The buzz in the YSRCP is about two of its key leaders – Rajya Sabha member and party general secretary V Vijaya Sai Reddy and Jagan’s best buddy and AP Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath. The rumour mill is abuzz that Vijaya Sai could replace Buggana soon.
Insiders say that Vijaya Sai may not be made a Rajya Sabha member again. The party is planning to send Yadava leader Beeda Mastan Rao, a Kamma and a BC leader to the Rajya sabha. The fourth Rajya Sabha vacancy, according to sources, would be filled by a nominee of Gautam Adani. Vijaya Sai is likely to be inducted into the state cabinet and be made the finance minister for the cash strapped state.
Sources say that Jagan would achieve two objectives through this one move. He would replace Buggana, who is seen as a failure when it comes to borrowing from the Centre. He is being seen as too mild to negotiate with the Centre and other lenders. Buggana would be suitably rehabilitated in the bargain and Vijaya Sai, known for his fund management abilities, would be brought in to manage the finance minister.
According to YSRCP insiders, Jagan is also wary of Vijaya Sai Reddy’s activities. Vijaya Sai is slowly building a base for himself at the Centre and is quite close to the BJP establishment in New Delhi. His recent meeting with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat too is a matter of concern for Jagan. Hence, by bringing him to the state politics, his links to the national politics could be cut off, sources say.