Controversial YSR Congress Party leader and former Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Vidadala Rajini has finally managed to return to her native constituency of Chilakaluripet, despite strong resistance from local party leaders.
YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy recently issued orders appointing Rajini as the constituency coordinator for Chilakaluripet, replacing Kaveti Manohar Naidu as part of an organizational restructuring.
Balavajrababu has replaced Mekathoti Sucharita as the Tadikonda coordinator, following her decision to step away from politics.
Rajini has faced allegations of large-scale corruption in Chilakaluripet during Jagan’s tenure, which reportedly tarnished the party’s image in the constituency. She was known to control the area as her personal stronghold, backed by a few senior YSRCP leaders.
Realizing her limited chances of winning in Chilakaluripet, the party leadership shifted her to the Guntur (West) constituency in the last elections, where she faced a heavy defeat against TDP leader Galla Madhavi by over 50,000 votes.
With limited support in Guntur, Rajini began lobbying with the party high command to return to her original constituency, Chilakaluripet. However, local YSRCP leaders strongly opposed her reappointment.
Reports indicate they have appealed to Jagan, urging him not to send Rajini back to Chilakaluripet, as they had already identified MLC Marri Rajasekhar as their preferred leader. They have been pressuring Jagan to officially declare Rajasekhar as their in-charge, expressing their firm opposition to Rajini’s return.
“Several cases have already been filed against Rajini, her brother-in-law, and her PA in connection with the sand mafia and other issues. She could potentially face jail time in any of these cases,” sources said.
However, Jagan, known for following his own judgment over complaints, has reappointed Rajini as the in-charge of Chilakaluripet.
It will be interesting to see how Marri Rajasekhar responds to this decision.