Key Congress leaders cozy up to Jagan in Andhra

As Andhra Pradesh braces to face a cyclone, political activity continues in the background. According to sources, two key leaders of the Congress -- Lagadapati Rajgopal and Rayapati Sambasiva Rao -- are in touch with YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy with an intention of joining his party.

The duo are also alternatively exploring the option of forming the new Seema-Andhra party with Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy in December. Reddy has indicated that he would float a new party after defeating the Telangana bill in the state assembly which is expected to happen in December.

Jagan to tour state

Meanwhile, Jagan, who was forcibly evicted from the fast site a day ago, has decided to tour Andhra Pradesh as a lead up to the elections. He, however, has a restraining order from the court not to leave Hyderabad -- one of the conditions that were imposed while bail was granted to him.

He has moved an application before the court seeking permission to tour the state and also visit Delhi after the state tour. The petition is likely to come up for hearing next week.

Jagan has however decided that he would not come back and fast again. According to sources, his family has advised him against that. Moreover, people close to him have also told him that a fast would get him nowhere, since the Congress in Delhi is in favour of the bifurcation of the state.

Protests after the cyclone

All the unions and non-governmental organisations which have called off their protests for keeping Andhra Pradesh united have decided to resume once the cyclone impact is reduced. Cyclone Phailin is expected to hit parts of Andhra Pradesh by 5.30 pm on Saturday. They had decided to call off their fast due to this as they felt a protest would hamper relief work during the natural calamity. They have however said that once the effects of the cyclone are over they would resume their protests.

Confusion in Telangana

In Telangana, there is a great deal of confusion following the meeting of the Group of Ministers. On Thursday, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde had made it clear that they would form Telangana at any cost. However, after the meeting on Friday, the GoM indicated that there would be no timeframe indicated for the formation of Telangana.

This has led to a lot of confusion and several leaders in Telangana feel that the process may be delayed.

“The Congress in Delhi is trying to delay the formation due to the mammoth protests that are taking place. They are trying to find an amicable solution before they can announce anything concrete,” sources pointed out.