Politics in Andhra Pradesh is becoming increasingly intense. After the recent elections, while the YSRCP is facing losses and losing its grip, the TDP, Janasena, and BJP are witnessing a surge in defections. One of the most significant shocks to YSRCP came from former Ongole MLA and ex-minister, Balineni Srinivasa Reddy. Despite their family ties, Balineni resigned from the YSRCP and joined Janasena. This move has left YS Jagan and his party grappling to process the turn of events. Recently, an event organized by Balineni has caused major concerns for the YSRCP camp.
Due to the absence of Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan has been holding meetings at his camp office in Mangalagiri. On Thursday, Balineni visited Mangalagiri and held a private meeting with Pawan. It is reported that they discussed a key issue during this meeting.
Balineni requested Pawan to visit Prakasam district on February 5 and proposed organizing a large public meeting in Ongole on the same day. Initially, Balineni had planned to host a massive public rally in Ongole and then join Janasena, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it couldn’t be done. Now, Balineni is determined to organize a grand rally in Ongole as originally planned.
Analysts suggest that there is a strong reason behind Balineni’s insistence on this rally. Balineni enjoys considerable support not just in Ongole but across Prakasam district. It is believed that many influential YSRCP leaders from the region are ready to join Janasena along with him. However, Balineni had previously stopped them, waiting for the right moment to make his move. Now, these leaders are pressuring him to bring them into Janasena. This pressure led to Balineni’s recent meeting with Pawan on Thursday.
If Pawan Kalyan agrees to visit Prakasam district on February 5 as proposed by Balineni, the public rally in Ongole will undoubtedly happen, and the mass defections to Janasena will follow. Many key YSRCP leaders, including several corporators from Ongole Municipal Corporation, are expected to join Janasena.
If this happens, there are predictions that the Ongole Corporation Chairperson, Giri, could also join Janasena. This would mean that the YSRCP’s presence in Ongole could be almost wiped out, with leaders not just from Prakasam but also from the wider Rayalaseema region ready to abandon YSRCP and join Janasena.
Tags Balineni