Cabinet behind Jagan, awaits nod from Sonia

The Congress president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, has reportedly not made up her mind on who should be the successor of the late Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, and is keeping her options open.

Even during her visit to Hyderabad to pay homage to YSR on Friday morning she did not give any hints on who would be his heir though she spent some time in the company of Congress leaders supporting the candidature of Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, son of the late Chief Minister.

Obviously, Mrs Gandhi wants more time to take a decision and this was evident from her political secretary, Mr Ahmed Patel’s comment that the Congress Legislature Party meeting could take place only after the seven-day state mourning.

The new Chief Minister, Mr Rosaiah, also told some mediapersons on Friday that he had no objection to Mr Jagan being elevated to the top post, provided the party high command cleared his name.

Sources said the Congress leadership was keenly watching the scenario in Andhra Pradesh. At this juncture, it intends to continue with Mr Rosaiah till the CLP meeting gets over.

Apart from the demand from majority of Congress leaders, the youth factor could also swing the decision in favour of Mr Jagan, who had been touring the state and campaigning for the party during the elections. Some feel he could be groomed to take over in a few months.

Though the ministers of the YSR cabinet had decided to step up pressure on the high command in favour of Mr Jagan, they dropped the idea of handing over a memorandum to Mrs Gandhi during her trip. They may visit Delhi and meet her personally to raise this demand in the next few days.

However, a final decision could possibly be tricky, as the Congress would want someone who can carry on the YSR legacy politically.
“We also want a leader who can contain the resurgence of the regional outfits such as the Telugu Desam and Praja Rajyam and separatist forces like the TRS,” said a Congress functionary. “Also, YSR had virtually demolished factionalism within the organisation.”

Though a section of leaders spoke of Mr Rosaiah’s abilities as an administrator, his non-controversial image and his socialist credentials, they also talked of his “lack of mass appeal.”

Other names, which have been doing the rounds are that of the union ministers, Mr Jaipal Reddy, Ms D. Purandeswari, Mr Pallam Raju and Mr D. Srinivas. Mr K.V. P. Ramachandra Rao, a close associate of YSR, could also play a key role in the succession game.