In an unexpected move, V Vijayasai Reddy, a key figure in Andhra Pradesh politics and a trusted ally of the YSR family, has announced his resignation from Parliament and his retirement from politics. The 67-year-old chartered accountant, who has been closely associated with the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) and its leadership for over four decades, expressed his intention to leave the political arena to return to his roots in agriculture. His decision has taken the political world by surprise, especially given his prominent role in the party’s workings and his longstanding relationship with the Reddy family.
Reddy, who has been an integral part of the YSR family, made the announcement in a lengthy statement posted on social media platform X. The resignation marks the end of his involvement in active politics, and he stated that he will not be joining any other political party in the future. His departure comes at a time when the YSRCP is grappling with challenges following its poor performance in the 2024 general elections, a development that has raised questions about the party’s future.
Vijayasai Reddy’s association with the YSR family dates back to the 1980s when he married the daughter of a Congress MLA from Rayalaseema. An accomplished chartered accountant by profession, Reddy became the family’s trusted auditor and played a significant role in managing the family’s affairs. Over the years, he grew closer to the late Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy, who served as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Despite his influential position, Reddy was known for his low-key approach to politics, staying away from the public eye and focusing on getting things done behind the scenes. His influence, however, was undeniable, and he was instrumental in Jagan Mohan Reddy’s foray into the media business in 2007-08.
The political journey of Vijayasai Reddy took a significant turn after the tragic death of Dr. YSR in a helicopter crash in 2009. Reddy, along with Jagan Mohan Reddy, became embroiled in politically motivated cases, leading to their arrest and imprisonment for over a year. Following their release, Reddy joined politics, initially serving as the general secretary of YSRCP and becoming a close advisor to Jagan. Although the party did not achieve power in the 2014 elections, Reddy managed to secure a seat in the Rajya Sabha in 2016, becoming the first member of YSRCP to enter the upper house of Parliament. He was also appointed as the leader of the YSRCP’s Parliamentary Party, a position he held until his resignation.
In 2019, the YSRCP achieved a resounding victory in the Andhra Pradesh assembly elections, with Jagan Mohan Reddy taking office as Chief Minister. Vijayasai Reddy’s influence within the party grew significantly, and he was tasked with maintaining good relations with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government. His calm demeanor, intelligence, and ability to navigate the political landscape earned him respect across party lines, and he became a key player in several important parliamentary standing committees.
However, the recent defeat of the YSRCP in the 2024 general elections appears to have shaken Reddy, who was visibly upset by the party’s performance. His resignation, which comes shortly after this setback, has raised speculation about his future role in the party and the political sphere. As he bids farewell to active politics, questions are being raised about how the YSRCP will adapt to his absence and whether Jagan Mohan Reddy will be able to fill the void left by his trusted confidant.
Vijayasai Reddy’s retirement marks the end of an era for the YSR family, as he has been a constant figure by their side for over 40 years. His decision to step away from politics and return to agriculture is a personal one, but it also signals the end of an influential chapter in Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape. As the political future of YSRCP hangs in the balance, the coming months will reveal whether the party can continue to thrive without the guidance and support of one of its most trusted members.
