Former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has declared that his party, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), will attend the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly only if it is formally recognised as the principal opposition party. Speaking at a press conference in Vijayawada, Jagan said that without this status, YSRCP legislators are denied adequate time and opportunities to raise issues of public concern.
Jagan criticised the ruling coalition — the NDA alliance led by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) — claiming that it is deliberately sidelining YSRCP in legislative affairs, despite the fact that no other party contested as vigorously against the NDA or won more seats among non-ruling parties. He added that many YSRCP leaders and activists have faced restrictive actions, including detentions and limitations on protest activities, which he says suppress the voice of dissent.
The YSRCP has filed a petition in the High Court seeking a directive to the Assembly Speaker for recognising the party as the principal opposition. Jagan challenged the criteria used by the Speaker and Government to deny this status, indicating that it undermines democratic accountability.
Currently, YSRCP holds 11 seats in the 175-member assembly — fewer than the 10% requirement (i.e. 18 seats) typically cited by rule as the benchmark for recognition as principal opposition. The Government has held firm, saying YSRCP does not meet this threshold.
As the monsoon session approaches, set to begin 18 September 2025, all eyes are now on the legal proceedings and on whether YSRCP’s demand will force a change in tradition or rules for opposition recognition.
