Amaravati
In a significant blow to the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) in Andhra Pradesh, Narasaraopet MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu tendered his resignation on Tuesday. The MP stepped down from both the primary membership of the party and his position in the Lok Sabha, citing recent developments within the party. Devarayalu pointed out the prevailing uncertainty within the YSRCP but emphasized that he bears no responsibility for the situation. He highlighted that the party is contemplating fielding an alternative candidate in the upcoming elections. Having secured a substantial majority in the previous election, Devarayalu asserted that he dedicated his efforts to the development of his constituency. He becomes the third MP from the ruling party to resign in the last 15 days, with speculations suggesting a potential move to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). This development follows the exits of Kurnool MP Sanjeev Kumar and Machilipatnam MP Vallabhaneni Balashowry from the YSRCP. Balashowry has disclosed his decision to join the Jana Sena Party led by actor-politician Pawan Kalyan. The series of resignations within the YSRCP comes in the wake of changes made by party president and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to the responsibilities of Parliament and Assembly constituencies. With simultaneous elections to the Andhra Pradesh Assembly and Lok Sabha anticipated in April-May, the political landscape witnesses shifts. In the 2019 elections, the YSRCP secured 151 seats in the 175-member Assembly and triumphed in 22 out of 25 Lok Sabha seats.
