Vijayawada: Former YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) minister and Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Botcha Satyanarayana is reportedly facing an unexpected political challenge as discussions intensify regarding his brother, Lakshman Rao, potentially joining the Jana Sena Party. Sources indicate that Lakshman Rao has initiated talks with key leaders of the Jana Sena and is expected to formally join the party around the Dasara festival.
Lakshman Rao’s decision to transition to the Jana Sena appears to be driven by his aspirations for a political career. Having spent the last decade trying to enter politics, he has reportedly sought opportunities similar to those of his brother but has not received support from the YSRCP. Allegations have emerged that Lakshman Rao played a role in undermining YSRCP candidate Appalanayudu during the recent assembly elections in the Nellimarla constituency, which contributed to the latter’s defeat. Furthermore, it has been suggested that he has facilitated the entry of seven sarpanches loyal to him into the Jana Sena, thus indirectly supporting the coalition’s success.
In a strategic move, Lakshman Rao initially considered joining the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to bolster coalition efforts. However, following the YSRCP’s poor performance in the elections, he has reportedly engaged in discussions with leaders from both the TDP and Jana Sena regarding a potential party shift. It is now believed that he has finalized his decision to join the Jana Sena and will do so in the presence of party chief and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan in the near future.
This anticipated entry of Lakshman Rao into the Jana Sena has raised concerns for Botcha Satyanarayana, with sources in Vijayawada suggesting that this development could pose a significant political setback for both him and the YSRCP.