The Jana Sena Party has strongly rejected reports circulating on social media that former Ongole MLA and senior leader Balineni Srinivasa Reddy is planning to quit the party and return to the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).
Balineni, who was considered close to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and had served as a minister and senior leader in the YSRCP, joined the Jana Sena after the YSRCP lost power. Since then, he has been continuing his political journey with the Jana Sena.
However, Balineni’s absence from some recent Jana Sena programmes triggered speculation about his future. Reports also claimed that he had travelled to Bengaluru, met Jagan Mohan Reddy and was preparing to return to the YSRCP.
The Jana Sena has now dismissed these reports as false and politically motivated.
Andhra Pradesh TIDCO Chairman and Jana Sena Crisis Management Committee leader Ajay Kumar strongly condemned what he described as a false and malicious campaign against Balineni.
Ajay Kumar alleged that such propaganda began soon after Balineni joined the Jana Sena. He said several claims were spread, including that Balineni would not remain in the party for long and that he was acting as a YSRCP “covert”.
He said a fresh campaign had emerged in recent days, claiming that Balineni met Jagan in Bengaluru and was planning to return to the YSRCP.
According to Ajay Kumar, these reports were part of a “false and poisonous” propaganda campaign allegedly being carried out by certain media outlets favouring a particular political party or group.
Ajay Kumar categorically stated that Balineni had neither met Jagan nor was he planning to leave the Jana Sena.
He said he was making the statement with full responsibility and described Balineni as a senior leader whose presence was important for the growth of the party.
Ajay Kumar also said Balineni was committed to supporting Jana Sena workers and fighting for their interests so that party cadre received due recognition in the coalition government.
He further alleged that Balineni was facing attacks from opposition parties as well as certain sections within the ruling alliance because of his political stature and his support for party workers.
Interestingly, however, the clarification has come from a Jana Sena leader and not from Balineni himself.
The former minister has so far chosen to remain silent on the speculation. A direct clarification from Balineni could put an end to the ongoing rumours.
