Desam divided over Jagan yatra

The Kadapa MP, Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy’s ‘Odarpu Yatra’ in memory of his father YSR has created a rift in the Telugu Desam with the senior MLA, Mr E. Dayakar Rao, opposing it and the MP, Mr N. Harikrishna, expressing disapproval of his party colleague’s stance.

While Rayalaseema-Andhra leaders support Mr Harikrishna’s stance, Telangana leaders including Dr Nagam Janardhan Reddy refused to be drawn into the controversy. Dr Nagam had initially opposed Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tour.

Mr Dayakar Rao openly defied Mr Harikrishna on Monday and said that he stood by his decision to oppose Mr Jagan’s yatra to Warangal on May 28.

According to him, the tour was politically motivated and all the claims about people dying for the sake of YSR were bogus. “When scores of students had committed suicide for Telangana he (Jagan) had no concern for them,” said Mr Dayakar Rao.

The TD MLC, Ms Nanapaneni Rajkumari, came in defence of Mr Harikrishna. “Whether its Mr Jagan or Mr Chiranjeevi, everyone has right to tour any part of the state,” she said. “How can anyone oppose a visit?”

On the other hand, the TD politburo member, Dr Kodela Sivaprasad Rao, criticised Mr Harikrishna and said Mr Jagan was trying to capitalise on the so-called deaths.

As usual, the TD president, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, has extended his support to both the camps.

Mr Naidu said it was not correct to oppose tour of Mr Jagan or any other leader. In the same breath, he said that Mr Dayakar Rao and other T leaders were only airing the feelings of the people.