Over 100 Congress MLAs want YSR's son to be CM

Who will take over the chief minister's mantle in Andhra Pradesh?

This is the big question after the death of the charismatic Congress leader Dr Y S Rajashekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash in Kurnool on Wednesday.

Although senior leader K Rosaiah has been sworn in as the chief minister of the state, over 100 Members of the Legislative Assembly and 20 Members of Parliament from Andhra Pradesh have written to the Congress high command requesting that YSR's son Jaganmohan Reddy, MP from Kadapah, be made the next chief minister.

A large number of MLAs met Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily in Hyderabad on Thursday and gave a representation to him to make Reddy junior the next chief minister.

Earlier in the day, some Congress MLAs also met Praja Rajyam Party chief Chiranjeevi and requested him to support Jagan's candidature.

Although the PRP has not said anything openly about this, sources within the party indicate that the party boss had no objection to Jaganmohan taking over his father's post.

Andhra Pradesh Health Minister D Nagendra, who has supported Jagan's candidature, said this would be a tribute to YSR.

Sources in the AP Congress said there could be a huge power clash if Jagan is not made the next CM.

A senior Congress leader in Bengaluru said he was well aware how the Congress high command works. "They would take into consideration the demand of the majority of the MLAs. They are also aware that Jagan has his father's charisma to carry the party forward. The Congress would also be worried about the fact that (Opposition Telugu Desam Party chief) Chandrababu Naidu could gain the upper hand in case a strong leader is not made the chief minister."

The party high command is scheduled to meet late on Thursday to discuss the issue.

Moreover, Congress sources say that Jagan is not new to politics and has over five years of experience.

The Congress has 33 MPs and 156 MLAs from Andhra Pradesh. Although a majority has been rooting for Jagan, it is debatable if the late chief minister's son would accept the post at this tragic moment.

Image: YSR's son Jaganmohan Reddy places a wreath over his father's body
Reportage: Vicky Nanjappa | Photograph: SnapsIndia