The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) led by Jagan Mohan Reddy continues to face setbacks, as key leaders are gradually exiting the party. The latest departure is senior leader Balineni Srinivasa Reddy, who announced his decision to leave YSRCP and join the Jana Sena Party. He met Jana Sena chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan this evening, where they discussed his entry into the party. Sources suggest that Pawan Kalyan warmly welcomed him.
In a press briefing before the meeting, Balineni made scathing comments about the YSRCP leadership, particularly targeting Jagan Mohan Reddy. He expressed his frustration over the lack of recognition for his contributions, stating that despite making numerous sacrifices for the party, Jagan never acknowledged him in any public meeting. In contrast, he mentioned that Pawan Kalyan, despite having no prior personal connection, had spoken favorably about him on multiple occasions.
Balineni, in an emotional outburst, spoke of the challenges he faced within YSRCP, revealing that he had endured hardships. He also criticized Jagan’s leadership, accusing him of being unreceptive to public concerns and of showing no change in attitude even after recent electoral setbacks.
Additionally, Balineni expressed his displeasure with certain rumors circulating on social media, specifically reports suggesting that he had blackmailed Jagan. He denied these claims and stated that he had, in fact, lost assets by trusting Jagan. Despite enduring numerous difficulties, he had remained loyal to YSRCP in the past but clarified that his move to Jana Sena was not motivated by the pursuit of power.
Balineni emphasized that positions of power were unimportant to him, with self-respect being his priority. He recounted how he had previously resigned from a ministerial position and now joins Jana Sena without setting any conditions, vowing to follow Pawan Kalyan’s leadership. He also announced that a large public meeting would be held in Ongole, where he would officially don the Jana Sena party colors.
Following his meeting with Pawan Kalyan, Balineni updated his social media profile picture to a photograph where he is seen draping a shawl over Pawan, signaling his formal allegiance to the Jana Sena Party.