Jagan warned not to cross Laxman Rekha

The battle lines are clearly drawn with a defiant Kadapa MP, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, all set to re-launch his Odarpu yatra from Itchapuram in Srikakulam district on Thursday and the Congress high command sternly warning him not to do it.

Fearing serious action from the high command, ministers, MLAs and other senior leaders close to Jagan have decided to ‘boycott’ the second phase of his yatra.

Only some second-rung leaders are sticking with him for the time being.

In a veiled warning to Jagan that his indiscipline would evoke severe displeasure, the party spokesperson, Mr Abhishek Manu Singhvi said in Delhi, “All committed and loyal Congress men must necessarily observe both the party dharma and Laxman Rekha of propriety and party discipline. Failure to do so would perforce lead to a chain of consequences.” The Kadapa MP is re-launching his yatra on July 8, the birthday of his late father, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy.

He had met the Congress chief, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, last week to get permission for the yatra but she did not give a green signal.

In a defiant tone, the Kadapa MP released an open letter the other day that he would proceed with his tour despite the Congress president not being in its favour. He also dismissed her suggestion to assemble all the families at one spot and give them financial help.