In a surprising turn of events, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) general secretary V Vijay Sai Reddy has been praising Jana Sena Party president and deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan while criticizing Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu over the past two days.
On Friday, Sai Reddy posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Pawan Kalyan was more suited to lead Andhra Pradesh than Naidu or his son, Nara Lokesh.
"National popularity and age on his side, I truly believe that Dy. CM @PawanKalyan garu is the most ideal person amongst the leaders of the NDA ruling parties in Andhra Pradesh to lead and represent AP," he wrote.
Sai Reddy went further, taking a jab at Naidu, saying, "AP is a young state and cannot be led by an almost 75-year-old Senile Gentleman who is acting up," insinuating that Naidu is too old and unfit to govern.
The day before, Sai Reddy had similarly praised Pawan Kalyan, calling him a better leader than Naidu and Lokesh.
"Naidu and his son Nara Lokesh are good-for-nothing fellows. In a way, Pawan Kalyan can emerge as a better leader than the father and the son," he commented.
These remarks have raised eyebrows, as Sai Reddy had previously been highly critical of Pawan Kalyan, labeling him a part-time politician and a puppet controlled by Naidu before the elections. At the time, he had openly declared that Pawan Kalyan was unfit for politics.
Sources suggest that Sai Reddy’s newfound admiration for Pawan Kalyan could be a strategic move. Given his close ties with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership, Sai Reddy may be trying to gain favor by aligning with Pawan Kalyan, who enjoys significant support from the BJP national leadership.
By appearing supportive of Pawan Kalyan, Sai Reddy might also be aiming to drive a wedge between him and Naidu, potentially weakening the TDP-Jana Sena alliance.
There is speculation that Sai Reddy’s overtures may also be linked to the Kakinada Port acquisition case, with some believing he hopes to influence the investigation through Pawan Kalyan's goodwill.
Whatever the reason, Sai Reddy’s sudden shift in tone has become a topic of intense discussion in political circles.
