Date: March 19, 2025
BJP’s Operation Akarsh: A Threat to YCP’s Survival?
YCP’s Existential Crisis: Leaders Continue to Exit
The YSR Congress Party (YCP), which dominated Andhra Pradesh politics from 2019 to 2024, is now facing an existential crisis. Several senior leaders, including Alla Ramakrishna Reddy and Balineni Srinivasa Reddy, have already quit, while the party’s cadre morale is at an all-time low. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s admission of neglecting his party workers during his tenure as Chief Minister has only worsened the situation. Now, BJP’s Operation Akarsh seems to be adding to YCP’s woes.
BJP’s Operation Akarsh: A Strategic Move
According to the latest political reports, the BJP’s central leadership in Delhi has instructed its Andhra Pradesh unit to target outgoing YCP leaders.
Attracting Leaders Leaving YCP
YCP has been steadily losing leaders and cadre, with many considering alternatives like TDP (Telugu Desam Party) and JSP (Jana Sena Party). BJP, however, is working to lure these defectors into its camp instead.
Key Targets of BJP’s Operation Akarsh
✔ Adari Anand Kumar (Adari Dairy) – BJP is reportedly trying to attract this influential businessman whose dairy network spans the three northern Andhra districts, impacting thousands of dairy and agricultural farmers. His inclusion could significantly strengthen BJP in this region.
✔ Tammineni Sitaram & Dharmana Prasada Rao – BJP has reportedly extended invitations to these senior YCP leaders, though their response remains unclear.
✔ Ex-MLA with Educational Institutions – This former TDP leader switched to YCP in 2019 for political survival but later criticized Chandrababu Naidu and Lokesh. Given YCP’s downfall, he cannot return to TDP, making him a prime target for BJP.
✔ Veteran YCP Leader Seeking Rajya Sabha Berth – This leader, who recently quit YCP, is reportedly in talks with BJP. He is even willing to fund BJP’s expansion in AP if granted a Rajya Sabha seat.
Akarsh: BJP’s Strategy in Andhra Pradesh
Despite its weak performance in the 2019 elections, BJP is now shifting focus to established YCP leaders to gain political relevance in Andhra Pradesh.
By targeting disgruntled YCP members, BJP aims to:
Weaken YCP’s influence
Strengthen its own presence in Andhra Pradesh
Position itself as a strong alternative in AP politics
This strategic poaching could redefine the state’s political landscape, making BJP a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.
Conclusion: Will BJP Succeed in AP?
YCP is in turmoil, with key leaders leaving the party.
BJP’s Operation Akarsh is targeting influential YCP defectors.
The party aims to position itself as a viable political force in AP.
As Andhra Pradesh’s political dynamics evolve, it remains to be seen whether BJP can capitalize on YCP’s crisis or if TDP-JSP will remain the dominant opposition to Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Stay tuned for more updates on AP’s shifting political equations!