Sai Reddy Behind Parimal Nathwani Win In Rs Polls
Great Andhra
If reports in a section of national media are to be believed, former YSR Congress Party leader and ex-Rajya Sabha member V Vijayasai Reddy has allegedly played a behind-the-scenes role in the unexpected victory of businessman and parliamentarian Parimal Nathwa
ni from Jharkhand in the Rajya Sabha elections held on Thursday.
After stepping away from active politics and resigning from the YSRCP, Sai Reddy had largely remained out of the political spotlight.
However, his name has resurfaced following Nathwani’s victory in the just concluded Rajya Sabha election from Jharkhand.
Nathwani had earlier entered the Rajya Sabha from Andhra Pradesh with the support of the YSRCP during the regime of Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
With the change in political equations following the formation of the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, Nathwani was unable to secure another term from the state and instead contested from Jharkhand.
Political observers note that the ruling alliance in Jharkhand had initially worked out a formula under which the Congress and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) would secure one seat each. However, Nathwani’s entry into the contest at the last minute altered the political calculations.
Media reports had earlier suggested that Sai Reddy himself had considered filing nomination papers before eventually staying out of the race.
Speculation subsequently emerged that he had entered the scene primarily to assist Nathwani’s campaign.
With 81 MLAs participating in the election, Nathwani required 28 first-preference votes to secure victory. He reportedly obtained exactly the required number, while Congress candidate Pranav Jha managed only 20 votes and suffered a significant defeat.
Political circles in Delhi and Ranchi are now abuzz with claims that Sai Reddy played a crucial role in securing the additional votes needed for Nathwani’s victory.
According to these reports, he allegedly worked behind the scenes in Ranchi throughout the election process, helping to mobilize support beyond the BJP’s assured numbers and facilitating cross-voting from legislators within the ruling alliance.
The developments have also led to speculation over whether Sai Reddy’s future political plans could undergo a change and whether he would be able to get a footing in the saffron party.