Andhra Pradesh’s political scenario has begun changing dramatically with the exits of several senior leaders from YSRCP in the wake of their recent electoral reverses. The trend of those very exits has created an air of going to Jana Sena among some others also and, therefore, sent a second ripple in the politico-administrative scene of the state.
Recently, people have taken to the newspapers with a mention of two members of the Rajya Sabha exiting the YSRCP, joining the TDP, and then lately, several Legislative Council Members having followed similar trends. Of late, even the local leaders active in the YSRCP for decades and looking around, now search out the Jana Sena. Significantly, another leader of this faction, who has earlier defeated Pawan Kalyan in the elections, is learnt to be on the cusp of switching allegiance to Jana Sena too.
Post electoral defeat of the YSRCP, many top leadership is coming out of the party as part of their decision as there are some from coastal districts and Godavari. A few have migrated already to coalition parties. There are a few also considering to join. Many leadership, that includes key leaders belonging to Guntur and Krishna and Prakasam districts, is migrating which gives a big trend to the shift of the loyalties.
The most notable personality deliberating this change is YSR Congress leader Grandhi Srinivas, who gained recent fame for winning the Bhimavaram constituency during the 2019 elections over Pawan Kalyan. Srinivas started winning the Bhimavaram seat as a Congress candidate back in 2004; however, he won his last term with YSRCP in 2019. Unfortunately, his election prospects suffered when he was defeated by Pulaparthi Ramanjaneyulu from Jana Sena in the 2024 elections. He remained relatively low key and avoided political activities following this loss.
After his success in 2019, Srinivas had many expectations and high hopes that he would become one of the ministers in the cabinet of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. However, he was ignored. With recent electoral defeats and changing political equations, he has planned to quit the YSR Congress party. He is likely to join Jana Sena, sources said, and the talks over his probable move have been initiated.
However, he would have to face the public eye, and it will not be easy for him because Pawan Kalyan had spoken about him in a different light earlier. On this, the leaders of the YSR Congress are said to be persuading Srinivas to stay in the party. In that event, political analysts will keenly watch Pawan Kalyan’s possible reaction to the news that Srinivas is going to join his party.
The shifting allegiance and its power play are likely to prove to be a significant development for the outcomes of future elections. With key players reassessing their position, it could significantly alter the landscape that would go on to govern the politics of Andhra Pradesh.
