Andhra Pradesh witnessed another political shake-up as Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, a Lok Sabha MP and member of the ruling YSR Congress Party, resigned from his post and party affiliation. Representing Narasaraopet in Palnadu district, Mr. Devarayalu’s departure adds to the challenges faced by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy ahead of the upcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
The resignation reportedly stems from the party’s intention to field a Backward Class candidate from Narasaraopet, part of a ‘social experiment’ leading up to the state polls. Mr. Devarayalu, angered by this decision, asserted that he is not responsible for any uncertainty within the party and criticized its senior leadership.
Emphasizing his significant victory margin in the 2019 election, Mr. Devarayalu received backing from MLAs in the district who support his re-contesting in the upcoming polls. His resignation follows the departure of two other YSRCP members – Balashowry Vallabhneni and Sanjeev Kumar.
The YSRCP’s strategy to drop or shift sitting MPs in an attempt to combat anti-incumbency has led to a series of resignations. Reports suggest that Ongole MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy and Narasapuram MP K Ramakrishna Raju may also leave the party.
As political realignments unfold, the YSRCP faces challenges from rival parties, including the TDP and Jana Sena alliance. The Congress, buoyed by a significant win in the Telangana Assembly election, has welcomed YS Sharmila into its ranks, signaling intensified competition in the upcoming elections.