In an interesting political development in Andhra Pradesh, suspended YSR Congress party leader and controversial MLC Duvvada Srinivas from Tekkali in Srikakulam district met party chief and former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy in the state assembly premises.
The meeting took place when Jagan attended the assembly, participated briefly, and walked out as part of the party’s boycott of proceedings.
As Jagan was leaving the House after a short stay of around 11 minutes, Duvvada walked along with him and entered into a conversation.
Though Jagan did not appear to be entertaining Duvvada much, but was seen talking to him briefly.
While one version said Jagan himself called Duvvada aside and briefly spoke to him, other version is that the YSRCP chief did not pay much attention towards the MLC and told him that he would talk to him later.
Sources present at the assembly indicated that Jagan even asked Duvvada to meet him separately at a later time, though it remains unclear whether the suspended MLC discussed his suspension or the possibility of reinduction into the party.
Duvvada, who was suspended from the YSRCP following a controversy involving his personal life and internal party differences, is believed to be keen on returning to active politics under the party banner.
At the same time, he has reportedly conveyed that if he is denied another opportunity within the YSRCP, he is prepared to contest as an independent candidate.
According to party sources, Srinivas’ strained relationship with the influential Dharmana brothers within the YSRCP was a key factor behind his suspension.
It is widely believed that pressure from this faction forced the party leadership to sideline him at the time.
So, Duvvada’s brief conversation with Jagan has led to the talk that the latter might have invited the MLC back into the party. Political observers suggest that the outreach could be a strategic move either to revive Duvvada’s role or to send a message to rival factions within the YSRCP.
If the YSRCP leadership decides to bring Duvvada back into the fold and give him political space, it may have implications for the standing of other leaders within the party. On the other hand, if Duvvada is not accommodated, he has signalled readiness to contest independently — a move that could split votes and potentially damage the YSRCP’s prospects in his area of influence.