Date: February 26, 2025
Mass Exodus from YSRCP: Balineni Praneeth Reddy
Major Setback for YSRCP as Leaders Flock to Janasena
The political landscape of Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a dramatic shift as several key leaders from YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) are defecting to Janasena. In a significant political development, 26 corporators from Ongole and Tirupati Municipal Corporations, led by senior leader Balineni Srinivas Reddy, have officially joined Janasena in the presence of party chief Pawan Kalyan. This mass exodus marks another major blow to YSRCP Balineni Praneeth Reddy, which is already facing internal unrest and a decline in support across key regions. The timing of this defection, just months before the 2024 general elections, makes it even more impactful.
Balineni Praneeth Reddy and Key Leaders Shift Loyalties
Among the notable figures who joined Janasena is Balineni Praneeth Reddy, son of Balineni Srinivas Reddy, a prominent leader from the Ongole region. Their move to Janasena signals a significant realignment within Andhra Pradesh’s political circles.
Pawan Kalyan warmly welcomed the new members, emphasizing that their addition strengthens the party’s grassroots network. He expressed confidence that Janasena’s growing influence will bring a new political change in Andhra Pradesh.
YSRCP’s Strength in Ongole Municipal Corporation Crumbles
Before this defection, YSRCP held 43 seats in the Ongole Municipal Corporation. However, after a series of exits, its strength has now dwindled to just four members.
Series of Defections from YSRCP to Janasena
This is not the first major defection from YSRCP to Janasena in recent months. Earlier, the mayor, deputy mayor, and 19 corporators from Ongole had already shifted their loyalty to Janasena. This latest wave of defections has further crippled YSRCP’s hold over local governance.
Similarly, in Tirupati, a large number of corporators have left YSRCP and joined Janasena under the leadership of MLA Arani Srinivasulu. These political realignments indicate Janasena’s increasing momentum ahead of the elections.
Balineni Praneeth Reddy: Why Are Leaders Leaving YSRCP?
The mass migration of leaders from YSRCP to Janasena is raising many questions about YSRCP’s internal stability. Political analysts cite multiple reasons for this shift, including:
- Discontent within YSRCP’s leadership: Many local leaders feel ignored and sidelined within the party’s hierarchy.
- Pawan Kalyan’s dynamic leadership: His aggressive approach in targeting YSRCP’s failures and his commitment to grassroots leaders have been attracting disgruntled politicians.
- Janasena’s growing popularity: With increasing support from the youth and middle class. Janasena is emerging as a serious alternative to the ruling party.
- Electoral calculations: Many politicians see Janasena’s alliance with TDP as a winning combination against YSRCP in the 2024 elections.
Janasena’s Expanding Influence in Andhra Politics
This wave of defections is a clear sign that Janasena is gaining strength ahead of the upcoming elections. Pawan Kalyan’s leadership and his strategic alliance with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) have made Janasena a strong contender in Andhra Pradesh politics.
The shifting loyalties of senior leaders like Balineni Praneeth Reddy and others reflect the growing dissatisfaction within YSRCP and indicate that Janasena is rapidly emerging as a formidable force in the state.
With elections approaching, such high-profile defections could significantly impact YSRCP’s electoral prospects, leading to a reshuffling of power in Andhra Pradesh.