Vamsi’s Wife to enter Politics?

The political chapter of Vallabhaneni Vamsi Mohan, former Gannavaram MLA, appears to be coming to a close. After switching sides from TDP to the ruling YSR Congress and facing a slew of controversies and legal troubles, Vamsi is now out of political action and behind bars. Amid this, an interesting development is unfolding his wife, Pankaja Sri, who has until now remained away from public and political life, is reportedly preparing to step into the political arena.

According to sources, Pankaja is expected to make her political debut at an upcoming constituency-level YSRCP meeting in Gannavaram, scheduled for Saturday. Former Minister Perni Nani will also be attending the meeting, and the party is likely to formally announce Pankaja’s political entry there.

Gannavaram has seen almost no YSRCP activity for over a year, especially after both Vamsi and the party lost miserably in the 2024 elections. Following his defeat, Vamsi distanced himself from the constituency. His recent arrest in Hyderabad and continued detention in jail, due to pending cases — have only further dimmed his political prospects. His health has reportedly worsened during incarceration, leading to speculation that he may not return to active politics anytime soon.

With this context in mind, the YSRCP leadership is said to have come up with a strategic plan: field Pankaja Sri as Vamsi’s political replacement. Though initially hesitant, Vamsi reportedly agreed to the proposal after being persuaded by the party’s leadership. Insiders suggest that the party believes her political entry could also help manage Vamsi’s legal troubles more effectively.

Though Pankaja is new to politics, analysts believe she could perform well, especially with the backing of the YSRCP machinery. Educated and seen as a fresh face, her candidacy is viewed as a potential reset for the party in Gannavaram.