Race for Chief Minister post get momentum in AP

Following the sudden demise of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy in a tragic helicopter crash, the party leaders in the state have started hectic lobbying for the coveted Chief Minister post, even before the end of official mourning days.

With the strong sentiments expressed by former Chief Minsiter Reddy’s followers to select his son Y S Jaganmohan Reddy as Chief Minister, the party high command seems to be locked in a awkward position. In view of his inexperience in administration, as his first entry into politics started with his election to Lok Sabha in April, this year and also suspesions that how he can rally all the groups with in the party for strengthening of the party.

The Congress high command has asked three senior party leaders — the finance minister, Pranab MukherjeePranab Mukherjee, the AICC general secretary, Digvijay Singh, and the state in-charge, Veerappa Moily — to resolve the succession issue. They will be in Hyderabad on September 10 and 11, after the mourning days ends on September 9.

Although the AICC spokesperson, Janardhan Dwivedi, denied any “committee” had been formed, highly placed sources said the three will travel to Hyderabad to choose a successor, probably around September 10.

Congress leaders said the strategy was to “zero in” on a few names after consulting all the state leaders. The three leaders will then evolve a “de facto” consensus among MLAs which will later be ratified.

The committee has not gone well with the Jagan-as-CM camp. The camp managers feel the committee members are high-powered trouble-shooters who are sent to quell developments which are “unpleasant” to the high command. Deputing such heavyweights does not bode well, the pro-Jagan camp feels.

It is common knowledge such power-packed committees are sent to “persuade” unrelenting leaders. If the high command is sending such a committee even when there is overwhelming support for Jagan Mohan Reddy, it means the leadership is considering alternatives.

Taking advantage from divided opinion with in the party on selection Jaganmohan Reddy as the Chief Minister, present Chief Minister K Rosaiah, who is temporarily holding the position, is making his own efforts to continue in office as long as possible. He is banking on his vast experience of serving in the cabinets of as many as five chief ministers. (EOM)