The resignation of Vijay Sai Reddy, a founding pillar of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), signals a deepening crisis within the party. Reddy’s departure is not an isolated event; it exposes fractures in the leadership that threaten to further weaken the party after its humiliating defeat by the TDP-led coalition, which includes Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena and the BJP. Sai Reddy’s legacy within YSRCP is monumental. As Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s trusted auditor and confidant, he played a pivotal role in navigating turbulent times, including Jagan’s legal battles over graft charges. Sai Reddy’s efforts laid the foundation for YSRCP’s meteoric rise to power in 2019. From structuring the party’s organization to crafting strategies, his contributions were unparalleled. Yet, the camaraderie that once defined his relationship with Jagan began to erode soon after the party’s electoral triumph. At the heart of the rift lies a growing influence struggle. Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, a former journalist and loyalist of the Y.S. family, reportedly became a wedge between Jagan and Sai Reddy. Party insiders claim that Sajjala, driven by ambition, maneuvered to displace Sai Reddy from Jagan’s inner circle. Adding fuel to the fire, Jagan’s wife, Bharati Reddy, is also alleged to have played a role in curtailing Sai Reddy’s influence within the party. What began as a gradual sidelining culminated in public humiliation and mistrust, making Sai Reddy’s position untenable.
Sai Reddy’s resignation statement was laced with veiled barbs. While attributing his decision to “personal reasons,” his pointed remarks about welcoming a “more capable” replacement and his reiteration of loyalty to the Y.S. family hint at a sense of betrayal. His declaration to face legal challenges head-on underscores his determination, but his exit leaves a void that won’t be easily filled. The larger question is how this internal discord impacts YSRCP’s future. The existence of two power centers — Sai Reddy and Sajjala — created a toxic environment. Jagan’s wavering stance, oscillating between empowering and clipping Sai Reddy’s wings, only exacerbated tensions. Analysts argue that Jagan’s inability to assert singular control over the party has weakened its organizational cohesion. Speculation is rife that Sai Reddy may gravitate toward the BJP. If that happens, it could further destabilize YSRCP, giving the opponents a crucial opening. The BJP’s growing influence in Andhra Pradesh and its ability to poach key players could signal a realignment of political forces in the state. This episode isn’t just about one resignation—it’s a cautionary tale of leadership, loyalty, and the perils of internal rivalries, compounded by the leadership’s arrogance. YSRCP’s house is divided, and the fallout could reshape Andhra’s political landscape. Whether Jagan can salvage his party’s unity and reassert control remains to be seen, but the cracks in YSRCP’s armour are undeniable.
