YSR Congress Party president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is strategically approaching his election campaign to bolster his party's prospects in the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections next month in the state.
Taking a patient approach, Jagan is focusing on attracting dissident leaders from other parties into the YSRCP after allowing disgruntled elements to depart from the party.
His primary aim is to allure as many leaders from the Jana Sena Party as possible, particularly in the East and West Godavari districts.
Numerous Jana Sena Party leaders, who were denied party tickets due to alliances with the TDP and the BJP, among other reasons, are now flocking to the YSRCP.
Although they may not secure tickets in the YSRCP, they are being promised significant positions within the party.
On Thursday, several Jana Sena leaders bid farewell to the party, disillusioned with the leadership style of party president and actor Pawan Kalyan, and joined the YSRCP.
This move strengthens the YSRCP's stronghold in the Godavari districts, heralding a new chapter in Andhra Pradesh's political landscape.
Notable leaders who joined the YSR Congress in East Godavari district on Thursday include former MLA from Razole, Bonthu Rajeswara Rao; Makinedi Seshu Kumari from Pithapuram; Pithani Bala Krishna from Mummidivaram; Settibathula Raja Babu in Amalapuram; former MLC Laxmi Siva Kumar Angoori; Meda Guru Datta from Rajanagaram; and former Kakinada mayor Saroja.
Analysts suggest that even if their defection results in a 5-10 percent difference in the voting, it would greatly benefit the YSRCP.
