In a major political development, senior YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Vijayasai Reddy has announced his decision to step away from active politics, despite having three more years left in his second term, which began in 2022. Taking to social media platform X, Reddy revealed his plans to resign from his Rajya Sabha membership on January 25, 2025.
Reddy clarified that his decision was purely personal and not influenced by external pressures, stating, “I am not joining any political party or aspiring for any position, benefit, or monetary gain. This is entirely my own decision.”
Expressing gratitude to the YSR family, he said, “For four decades and three generations, the YSR family has trusted and supported me. I am indebted to them.” He also extended thanks to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for providing him with the opportunity to serve as a Rajya Sabha member twice, while acknowledging the influence of Bharathamma, who played a pivotal role in elevating his political career.
Vijayasai Reddy expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, who, he said, supported him over the past nine years. “I am thankful for the immense strength and recognition they provided me in the Telugu states,” he noted.
Reflecting on his political journey, Reddy stated, “As the Parliamentary Party leader, Rajya Sabha Floor Leader, and the Party’s National General Secretary, I have worked tirelessly for the party and the state’s interests. I acted as a bridge between the Centre and the state.”
He also addressed political differences with the TDP, clarifying that he had no personal issues with Chandrababu Naidu’s family, and reaffirmed his long-standing friendship with Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan.
Concluding his statement, Vijayasai Reddy announced his future plans to focus on agriculture, thanking the people of Andhra Pradesh, his colleagues, and party workers for their unwavering support throughout his political journey.
The resignation of Vijayasai Reddy from the Rajya Sabha marks yet another significant setback for the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), which has seen a series of high-profile exits in recent months. In September 2024, R Krishnaiah had also stepped down from his Rajya Sabha. His resignation followed those of Mopidevi Venkataramana and Beeda Mastan Rao, who vacated their MP seats and left the party in August.
With Vijayasai Reddy’s departure, the YSRCP’s strength in the Rajya Sabha has diminished sharply, dropping from 11 seats to just 7 within a span of months, signaling a challenging phase for the party at the national level.
