In a significant move that has sent ripples through Andhra Pradesh politics, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) Member of Parliament, Vijaya Sai Reddy, has confirmed his decision to retire from active politics. He will officially resign from his Rajya Sabha seat on January 25, 2025, bringing an end to his distinguished political career.
Reddy said he has made the decision to quit wholly on his personal considerations. “This is my own decision, and I have not been forced or coerced by anybody,” he emphasized. “So, if there are people thinking that their leader has been caught by political considerations, this is false.” He ruled out joining another party and taking up any political position in future.
Expressing deep gratitude, Reddy thanked the YSR family for always being there by his side throughout the career. “I owe everything to the YS family. Their trust and encouragement have been the foundation of my political journey for three generations,” he said. He also thanked the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, for having given him the opportunity to be a Rajya Sabha member twice and also late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy whose leadership helped in forming his career.
During a press conference about his tenure, Reddy described himself as “fondly looking back on” his years in office. Contributions made while Parliamentary Leader, Rajya Sabha Floor Leader, and National General Secretary YSRCP included filling in the gaps between state and central government for Andhra Pradesh people and taking work “strictly” aimed at their welfare “without personal interest.”.
He did not forget to acknowledge the support of national leaders, such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. “Their support has been crucial in helping me gain recognition and bring attention to the needs of the Telugu-speaking states,” Reddy noted.
Despite the ideological differences with the Telugu Desam Party, Reddy had maintained mutual respect with the N. Chandrababu Naidu family. He also spoke of his long friendship with Jana Sena Party leader Pawan Kalyan and how personal relationships play an important role in politics.
Looking ahead, Vijaya Sai Reddy said that he will be putting his energies into agriculture. This is a huge shift in direction from his political career. Closing off, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Andhra Pradesh, to his colleagues and party workers who have been supportive all along. “I am deep to the bone thankful to those who went about in support of me during the journey, and I look forward to contributing in newer ways,” he concluded.
