A day after YSR Congress party president and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy gave a clear indication that there is no question of allowing the return of seniors who deserted the party in the difficult times, his uncle and former minister Balineni Srinivas Reddy met Jana Sena Party president and deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan.
Balineni, along with his son Praneeth Reddy, met Pawan Kalyan at the Jana Sena Party’s central office in Mangalagiri on Wednesday evening.
The meeting lasted for about 90 minutes, and several political matters are believed to have been discussed.
Balineni, a five-time MLA from Ongole, resigned from the party in November 2024 and later joined the Jana Sena Party.
Though Pawan Kalyan promised him an important position in the party and the government, it did not happen due to resistance from the TDP.
Of late, there were reports that Balineni had sent signals to the YSRCP that he would like to return to the party.
But Jagan, who held a meeting of YSRCP leaders from Prakasam district on Tuesday, gave a clear indication that there is no question of entertaining Balineni again. He declared that Buchepalli Shivaprasad Reddy will lead the party in the district.
As a result, Balineni is standing at a political crossroads. He is believed to be keen on maintaining his political influence in Ongole and hence, he wanted to prevail upon Pawan Kalyan to give him a respectable role in the party. There are indications that he may be preparing to introduce his son into active politics.
The meeting with Pawan Kalyan is seen as part of this effort. Sources suggest that Pawan Kalyan has indicated the need for further discussions, leading to speculation that Balineni may be given a key role within the party.
Meanwhile, Jagan Mohan Reddy met party leaders from Ongole and stated that the party would move forward under the leadership of Chundur Ravi in the constituency.
