The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), in a major political development which has implications for all other parties, will quickly move into the Gannavaram Assembly constituency, which is one of the political hotspots in Andhra Pradesh. According to reliable sources, YSRCP plans to appoint Pankaja Sri, wife of former MLA Vallabhaneni Vamsi Mohan, to be the new in-charge of Gannavaram constituency.
The move appears to be part of YSRCP’s larger plan to reestablish its organizational base and restore blue-sky thinking with new energy, especially in unfriendly constituencies if the party is oriented to the outlook of making a comeback. Gannavaram, which until recently was a stronghold for TDP, is now a target for the ruling party to attempt to restore faith, trust and in some case go back in time.
Vallabhaneni Vamsi, who lost the Gannavaram seat in 2024 elections after winning twice Gannavaram seat on TDP ticket and then shifted to YSRCP, was implicated in a high-profile kidnap case and was detained for more than 100 days, and has seen his health deteriorate, with the people close to him indicating he might no longer be active in politics after.
Considering the recent trends, the YSRCP is also looking at the possibility of taking Pankaja Sri forward. While not having held any political position till date, Pankaja has been an ever-present figure with her husband during public gatherings, poll campaigns, and constituency visits. Her insight into grassroots politics and ability to connect with people at the grassroots level make her a good bet.
Party insiders believe that Pankaja Sri’s appointment could serve a dual purpose — preserving Vamsi’s support base while presenting a fresh, woman-led leadership approach. The move is also seen as a way to enhance YSRCP’s appeal among women voters and shift the narrative away from past controversies.
Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and senior party leaders are said to be backing the proposal, viewing it as a smart political repositioning ahead of future electoral battles. There is strong speculation that Pankaja Sri’s elevation to constituency in-charge could be officially announced during the upcoming YSRCP full-member constituency meeting scheduled for Saturday.
This leadership transition represents more than just a change of face — it’s a clear signal that the YSR Congress Party is serious about reinvigorating its presence in Gannavaram. By putting forward a new and potentially untainted leader, the party aims to turn the page on past issues and chart a path focused on grassroots outreach and clean politics.
