YSR Congress Party Chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy has finally realised that his party is weak in Vijayawada, the hot-bed of Andhra Pradesh state politics and making swift moves to strengthen the party there. The party is mainly lacking credible leadership, who can brought success to the party.

The recent defection of former MLA Vellampalli Srinivas from BJP is certainly makes the party supreme in Vijayawada (West) constituency. In fact Srinivas tried to join the party in 2014 itself. But as Jagan decided to opt for a Muslim candidate, in view of large number of Muslim population in the constituency, Srinivas tried for TDP seat. As TDP allotted this seat to BJP, he quickly jumped and contested as its candidate.

Present MLA Jaleel Khan had jumped from YSRCP to TDP expecting a ministerial berth. However, due to TDP alliance with BJP, now it would be difficult for TDP go get most of Muslim votes, for which YSRCP would be only alternate. Srinivas joining would be a boost for YSRCP’s morale also in the constituency.

However, being the state capital, Jaganmohan Reddy sensing the absence of a visible leadership for the party in Vijayawada. So, now he seems to be eyeing on City Congress President Malladi Vishnu, who was a close associate of Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

First, Jagan attempted for former minister Devineni Nehru, who at one stage was ready to join YSRCP. But, as a section of YSRCP leaders in the city opposed his entry, he remained calm and recently joined TDP.

Presently, Malladi Vishnu is the lone visible leader for Congress in the city. Rajasekhara Reddy appointed him as UDA Chairman and later made him MLA also. Due to some ego clashes with few of YSRCP leaders in the city, he said to be remain at distant to the party. Now, Jagan said to be evolving strategy to attract him into the party.

His entry would be helpful for the party to attract substantial section of Brahmin votes also all through the state.