'Sakshi Daily' Finish By 12 Noon

If you think that the YSR mania is just hype then this should change your mind perhaps. Apparently, the Sakshi channel had given in their scroll ads that the next day’s edition of Sakshi newspaper would be issued with a poster of the late Y S Rajasekhar Reddy.

The ad came in the evening scroll of Saturday and the Sunday’s edition got in full demand. Reports from the news stand were that each one was buying 10-12 copies and these were mainly YSR fans. Even the quality of the posters was said to be good and many were planning to get them laminated to hang on walls.

Interestingly, the entire stock of Sakshi newspapers were said to be sold out by 11- 12 in the noon and there were many who had come for more. It is said that the Sakshi team might come up with another similar arrangement in the days to come to cater to the needs of other readers as well.

The one is JAGAN : Raghuveera

Even as the ministers in the state cabinet have declared that they had all respect towards Chief Minister K Rosaiah and that they would abide by the high command’s decision, some of them are still belittling the old man with their open support for Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, son of late CM Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

Agriculture minister N Raghuveera Reddy said on Sunday that no leader other than Jagan deserved to be in the CM’s post, since he was the only one who could carry forward the ideals of YSR. “It is the desire of the entire State that Jagan should become the Chief Minister. No other person can do justice to the job,” he said. Does it not amount to insulting Rosaiah? It clearly shows the minister does not believe in the capabilities of Rosaiah. It is a different matter that Jagan deserves to be the CM, but the ministers should at least give respect Rosaiah as long as he is in power.

Hang DGP : Nannapaneni

Telugu Desam Party official spokesperson and MLC Nannapaneni Rajakumari has taken strong exception to the outburst of Director General of Police S S P Yadav against media persons.

She said had the DGP been in any other country, he would have been hanged to death by this time. “The DGP’s behaviour is highly condemnable. How can he equate the death of late Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Redd in a helicopter crash with the death of 300 persons in terrorist attack on WTC in the USA?” she wondered.

She came down heavily on the DGP for cursing media persons that they would be infested with pests (purugulu padi pothaaru). She said media, too, should demand an apology from Yadav. The DGP fretted and fumed at the media for targeting him in the helicopter crash incident. He wanted to know why the media was blaming him for flying by helicopter to Idupulapaya estate, when the government itself had not sought any explanation.

Vijayashanti disappears after scam

The Sangareddy land scandal has landed actress-turned-Medak MP Vijayashanti in deep trouble, so much that she has quietly disappeared into oblivion.

Vijayashanti was accused of indulging in swindling of more than Rs 2 crore deposited by employees of ordinance factory at Eddumailaram near Sangareddy in Medak district, in collusion with Sangareddy Congress MLA T Jayaprakash Reddy. There are enough evidences to prove that the money got transferred into the account of Srinivasa Prasad, husband of Vijayashanti.

The media report came in handy for the Telangana Rashtra Samithi leadership, which has given a call to the people of Medak district to question Vijayashanti and chase her away. Since then, she has gone into hiding.

Sakshi Paper Releases Free YSR Poster

Today’s (Sunday) Sakshi Daily has offered a free YSR poster as shown above with a quote at the bottom ‘Rajuvaya Maharajuvaya’. The poster seems to be attracting many and some have decided to laminate it and hang on the walls of their offices and houses. It’s known that earlier people used to hang the photos of NTR in their houses those show the legend in the get ups of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. Now Late CM YSR seems to be one who will appear on the walls of several offices and households.

Rahul says Y S Jagan has 'significant achievements'

As his party grapples with the issue of succession in Andhra Pradesh, the Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said late Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy's son Jaganmohan has had "significant achievements".

"He (Jaganmohan) is not only the son of a politican but also has significant achievements," he said but did not elaborate.

Mr. Gandhi was asked about the "clamour" among supporters of Jaganmohan Reddy for appointment of Y S Jaganmohan Reddy as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

Rajinikanth most welcome to join Cong

Mr. Rahul Gandhi also said that the Tamil superstar Rajinikanth was welcome to join the party.

"He is most welcome to come. We don't put any roadblocks," Mr. Gandhi told reporters here.

The Congress had an 'open system'. "The party was ready to welcome anyone so long as that person is not a criminal," he said.

"Our system is open to anybody who wants to enter it. The only barrier we put is the barrier of criminality," the Congress leader, whose visit to Tamil Nadu is seen as an effort to rejuvenate the party apparatus in the state and woo the youth, said.

"However, we are not reaching out to any particular person."

Rajinikanth has not revealed his mind on his political inclinations but his fans want him to float a party. Though he has kept off politics, he has had meetings with top national leaders, including BJP leader L K Advani who called on the actor early this year, sparking speculations.

On reports about popular Tamil actor Vijay evincing interest in joining Congress, Mr. Gandhi reacted, "when we started this open system process, Vijay expressed interest in understanding our process and we explained our process to him".

Not in favour of interlinking of rivers

He said he was against the idea of interlinking of rivers as it would have "severe" environmental implications.

"It is a disastrous idea. It is an idea that will be extremely dangerous to the environment of the country," he told reporters here.

"I personally won't support this idea. I am of the view that nature is very, very powerful and I think it is not a good idea to play with the nature on a massive scale".

When it was pointed out that the political leaders in Tamil Nadu were supporting river linking projects, he said, they were supporting such projects at the state level.

Interlinking of rivers at the national level to combat water scarcity was mooted by many leaders and the idea was endorsed by former President A P J Abdul Kalam.

To a question on inter-state water disputes, especially between Tamil Nadu and its neighbouring states, Mr. Gandhi said, the states concerned should mutually sort out the issue

YSR death: Kotagiri knows the reason

Who is responsible for the helicopter crash resulting in the death of former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and four others?

According to senior Praja Rajyam Party leader Kotagiri Vidyadhara Rao, the helicopter crash took place because of the negligence of pilot K S Bhatia. “Not many people know about Bhatia. He already retired from his service, but was reappointed in the state following the recommendation of a state minister and Chief Secretary. Bhatia was known for his negligent piloting of aircraft and received several memos for his rash driving, exceeding the speed limits,” Kotagiri said.

He recalled that it was Bhatia, who almost crash landed the helicopter carrying Buddhist guru Dalai Lama in the past. “The government should probe into the aspect of why Bhatia was engaged in running YSR’s helicopter. It should also suspend the minister and the CS, who had recommended Bhatia’s appointment even after his retirement,” Kotagiri demanded.

KSR Murthy into Congress?

Stage is set for the entry of former bureaucrat and ex-MP K S R Murthy into the Congress.

Murthy, who played a crucial role in the establishment of Praja Rajyam Party by megastar Chiranjeevi, made a quiet exit from the PRP after the elections. On Thursday, he met Pradesh Congress Committee president D Srinivas and “discussed the political situation” in the state. He is learnt to have told the PCC president that he would support the latter’s candidature for PM post since he felt it should go the BCs.

Later, Murthy told media persons that there was no democratic set up in the PRP and several irregularities took place in the distribution of tickets during the elections. “I am planning to join the Congress very soon,” he said.

No, we are attending duties: Ministers

Ministers in the state cabinet on Thursday denied the reports that they were not discharging their duties and not cooperating with Chief Minister K Rosaiah. Apparently, their reluctance to do their normal work unless Y S Jaganmohan Reddy becomes the Chief Minister, was taken seriously by the Congress high command. Almost all the English dailies in Hyderabad and Delhi wrote stories about the ministers’ non-cooperation movement in the state. Surprisingly, the ministers did not give any clarification to the media personally. Instead, the Congress Legislature Party issued a press release on their behalf, stating that the reports that they were not attending the review meetings chaired by Rosaiah were totally baseless and far from truth. They clarified that after the sudden demise of Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, they had to visit their respective constituencies, conduct condolence meetings and console the grief of the public. “Ministers who are available in Hyderabad have attended the office and review meetings chaired by Mr Rosaiah,” they clarified.

Efforts to find YSR's successor climax

Political activity aimed at finding a successor to late Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy reached a climax Thursday with Congress legislators rushing here anticipating a meeting to elect a new leader.

With the seven-day mourning period ending Wednesday, hectic efforts are on in both New Delhi and Hyderabad to pick a new chief minister.

The legislators started arriving here on the direction of ministers in charge of their respective districts who are confident that the Congress will name YSR’s 37-year-old son and Kadapa MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy the post of next chief minister.

The Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting is likely to be held in a few days to elect the new leader. YSR loyalists claim to have the support of 152 out of 154 assembly members to make Jagan the chief minister.

Party sources said the CLP meeting would elect Jagan as the leader in the presence of party’s central observers, who would then convey the choice to party president Sonia Gandhi for a formal announcement.

The sources have not ruled out the possibility of the CLP authorising Sonia Gandhi to take a decision after getting a firm assurance that Jagan would be named the leader.

This way, no one would feel that the central leadership had to bow to pressure from YSR loyalists.

YSR’s long-time advisor and friend K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao, who is lobbying for Jagan, is camping in New Delhi for the third straight day Thursday. He has met Congress leader and Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

Ramachandra Rao, a Rajya Sabha member, has met Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, party general secretary in-charge of Andhra Pradesh M. Veerappa Moily and told them that the Congress would gain immensely by naming Jagan as chief minister.

Known as an astute strategist in political circles, Ramachandra Rao told the central leadership that Jagan, despite lack of political experience, was quite capable of facing challenges posed by the Telugu Desam Party and other opposition parties.

Sonia Gandhi held a series of meetings with party MPs from the state and other key leaders during last three days. After meeting her, some MPs openly aired their views in favour of Jagan.

YSR loyalists claim they also have the support of 40 out of 46 MPs. These include 33 members of the Lok Sabha.

If not Jagan, how about YSR’s wife?

It is now evident that the Congress high command will not succumb to the pressure tactics of the state Congress leaders to make Y S Jaganmohan Reddy as Chief Minister, a section of the Congress is bringing to the fore the name of Vijayalakshmi, wife of late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

Several district Congress committees are learnt to be adopting resolutions that the Congress high command consider the name of Vijayalakshmi, if it is not interested in considering the name of Jagan for various reasons. “When an uneducated woman like Rabri Devi can rule Bihar state, why can’t Vijayalakshmi garu, who observed her husband’s adminstraton in such close quarters,” a Congress leader argued.

That looks silly. And these Congress leaders are going crazy. “When Sonia is not able to accept the candidature of Jagan, who has at least some experience in politics, how can she accept Vijayalakshmi?” a senior journalist wondered.

Survey Says 61% Voted For Jagan To CM

‘C-Voter’, a popular investigation group, has carried on a survey regarding the prospective would be Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Out of the sampling population chosen in the survey, 61% voted for Jagan while 19% are interested in Rosiah, 12% for Jaipal Reddy and 8% for others (including Purandhreshwari, Lagadapati Rajagopal, Renuka Chowdhary etc). And various other surveys are also showing bigger score for Jagan to become CM Of Andhra Pradesh. We have to see how the final result will be.

KVP suggests Vundavalli’s name?

An interesting name has emerged in New Delhi on Wednesday in the rat race for Chief Minsiter’s post in Andhra Pradesh.

According to reliable sources, AICC president Sonia Gandhi had asked Rajya Sabha member K V P Ramachandra Rao, who met her on Tuesday, whether there was an effective alternative candidate for the CM’s post, setting aside the clamour for Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. After a deep thought, KVP reportedly suggested the name of Rajahmundry MP Vundavalli Arun Kumar.

According to KVP, Vundavalli is a close confidant of YSR family and hence there might not be much objection from the family as well as Jagan supporters. Secondly, he is good orator and an intellectual, who can grasp the things easily. Thirdly, he is the only person who can successfully encounter the Telugu Desam party president N Chandrababu Naidu, supported by Eenadu group chairman Ramoji Rao. “Since he is also a non-controversial person, he might be acceptable to all,” KVP is learnt to have told her.

Hmm.. Sonia must give it a thought.

There are many 'GOPIs' in Cong!

It looks like there are several “goda meeda pillulu” (cats on the wall) in the Congress.

All those who are now crying from roof tops demanding that Y S Jaganmohan Reddy should be made Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, are expected to conveniently change their stand and jump into the bandwagon of the new leader to be selected by the Congress high command.

Take for instance, Nizamabad MP Madhu Yashki. Superficially, he seems to be supporting Jagan. On Wednesday, he even took young MP Jyothiradithya Scindia to YSR’s residence to call on Jagan and his family members. He is now pampering Jagan, but in Delhi, he is telling media persons that Jagan is too inexperienced. He will be the first person to jump to either side, once the CM candidate is selected.

Many others like Jana Reddy, JC Diwakar Reddy and even MSR belongs to this “GOPI” category. Beware of them, Jagan!

'Roja is responsible, if Jagan won’t become CM'

Who is responsible for the Congress high command dilly dallying on making Y S Jaganmohan Reddy as the Chief Minister?

Ask Mahila Congress president Ganga Bhavani; she has the answer. Ganga Bhavani said it was former Telugu Mahila president Roja who would be held responsible if Jagan does not become Chief Minister. “Everything was okay, till this Maha Talli met YSR and decided to join the Congress. Our leader died. Later, when everything was working out well for Jagan to become the CM, she went and met him. And it has made high command to have other thoughts. I don’t want to call her iron leg. Let the people decide,” she said.

The Mahila Congress president accused Roja of coming to YSR’s residence in full-make up and wearing silk saree to pay homage to the departed leader. “She should apologise for making derogatory comments against YSR when she was in the TDP. She should rub her nose on the earth before Gandhi Bhavan in front of the people and the media, before coming into the Congress. Otherwise, we will not allow her,” she said.

Jagan's emotional appeal to Tekkali voters

With the campaign for by-election in Tekkali coming to an end this evening, Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy gave an emotional punch to the opposition parties.

Though the Congress victory is a foregone conclusion in the wake of sympathy wave following the death of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and also former MLA Revathipathi, Jagan did not want to take any chance. He gave a message to the voters of Tekkali through television channels, particularly Sakshi channel, explaining how his father had strived for the welfare of the state and how he had a special attachment to the north-coastal Andhra. Particularly, for Tekkali, YSR had planned several projects that would develop the region, he said.

The Congress leaders in Tekkali made all the arrangements to show Jagan’s appeal in every nook and corner of the constituency. The TDP and PRP candidates are learnt to have completely given up their hope.

152 MLAs back Jagan as CM

The former home minister, Mr K. Jana Reddy, joined the “Jagan as Chief Minister” campaign on Tuesday.

The media had hitherto reported that Mr Jana Reddy was not interested in projecting anyone as a Chief Ministerial candidate as he wanted to support a nominee chosen by the party high command.

Mr Jana Reddy called on Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy and his mother Vijayalakshmi on Tuesday at the late chief minister’s residence in Begumpet. He handed over a letter of support to request the high command to choose Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy as the next Chief Minister.

Another former minister, Mr J.C. Diwakar Reddy, also gave his letter of support to Mr Jagan.

With this, 152 out of the 154 Congress MLAs are supporting Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy. The former minister and Sanathnagar MLA, Mr M. Shashidhar Reddy and the Khairatabad MLA, Mr P. Vishnuvardhan Reddy have not signed any letter so far supporting Mr Jagan Mohan.

Meanwhile, the APSRTC chairman and former minister, Mr M. Sathyanarayana Rao, issued a statement urging the party high command to select Mr Jagan Mohan for the top post.

‘With all my seniority and experience in the party for over five decades I have come to a conclusion that in this hour of crisis, the Congress high command should nominate Mr Jagan Mohan as the Chief Minister,” he said.

Renuka meets Sonia: What's up?

In a surprising development, AICC president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday summoned former union minister Renuka Chowdary to her residence to discuss the present political scenario in the state.

One does not know whether Sonia called Renuka r to know her views on Jagan or other leaders, or whether Sonia was considering her name for the CM’s post. But the meeting has raised many eyebrows. Renuka quietly left the place, without talking to the media.

Renuka has been staying away from the leadership controversies, ever since Y S Rajasekhara Reddy died in a chopper crash. She has not uttered a word so far. If her name has to be considered, then there would be bigger revolt in the Congress party. She does not enjoy good relations with most of the Congress leaders in the state. And her only plus point is her dynamism and loud mouth.

Let us see; more names might emerge in the coming days!

Senior congress leaders are backing Jagan?

It is rather surprising to see old warhorses of the Congress to rush to the support of Y S Jaganmohan Reddy’s candidature for the Chief Minister’s post.

In the last three days, veteran Congress leaders – former CM N Janardhan Reddy, former union minister G Venkatswamy, former MLA V Purushottam Reddy and APSRTC chairman M Satyanarayana Rao, came out strongly with the strong demand for making Jagan as the next Chief Minister. Interestingly, all these leaders were bitter critics of late CM Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and even tried to foment dissidence in the party against YSR.

So, what could be the reason for their support to Jagan? Sources sayvthese leaders have realised that none of them would be considered for the CM post, as they have become outdated. At the same time, they don’t want other seniors like K Kesava Rao, V Hanumantha Rao or S Jaipal Reddy to be in the top seat, which would only cause heartburn for them. The best option is to support Jagan and get into his good books at least in the fag end of the career!

Its Challenge for YS Jagan if he becomes CM

With the legacy of YSR coming to an end, a new era will begin if his son Y S Jagan becomes the chief minister and as per the party sources, that seems to be the most likely happening and it is just a matter of time. However, here is a look at the possible challenges Jagan might face.

Top in the list is said to be the Swine flu mania along with the other infectionary diseases like Viral fever, Flu etc. On the other hand, Jagan is expected to contain any disobedience from the party members which might arise in the absence of his father.

Then, there is also the challenge for him to maintain equation with seniors in the party as they are going to play a crucial role going forward. There will come a time when the YSR enigma will fade and Jagan will be on his own and it will be up to him to take the legacy forward and win the people’s heart.

Roja oka Iron leg : Shobha Rani

Praja Rajyam party mahila wing president Shobha Rani has made an appeal to film actress-turned-politician Roja, who quit the Telugu Desam Party on Monday.

‘Please don’t try to come into the PRP. We don’t know what will happen to our leader Chiranjeevi,” she said, in a sarcastic tone. She pointed out that Roja had proved an iron leg both in the TDP and the Congress. “When she joined the TDP, party president Chandrababu Naidu had a miraculous escape from naxalite attack. And when she met Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, within two days, he had perished. Somehow, some people have these vibrations in their body that can cause disaster for others,” Shobha Rani said.

The PRP mahila president called YSR’s son Jaganmohan Reddy and consoled him. It is not known whether she had advised not to entertain Roja or not.

KVP rushes to Delhi with suitcases?

Rajya Sabha member and Y S Rajasekhara Reddy’s long time friend K V P Ramachandra Rao has rushed to New Delhi on Monday evening.

The obvious reason is to apprise the high command of the developments in the state congress and the demand for making Y S Jaganmohan Reddy as the Chief Minister. And for that, he has to appease the top leaders like Veerappa Moily, Ahmed Patel and other leaders.

Sources say KVP has taken a few ‘suitcases” as he used to do during the YSR period, to please the bosses. So, if not pressure tactics, suitcases will work to a great extent in changing the high command’s opinion.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee is likely to arrive in Hyderabad on Thursday to hold talks with various sections within the party. It is after his visit that the party may decide to convene a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) to elect its new leader.

The ball "CM" into Sonia's court by JAGAN

Jaganmohan Reddy, whose supporters are campaigning for making him the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, on Sunday broke his silence on the succession issue saying it should be left to the high command for a decision.

In a veiled reference to his supporters' demand, 36-year-old Jagan said party chief Sonia Gandhi respects public perception and feelings of lakhs of Congress Party workers and will take a decision in such a way that his father Rajasekhara Reddy's ideals, mission and zeal would not be compromised.

"Our high command knows and more particularly our beloved leader Sonia Gandhi respects the public perception and feelings of lakhs of Congress Party workers and she knows too well what is good for all of us and what is good for our state and people," Jagan, who arrived here today from Idupulapaya, two days after last rites for his late father, said in a four-page message to party leaders and workers.

"I request you to wait the decision of Ms Sonia Gandhi, President, AICC on the issue of leadership and also urge you to abide the decision".

Gandhi will take a decision in such a way that Rajasekhara Reddy's "ideals, mission and zeal would not be compromised in any manner", he said.

The first-time MP from Kadapa recalled "the outstanding love and affection" shown by Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia for his father.

Jagan said he was particularly grateful to Sonia Gandhi "for her immense support and help to my father at all crucial times. She stood like a rock behind my father and supported him wholeheartedly throughout his career."

Y S Jagan Reddy Appeal to high command

Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, Kadapa MP and son of late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, expressed hope that AICC president Sonia Gandhi will do justice and will honour the sentimetns of the people in deciding the next Chief Minister. In a way, he indirectly brought pressure on her to make him the CM.

Here is the text of open letter written by Jagan to the party workers:

My mother Smt. Vijayalakshmi, my sister Smt. Sharmila and our other family members join me in conveying our deepest sense of gratitude to millions of people who have shared our sorrow and grief in this hour of greatest tragedy in the passing away of my illustrious father, Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. We are really moved by the extraordinary affection and love shown by all of you, but for which it would have been even more difficult for us to cope with this painful situation.

We are greatly pained to see hundreds of people losing their lives unable to bear the untimely demise of their most beloved leader. We can understand your feelings as we ourselves are in the same situation. But the best way of paying your tribute for the departed soul is by carrying on his mantle and by making sure that all his programmes and ideologies are carried on and completed.

He always used to say that his dream was to wipe every tear from every eye. He sincerely tried to do his best in the accomplishment of this most difficult task. We all have a responsibility, as true followers of his legacy, to work towards fulfilling his unfulfilled dream. We cannot afford to lose our heart and become panicky. We have to somehow summon courage and maintain calm and composure and pay our silent and respectful homage to him. On behalf of my family, I request you with folded hands, to desist from the extreme actions of committing suicides. Your life is extremely important to us. It is but for all of you and your love and affection, your sympathy and admiration, my father would not have been what he was.

I would like to personally thank Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji, Sri Rahul Gandhi ji, the Governor of AP, Chief Ministers of various states, Union Cabinet Ministers and thousands of other senior leaders of all political parties that have come to Hyderabad and Idupulapaya to pay homage to my father and to console us.

As I and our other family members are grieving for the greatest loss in our life, we cannot but help in recalling the outstanding love and affection shown by Late Smt. Indira Gandhi, Late Sri Rajiv Gandhi and Smt. Sonia Gandhi for my father, but for whose unstinted support at every part of his career, it would not have been possible for my father to scale the heights he has reached. It is really a tribute to Late Sri Rajiv Gandhi that he could spot talent in my father and it was late Smt. Indira Gandhi, who appointed him at the age of 33 year as the President of APCC. It is equally important to note that Smt Sonia Gandhi ji had chosen my father as President of APCC in 1998, as Leader of Opposition in 1999, as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in 2004 and 2009. We are particularly grateful to Smt. Sonia Gandhi for her immense support and help to my father at all crucial times. She stood like a rock behind my father and supported him wholeheartedly throughout his career.

It should be said to the credit of my father that he too carried on the legacy of Smt. Indira Gandhi and Sri Rajiv Gandhi in full measure and made it no secret that his greatest source on inspiration for all developmental and welfare programmes was late Smt. Indira Gandhi.

It is providential that my father also laid down his life in the call of the duty, on his way to inaugurate yet another programme for the benefit of the common man, in the true legacy of his benefactors.

During the last meeting of the Party held at Gandhi Bhavan on 27th August 2009, my father clearly mentioned that his main task and dream is to make the Congress Party to form the government on its own in 2014 general elections and to make Sri Rahul Gandhi ji as the Prime Minister of the country.

We are also grateful to lakhs of Congress leaders and the cadre in our State for whom my father had the greatest affection. But for your support, it would not have been possible for my father to rebuild the Congress Party in the State and to win many a battle including those two general elections. I can understand your feelings and emotions for your leader. Some of you have worked very closely with him and helped him in implementing the largest number of welfare programmes to benefit every citizen in the State. I know that you are all passionately attached to him and want to carry his mantle and fulfill his unfulfilled dreams. I am grateful to all of you for these good feelings.

It came to my notice that some of the Party Leaders and workers were rushing to the media and suggesting their choices for the successor of my father. I request every one with folded hands to stop such activities by going to the media, signature campaigns, using of banners, placards demonstrations etc., for my leadership as the successor of our beloved departed leader as this is not the time or the occasion. On my part, like my father, I am duty bound to be a loyal and disciplined Congress worker. We are in mourning with deep heart. As a disciplined soldier of the Congress Party it gives pain to the soul of our beloved leader.

We are all members of a big Congress family, which has a long history and tradition of 125 years. It is our good fortune to be members of this great family that has not only brought freedom for our country but also institutionalized democracy in our country.

Every Congress Worker knows that it is the tradition of our Party to leave the decision of leadership to the high command and our beloved leader Smt Sonia Gandhi ji.

Our high command knows and more particularly our beloved leader Smt. Sonia Gandhi respects the public perception and feelings of lakhs of Congress Party workers and she knows too well what is good for all of us and what is good for our state and people. I request you to await the decision of Smt Sonia Gandhi, President, AICC on the issue of leadership and also urge you to abide the decision.

Our beloved leader and President of AICC, Smt Sonia Gandhi ji will take a decision in such a way that Dr Rajasekhara Reddy’s ideals, mission and zeal would not be compromised in any manner.

I humbly appeal to you to be strong and courageous; I am with you in these trying times, just as you are with me.

(Y S JAGAN MOHAN REDDY),
Kadapa MP

KVP convinces ministers

The re-swearing-in ceremony of Rosaiah Cabinet would have become controversial but for the timely intervention of the high command and of course, K V P Ramachandra Rao, advisor to late CM Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

In the morning, a few ministers expressed their reluctance to be sworn in, as they wanted Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy to be declared the Chief Minister. “I don’t feel like being a minister without YSR. I wish Jagan takes over as the Chief Minister,” minister D K Aruna said. Others like Jupalli Krishna Rao, Konda Surekha, Ahmedulla and P Ramachandra Reddy also expressed similar opinion. This led to speculations that some of them might abstain from swearing-in.

However, the situation changed by evening. The Congress high command sent a message to all the ministers through late Rajasekhara Reddy’s advisor K V P Ramachandra Rao that they should take oath. Minutes before the swearing in ceremony, KVP held a meeting of all the ministers at his residence and told them that abstaining would send wrong signals to the party cadres and that it amounted to defying the party directive.

3 Options For YS Jagan for high command

AP Congress is spoiling the situation by making noise with regard to YS Jagan. They are going over emotional and losing the balance. On a whole they are disturbing the idea of seeing Jagan as CM. They have made noise when DS was speaking in Santapa Sabha of YSR. They are making huge commotion by carrying the banners and photo cards of YS Jagan shouting ‘Jagan CM…Jagan CM’. This would certainly disturb the whole situation. Even High Command wouldn’t surrender for such force. Things should be kept in right place by Congress members. If they are so desirous of Jagan, why can’t they meet and elect him as CLP leader. They are with in their right to do so. Why they are not doing? That is because, they belong to a national party, and it has a high command. Any national party, worth the salt will not yield to emotional blackmail, however virtue of the cause may be. One is at loss to understand why these congress people ignore this simple logic.

Whenever Dr. YSR tried to influence the high command through his followers, he failed. Then he turned to the people and created a situation where the high command has no option except selecting him as CLP leader.

Even for Jagan, that is the only route. He should earn that right via people and not followers of his father. He should consolidate his base among people as Mr.Jagan and not as YSR's son. It is sure, Jagan will not be chosen to the CM's chair if the chorus for him continues. Hope better wisdom will prevail on his sycophantic followers.

Then the High Command may think in these lines and come out with 3 options.

“Jagan is very young and he needs some direct experience before enthroning CM chair. Making him CM is very easy. We too like to do that. But he may face trouble in 2014 election if he shows his inexperience in these few years. We can think of three options:

Making Jagan the Deputy CM and continuing Rosiah as CM till 2014 elections to make things run smooth
Giving a powerful position for Jagan in Central Ministry and making YSR’s brother Vinekananada Reddy as Minister in AP
Making Jagan the PCC President to run the show with Rosiah as CM in front end
Members may see any of the above three options before them. Even though they quote Rajiv Gandhi’s name, the answer is negative. Rajiv Gandhi became PM as soon as the death of Indira Gandhi. But he failed in subsequent elections.

Lived like a King Just for total 9% Life

Y S Rajasekhar Reddy’s life span lasted exactly for sixty years and like a true age of a retired person, he bid farewell to this world. But then, come to think of it, this dynamic leader has lived his life like a king just for about 9% of his life.

The mathematics shows that YS was the Chief Minister for the last 5.4 years which goes to show his best times. Before that his life was filled with Pada Yatras and struggles as an opposition leader. YS toiled hard to be where he is today and it was just five plus years back that he actually began to enjoy the fruits of it.

Known as a ‘Srama Jeevi’ who has given his life for the betterment of people, YSR has made a mark for himself in the hearts of others and though fate has not given him the due fruits of his hard work, he left a strong impact in the lives of others with his acts and deeds.

A tribute to YSR by Congress working committee

Please Don't Die

Even as he battles the agony of losing his father so unfortunately and so untimely, young Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy perhaps is also battling another tragedy – that of the heartbroken AP’s deaths triggered by YSR’s sad demise.

All that he could perhaps has on his lips is a prayer “please don’t die” because he knows how much his father loved the very same people and gave up his life in their service.

That is one facet to the phenomenon of YSR that the junior has to contend with. It is also the aspect that the Congress party could be considering in the days to come even as the battle for succession rages. The party could be weighing this factor far more than any.

There is a link between these deaths and how YSR made AP a bastion for the Congress party at the Centre.

The chopper crash has claimed not just five lives including that of YSR, but also that of 343 persons so far in the State. Majority of these are due to heart attacks. The rest were consumed by their passionate love for YSR who reached out to them in the last five years like none others had done.

There is no geographical disparity too to these tragedies that are striking individual households. Cutting across regions, people are following YSR in his death too just as they had done, in his life.

What could be the reason?

Populist schemes and programmes may fetch one votes as one has seen in several states. But not such love. A careful analysis of the deaths brings to our notice one fact that most of these are poor people whose very life was transformed by YSR. The late Chief Minister not only introduced several schemes but every one realize that those are not mere schemes, but his way of thanksgiving to the masses who brought him to power after a very long political career.

Free power or Rs.2 a kg rice scheme could help you one time in retaining power, but certainly not endear one to the masses so much as YSR did. Only some one like him who could constantly think of people’s welfare could achieve this. If rice scheme and free power helped YSR’s vote bank, what made him a god of the masses is his Arogyasri, pensions to the aged, 108 and 104, housing programme and scholarships.

These programmes enveloped entire state and had no political imbalances. The poor and the deprived sections saw not just a benefit in them but a new lease of life. Just earning two meals a day is not what they wanted, but dignity to their lives. They wanted some one to take care of their all needs. And YSR did exactly that. The aged and the infirm in the villages got restored of their confidence that even if their children neglect them, they could survive. The young widows could stave off the wolf from the door with the widow pensions that YSR delivered. Arogyasri was a rare phenomenon that revolutionised the concept of health care and brought five star treatment facilities to the doorsteps of people. Serious ailments like congenital disorders that could snatch away dear family members were kicked out of the households. Diseases like cancer were no more threats to the lives.

Persons did not hesitate to knock the doors of corporate hospitals. They clutched their white ration cards, got wheeled into the hospitals with ailments and walked out smiling. Then there was the letter from YSR, perhaps a fifth or sixth one, inquiring into their well being and blessing one and all. The smile on the face of YSR was in fact what the smiling poor donated to him. And he wore it in style.

People poured out their grief in front of him and he consoled them patting their backs or touching their heads. The confidence got restored. The self-dignity that YSR restored in the masses was something that made him a messiah of the masses. In him they saw, an elderly son, a brother, an uncle and a father, but not just a Chief Minister.

If today the same spontaneous outpour of grief is slowly turning into a demand for continuing the YSR legacy, it is not strange. The masses are seeking is continuation of the same programmes and schemes that changed their lives and restored their right to decent life and dignity. They are also seeking the same caring and loving attitude that went along with those till the other day.

It is this legacy that they are thirsting for. Because, they are not sure that power hungry politicians could continue delivering the same, they are raising this slogan and pressurizing their MLAs and MPs to bow to their wishes. Caught in the whirlpool of emotional yet rational pressure is the Congress public representative. What are they going to do, is a million dollar question ahead of them now. If they don’t yield to the people’s wish, they find it difficult in going back to their constituencies. If they seek the same from the high command, it could give one an impression that they are trying to blackmail in favour of someone.

It would be interesting to watch the moves of the Congress high command now. The people are waiting with bated breath. Many with their breath halted already out of fear that along with their dear YSR, their hope too has vanished.

Jagan Can Be Compared With NTR And Chiru

Barely two or three hours after YSR passed away, it was rather embarrassing to see the opposition party speak about politics. The person to talk about that happens to be Nannapaneni Rajakumari and she was speaking about how Jagan was not the right choice for the post of CM since he lacked experience and no political exposure properly.

Jagan here should be compared to NTR and Chiru. What Nannapaneni Rajakumari failed to realize is that when NTR became a CM, he did not have any political experience. On the other hand, Chiru with his set of MLAs did not have any training so wonder what she was talking about.

Nannapaneni must know that to be a successful leader, what an individual requires is the brains to run a system and its people, supporters in party along with the public appeal. Jagan has got the right amounts of it and he has every right to be compared with NTR and Chiru, say many. Many say it is about time Nannapaneni focuses on better things in life than rake up politics even at such a dark hour.

He is a good card player?

In spite of voicing support to Y S Jaganmohan Reddy’s candidature for the chief minister’s post, Parliament member Lagadapati Rajagopal is reportedly playing his cards in the national capital. Rajagopal is keenly monitoring the political developments in the state Congress and is not averse to throw his hat in the ring in case an opportunity comes by, sources said.

As an industrialist, Rajagopal has wide contacts with many influential leaders in the party and also industry bigwigs. At the same time, Rajagopal has many adversaries in the state party. While he could be opposed tooth and nail by legislators from Telangana region, his relationship with the Andhra Congress leaders is also wanting.

Keeping all these facts in mind, Rajagopal has reportedly begun networking with those opposing Jagan’s candidature in Delhi.

“Rajagopal has very good relations with Union urban development minister S Jaipal Reddy, which he could utilise to push his case in case of a confrontation over leadership in the state,” a Congress leader close to the MP said.

Rajagopal was the man who took Union health minister Gulam Nabi

Azad, Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and AICC leader Narayanaswamy to Idupulapaya to attend the funeral of the late chief minister. He reportedly engaged a Reliance chopper specially to fly down the national leaders to Kadapa and take them back.

Rajagopal reportedly told Jagan that he was going to instal bronze statues of YS Rajasekhara Reddy in a big way across the state soon. Sources said that plans are afoot to instal at least 294 bronze statues at a cost of Rs 2-2.5 lakh each in all the constituencies. Curiously, the YSR camp legislators are not enthusiastic at his attempts. “Backing Rajagopal as CM? We cannot even dream of that,” fumed Pedana MLA Jogi Ramesh.

At last a Bad End: I'm very Sorry to post this snaps