Former YSR Congress party rebel MP and present Undi MLA from NDA government, Raghu Rama Krishna Raju openly declared war against YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and his regime just after a few months of coming to power in the aftermath of 2019 elections. The political rivalry turned into a personal battle as days passed on and Jagan Mohan Reddy tried to eliminate RRR with his power through custodial torture with the help of CID over various cases. However, RRR didn’t budge and fought vehemently against Jagan’s atrocities.
Before the 2024 elections, RRR in a humourous manner during one of his media interactions commented that he would take up the post of Assembly Speaker and tease Jagan Mohan Reddy in the house with critical remarks and mocking language. Many have believed and anticipated that Chandrababu Naidu would select RRR as the speaker and checkmate Jagan Mohan Reddy if Tdp comes to power.
Contrary to these expectations, Naidu selected senior politician Ayyannapatrudu, another arch rival to Jagan, for the coveted post. Ayyannapatrudu attacked Jagan like no other TDP leader in the last five years. And such a person getting appointed to the Chair meant that Jagan Mohan Reddy would skip the assembly sessions permanently. As expected, Jagan took oath on the very first day of the sessions in June this year and then announced that he would be coming to the house unless he is accorded the Opposition Status.
With uncertainty prevailing over Jagan’s participation, the move to appoint Raghu Rama Krishna Raju as the deputy speaker appears to be another big blow to YSR Congress party. There is already a talk that Jagan has decided not to attend the assembly fearing criticism from NDA MLAs including the speaker. Political analysts and the public of Andhra Pradesh are of the opinion that Jagan can’t drag on this matter far too long and skip sessions completely as his decision would receive backlash from all quarters because it is an obligation on his part to attend the house as a representative of the public.
Now that RRR is finalized as the Deputy Speaker, the chances for Jagan’s attendance look more bleak and thin in the near future. So, for all those who have been for RRR vs Jagan face-off in the assembly of Andhra Pradesh, the chances are so little. But, will it happen atleast once in these five years? Only time will tell the answer.