A series of arrests involving high-profile individuals in connection with the alleged liquor scam during the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government in Andhra Pradesh has sent shockwaves through the party and dealt a major blow to party president and former Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
While there may not be an immediate threat of arrest for Jagan — since investigators have yet to find conclusive evidence linking the alleged kickbacks to the Chief Minister’s Office — the political intent is clear.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led government, under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, appears determined to corner Jagan and tarnish his image, potentially causing severe political damage ahead of the next elections.
Interestingly, political analysts believe that the arrests of certain non-political individuals in the scam have turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Jagan.
They argue that these arrests have helped him recognize who, under the guise of loyalty, actually did more harm than good to the party by indulging in corruption and misusing power.
Individuals like Raj Kesireddy, K Dhanunjaya Reddy, and P Krishna Mohan Reddy were once seen as highly influential figures within the YSRCP government. They formed a powerful inner circle around Jagan and were notorious for restricting access to him.
Grassroots leaders and party workers were often denied a chance to meet the party president or share ground realities — especially due to the gatekeeping by Krishna Mohan Reddy.
Meanwhile, Dhanunjaya Reddy reportedly went so far as to insult even senior IAS officers, including the Chief Secretary.
Now that these individuals are behind bars and facing serious legal trouble, there’s a sense of relief across the party ranks — from leaders to grassroots workers.
Many believe that these power brokers played internal games, blocked communication channels, and ultimately alienated Jagan from his own cadre.
These individuals reportedly took advantage of Jagan’s reluctance to act against close associates.
Known for not openly dismissing those who have worked closely with him, Jagan often chooses to distance himself silently rather than publicly confront or remove them. This was evident in his handling of V Vijay Sai Reddy.
Once Jagan distances himself from someone, he rarely — if ever — reconnects.
Now, with Raj Kesireddy, Dhanunjaya Reddy, and Krishna Mohan Reddy jailed with no immediate prospect of release, Jagan has an opportunity to formally move on and sever ties.
Their arrest period may serve as a transition point, enabling Jagan to treat them as outsiders once they’re out.
A similar situation applies to PSR Anjaneyulu, IPS, who served as the state’s Intelligence Chief. Instead of shielding the party from threats, he allegedly supported those who were working against it.
While many believe Anjaneyulu was not personally corrupt, they say he aligned with individuals who weakened the YSRCP from within.
He is currently in jail and may not be released for at least a year, according to independent sources. If such a long separation persists, it is uncertain whether his past rapport with Jagan can be restored.
Though none of these individuals are politicians, they are now widely viewed as having caused significant harm to the party.
Since Jagan has often hesitated to act against such insiders, some YSRCP leaders believe Chandrababu Naidu and his allies are now doing the job for him — ironically to the party’s benefit.
Within the YSRCP, there is little sympathy for these arrested non-political figures. In fact, many party members are relieved — and even quietly satisfied — with their downfall.
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