Jagan meets Sonia but Rosaiah stays

Uncertainty over the continuance of Mr K. Rosaiah as Chief Minister ended on Thursday with Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Kadapa MP and son of the late YSR, agreeing to support him.

Mr Reddy met the Congress president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, and told her that he had no plans to split the party and would be loyal to her. He was accompanied by his father’s close friend, Mr K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao. In fact, Mrs Gandhi agreed to meet him only after she was told that Mr Reddy had been persuaded to fall in line.

He later told mediapersons that he had full faith in the leadership and would abide by its decision. “Leave the decision to me. I will look after,” he quoted Mrs Gandhi as having told him.

The young leader has reportedly decided to bide his time till the party president decides in his favour. “Everything will be normal in the party and we will support Mr Rosaiah as he is the nominee of the party high command,” said a source in the Jagan camp.

Mr Reddy will make this amply evident by calling on the Chief Minister and extending his full cooperation. Sources said that Mr Ramachandra Rao would be meeting party leaders in Delhi to finalise the dates of Congress Legislature Party meeting that would formally elect Mr Rosaiah as leader. Mr Rao may also continue in his post as adviser to the Chief Minister.

Mr Reddy spent close to 50 minutes with Mrs Gandhi and her political secretary, Mr Ahmed Patel, and conveyed his impressions on the political scenario in the state.

He also made it evident to the party chief that he wanted to focus on state politics in order to protect the interests of people of Pulivendula as well as the “die hard loyalists” of his late father.
Mr Reddy also spoke about the by-elections to Pulivendula Assembly segment represented by late YSR which might be held in early December.
Mrs Gandhi assured him that she will look into the matter later. He was cautious while talking to mediapersons and dismissed reports that MLAs were campaigning to make him Chief Minister, terming them as mere speculation.
The Jagan camp has put on a brave face and is trying to make best use of the situation.

“Some loyalists of Mr Rosaiah have been trying to dictate terms,” said a Jagan camp follower. “The scene will change from tomorrow when we till take over the reins of power by owning Mr Rosaiah.”

The Chief Minister is also flying to Delhi by month end to meet Mrs Gandhi to apprise her about the political developments and to get a green signal for reshuffle of his ministry.