Date: July 29, 2024

TDP-JSP: No Entry for YCP Leaders?

Historic Electoral Defeat for YSR Congress

The YSR Congress (YCP) faced an unprecedented electoral defeat in Andhra Pradesh by TDP-JSP-BJP. Traditionally, an opposition leader becomes the Chief Minister (CM) and the CM transitions to the opposition leader role. However, Jagan Mohan Reddy’s scenario deviates from this norm. From being the CM, he has been reduced to an MLA, not even the opposition leader, which is a first in the state’s history.

YCP Leaders Distancing Themselves

Reports indicate that numerous YCP MLA and MP candidates for the 2024 elections are gradually distancing themselves from the party. Kilari Venkata Rosaiah, an ex-MLA who contested against Pemmasani for the Guntur parliament constituency, has already left the party. Other senior candidates are seemingly following Rosaiah’s path.

TDP and JSP’s Strategic “No Entry” Stance

Interestingly, both the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Janasena Party (JSP) have reportedly put up a “No Entry” sign for these departing YCP leaders. Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan understand that the Andhra Pradesh public and voters have decisively rejected YCP and its leaders. Thus, they aim to avoid backlash by not welcoming the rejected YCP leaders into their ranks.

YCP Leaders’ Dilemma

Despite the lack of interest from TDP and JSP, some senior YCP leaders, previously close to Jagan, believe that leaving the party is their best option. This sentiment highlights the intense aversion towards YCP at present. Many senior YCP members feel that the party is facing an existential crisis in Andhra Pradesh, and continuing to support it seems futile.

Jagan’s Efforts to Regain Trust

Jagan Mohan Reddy has been conducting protests and holding media meetings in an attempt to regain trust. However, these efforts seem insufficient to reassure the party’s senior members. Ground-level reports suggest that YCP is struggling to maintain its existence in the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh.