Sajjala Hits Back at Vijayasai Reddy, Says Personal Attacks Won’t Weaken YSRCP

YSR Congress Party State Coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy has launched a sharp counterattack against former MP Vijayasai Reddy, accusing him of creating confusion within the party through his recent remarks against YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Addressing the media at the party headquarters in Tadepalli on Sunday, Sajjala said Vijayasai Reddy appeared to be seeking political attention by repeatedly targeting Jagan. He alleged that criticism of the former Chief Minister was being amplified by sections of the media and that personal controversies were being pushed into the spotlight instead of discussions on public issues.

According to Sajjala, Jagan Mohan Reddy remains the undisputed centre of the YSRCP, with no room for a “number one” and “number two” hierarchy within the party. He said Jagan alone is the party’s leader, while everyone else works as a party worker.

He credited Jagan’s leadership with taking the YSRCP to its sweeping victory in the 2019 Assembly elections, arguing that attempts to question his role or leadership would not affect the party.

Sajjala also rejected Vijayasai Reddy’s claim that he had been sidelined within the organisation. He said Vijayasai had been entrusted with several important responsibilities, including being a Rajya Sabha member, national general secretary, parliamentary party leader and coordinator for party activities in North Andhra.

Questioning the allegation that Vijayasai had been ignored since 2020, Sajjala asked why he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha for another term in 2022.

The YSRCP leader further pointed to what he described as contradictions in Vijayasai Reddy’s statements after leaving the party. While Vijayasai had initially maintained that his decision was based on personal reasons and that he had no differences with anyone, he has now blamed Sajjala for his exit, Sajjala said.

He also dismissed allegations that Jagan encouraged religious conversions, saying the Y.S. family has always respected people of all faiths. Vijayasai Reddy, who has known the family for decades, should be aware of that, he added.

Sajjala said Vijayasai Reddy was free to pursue his own political ambitions or even launch a new party. However, he maintained that building a political career by targeting Jagan and the YSRCP was unfair.

On the party’s future, Sajjala insisted that the YSRCP had not weakened after the 2024 elections and was instead working to strengthen its organisational structure. He said the party was preparing for local body elections and the 2029 general elections, while also claiming it was ready to face an early election if necessary.

Reiterating the party’s position on electoral reforms, Sajjala said elections should be held only after voter lists are thoroughly cleaned by removing the names of dead, absent and non-existent voters.