YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday walked free after being questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation for about seven hours in the illegal assets case.
Jagan, who was questioned for the first time in the disproportionate assets case, told the media after the questioning that he would meet the CBI again on Saturday at 10.30 am.
Jagan said that the CBI had sought clarifications which he provided. "I have answered all the questions which were posed," the YSR chief said.
Jagan, sporting a beard, however, looked relaxed and had a big smile on his face. He spoke to the media briefly.
He said everything went off well, "it was cool and calm," said Jagan. He, however, hurriedly said bye to the huge crowd and left.
Jagan did not give any indication on whether he would be arrested or not. Even the CBI did not let out this information.
Jagan would be questioned again on Saturday. Also, he has to appear before the court on May 28. There is talk that he could be arrested after that.
While Telugu Desam Party leader Mysura Reddy has been suspended after he met Jagan and then later joined the YSR Congress party, another Congress Member of Legislative Assembly A Nani from West Godavari District also extended support to Jagan.
Jagan told his party workers that his mother would lead the campaign in case of his arrest and would also be in charge of the party. He requested them to assist his mother and guide her well in his absence.
Jagan's mother Vijayamma may play a more active role in the party's affairs as Jagan will not be able to give his complete attention to the ongoing campaign for the by-polls. His questioning can go on for another day as the CBI has some mammoth files before it.
Reportage: Vicky Nanjappa
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But if the CBI requires an extension they would need to file an application before the CBI court seeking the same.
While there is a likelihood of the CBI filing for an extension, Jagan would have to appear before the court on May 28.
Taking all these factors into consideration, the YSR Congress has decided that Vijayamma should play a more significant role in the campaign as she is the only other crowd puller in the party after her son. Many party members think of her as a more acceptable leader in the current situation.
She will not have to campaign under the pressure of CBI cases. She has also been using the sympathy card a great deal during her campaign for the by-elections to the 18 seats.
This forthcoming election is very important for both the Congress and the YSR Congress and it is being dubbed as a mini assembly election for Andhra Pradesh. It is equally important for both parties to perform well in these elections as the fate of both will be decided based on the result.
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If the YSR Congress manages to emerge victorious then it would benefit the party a great deal as there are many fence sitters in the Congress waiting to cross over to Jagan's party. The Congress would try its level best to avoid such a scenario as it just cannot afford to lose any more MLAs.
Currently, nine Congress MLAs are awaiting the outcome of Jagan's interrogation and the CBI's follow-up action.
On Friday morning, the nine MLAs met Jagan to offer their support to Jagan. They also assured him that they would join him in the days to come.
Vijayamma, who is all set to take centre-stage in the party, may not have the kind of charisma her son has, say political observers. But her clean slate in politics would help her campaign.
She is better known as the wife of Dr Y S Rajasekara Reddy and this would be a crucial factor to gain the sympathy of the people. In case her son is arrested she is likely to milk it as much as possible to gain some additional sympathy among the voters.
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