCP.
When regional parties face crises, it is often their Rajya Sabha members who begin stirring up trouble. In 2019, after TDP’s defeat, several Rajya Sabha members, such as CM Ramesh, Sujana Chowdary, TG Venkatesh, and Garikapati Mohan Rao, resigned and joined the BJP.
They were once close to TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, yet their defection did not harm TDP. Similarly, Vijayasai Reddy’s resignation could be a tactical move by the BJP, especially since it occurred when Jagan Mohan Reddy was abroad. Only time will tell whether these moves are part of a broader BJP strategy.
BJP has consistently pressurised regional parties like TDP and YSRCP, exploiting legal troubles and internal conflicts to weaken them. From 2019 to 2024, the BJP focused on dismantling TDP, and now they seem to be shifting their sights to YSRCP.
Some speculate that the combined efforts of BJP and TDP might bring down YSRCP, but this is not guaranteed. The support base of YSRCP largely overlaps with Congress’s traditional voter base, including Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, Muslims, Reddys, Kapus, Christians, and Brahmins.
These voters have consistently opposed TDP and any party that aligns with it. Therefore, even if prominent figures like Vijayasai Reddy leave, YSRCP’s foundational voter base will remain intact.
YSRCP’s success can be attributed to the vacuum left by Congress in Andhra Pradesh after the death of YS Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR) in 2009 and the Telangana statehood movement. In 2014, YSRCP received 46.9 percent of the votes, while Congress only secured 1.3 percent. After that, as Congress’s strength diminished, YSRCP absorbed much of its support base, particularly from communities that had previously supported Congress.
When YS Sharmila, Jagan Mohan Reddy’s sister, entered politics, many believed she would revive Congress’s fortunes in the state. However, despite making efforts, she has not been able to establish herself as the true heir to YSR’s legacy.
Political dynasties in India often see succession pass from father to son, not to daughters, which has hampered her efforts. Jagan, therefore, doesn’t face a direct challenge from Congress right now, even with the defections from YSRCP.
Jagan must learn from the mistake of entrusting organisational work to the likes of Vijayasai Reddy and Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, who are best good at corporate-style lobbying. While resources and lobbyists are important for any party, they should remain behind the scenes. Full-time political leaders should manage crises.
Jagan must focus on maintaining an internal democratic decision-making process, which will help strengthen the party on the ground. Vijayasai Reddy’s departure could, in fact, reduce the negative perception of people about YSRCP. It could also be an opportunity for the party to restructure itself, especially in the North Andhra and Godavari regions.
Jagan Mohan Reddy has the potential to bring the party back to its past glory if he can adopt a more pragmatic and inclusive approach to leadership.
YSRCP’s strength lies not in the individuals who leave the party but in its widespread voter base. As long as Jagan Mohan Reddy continues to navigate this political landscape with foresight, YSRCP is unlikely to lose its dominant position in Andhra Pradesh.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
