Vijay Sai Reddy’s resignation from the YSR Congress Party has sent shockwaves not only through the party but also across its leader, YS Jagan. Exit by Sai Reddy was not just a loss of one of the most important allies, but it also meant the party’s loss of an extremely important Rajya Sabha seat.
It was three weeks since Sai Reddy left, and YS Jagan finally addressed the issue, giving a candid response. He said that character and credibility are important in politics, and a politician should be able to stay true to his principles and not be swayed by external influences or shifting political allegiances.
Jagan remarked, “Character and credibility are crucial for a dignified political career. This applies to Sai Reddy and the three other Rajya Sabha MPs who left my party. Power in a democracy is not permanent. If you endure for five years, your time will come.”
His statement seemed to hint at his personal disappointment with Sai Reddy’s resignation, suggesting that the latter lacked the moral fortitude and resolve to remain loyal. Instead of dismissing the departure as a personal choice, Jagan chose to focus on the broader theme of integrity and sticking to one’s principles, a message that appeared to be directly aimed at Sai Reddy.
In highlighting the importance of character and credibility, Jagan made it clear that his frustration wasn’t just about the political loss, but also about what he perceived as a failure in ethical leadership, signaling a significant rift on both a personal and political level.
