Hyderabad

Killi Kriparani Speculated to Take Over as Andhra Pradesh Congress Chief

By Editorial·13 June 2026·1 min read

A photorealistic wide shot of a dignified Indian female politician in her late 50s, wearing an elegant traditional saree...

Speculation is growing in Srikakulam district that former Union minister Killi Kriparani could be appointed as the president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC). Kriparani, who hails from the Tekkali Assembly constituency in Srikakulam, is reportedly being considered by the Congress party leadership to lead its political strategy in the state.

Kriparani, a medical doctor who belongs to the Backward Classes (BC), originally joined the Congress party in 2004. She contested the Lok Sabha election from Srikakulam immediately after joining, and although she lost her first attempt, she established a strong political presence in the region.

In the 2009 general elections, Kriparani secured a significant victory by defeating senior Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader Kinjarapu Yerrannaidu. This high-profile win earned her the reputation of a "giant killer" within the state's political circles. Following her victory, she served as the Union Minister of State for Communications in the UPA-II government.

After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, Kriparani remained with the Congress party and contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Srikakulam, though she was unsuccessful.

Prior to the 2019 elections, she left the Congress to join the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) with expectations of securing the Srikakulam Lok Sabha ticket. However, she was not given the opportunity to contest by the party leadership. Ahead of the 2024 elections, Kriparani returned to the Congress fold.

Congress leaders are reportedly favoring her appointment as the APCC president due to her background as a woman leader from the Backward Classes and her profession as a doctor. The party leadership believes that appointing her to the top post could help the Congress attract BC voters, who hold significant influence in the north coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Supporters of Kriparani, who has not held a major political position for nearly 15 years, believe that this potential appointment could revitalize her career and strengthen the party's presence in the state.