Vijayasai Reddy Launches New Political Party in Andhra Pradesh

Hyderabad: V. Vijayasai Reddy, former Rajya Sabha member of the YSR Congress Party, has announced the formation of a new political party named Parivartan Rajniti Party at a convention centre in Vijayawada. The launch, which drew only a modest crowd, comes amid serious allegations of corruption and money laundering leveled against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate.

The new party's stated objective is to transform Andhra Pradesh into a corruption-free state, however, responses on social media have been largely mocking. Users have ridiculed various aspects of the party's agenda, including the borrowed acronym PRP, which is reminiscent of actor Chiranjeevi's Praja Rajyam Party, and the slogan, "It is our turn now. The young will lead Andhra," with one user quipping, "Thatha, nuvvu youth enti (grandpa, how could you be a youth)."

It has also been pointed out that the name Parivartan Rajniti Party is similar to that of an existing unrecognised political party based in Delhi, raising questions about its originality. Records indicate that this party, registered in Mayur Vihar, Delhi, previously fielded a candidate with a minimal educational background, who secured only 291 votes in the recent elections for the Rishivandiyam Assembly Constituency in Tamil Nadu.

Despite the emerging criticism, major political parties in Andhra Pradesh, including Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party and the YSR Congress, appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach without making public comments. One unnamed YSR Congress leader remarked on Reddy's attempts to align his speech with that of their leaders, asserting that he has lost his standing within the party after his departure.

A notable reaction came from K.A. Paul, a preacher-turned-politician. He stated, “Parivartan should begin with Vijayasai Reddy himself. Let him first distribute lakhs of crores of rupees he looted from people to the needy and then he can talk about Parivartan.” Paul further labelled Reddy as a “BJP agent,” questioning his motives following his resignation from the Rajya Sabha, which he had previously stated was a step towards retiring from politics.

Political factions associated with the Telugu Desam Party and the YSR Congress have exchanged accusations, each branding Reddy as an agent for the rival party. Reddy, who hails from a farming background in Nellore district, rose to become a chartered accountant and served as a key financial advisor to Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

His influence extended significantly during Reddy's tenure as Chief Minister, but recent shifts indicate that Reddy's support has waned since parting ways with the YSR Congress. On the day of the party launch, Reddy refrained from critiquing either the Bharatiya Janata Party or the Jana Sena, suggesting a strategic decision in light of the ongoing legal challenges he faces, according to a BJP leader. These developments are observed closely, as they could impact the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh.