Jagan attacks Cong: 'Stop targeting my dad'

YSR Congress Chief Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, who launched a crusade against the Congress in Andhra Pradesh after quitting the party, on Monday, said that he was being targeted.

Speaking on a wide range of issues at Hyderabad, Jagan, son of former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, said that he is exploring legal options against the high court order of a Central Bureau of Investigation probe against him.

Jagan rubbished allegations that investments into his companies were made on a quid pro quo arrangement in return for favours. He said he aware that some people were deliberately trying to malign him and more importantly the name of "my great father", whom he kept addressing as dad.

"These are allegations that have come out against me only once I left the Congress. I know that it is a ploy against me," said Jagan.

The YSR Conress chief claimed that the Congress is worried and is unable to come to terms with the fact that a man who left their party has openly challenged it and will come to power in Andhra Pradesh.

"However, what has hurt me the most is that the Congress is hitting out against my dad who has done so much for the party. They are maligning his name and they should not forget that the Congress is in power both in Andhra Pradesh and the Centre only because of him."

"In the years 2004 and 2009 it was my father's programmes that helped the Congress come to power. In fact he had single handedly managed this, said Jagan. "What is the Congress doing for such a man? Is it not strange that they have chosen a dead man to hit out against,?" he said.

"They continue to make allegations against my father and saying he allotted lands illegally. The Cabinet approval is in place and one can check that. The Congress says that I had visited the chief minister's office to influence some decisions. Why don't you ask this question to Ahmed Patel (political secretary to Congress president) and find out how many times he has tried to influence the decisions of the chief minister," said Jagan.

Jagan also added that he is not deterred by these allegations. He said the Congress was desperate since they were losing out to him. "I will emerge victorious at the end of it since I know I have done no wrong," he added.