Andhra Civic Polls: Key YSRCP Leader Majji Srinivasa Rao Switches To TDP

In a significant political development ahead of Andhra Pradesh's local-body elections, senior YSRCP leader Majji Srinivasa Rao has defected to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). He joined the ruling party late Tuesday in Amaravati, alongside his daughter, Siri Sahasra, in the presence of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.

Srinivasa Rao, widely known as Chinna Srinu, currently serves as the Chairman of the Vizianagaram Zilla Parishad and is a former district president of the YSRCP. His departure is considered a major organisational loss for the opposition party, given his reputation as a key grassroots organiser with close ties to party chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. He is also a close relative of former minister and senior YSRCP leader Botsa Satyanarayana.

Having entered active politics with the YSRCP in 2015, Srinivasa Rao rose through the ranks to hold key district-level positions. His exit raises questions about the loyalty of his political network and supporters in the Vizianagaram region, which could shift allegiances to the TDP.

The timing of the defection is crucial, as the state's local-body elections are expected to be completed by October, according to the Election Department. The YSRCP has been aiming to use these polls to test its organisational strength against the ruling TDP-led NDA coalition. Party sources have indicated plans to field senior leaders and sitting legislators as candidates to maintain a strong ground presence.

For the TDP, Srinivasa Rao's entry brings valuable local expertise and familiarity with the YSRCP's grassroots machinery in North Andhra. For the YSRCP, the loss comes at a delicate moment as it attempts to rebuild its cadre following its defeat in the 2024 assembly elections.