The rivalry between the TDP and YSR Congress has shaped Andhra Pradesh politics for years. What began as a TDP vs Congress battle evolved into TDP vs YSR Congress after Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy’s death and the state’s bifurcation.
The two parties have rarely agreed on anything, with their leaders clashing publicly for over a decade. But the 2024 election defeat left YSR Congress in deep trouble. Several of its senior leaders, facing political pressure and legal troubles, sought refuge by joining the Janasena Party.
Among them were prominent figures like Balineni Srinivasa Reddy, Samineni Uday Bhanu, Kilaru Rosaiah, and Pendem Dorababu. Once vocal defenders of YSR Congress, these leaders have gone unusually silent after joining Janasena.
Except for Nadendla Manohar, Janasena doesn’t have many senior leaders of their stature. This sudden quietness has raised questions — are they being sidelined within Janasena, or has the party’s high command deliberately kept them low-profile to maintain smooth ties with the TDP?
Many of these leaders reportedly expected significant roles in the government or party. But none materialized. Samineni Uday Bhanu was made Janasena’s NTR district president, a position seen as symbolic. Balineni was rumored to be considered for an MLC post and a cabinet berth, but nothing came of it. Kilaru Rosaiah and Pendem Dorababu too received little recognition or responsibility.
What’s more surprising is their silence on YSR Congress. Despite Jagan Mohan Reddy’s frequent criticism of the government, these leaders haven’t defended their new party or countered his statements.
This has led to growing speculation are these former YSR Congress leaders merely taking temporary shelter in Janasena and planning a return before the next elections?
