Senior YSR Congress Party leader and former minister Balineni Srinivas Reddy is reportedly set to resign from the party within a day or two, according to sources close to him.
It is said that Balineni held a meeting with his followers and supporters in Ongole, expressing frustration with the party leadership and indicating that he would soon leave the party. He sought their support for whatever decision he might take.
Sources suggest that Balineni has been in contact with Jana Sena Party president and Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Pawan Kalyan, and may join his party in the near future.
Apparently, Pawan has offered him an MLC seat and, if possible, a position in N Chandrababu Naidu's state cabinet.
Balineni's dissatisfaction with YSRCP was evident from his recent comments about the party high command, though he did not mention party president and former Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy by name.
He stated that he no longer felt comfortable in the party.
“I have distanced myself from party activities since the election results because the leadership has stopped paying attention to me and has been sidelining me,” he claimed.
When asked whether he was planning to quit YSRCP, Balineni responded that the party had already been ignoring him.
“I have been fighting against the alleged manipulations in the electronic voting machines during the recent elections, but there has been no support from the party in my efforts,” he said.
The former minister explained that he had tried to communicate his concerns to the party leadership, but no one was willing to listen.
“I worked hard for the party during the last elections, but unfortunately, no top leader has acknowledged my efforts. That is why I have kept my distance from the party,” he added.
Balineni emphasized that he still has the support of the people and is not afraid of anyone.
“Whether the party recognizes my contributions or not, I am not concerned. I will continue to fight for the people,” he asserted.