Matta Sailaja

A Story of Strong, Passionate, and Loyal Leadership

I am Matta Sailaja, a seasoned grassroots leader, social reformer, and philanthropist dedicated to public service, ethical leadership, and community empowerment. I was born on 25 June 1970 in Narsapuram, where my early life was shaped by discipline, cultural values, and a deep sense of civic responsibility.

Late Sri Sarella Ganga Chalam, a highly respected Executive Engineer in the Irrigation Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh, served as a guiding force whose career stood as a model of integrity, technical excellence, and public accountability. Smt. Sarella Vijaya Susheela, a retired government employee, provided constant inspiration through her discipline, perseverance, and compassion toward society. These values became the foundation of my character and public life.

I express my keen interest and strong aspiration to take greater organizational responsibility within the YSR Congress Party, particularly as YSRCP Incharge for Razole Assembly Constituency. My objective is to further strengthen the party at the grassroots level, expand the cadre base, and effectively implement the vision and programmes of Hon’ble Former Chief Minister and President of YSR Congress Party, Shri Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Matta Sailaja

ZPTC, Matta  Sailajaravikumar Trust Founder  

Career Objective
My foremost objective is to serve society with honesty, compassion, and accountability while working for inclusive development and social justice. I strive to strengthen grassroots governance, empower women and youth, improve access to quality education and healthcare, promote farmer welfare, and work dedicatedly for the all-round development of Razole Assembly Constituency, ensuring that welfare schemes reach the most vulnerable sections of society.

Representation Seeking Entrustment as In-Charge – Razole Assembly Constituency

Political Initiation – Indian National Congress

My political journey began in 2001 with the Indian National Congress under the leadership of the late Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. I was elected as Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) member from Chennadam Village, marking my entry into grassroots governance.

In 2004, I was elected as Mandal Parishad President (MPP), Razole Mandal. During my tenure, I worked extensively for women’s empowerment, child welfare, education, rural infrastructure, sanitation, and upliftment of marginalized communities.

Oath-Taking as Mandal Parishad President- MPP (2004)

In 2004, Smt. Matta Shailaja took the oath of office as Mandal Parishad President (MPP) under the leadership of prominent leaders MLA Shri Alluri Krishnam Raju and Smt. MLA Pamula Rajeswari, ZPTC member Shri Chelluboyina Srinivas, and Shri Venugopal and Shri Krishna. The event, held under their collective guidance and patronage, marked a significant milestone in her political career, symbolizing the trust reposed in her by senior party figures and the community.

In 2005, under my leadership, Razole Mandal was recognized as a child-labor-free mandal and received the No.1 Mandal Award at the district level.

In 2006, I was appointed as Chairperson of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), where I promoted modern agricultural practices and strengthened farmer-support systems.

Transition to YSR Congress Party and Key Participation’s

YSR Congress Party Plenary Meeting – Idupulapaya: Attended the plenary meeting and actively engaged in organisational discussions, coordination, and strengthening party structure.

YSRCP – Agitations & Movements (2011–2019)

●Lakshya Dheeksha – Vijayawada: Led and mobilized people from Razole Assembly Constituency as per Party High Command directions.
● Led and participated in the Zala Deeksha protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, along with party members from Razole Constituency
● Odarpu Yatra – Shri Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy: Actively participated and led public mobilisation from Razole Assembly Constituency across East Godavari and Guntur districts.
● Praja Sankalpa (Jagan) Padayatra: Organized and mobilized cadre and supporters from Razole Assembly Constituency and actively followed yatra programmes.
● Haritha Yatra (Ravulapalem to Polavaram): Actively participated in the party’s environmental and public outreach programme.
● Petrol Price & Electricity (Vidhyuth) Dharnas: Conducted and led dharnas in Razole Assembly Constituency whenever called by the Party High Command.
● Jagan Arrest Dharna & Bandh: Led bandh programmes protesting the political arrest of Shri Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and was arrested by local police during the agitation.
● Jail Bharo Programme: Actively led and participated during Jagan Amara Nirahara Dheeksha.
● Relay Nirahara Dheeksha: Conducted and participated in hunger strikes at Razole during party agitations.
● Highway Road Digbandham: Conducted and led road blockades in Razole Assembly Constituency as part of direct action programmes.
● Sharmila Padayatra: Actively followed and participated at Idupulapaya and Kurnool, mobilising support from Razole Assembly Constituency.
● Vijayamma Amara Nirahara Dheeksha: Led people from Razole Assembly Constituency and actively participated at Vijayawada and Guntur.

Recent Protests & Agitations (2024–2026)

● Yuvatha Poru: Actively participated and mobilized youth in Razole Assembly Constituency, raising a strong voice on youth-related issues and employment concerns.
● Fee Reimbursement Dharna: Participated in and supported dharnas demanding continuation and timely release of fee reimbursement for students, standing with parents and student communities.
● PPP Vidhanam ki Vyathireka Bike Rallies: Organized and participated in bike rallies opposing the PPP policy, mobilising party cadre and the public across villages in Razole Assembly Constituency.
● Babu Surety – Mosam Guarantee Protest: Actively participated in protests exposing false guarantees and misleading assurances, creating public awareness against anti-people policies.
● Rythulu Kosam Dharna: Actively participated in dharnas demanding justice for farmers, highlighting issues related to agriculture, input costs, and farmer welfare.
● Koti Santhakalu Sekarna against PPP Vidhanam: Actively participated in the mass signature campaign collecting public support against the PPP policy, mobilising people across villages in Razole Assembly Constituency.

Positions Held in the YSR Congress Party

YSR Congress Party – Zilla Steering Committee Member (2010–2013)
I actively served as a district-level steering committee member during the formative years of the party, contributing to organisational building, cadre coordination, and strengthening the YSRCP structure at the grassroots level.

YSR Congress Party, Co -Coordinator Razole Assembly
I worked as the First Co -Coordinator, Razole Assembly Constituency (2013–2014) – Served as the first YSRCP Co -Coordinator for Razole Assembly Constituency, playing a key role in establishing party structure, mobilising cadre, and strengthening the party’s presence at the booth, village, and mandal levels during the early growth phase of YSRCP.

Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC)(2021-present), Razole
I Elected representative serving the people of Razole through grassroots governance and development initiatives. Razole Mandal has a total of 20 MPTCs; while the YSR Congress Party lost in 15 MPTC divisions, I won as ZPTC, which clearly demonstrates my strong personal connection with the people of Razole and the deep trust they have placed in me.

Director, Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC)(2022-2024)
As a member of the Board of Directors, I strongly supported the industrial and infrastructure development of Andhra Pradesh, actively contributing to growth initiatives and development strategies under the leadership of Hon’ble Former Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party President Shri Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

The Roots – Family and Values
My roots are deeply embedded in grassroots leadership, agriculture, and public service. My grandfather served as Village President (Grama Sarpanch) for nearly 20 years, earning the trust and respect of the people through honest leadership, accessibility, and dedication to village development. His long service at the village level gave me first-hand exposure, from an early age, to public responsibility, rural governance, and the importance of standing with the people during both progress and hardship.

This strong village-level leadership legacy shaped my understanding of administration, accountability, and people-centric governance. Growing up in such an environment instilled in me the belief that true leadership begins at the grassroots and must always remain connected to the everyday realities of rural life.

Educational Background

I completed my Secondary School Certificate (SSC) from Schade Girls High School, Rajahmundry. I pursued my Intermediate education at Women’s College, Rajahmundry, and later obtained my Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree from Women’s Degree College, Rajahmundry, affiliated with Andhra University.

During my college years, I served as a Cultural Leader and organized several programmes with special emphasis on women’s empowerment, social awareness, and inclusive participation. These experiences strengthened my organisational and leadership abilities.

Married Life and Family Support

I am married to Sri Matta Ravi Kumar, a farmer by profession. My married life has given me deep exposure to agricultural life and rural realities, which are central to Razole Constituency. Being part of a farming household has strengthened my understanding of farmers’ challenges, livelihoods, and aspirations, and it continues to shape my public service with empathy and practicality.

I am blessed with two sons who are well educated and professionally accomplished, and who have been a constant source of strength throughout my political journey. My elder son is a software engineer working in Dubai, with an annual package of approximately Rs.2 crore, reflecting his technical excellence and global exposure. My younger son completed his Master’s degree in London and worked there as a software engineer, before choosing to return to India to actively support my political career.

At present, my younger son looks after our family businesses and agricultural properties, ensuring their effective management and growth. The unwavering support, discipline, and encouragement of my family have enabled me to devote myself fully to public life while upholding strong family values and social responsibility.

I am strongly supported throughout my political journey by my brothers, who are well settled in Japan and successfully lead restaurant enterprises and an international school, providing constant moral and financial support.

Social Commitment and Philanthropy

Social service has always been at the core of my public life. With a strong desire to support the underprivileged and respond to real needs on the ground, I founded the Matta Sailajaravikumar Trust, through which I actively work in the areas of education, healthcare, and humanitarian relief.

One of my most meaningful contributions has been the donation of land for the establishment of the Jagananna Village Health Clinic in Chennadam Village, ensuring that quality primary healthcare is accessible to rural families. I have also donated land for the construction of a church, reflecting my belief in communal harmony, mutual respect, and support for the spiritual and social needs of the community.

In addition to long-term infrastructure support, I have consistently responded to immediate needs of the people, especially during natural disasters and emergencies. I regularly distribute vegetables, food, groceries, and other essential goods to needy families, agricultural laborers, and vulnerable sections, especially during difficult times. During natural calamities such as cyclones, severe storms, floods, and periods of extreme hardship, including events like cyclonic storms and flood situations affecting the Konaseema and Razole region, I actively extended relief by arranging and distributing vegetables, food, groceries, and essential supplies to affected families.

These efforts are guided by compassion and a firm belief that leadership must stand with people not only in policy, but also in practice.  Through these initiatives, my commitment remains focused on dignity, inclusivity, and sustainable community welfare.

Strengths

● Strong grassroots leadership with deep understanding of village, mandal, and constituency-level issues.
● Unwavering loyalty to YSR Congress Party, demonstrated through continuous participation in agitations, movements, and public programmes from 2011 to the present.
● Farmer-eccentric perspective, shaped by family involvement in agriculture and firsthand experience of Razole Constituency’s agrarian economy.
● Ability to mobilise people and cadre effectively for protests, outreach programmes, and party initiatives.
● Compassionate and people-oriented approach, reflected in consistent social service, relief work, and direct engagement with the needy.
● Strong organisational skills, gained through years of coordinating party programmes, dharnas, rallies, and constituency-level activities.
● Resilience and commitment, including readiness to face arrests, hardships, and challenges in the course of political struggles.

Livelihood and Economic Background

I belong to a well-settled landlord family with a strong economic base rooted in agriculture, aquaculture, and horticulture. Our family has long been engaged in farming and allied activities, giving me deep familiarity with land management, crop planning, aquaculture practices, and market dynamics, which are central to the livelihood of Razole Constituency.

In addition to agricultural and aquaculture activities, our family has business interests and assets in Hyderabad and Rajahmundry, providing economic stability and broader exposure beyond the constituency. I also receive strong financial and moral support from my family, including my sons, brothers,which enables me to dedicate my time, energy, and resources fully to public service without personal constraints.

The professional success of my sons, especially the financial stability and support extended by them, further strengthens my ability to actively engage in political, social, and developmental responsibilities with independence and commitment.