In the wake of a significant electoral defeat, former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is reportedly focusing on a revamp of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). Following the loss, several senior party leaders have publicly criticized Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, accusing him of misleading Jagan with inaccurate feedback, which they claim contributed to the defeat.
Sajjala, who was regarded as the second most influential figure during Jagan’s previous tenure, has been blamed for bringing a negative reputation to the party and government. Allegations of overstepping his authority, particularly in handling cases against TDP leader N. Chandrababu Naidu and influencing key bureaucratic postings, have surfaced.
In response to these criticisms, Jagan appears to have taken action. On Wednesday, he appointed new regional coordinators, notably omitting Sajjala from any key roles. The new appointments include Mithun Reddy for Guntur and Prakasam, Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy for Chittoor and Nellore, Alla Ayodhya Rami Reddy for Krishna, Botsa Satyanarayana for East and West Godavari, Vijayasai Reddy for Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam, and Y.V. Subba Reddy for Kadapa, Anantapur, and Kurnool.
In a notable shift, Vijayasai Reddy, who was earlier removed from his role as regional coordinator for Visakhapatnam, has been reinstated. Previously replaced by Y.V. Subba Reddy, Vijayasai Reddy now takes charge of Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam districts once again.
Reports indicate longstanding tensions between Vijayasai Reddy and Sajjala, with a power struggle during the party’s time in government. While Sajjala held more influence during that period, the recent reshuffle is seen as a move by Jagan to diminish Sajjala’s prominence and increase Vijayasai Reddy’s role in party leadership.
This leadership shake-up is being closely watched, as it signals a major restructuring of YSRCP ahead of future political battles.