Vijayawada: In a significant development for the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh, two key leaders of the YSR Congress Party (YCP), Balineni Srinivas Reddy and Samineni Udayabhanu, are preparing to leave the ruling party and join the Jana Sena Party, led by actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan. Both leaders, once close confidants of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, are set to make the switch on September 22, 2024.
Discontent with Jagan’s Leadership Style
Sources indicate that dissatisfaction with Jagan’s leadership style is the primary reason for the defection. Balineni Srinivas Reddy, a prominent leader from Ongole, and Samineni Udayabhanu, a key figure from NTR district’s Jaggaiyapet, have voiced concerns over the growing influence of a select group of individuals around Jagan, accusing them of isolating the Chief Minister from the realities on the ground.
Balineni, who held key positions within YCP and has been a longtime ally of Jagan, revealed his frustration. “I sacrificed my ministerial post in 2012 to stand by Jagan Mohan Reddy and joined Congress to support YCP. But my sacrifice was not valued,” he said, adding that the “coterie around Jagan is creating an illusion of reality for him.”
Allegations of Disrespect and Neglect
Balineni also addressed rumors of blackmail and financial demands made to Jagan. “I never demanded money from Jagan. In fact, I spent my personal assets for the YCP’s growth. Despite my contributions, I was never given the respect I deserved, and it has deeply hurt me,” he remarked.
Samineni Udayabhanu echoed similar sentiments, expressing disillusionment with Jagan’s leadership. “I’ve repeatedly tried to explain the issues within the party to Jagan, but he never understood. My heart is troubled by the way things are handled in YCP,” Udayabhanu stated.
Joining Jana Sena: A Strategic Move
Both leaders, who have publicly expressed their grievances, are now joining the ranks of Jana Sena. On Thursday, Pawan Kalyan personally extended an invitation to the two leaders to join his party. According to party insiders, a total of eight more key YCP leaders are expected to defect to Jana Sena soon.
Balineni and Udayabhanu will officially join Jana Sena at a public event in Ongole on September 22. This move is expected to strengthen Jana Sena’s position ahead of the upcoming elections and create ripples within the YCP, as both leaders have strong regional influence.
Growing Rift in YCP
The defections underscore a growing rift within the YCP, with many leaders feeling sidelined by Jagan’s inner circle. Accusations of poor decision-making and a disconnect from grassroots realities have been leveled against the Chief Minister by several former allies.
With more defections expected in the coming weeks, this political shift could significantly impact YCP’s standing in Andhra Pradesh, especially as the state heads toward a crucial election cycle.
