As the Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government is moving aggressively on probe into liquor scam, alleging the biggest such scam reported anywhere in the country, executed by the previous regime, former chief minister and YSRCP chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy is said to be preparing psychologically to get arrested in this case.
They are suspecting that the SIT is preparing to summon Jaganmohan Reddy for questioning based on the statement of Bharathi Cement Director Govindappa. The comments made by party’s key leader Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, a few days ago and the recent comments made by former MP Gorantla Madhav on the arrest of their leader strengthen these suspicions.
Jaganmohan Reddy, making intensive consultations with his core team, also said to be discussing on how to manage the party and go to people in his absence. In this regard, party circles believe that it was decided his wife YS Bharati Reddy is likely to lead the party. Though till now she is confined to Jagan’s business activities and never seen on a political platform, party sources felt she only can keep the party intact during Jagan’s absence.
They are confident she can lead the party with the support of Jagan’s close aides like YV Subba Reddy, Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, Botsa Sathyanarayana and others. Though she may be a new face to politics, it is clear that she has been involved in major political decisions from behind the curtain.
Moreover, they are attempting to prepare to keep the morale of the party cadre alive even in the case of Jagan’s arrest. It may be recalled that Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy asserted that nothing happened to the party when Jagan was arrested in the past, and that he came to power later with a massive mandate.
Jaganmohan Reddy himself expressed confidence that he has nothing to fear even if he is arrested, and that the cadre will not be shaken. Recently, former MP Gorantla Madhav also commented that there is a conspiracy to arrest Jagan. All such comments indicate that the strategy of preparing the leaders mentally is being implemented first.
In fact, Jagan has been saying from the beginning that the party leaders, including himself, should be mentally prepared for arrests. “Think of it as three months in five years. They will arrest and put you in jail. Cases will be filed. Nothing more can be done. We will fight the law. In the present situation, we cannot do anything. Later, the kingdom is ours” are the frequent comments of Jagan.
The sudden meeting of Jaganmohan Reddy, accompanied by his wife Bharati with the Governor has further strengthened these suspicions. It is the first time he met the Governor accompanied by his wife after losing power. This meeting indicates Jagan was intended to send a strong signal to the Narendra Modi-led central government against Chandrababu’s government attempts to put him in jail.