As YSR Congress president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy announced his plan to take out padayatra, one-and-a-half years before the next assembly elections in the state, his former aide and ex-Rajya Sabha member V Vijay Sai Reddy is also said to be planning his own padayatra across the state.
According to sources, Sai Reddy, who was perceived as No. 2 in the YSRCP, before he came out of the party in January last year, is planning to take out a padayatra much ahead of Jagan. Most probably, he will begin his yatra in June.
Sai Reddy has publicly alleged that the main reason for his departure from the YSRCP was the influence of a “coterie” surrounding Jagan.
His main target is YSRCP state coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, who he alleged, was responsible for the defeat of the party in 2024 elections.
He claimed that he endured humiliation for over three years and felt increasingly sidelined, stating that the inner circle deliberately portrayed him as a “backstabber” in Jagan’s eyes.
It is not immediately known under what banner Sai Reddy is going to launch his padayatra. But the focus of his padayatra might be countering corruption allegations, rebuilding his political credibility and demonstrating grassroots strength.
Speculation is rife that Sai Reddy may eventually align with the BJP or launch an independent political platform, depending on public response during the padayatra.
His reported connections with senior BJP leaders in Delhi have added weight to such discussions.
His warning that “Jagan has no future unless he gets rid of the coterie” has now become a major talking point within YSRCP circles.
He is likely to focus on splitting the Telugu Desam Party-Jana Sena-BJP coalition.
“Maybe, he will focus on strengthening the BJP, so that it will chart out an independent path with the support of Jana Sena,” sources said.