Will Vijayasai Reddy Join the BJP?

Questions are being asked in Andhra Pradesh about the political direction of V. Vijayasai Reddy (VSR), recently a senior figure in the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), amid suggestions he could soon join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

VSR, who served two terms as a YSRCP member of the Rajya Sabha, resigned his seat and announced he was leaving politics in January 2025. This followed a heavy defeat for the YSRCP, led by former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, in the state elections.

His resignation, with over three years of his term left, created a vacancy likely to be filled by the state's ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Despite declaring an intent to retire and take up farming, VSR's recent activities indicate continued political engagement. In early March, he was seen welcoming India's Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, during a visit to Telangana. His presence alongside a Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP, without holding any official position himself, attracted comment.

His resignation statement in January also contained elements fuelling the current speculation. While thanking Jagan, he also extended specific thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah of the BJP. He referred to Pawan Kalyan, whose Jana Sena Party is allied with the BJP, as a "lifelong friend" and described past criticism of TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu as purely "political".

A long alliance under strain

A move to the BJP would represent a significant shift for VSR. He has been associated with Jagan and his family for decades, predating the YSRCP's formation. He was named as the second accused (A2), alongside Jagan (A1), in long-running legal cases concerning alleged disproportionate assets, and served time in jail with him.

During the YSRCP government (2019-2024), VSR held considerable authority as party general secretary and oversaw party affairs in the North Andhra region from Visakhapatnam.

However, during this period, he also faced allegations of wrongdoing. These included accusations related to land deals in Visakhapatnam, where critics claimed he improperly benefited from the city's designation as the state's proposed executive capital. Specific allegations involved acquiring government land cheaply and facilitating land transfers to relatives near planned infrastructure projects, such as the Bhogapuram Greenfield Road. More recently, his name surfaced in connection with the Kakinada Port case, involving claims of criminal intimidation linked to share sales and land dealings.

Reports also suggested his standing within the YSRCP was diminishing as other figures gained prominence before his eventual departure.

Since leaving the party, VSR has publicly blamed a "coterie" around Jagan for his exit. After being questioned by state investigators in April, he stated his position within the party had fallen significantly, "from No. 2 to 2000". He has also recently positioned himself on social media as a "whistle-blower" regarding alleged wrongdoing during the YSRCP term, stating he would help "disrobe" those involved in the liquor scam.

SIT adds pressure

VSR's potential political realignment is happening as he faces scrutiny from investigations launched by the new TDP-led state government, in which the BJP is a junior partner.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was established in February 2025 to examine an alleged large-scale liquor scam said to have occurred under the YSRCP. The inquiry concerns the state beverage corporation's operations, with claims of favouritism towards certain distilleries and alleged kickbacks potentially amounting to ₹4,000 crore over five years.

VSR attended questioning by the SIT on 18 April. Afterwards, he denied personal involvement but named Kasireddy Rajasekhar Reddy (Raj Kasireddy), a former IT advisor in the Jagan government, as the key figure or "mastermind" behind the alleged scheme.

Kasireddy, described as an associate of Jagan, was detained by the SIT on April 21. This followed the Andhra Pradesh High Court reportedly refusing him protection from arrest. He had earlier indicated he would challenge Vijayasai Reddy's version of events.

Another senior YSRCP MP, P.V. Midhun Reddy, was also questioned by the SIT for several hours on 19 April, describing the investigation as "political harassment".

Separately, VSR is understood to be under investigation by the central Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the Kakinada Port allegations.

This mix of legal pressure and political realignment follows a pattern seen elsewhere in India: opposition figures facing investigation later join the ruling BJP – a trend critics call the "washing machine" effect.

The BJP's considerations

For the BJP, recruiting VSR could offer pathways to increase its influence in Andhra Pradesh, where it currently holds limited legislative strength. His long association with Jagan means he likely possesses valuable information about the YSRCP. Some observers suggest he might potentially agree to provide evidence in the outstanding legal cases against Jagan, which could significantly affect BJP's political chokehold on the former chief minister. This proximity with the YSRCP could potentially work to keep a check on the TDP as well.

However, the BJP is part of a state government led by the TDP's Chandrababu Naidu. The TDP has driven the investigations into the previous YSRCP administration. Bringing VSR, a central figure from that administration, into the NDA fold would likely require Naidu's agreement to avoid friction within the coalition. Some reports speculate Naidu's approval was considered essential.

YSRCP response

Senior YSRCP figures have pushed back against VSR's recent statements. Y.V. Subbareddy contested the "coterie" claim, stating VSR himself had held significant power and that all authority ultimately rested with Jagan. Another leader, Ambati Rambabu, suggested VSR was now acting at the behest of Naidu.

Vijayasai Reddy's next steps remain uncertain. His political future appears tied to the outcome of the ongoing investigations and the strategic decisions made within Andhra Pradesh's ruling coalition. While he has publicly denied seeking the Rajya Sabha seat he vacated, his actions continue to suggest a return to the political arena is under consideration.

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