As the local body elections in Andhra Pradesh are fast approaching, YSR Congress Party president and former Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy appears to be worried about the party’s position in North Andhra, particularly in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts.
The recent exit of Vizianagaram leader Majji Srinivasa Rao, popularly known as Chinna Srinu, has created uneasiness in the party. Now, there are reports that some other leaders are also unhappy with the state of affairs within the YSRCP.
In the latest development, Chiranjeevi Nag, son of former Assembly Speaker and senior YSRCP leader Tammineni Sitaram, made critical comments against party leaders in Srikakulam district. His remarks went viral on social media.
Chiranjeevi Nag accused some senior party leaders, including former MLA Gorle Kiran Kumar, of hatching a conspiracy against his father and trying to end his political career.
“There are no full stops to Tammineni Sitaram’s political career. There are only commas,” he said.
He criticised the Srikakulam district party leadership for failing to condemn remarks allegedly made against Kiran Kumar. Nag also questioned statements by some YSRCP leaders alleging that there was a political understanding between Tammineni Sitaram and TDP leader Kuna Ravikumar.
He further criticised senior YSRCP leaders in the district, including the Dharmana brothers, Kumbha Ravibabu and Boodi Mutyala Naidu, for remaining silent on the controversy.
Nag warned that if the situation continued, the YSRCP could fail to win even a single Assembly seat in Srikakulam district in the next elections.
According to Nag, there is a perception among sections of the public that the party is allegedly being run in favour of a particular caste. He also said uncertainty prevailed among party leaders over whether Chintada Ravi would be fielded as the YSRCP candidate from the Amadalavalasa constituency.
The developments have reportedly drawn Jagan’s attention, and he is said to have sought a report from regional coordinator Botsa Satyanarayana.
Jagan reportedly held a meeting with Botsa and party regional coordinator Kurasala Kannababu to discuss the latest developments.
He is said to have enquired whether any other party leaders were in touch with Chinna Srinu and whether there was a possibility of more leaders quitting the party.
Botsa reportedly admitted that some YSRCP leaders might be in touch with Chinna Srinu, but said they may not immediately shift to the alliance camp.
Party sources said Jagan advised the leadership to give greater importance to leaders and cadres who had remained with the party from the beginning in case senior leaders quit.
He also reportedly stressed the need to stand by the party cadre.
