Sai Reddy sold out to Chandrababu Naidu: Jagan

YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday alleged that his party’s former general secretary and ex-Rajya Sabha member V Vijay Sai Reddy had "sold out" to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and current Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

Addressing a press conference at the party office in Tadepalli, Jagan made sharp remarks against Sai Reddy, apparently in response to the latter revealing the names of some accused in the alleged liquor scam that took place during the YSRCP government.

“What credibility does Vijay Sai Reddy have? He resigned from his Rajya Sabha seat despite having three-and-a-half years left in his term, only to benefit the Naidu-led coalition,” Jagan said.

He noted that Sai Reddy was fully aware the YSRCP did not have the numbers to reclaim the Rajya Sabha seat.

“Yet, he stepped down, knowing very well the seat would go to the TDP-led alliance,” Jagan added, accusing his former colleague of switching loyalties to Chandrababu Naidu.

Jagan appeared particularly upset with Sai Reddy’s public disclosure that Raj Kesireddy was the kingpin of the liquor scam.

The former MP reportedly told the SIT that Kesireddy was the kartha-karma-kriya (mastermind) behind the scam and hinted at further revelations in the future.

Jagan questioned the basis for such claims.

“In what way was Raj Kesireddy involved in the liquor policy? He was a technocrat and one of several advisors to the government. He held the post for only two years during the COVID period. How can anyone declare him an accused and link him to the Chief Minister’s Office?” he asked.

The YSRCP chief also claimed that Kesireddy has business ties with the current TDP MP from Vijayawada.

“Using this connection, Naidu tried to blackmail Kesireddy into turning approver. But he didn’t succumb to the pressure and has filed a case in the Supreme Court, alleging police harassment,” Jagan stated.

He further alleged that the Naidu government was attempting to build the liquor scam narrative based on statements from individuals such as former AP Beverages Corporation MD D. Vasudeva Reddy and lower-level employees like Satyaprasad and Anusha.

“Tomorrow, anyone could name even Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this case. Would they also be booked?” Jagan questioned.