Vijay Sai Reddy vows to launch ‘third alternative’, targets TDP and YSRCP

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Former YSR Congress Party leader V. Vijaya Sai Reddy on Monday announced plans to launch a new regional political party in Andhra Pradesh, declaring that people were fed up with the TDP and YSRCP and accusing both parties of reducing State politics to a battle between two families and factional politics. Addressing a press conference in Vijayawada, Vijaya Sai Reddy said his proposed party would seek to provide a third viable political alternative and would focus on five key issues—reducing the financial burden on households, bringing down prices, expanding irrigation and water storage, ensuring affordable electricity and creating better education and employment opportunities.

He said the party would be formally launched after Dasara, following press conferences in Anantapur, Visakhapatnam and Tirupati and a subsequent conclave where its name and flag would be announced. In a significant political announcement, Vijaya Sai Reddy said neither he nor any member of his family would be the party’s Chief Ministerial candidate. He said the post should be open to capable leaders from communities that had historically remained away from power, including BCs, SCs, STs, minorities and other social groups.

On his policy agenda, he promised free electricity for households and farmers, arguing that Andhra Pradesh could become a solar-powered State through a combination of Central and State subsidies. He also proposed reducing taxes on petroleum products to bring petrol prices below Rs.100 a litre and lower transportation costs and prices of essential commodities.

On irrigation, he proposed tripling the State’s water storage capacity from around 1,000 TMC to 3,000 TMC, arguing that this would protect agriculture and drinking-water supplies during prolonged droughts. He demanded a CBI probe into alleged APPSC and DSC recruitment irregularities, while proposing an Andhra Pradesh Teaching Service for transparent teacher recruitment. He also promised a Graduate Bridge Allowance for unemployed youth for a fixed period after graduation.

On religion, Vijaya Sai Reddy said he was not opposed to any faith but warned that those involved in forced religious conversions would face UP-style treatment, while stressing that he supported all citizens who respected the law. Calling the people of Andhra Pradesh his political godfathers, he said he would undertake a statewide padayatra covering all 660 mandals, insisting that it would be aimed at meeting people rather than setting records.