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"YSR Congress Leaders MIA After Poll Defeats: A Look at Their Disappearance"

  • 01 Nov 2024 06:19 AM
  • YSR Congress, AP elections

The recent electoral defeat of the YSR Congress Party (YCP) has left a significant void in leadership, particularly among its once-prominent figures. During Jagan Mohan Reddy's tenure as Chief Minister, the party boasted several firebrand leaders who were influential in their constituencies. However, the aftermath of the polls has seen these leaders largely absent, unable to navigate the political landscape shaped by the dominance of NDA candidates and public discontent.

Kodali Nani, a four-time MLA from Gudivada, exemplifies this trend. Despite his long-standing political career, he has reportedly been confining himself to Hyderabad, avoiding his constituency altogether. Even for official matters in Andhra Pradesh, he is said to prefer making brief stops in Vijayawada before returning to the capital, highlighting his precarious position.

Similarly, former Gannavaram MLA Vallabhaneni Vamsi has been residing in the USA for an extended period. Once a prominent figure in Gannavaram, he has faced backlash due to negative remarks he made about political rivals like Chandrababu Naidu and Lokesh during his previous term, making it challenging for him to return.

Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, another significant leader, has also been absent from his stronghold in Pungunur for the past four months, while former minister Roja remains distant from Nagari. The situation in Vijayawada is no better, with local leaders Malladi Vishnu and Vellampalli Srinivas reportedly disengaged from party activities.

In total, estimates suggest that around 50-60 YCP leaders and ex-MLAs, who once held significant sway in their constituencies, are now nowhere to be found. This absence can be attributed to the growing influence of NDA MLAs in these areas and the fraud allegations that have emerged against many of them, stemming from mismanagement during their time in power.

The current landscape presents a significant challenge for the YSR Congress as it seeks to regain its footing and rebuild its presence in Andhra Pradesh. With key leaders missing in action, the party's future strategy and cohesion remain in question as they face mounting pressure from both political opponents and an increasingly skeptical electorate.