Balineni’s Future In Jeopardy

YCP senior leader and minister Balineni Srinivas Reddy’s future is precarious what with their party boss and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy making it clear that he would not call Srinivas but look into his matter only when the latter approaches Jagan by himself.

Balineni joined the YCP quitting the Congress and Jagan also reciprocated this gesture by giving prominence to him in the party, as he is a close relative of the CM.

In 2014 and 2019, Jagan issued ticket from Ongole constituency to Balineni. In 2014, Balineni faced defeat yet had a say in the party. Though Balineni had discord with another senior leader and Jagan’s close relative and aide Y.V. Subba Reddy, the CM continued to tolerate his histrionics.

In 2019, Balineni clinched victory and Jagan inducted him into his Cabinet. However, during the shuffling, Jagan dropped Balineni to strike a balance in the caste equations and since then, the senior leader raised a rebellion.

Balineni was appointed as the YCP district in-charge but he resigned to the post and got involved in the fuss over transfer of police officers. Balineni continued to display his scorn against YV Subba Reddy, which extended till ignoring the CM too. At one moment, Balineni even claimed that he had taken bribe which put Jagan in a tight spot.

So, what is Balineni’s confidence in being obstreperous? Once he switches to another party, he would not attract the same respect or position and despite being aware of this fact, Balineni continued to tread the path of rebellion which led to buzz that the Tadepalli palace doors have been closed for the senior leader.

Now, it has to be seen how Balineni would handle the situation. Will he remain with the YCP or switch to another party?