In a big setback to the already beleaguered YSR Congress party headed by former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, his hitherto trusted lieutenant and party general secretary V Vijay Sai Reddy resigned from the YSRCP.
In a post on X on Friday evening, Sai Reddy announced that he was stepping down from active politics.
“I will resign from my Rajya Sabha membership tomorrow, January 25,” he said.
Sai Reddy declared that he was not joining any political party.
“I am not resigning with aspirations for another position, benefit, or money,” he said.
Stating that this decision was entirely his personal, he said there was no pressure or influence from anyone.
He said he was indebted to Y S Rajasekhar Reddy family, which has trusted and supported him for four decades and across three generations.
“I am forever grateful to Jagan Garu, who gave me the opportunity to serve as a Rajya Sabha member twice, and to Bharathamma garu, who elevated me to such a prominent position,” he said, and wished Jagan all the best.
Sai Reddy said as the parliamentary party leader, floor leader in the Rajya Sabha, and national general secretary of the party, he had worked diligently and sincerely for the party and the state’s interests.
“I have acted as a bridge between the state and the centre,” he claimed.
He extended special thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who supported and gave him immense strength and recognition in the Telugu states over nearly nine years.
The outgoing Rajya Sabha member said he had political differences with the Telugu Desam Party, but had no personal differences with chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and his family.
“I also share a long-standing friendship with Pawan Kalyan garu,” he said.
Stating that he would take up agriculture as his livelihood which, he said, was his future.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the people of my state, friends, colleagues, and party workers who supported me throughout my long political journey. I thank each and every one of you by name,” Sai Reddy said.
Sources said Sai Reddy might keep low profile for some time, but he might join the Bharatiya Janata Party sooner or later. He has been lobbying with the Delhi bosses for quite some time.
The BJP, which is currently operating as a coalition government at the Centre, faces a shortage of strong leaders and is said to be looking for powerful personalities like Vijaya Sai Reddy, known for his eloquence, political maturity, and experience as a high-ranking leader.
Sai Reddy’s resignation, however, will be a significant blow to YSRCP.
Analysts believe that the party would find it tough to replace a leader like Sai Reddy who has been the master strategist and lobbyist for the party.
