Following the recent assembly elections where the YSR Congress Party faced a setback, a growing number of leaders have been stepping down from the party. This exodus includes several senior figures, with speculation that others may soon follow the example of Balineni and Samineni. There are also rumors about two former ministers planning their departure. Even some leaders who were once close confidants of Jagan are now exploring other political opportunities. Notably, former MLA Rapaka Varaprasad, who was the only successful candidate from the Jana Sena Party in the 2019 elections, has now resigned from YSRCP.
Rapaka Varaprasad, who initially won as the MLA from Rajolu on a Jana Sena ticket, later shifted his allegiance to the YSR Congress Party due to changing political dynamics. During his time with YSRCP, he was vocal in his criticism of Pawan Kalyan, the leader of Jana Sena. In the recent elections, Rapaka contested as the YSRCP candidate for the Amalapuram MP seat but was unsuccessful. After his defeat, he gradually distanced himself from the party’s activities. While YSRCP leaders claimed that the opposition’s victory was due to EVM manipulation, Rapaka created a stir by bluntly stating that voters had simply not supported YSRCP.
Following widespread speculation about his departure from YSRCP, Rapaka Varaprasad has officially announced his resignation from the party. He shared his disappointment, stating that despite his commitment and hard work, he felt undervalued and disrespected by the party leadership. Rapaka pointed out that the decision to award the ticket to Gollapalli Suryarao demonstrated a lack of trust in his abilities. He further explained that he reluctantly ran for the MP seat based on the recommendations of senior party members. In light of these circumstances, he has decided to completely withdraw from any association with YSRCP.
Although Rapaka Varaprasad is making efforts to rejoin the Jana Sena Party, he is facing strong resistance from both the party leadership and its activists regarding his return. Consequently, rumors have surfaced that he is gearing up to join the TDP. Reports indicate that he has been in talks with the district minister about this potential shift. However, his established connections with the Jana Sena are complicating his entry into TDP.
After winning as an MLA in 2009 with the Congress Party and again in 2019 with the Jana Sena, he is now faced with uncertainty regarding his political direction. If he receives the go-ahead from TDP leadership, he is likely to align himself with the party and adopt its yellow colors.