In most political parties across India, salaries are only paid to office staff, consultants, advisors, and experts—not to leaders holding key party positions.
However, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), led by former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, appears to be an exception, as it continues to pay salaries to party office bearers who were once government employees.
A prime example is Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy, former Additional Advocate General (AAG) of Andhra Pradesh. A staunch loyalist of Jagan Mohan Reddy, he was appointed as AAG during the previous YSRCP government, receiving a hefty salary for his services.
After YSRCP lost power, Ponnavolu continued as the party’s legal advisor, still drawing a high salary. A few months ago, he was elevated to YSRCP General Secretary, overseeing legal affairs.
"Once Ponnavolu became a full-time party leader, he ceased to be an employee. He should no longer be receiving a salary, yet he continues to be paid by the party," a party source claimed.
Similarly, Pudi Srihari, who was recently appointed as YSRCP General Secretary for Media Affairs, remains on the party’s payroll. Srihari previously served as the Chief Public Relations Officer (PRO) under Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government, earning a substantial salary.
"After the YSRCP lost power, Srihari continued as the party’s PRO. Now that he holds the position of General Secretary, he is no longer an employee, yet he still receives a monthly salary," sources said.
The role of General Secretary is a powerful position in any party, typically held by only one or two individuals, or at most, three. However, in the YSRCP, there are reportedly over half a dozen General Secretaries, reducing the post to a symbolic title with no real authority.
"In YSRCP, the post of General Secretary has become ornamental, lacking sanctity or power," party insiders remarked.
