Having completed two phases of his controversial yatra despite reservations of the party high command, Congress MP Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is gearing up to begin his next round of tour in September.
“Jagan’s ‘Odarpu yatra’ will begin from September 3 in Prakasam district. It likely to be held for 12 days. I believe majority of the MLAs and other public representatives will participate in the yatra,” Mines Minister B Srinivasa Reddy, who is a close relative of Jagan, told reporters.
Asked about media reports that Congress high command has asked party leaders not to take part in the yatra, he said no such directives have been received.
Despite the reservations of the high command, Mr. Jagan undertook his ‘Odarpu yatra’, aimed at consoling the families of those who allegedly died following the death of his father Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, in four districts so far.
In the wake of the disciplinary action against couple of his followers, Mr. Jagan had sent out a tough message to the party leadership saying his patience might be running out.
“My heart is heavy today with pain. The reason is we have Konda Surekha and Ambati Rambabu in our presence. Injustice has been done to both of them because they showed so much love towards the son of late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.
“I feel pain for not being able to help them. I don’t know how long this patience will be there in the face of the pain,” he had said on the concluding day of his yatra in East Godavari district on July 29.
Over 25 MLAs, including a minister, joined Mr. Jagan on the last day of his yatra in East Godavari district.
Konda Surekha resigned as minister last year while Ambati Rambabu was suspended from Congress for his critical remarks against Chief Minister K Rosaiah. Both are staunch supporters of Jagan and favoured his appointment as chief minister.
AICC general secretary Veerappa Moily, in-charge of party affairs in Andhra Pradesh, had disapproved of the comments of Mr. Jagan saying they are not in the best interests of the party.
