2. Until 1980's Congress was a monopoly in Andhra Politics. It was a general feeling with average Telugu / Andhraite at the time, that Congress politicians have mortgaged Andhra pride / Self respect (Atmagowravam), in Delhi for their mean goals. During those volatile times, NT RamaRao the star matinee Idol started Telugu Desam Party with "self respect" slogan
3. Ramoji Rao is a staunch supporter of NTR and may be ideologist of Telugu Desam Party. His Eenadu is a catalyst for NTR's stunning victory. Though NTR himself may not be directly responsible, his arrival in politicsl scene split the already ultra-sensitive Andhra Pradesh society on caste basis. The equations are so strong that the Telugu associations in US and else where in world have split on those lines. It is an unwritten fact that today, individuals /families in Andhra Pradesh align with Congress and TDP on caste lines.
4. From 1983 till 2003, TDP ruled the state expect for few years. During this period, when Chandrababu Naidu (CBN) politically stabbed NTR (his father in law), Ramoji Rao signalled his support to CBN
5. NTR though treated as an icon and legend today by both CBN and Ramoji Rao, died a lonely man. Subsequent to NTR's death, as CBN's power reached pinnacle Ramoji Rao's empire also expanded unabated without any checks. Under the "Hitech" umbrella, CBN with less than couple of acres inherited property, amassed crores in lands and wealth. Ramoji Rao and his media provided the much need sugar coating under the "development". It is a known fact that in 9 year CBN rule, not a single scam is reported in Eenadu. As a result, over a period Ramoji Rao, due to his passive bias, developed enemies in Congress and with the castes associated with Congress
6. When TDP lost power, Ramoji Rao suddenly realised the vacuum. He could not digest a Congress rule in AP. Soon after Congress Govt formed, Eenadu started attack on the Govt and YSR in specific. This tested YSR's patience and wisdom for a long time. In the end, head on battle was inevitable, for which Ramoji Rao is solely responsible.
7. After waiting for year and half, Y S Rajasekhar Reddy and his Congress started a counter attack. Undavalli Arunkumar, considered to be an intelligent but low profile YSR confident made public allegations that Margadarsi, Ramoji's finance company violated laws and collected crores of rupees in deposits from public. When Margadarsi was formed, Rao did not violate any law. However, Rao did not adhere to new laws enacted in 1997. These laws have been enacted by Federal Govt, specifically to protect the individuals from exactly the type of company, Rao is running shadily. Being ignorant of bigger plot, Ramoji Rao at first dismissed the allegations (out of arrogance) and later denied any wrong doing (as cover up). The more Rao resisted, Arunkumar attacked with additional facts.
8. As things started to unfold, RBI and Federal Finance ministry have confirmed the violation of laws. They have reminded Govt of AP of it's powers to take action on Margadarsi. AP Govt moved in a calculated way to close on Margadarsi.
9. For CBN it is time to pay back his gratitude to his mentor. For opposition, it is a good political opportunity. Though it is a open secret that the motive of YSR Govt is to shut Eeenadu mouth, YSR did a good homework, until a stupid GO 938 issued (limiting the press freedom) and withdrawn quickly. Meanwhile Rao's options are running out. He got a huge financial hole in company books (as confirmed by Rangachari commission). He had no option but to sell a part of his group's equity to Blackstone. Though Rao says Blackstone invested in his company, it is fact that Rao had sold part of his stake to survive
10. This issue is now getting out of proposition. Ramoji Rao is running out of options. To protect his crumbling empire, Rao is trying to hide under his Editor umbrella. He wanted to make general public to believe that this issue is nothing but, direct attack on press. Though he could bring people like N Ram and Kuldeep Nayyar on his side to justify his argument, it made little difference. Though it is difficult to understand what is the benefit for them, rest of the political parties are trying their best to gain political mileage. Supreme Court ruled out that there is no link between investigation and perceived attack on Eeendu.
Update since 2008:
11. Since Undavalli Arun Kumar allegations, the Government of Andhra Pradesh started an official enquiry. After some court battles - finally the Supreme Court given permission to launch formal charges.
12. Meanwhile, YS Jaganmohan Reddy son of YS Rajasekhar Reddy started a Telugu daily news paper "Sakshi". Sakshi emerged as a counter force to take on primarily Eenadu (and Ramoji Rao's empire) and also other telegu news paper "Andhra Jyothy". Both these news papers are perceived as anti-government in their approach.
13. A war started in mid-April between all these news papers primarily to expose the dark side of the owners.
14. War has started... in AP media. What ever may be the end result - it looks possible that the reader have the benefit of knowing the other side of the gentlemen who have been ruling them saintly for decades.
0 comments:
Post a Comment