Nagari’s political equations change as Gali family splits between TD and YSRC
Gali Jagadeesh, brother of sitting Telugu Desam MLA Gali Bhanu Prakash, is set to join YSRC
Tirupati: The political equations in Nagari are undergoing a dramatic transformation as the YSR Congress makes a strategic move to regain lost ground through a new leadership.
In a significant development, Gali Jagadeesh, brother of sitting Telugu Desam MLA Gali Bhanu Prakash, is set to join YSRC, marking a split within the influential Gali family. Jagadeesh’s induction is expected for Saturday in the presence of party chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at his Tadepalli residence.
The move comes at a crucial time for the YSRC, which faced a setback in Nagari during the 2024 Assembly elections. Its firebrand leader and former minister RK Roja lost to Bhanu Prakash. Roja, who was a two-time MLA and a prominent face of the party in the region, subsequently distanced herself from political activities.
Senior YSRC leader and former minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy is leading efforts to restructure the party’s leadership in Nagari, with Jagadeesh’s entry being a key part of this strategy.
Jagadeesh, the son of late minister Gali Muddukrishnama Naidu, had initially sought a TD ticket for the 2024 elections. However, the party favoured his brother Bhanu Prakash. A huft Jagadeesh gravitated towards YSRC and reportedly secured an assurance for the party’s ticket in the 2029 elections.
Jagadeesh’s shift not only adds a new dimension to Nagari’s political landscape but also highlights the growing divide within the Gali family.
While Roja’s supporters claim she played a role in facilitating Jagadeesh’s entry into YSRC, sources close to Jagadeesh suggest that she initially opposed his induction but was overruled by the party’s high command. However, this change of sides is likely to have far-reaching consequences. Bhanu Prakash, who emerged as a strong TD leader following his victory, will now have to navigate political challenges from within his own family.
Political analysts believe that the YSRC’s move is not just about sidelining Roja but also about rebuilding its base in Nagari. “With Roja’s influence fading, the party is looking for a new power centre in the constituency. Jagadeesh’s political ambitions align with the YSRC’s need for resurgence, setting the stage for an intense power struggle,” said Ramakrishna Naidu, a political observer.
