In a surprising political development, former Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (AP PCC) president Sake Sailajanath has joined the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). This move is significant as it comes after the party’s defeat in the 2024 elections, where the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance secured a landslide victory, winning 164 out of 175 seats.
A Rare Political Move
Typically, leaders prefer to join a party in power, but Sailajanath’s decision to join the opposition YSRCP—which doesn’t even hold the official opposition status—is a rare occurrence. His move is reminiscent of Botcha Satyanarayana, who joined YSRCP in 2015, despite the party losing the 2014 elections.
Sailajanath’s Political Journey
- Entered politics in 2004, winning as an MLA under YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s leadership.
- Served as a Government Whip and later won again in 2009, becoming a minister in the Congress government.
- Played a key role as the convener of Seemandhra Congress MLAs during the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
- Held the position of AP PCC president from 2020 to 2022.
With his entry, Sailajanath adds significant experience and leadership strength to YSRCP as the party regroups and strategizes for the future.
