In a significant development from Hyderabad, former MP V Vijayasai Reddy underwent extensive questioning by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) at its Basheerbagh office on Thursday. The interrogation lasted approximately seven hours, during which Reddy made several bold claims regarding the alleged liquor scam and his political standing within the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).
Reddy's Assertions on Jagan's Involvement
Vijayasai Reddy categorically stated that former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had no knowledge whatsoever about the purported liquor scam. "Whoever was involved in the liquor scam can give information. I can't give any information as I was not involved in any way. Jagan did not know about any liquor scam and I told the same to ED," he emphasized during his interaction with media after the questioning.
He further pointed fingers at Raj Kasireddy, describing him as the "karta, karma, kriya" of the matter, suggesting his central role in the alleged irregularities.
The 'Number 2' Controversy and Political Sidelining
One of the key points raised during the ED interrogation revolved around Reddy's position within YSRCP. Investigators questioned how he, being perceived as "number 2" in the party, could remain unaware of such significant issues.
Reddy countered this by revealing that Jagan Mohan Reddy himself had clarified there is no designated "number 2" in regional parties like YSRCP. "Jagan himself told me there is no number 2 in the party. In regional parties, there is no number 2. From 1 to 100, it is the top leader only," he explained.
Allegations Against Party Coterie
The former MP made serious allegations against what he termed as a "coterie" within YSRCP. He claimed that after cases were registered, YSRCP social media handles and this inner circle began labeling him as "number 2" specifically in criminal contexts. "If it's a criminal case, I am branded as number 2; in other issues, I am not number 2," he remarked.
Reddy detailed his political decline within the party, stating that while he was initially given the "number 2" position when YSRCP came to power in 2019, this status evaporated by 2020. "I started slipping down in Jagan's heart as the coterie created insecurity in him and tried to make him believe that I would backstab him, citing the example of Chandrababu Naidu backstabbing NTR. I was sidelined from 2020. I told the same to ED," Vijayasai revealed.
Reasons for Leaving YSRCP
When questioned whether the liquor scam prompted his departure from the party, Reddy denied this connection. "I did not believe a liquor scam happened. I left because I lost the place in Jagan's heart and due to harassment by the coterie," he clarified, distancing himself from the scandal while attributing his exit to internal politics and personal marginalization.
Property Allegations and Future Plans
Addressing accusations from "Jagan's coterie" and "YSRCP social media" that he looted hundreds of crores in Visakhapatnam, Reddy offered full transparency. "I will disclose all my properties," he declared, while distinguishing his assets from those of the Aurobindo Group, with which his daughter is affiliated through marriage.
He firmly ruled out becoming an approver in the case, asserting, "If I was involved, I would have turned approver already."
Political Future and BJP Alignment
Looking ahead, Vijayasai Reddy expressed his intention to re-enter politics, with decisions to be made after January 25—the date he resigned from the Rajya Sabha. He hinted at forming a new political force that could align with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "the best Prime Minister, nationally and internationally."
This development marks a crucial moment in Andhra Pradesh politics, with potential implications for both YSRCP's internal dynamics and the broader political landscape as elections approach.
