Jagan embarks on controversial yatra

Despite the reservations of the party high command, Congress MP Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday resumed his controversial yatra in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh.

With state Mines Minister and close relative Balineni Srinivasa Reddy standing by his side, Jagan began his yatra at Giddalur in Prakasam district by unveiling a statue of his father late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

"Can anyone say that our beloved leader Rajasekhara Reddy is no more? He lives in the hearts of the people. The hearts of the people beat for him," he said.

Imitating the famous style of his father, he pointed out at a '108' medical emergency vehicle going on the way and said the late chief minister has made medical facilities available to common people.

Referring to the popular 'Arogya Sri' health scheme initiated by his father, Jagan said poor people have got access to expensive medical treatment because of Rajasekhara Reddy.

Earlier in the day, Jagan left from his family estate at Idupulapaya in native Kadapa district for Giddalur, a day after the first death anniversary of his father.

Jagan has recommenced the yatra despite a warning from Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee not to go ahead with it.
Subsequently, the high command had decided to offer Rs 1 lakh financial assistance to the families of those who died of shock following the demise of Rajasekhara Reddy.