A year after the Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government was formed, defections to the opposition YSR Congress Party appear to have begun.
A prominent political family, long associated with the TDP, is reportedly preparing to join the YSRCP.
The family in question belongs to the late Sugavasi Palakondrayudu, a former MLA from Kadapa district — Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s home turf — with significant political influence in the Rayachoti region.
Once considered a pillar of the TDP since its inception, the Sugavasi family is now preparing to switch allegiance to the YSRCP.
Sugavasi Palakondrayudu, a veteran politician and contemporary of both N Chandrababu Naidu and the late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, had a distinguished political career.
He was elected as an MLA from Rayachoti in 1978 on a Janata Party ticket and again in 1983 as an Independent. He later joined the TDP, winning as MP from Rajampet in 1984 and serving as Rayachoti MLA in 1999 and 2004.
His political successor, Sugavasi Balasubrahmanyam, contested the 2024 Assembly elections from Rajampet but lost. After making a brief appearance at post-election party events, he distanced himself from the TDP and recently resigned, citing neglect and a lack of response to his concerns.
In his resignation letter to Chandrababu Naidu, Balasubrahmanyam reportedly stated that his decision was made after consultations with his supporters.
Sources say his resignation came after backchannel discussions with senior YSRCP leaders. The YSRCP views the Sugavasi family's entry as a strategic boost — particularly in consolidating support from the Balija community.
Balasubrahmanyam is believed to have been offered the opportunity to contest as MP from Rajampet in the next elections. Current MP P V Mithun Reddy is expected to shift to the Pileru constituency.
Meanwhile, Jana Sena leaders have also attempted to woo the Sugavasi family into their party, reportedly using community emissaries from the Balija community.
A meeting between Jagan Mohan Reddy and the Sugavasi family is reportedly scheduled for next week.
Supporters of the family say they are unlikely to join any other party within the NDA coalition, making their entry into the YSRCP all but certain — unless a last-minute twist changes the outcome.
