The YSRCP’s voice is almost absent in the Assembly — mainly because the party itself has imposed a self-restriction.
The leadership decided not to attend the Assembly sessions, and even if they did, there would be no chance of getting a mic to speak.
But the Legislative Council is a different story. YSRCP has enough strength there, and with the Chairman allowing mics, the party finally has a platform to question the ruling coalition.
Among those using it effectively is Anakapalli leader Varudu Kalyani, the YSRCP State Mahila President, who has emerged as a strong voice, often giving sleepless nights to the government.
Her fiery speeches in the Council are now the answer to those asking where YSRCP’s voice is heard.
Recently, her attack on the privatization of Visakha Steel Plant left the ruling party deeply uncomfortable.
At one point, Minister Nara Lokesh even lost his cool, snapping, “What have you people ever done?”
But his words backfired, with Leader of Opposition Botcha Satyanarayana questioning whether that was the respect the government shows toward women.
The heat intensified further when Lokesh hit back, saying Botcha himself had remained silent when his own mother was insulted. The debate turned the Steel Plant issue into a stormy confrontation.
Observers say the MLC succeeded in putting the issue firmly before the House and exposing the ruling party’s discomfort. Through her interventions, key problems are being highlighted in front of the public.
With other Council members also responding strongly, the Legislative Council has suddenly become the real stage for fiery political battles.