The power struggle in Andhra Pradesh Congress party continuing since the sudden death of Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy is fast heading towards its climax as there are indications that the party's central leadership will invite YSR's son and a claimant of CM's gaddi Jaganmohan Reddy to Delhi to strike out a compromise formula.
According to the well-placed sources, the formula was already in advance stage of discussion and Jagan's mentor and YSR'c close confidante member of Rajya Sabha KVP Ramachandra Rao was in Delhi for discussions with the central leaders. Sources said that under the formula, Jaganmohan Reddy will be inducted in the Union council of ministers as a minister of state; while the present Chief Minister K Rosaiah will continue in his position. Along with Jagan, who represents Kadapa in Lok Sabha, Chief Minister Rosaiah will also be invited to Delhi by party president Sonia Gandhi to discuss the plans of expanding and reshuffling the state cabinet.
Under the formula, a Congress legislature party meeting will be convened some time in November where the formality of electing K Rosaiah as CLP leader will be completed. Jaganmohan Reddy will be asked to ensure smooth conduct of CLP by reigning in his supporters who are actively campaigning in his favour for the chief ministerial berth.
It is now more or less clear that Jagan was not in the reckoning for the post of the CM as far as Congress high command was concerned. This has come as a big blow for Jagan supporters who were hoping that after the results of assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana and Arunachal Pradesh were declared on October 23, Sonia Gandhi will invite Jaganmohan Reddy to Delhi to give him the nod to become the next CM.
But the All India Congress Committee spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi has poured cold water on their hopes, saying Jagan was not given any appointment with Sonia Gandhi on October 23. If he is invited, it will be conveyed to the media, Singhvi said in Delhi.
Jaganmohan Reddy came back to Hyderabad from Bangalore on Monday and resumed meeting his supporters and well-wishers, including the ministers and legislators. Pouring more oil on the fire, at least two ministers -- state agriculture minister N Raghuveera Reddy and minister for women and child welfare Konda Surekha have reiterated that Jagan will be the Chief Minister of the state.
While Raghuveera Reddy said that Rosaiah was a temporary Chief Minister and Jagan will succeed him, Konda Surekha demanded that the CLP meeting should be convened immediately. She said it was regrettable that so far CLP could not meet even to condole the death of its leader YSR. She said it was painful that Abhishek Singhvi denied that Jagan was invited to Delhi.
On the other hand, the Chief Minister Rosaiah presented a picture of confidence and poise. He declared that he had no objection if any one else, including Jaganmohan Reddy, should seek to become the Chief Minister. "I don't see any thing wrong in it," he said.
He told Meet the Press program in Hyderabad on Tuesday that there was also nothing wrong if some ministers express their preference for Jaganmohan's leadership. "They are trying to convey their views to the party high command in a democratic way. There is nothing wrong in it. I understand they are also saying that they will abide by the final decision of the party high command."
At the same time Rosaiah also expressed his good wishes for the future of the young leader. When asked what would be his advice to Jaganmohan Reddy, Rosaiah not only advised Jagan but also his supporters. "I wish all the best for his future. I wish that Jaganmohan Reddy walk in the footsteps of his father and become a good leader of the state. I also advise his associates and supporters to extend full cooperation to him and work to enhance Jagan's image and prestige."
Rosaiah's remarks were seen as a reflection of his growing confidence as he had full support and the backing of the party high command.
Image: Jaganmohan Reddy
