Vijay Sai Reddy vs Raj Kasireddy: Friends turned foes

The Andhra Pradesh liquor scam has exposed several hidden aspects of the YSR Congress Party’s internal dynamics and political troubles. Many once considered close to party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy have either left the party or are now entangled in legal controversies.

Today, the YSRCP faces its biggest challenge yetm an existential crisis. But what exactly caused the rift between Vijay Sai Reddy and Raj Kasireddy? How did friends become bitter rivals? Was it simply a clash of egos?

Here’s a look at their saga:

Vijay Sai Reddy

V. Vijay Sai Reddy once held the powerful position of No. 2 in the YSR Congress Party, second only to Jagan Mohan Reddy. However, over time, his influence steadily declined. His controversial activities in Vizag earned him a bad reputation, leading to Jagan’s growing mistrust. Eventually, Sai Reddy lost his prominent status and became a largely irrelevant figure within the party.

Recently, Sai Reddy resigned from the YSRCP, blaming a coterie of close aides for his exit.

Raj Kasireddy

Rajasekhar Reddy Kasireddy, popularly known as Raj Kasireddy, was once Jagan’s trusted IT advisor. After a successful career in corporate companies in the USA, Kasireddy returned to Hyderabad and became an important part of Prashant Kishor’s I-PAC team, helping devise Jagan’s election strategy for the 2019 polls. Following YSRCP’s victory, he was appointed as the state’s IT Advisor.

How did Vijay Sai Reddy and Raj Kasireddy fall out?

Initially, Vijay Sai Reddy and Raj Kasireddy worked closely, strategizing contracts related to liquor companies and distilleries. Early meetings reportedly took place at Sai Reddy’s residence, where Sai Reddy allegedly received a share of the kickbacks.

However, tensions grew when Raj Kasireddy gradually sidelined Sai Reddy and took full control of the liquor dealings. This power shift reportedly created a deep wedge between them.

After the YSRCP’s defeat in the recent elections, Sai Reddy realized that his influence with Jagan was irreparably damaged. Moreover, Jagan grew wary of Sai Reddy’s increasing proximity to BJP leaders like Amit Shah and PM Modi, whereas Raj Kasireddy continued to remain loyal to Jagan.

Thus, what started as a strong political partnership ended in mutual distrust and public accusations.