Whenever pharma and infrastructure major Aurobindo Group is discussed in the media, the name of former Rajya Sabha member V Vijaya Sai Reddy often comes into the picture.
It is well known that Aurobindo Group promoter P Sarath Chandra Reddy is closely related to Sai Reddy’s family. His brother, P Rohit Reddy, who is also a director in Aurobindo Group, is married to Neha Reddy, Sai Reddy’s daughter.
The company reportedly benefited significantly during the Y S Rajasekhar Reddy government between 2004 and 2009 and later during the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy government between 2019 and 2024.
Sarath Chandra Reddy and others were earlier named by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate in connection with alleged quid-pro-quo land allotments at the Jadcherla SEZ during the YSR regime, linked to investments in companies associated with Jagan. Sai Reddy was also named as Accused No. 2 in those cases.
During the YSR Congress regime, Sai Reddy and Sarath Chandra Reddy were also accused of using political influence in connection with the transfer of valuable stakes in Kakinada Sea Ports Limited and Kakinada SEZ to Aurobindo Realty & Infrastructure Pvt Ltd at allegedly undervalued prices. The matter is under CID investigation.
Now that Sai Reddy has left the YSRCP and is planning to launch his own political party, the Aurobindo Group promoters are reportedly keen to keep a distance from his political activities.
According to sources, Sarath Chandra Reddy and Rohit Reddy have conveyed to Sai Reddy that they do not want to antagonise any political party, including the ruling Telugu Desam Party or the opposition YSR Congress Party, because of his political moves.
While family relations are expected to continue, the promoters are said to have made it clear that Sai Reddy should not interfere in their business affairs, as their business interests remain their priority.
Interestingly, reliable sources also suggest that Aurobindo Group is planning to enter the media business.
The group has reportedly acquired a television news channel that has been running at a loss for some time and has initiated steps to revive it, apparently with the aim of strengthening its media and political outreach.
However, sources say Sai Reddy will have no role in the proposed media venture.
