The euphoria over YS Jaganmohan Reddy?s defiant ?odarpu yatra? that got off to a flying start from Srikakulam last week on Thursday, dipped a little on the second day. But by all measures, the first day was a success and Jaganmohan had made himself heard loud and clear. But does it give any indication of his political prospects in the state?
Except for being known as the son of late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, Jaganmohan as of now has little standing. He was a businessman with a finger in every pie?from the media to steel plants to power projects?until the sudden demise of his father on September 2, 2009.
His claim to the CM?s post subsequently was rejected by the Congress high command, which preferred an experienced person like K Rosaiah. But Jaganmohan draws his strength from the dozens of YSR loyalists, including Reddy MLAs, ministers, MPs and local leaders who owe their political careers to his father.
Ever since he was denied the CM?s post, Jaganmohan has tried several tactics to force the Congress high command?s hand. As a last resort, he launched the ?odarpu yatra? meant to console the families of all those who allegedly died of shock or committed suicide after hearing of YSR?s death. He is utilising the sympathy and emotion attached to it as a political platform to prove his popularity and stake his claim for the chief minister?s post.
Political analysts feel that successful road shows rarely mean political muscle. They quote the spectacular road shows of actor-turned politician Chiranjeevi ahead of the May 2009 elections. Chiranjeevi won from Tirupati but lost from Palacole in his home district while his Praja Rajyam Party did not even make a dent.
Similar was the case with NTR Junior, the grandson of NTR and an accomplished actor who was roped in by the TDP to campaign. The crowds that Chiranjeevi and NTR Junior attracted may be attributed to their star status while Jaganmohan?s claim to fame is that he is the son of YSR?one of the most popular and powerful CMs the state has ever had.
Except for being YSR?s son, Jaganmohan has little reckoning as a politician even today. His only achievement in the last nine months is unveiling over 300 statues of YSR in various parts of the state and for that purpose he is much in demand. His strength comes from the many loyalists that YSR has left behind. Chief minister K Rosaiah feels threatened because 28 of his 33 ministers are YSR loyalists and want his son to become the CM. Twelve ministers, 45 Congress MLAs, 8 of the 33 MPs are Reddys. They are Jaganmohan?s backroom boys who help him tread dangerous political ground and that includes taking on the Congress high command. The Congress high command, which initially frowned at Jaganmohan?s yatra plan, has softened its stand so as not to precipitate matters ahead of by-polls in 12 Assembly constituencies in Telangana.
?The apprehension that Jaganmohan may split the Congress in the state and take away many MLAs with him works in his favour,?? says Venkat Rao, political analyst. Besides, Jaganmohan has taken the moral high ground that as a son, it is his duty to console the families of those who died unable to bear the loss of YSR. He said as much in a letter published in his newspaper, Sakshi. But the Congress? softening of stand may also be a ploy to keep Rosaiah from becoming too comfortable.
The ?odarpu yatra? has become a showcase of the son?s popularity riding on the back of his father?s persisting memories and appeal.