Former YSR Congress party general secretary V Vijay Sai Reddy on Wednesday blamed it on the coterie around party president Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy for his decision to resign from the party and his Rajya Sabha membership a couple of months ago.
Speaking to reporters after being questioned by the Crime Investigation Department in connection with the forcible acquisition of shares in Kakinada Seaports Pvt Ltd, Sai Reddy said Jagan was under the influence of coterie around him.
He said he had decided to step out of the party after realising that he no longer held a place in Jagan’s inner circle.
"Jagan’s future depends on freeing himself from this coterie of a group of leaders. A true leader should not believe in mere words," he remarked.
Sai Reddy alleged that Jagan’s close aides acted as gatekeepers, ensuring that no information reached the chief minister unless they stood to benefit from it.
"If you want to send a message to Jagan or introduce someone new to him, this group must get something in return. Only then will they grant access to him. A leader should not believe in mere words; doing so harms not just him but also his party and the people," he warned.
Sai Reddy accused second-rank leaders in YSRCP of creating misunderstandings between him and Jagan Mohan Reddy, ultimately leading to his isolation from the chief minister’s inner circle.
"For three and a half years, I endured humiliation. Every step I took downward was used by others to climb upward. Many people played a role in this. However, I have no regrets about leaving the party,” he said.
The former Rajya Sabha member said during his stay in the YSRCP, he had worked sincerely.
"I clearly told Jagan that if I no longer have a place in your heart, then I see no reason to stay in this party. That is why I am leaving,” he said.
He said he had also warned Jagan not to let the people around him mislead him.
“Understand the difference between truth and lies before making decisions. Only then will you serve the people effectively. You must continue to work for the public, but do not listen to these individuals around you,” he said.
Sai Reddy confirmed that he had no intention of rejoining YSRCP, saying "Ghar Wapsi (homecoming) does not apply to me."
He said he was currently focused on agriculture and had no plans to join another political party at this time.