As the questioning of Jagan Mohan Reddy by officials of the Central Bureau of Investigation continues at Hyderabad, the equations between the Congress and Reddy's YSR Congress are being redefined.
Although the agency may not arrest Jagan right now, leaders of YSR Congress are already formulating a back-up plan for such an eventuality.
The CBI has clarified that it is merely questioning Jagan as a witness in the case. But if incriminating evidence about his involvement crops up during the probe, the agency will have no option but to arrest him.
On Thursday night, workers of the YSR Congress party held several meetings to decide the next course of action in case Jagan gets arrested. With the recent developments, YSR Congress members have decided to be more aggressive and they are already in touch with several Congress MLAs.
YSR Congress leaders are trying to lure Congress legislators to their side with promises of monetary incentives or by reminding them of YSR's legacy.
Jagan had earlier instructed several MLAs, considered to be close to him, to remain in the Congress. This was a deliberate ploy on his part as he wanted to poach these legislators at a time he would need them the most.
Jagan has told his party workers that in case he is arrested, they should ensure that a large number of Congress MLAs defect to his party.
His mother Vijayamma will lead the party in his absence. Vijayamma has a personal connection with many Congress MLAs dating back to the days when her husband, the late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, was leading the party.
Vijayamma's presence at the helm of affairs may prompt as many as 20 YSR loyalists to leave the Congress and join Jagan's party. These candidates were handpicked by YSR and he had campaigned extensively for them before the polls. Vijayamma had been present at her husband's side during these campaigns and she shares a special bond with them.
But the scenario is not all rosy for Vijayamma. She is not a great speaker and may not be able to attract the masses, unlike her popular son. But she does have the sympathy factor on her side due to the untimely death of YSR in a chopper crash and the likely arrest of Jagan.
Several members of YSR Congress are flocking to Hyderabad to show their support for their beleaguered leader. The state administration has requested them to remain calm and maintain law and order.
The core committee of YSR Congress is also watching the developments closely. If the need arises, Vijayamma will become the party leader and YSR Congress will start poaching MLAs from the ruling Congress, which is surviving on a wafer-thin majority.
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