Rumours over other YSRCP Rajya Sabha members
Rajya Sabha MP Mopidevi Venkata Ramana, a prominent ally of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, is on the cusp of a major political shift. He is expected to resign from his post as Rajya Sabha MP on Thursday, personally delivering his resignation letter to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Currently serving as the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president for Bapatla district, Ramana is likely to resign from the party on the same day, with strong speculations that he will join the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the presence of TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu on September 6.
Reports suggest that another Rajya Sabha member, an industrialist, is also poised to step down and join the TDP. It is believed that both Venkata Ramana and the industrialist met with TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu in Hyderabad last Sunday. Sources indicate that a minister from Naidu’s previous cabinet played a pivotal role in facilitating these defections from the YSRCP to the TDP. In addition to these two MPs, rumors are swirling that three or four other leaders may also be preparing to exit the party.
Despite the YSRCP’s defeat in the assembly elections, the party still holds a considerable number of seats in the Rajya Sabha, and its presence in Delhi remains noteworthy. However, these defections are seen as a strategic move to politically weaken the YSRCP by eroding its strength in the Rajya Sabha also. The TDP, has already been making strides in capturing local bodies from YSR Congress across the State, further consolidating its position. However, Mopidevi Venkata Ramana’s disillusionment with the YSRCP has been evident for several months, particularly after he and his son were denied tickets to contest in the recent assembly elections.
This growing disenchantment, coupled with encouraging talks with TDP leaders, seems to have paved the way for his potential defection. The YSRCP has already seen the departure of several leaders following its electoral setback. Former minister Siddha Raghavrao recently resigned from the party, while former Pithapuram MLA Pendem Dorababu has also announced his intention to join the TDP, Janasena, and BJP alliance. Additionally, former MLAs Maddali Giri of Guntur West and Kilari Roshaiah of Ponnur have severed their ties with the YSRCP, adding to the party’s mounting challenges.