Ever since former Rajya Sabha member V Vijay Sai Reddy resigned from the YSR Congress Party and relinquished his parliamentary seat, party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy has completely severed ties with him.
Initially, Jagan did not express any personal animosity toward Sai Reddy following his exit, aside from a pointed remark that those who left the YSRCP due to threats, fear, or pressure lacked personal integrity, credibility, and respect.
In fact, Sai Reddy himself admitted that Jagan had made several attempts to dissuade him from quitting the party.
Reportedly, Jagan even warned him against aligning with NDA allies, cautioning that they would eventually crush him politically.
Likewise, Sai Reddy refrained from making any harsh statements against Jagan, only alleging that the YSRCP chief was surrounded by a coterie of advisors who were misleading him.
However, the exposure of the alleged liquor scam appears to have escalated tensions between the two.
According to sources, Sai Reddy — who was questioned multiple times by the Andhra Pradesh Police Special Investigation Team (SIT) — reportedly provided them with key information related to the scam.
Based on his inputs, the SIT arrested several individuals, including Raj Kesireddy, K. Dhanunjaya Reddy, and P. Krishna Mohan Reddy.
It is believed that another close associate of Jagan, said to be involved in his business empire, was also taken into custody following Sai Reddy's disclosures.
“This development infuriated Jagan, as the arrested individual is considered very close to him. Whatever soft corner he may have had for Sai Reddy has now vanished. Jagan now sees the former MP as an adversary,” sources said.
Jagan is also reported to have told his close aides that if he returns to power in four years, Sai Reddy will be on his list of targets — and that he would ensure he does not go unpunished.