The Hindu : YSR yatra altering equations in Cong.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 18, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh

YSR yatra altering equations in Cong.

By W. Chandrakanth

HYDERABAD April 17. The growing popularity of the CLP leader, Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy's padayatra, which has entered the ninth day on Thursday, is slowly but steadily altering equations within the party. There is a fallout in all parties, but within the Congress itself the ramifications seem to be far deeper.

Despite the groupism and culture of "openness" in the party where differences among leaders are openly aired, the `prasthanam' is turning out to be interesting in that it seems to be bonding the leaders as never before.

Some persuasion was needed initially, because not everyone was enthusiastic. Reality, however, appears to have dawned on them that now is the best time to jump onto Dr. Reddy's "bandwagon" and that ego problems would only hurt their interests. Leaders of all groups are now joining the yatra at various places.

``He (Mr. Chandrababu Naidu) has underestimated the impact of the padayatra by dismissing it as a political stunt. One may have made great strides in science and technology, but nothing like people to people contact in terms of impact. Dr. Reddy is not training guns on his political opponents, within or outside. A deep anguish over the apathy of the Government in responding to people's needs has driven him to undertake the padayatra,'' K.R.Suresh Reddy, party MLA, told The Hindu.

Congress leaders such as B. Sarojini Pulla Reddy and P.Janardhan Reddy, former CLP leader, have relented to join the yatra. "After all it is a party affair,'' remarked the PCC president, M. Satayanarayana Rao, who joined the yatra on Thursday.

What made Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy take the long march during the treacherous summer months? It could be the TDP's sustained character assassination or the serious challenges to his leadership within the party.

Any way, people are getting connected to Dr. Reddy because of a simple confession: "I cannot say I would be able to solve all or any of your problems. I have come here to lend a sympathetic ear. Please don't commit suicide out of frustration.''

He is silent about Chief Ministerial ambitions, but brings in the `Sonia factor' to assure a bright future for the party and the State, to which no leader within the party should have any objection. This is another noteworthy move of Dr.Reddy, which strengthens his position.

The success of the "prasthanam" has enthused his party MLAs to announce similar programmes in their districts. The Rayalaseema MLAs and DCC presidents and J. Ramamohana Rao in East Godavari have already expressed willingness to hold similar yatras in their districts. They too will be collecting memoranda from the people on their grievances and handing it over to the district Collectors seeking a positive response.

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YSR yatra altering equations in Cong.