Despite making all kinds of adverse comments against TDP chief Chandrabbu Naidu and his “Vastunna Meekosam” Padayatra, the YSR Congress Party appears to be worried as Naidu drew huge crowds on the first day at Hindupur in Anantapur district on Tuesday.
YSRCP chief Y S Jaganmohan Reddy had become extremely popular with the people as he was amidst the people within days of his father’s death. But he has been in the Chanchalguda jail now for more than 100 days and the party is getting worried that people could already be forgetting him. Reports suggest that there was also no enthusiasm in the party ranks as was witnessed when Jagan was constantly touring. Though Vijayamma has been undertaking a dharna or protest now and then, she could not be with the people constantly.
It is in this context that Chandrababu Naidu has started his 117-day marathon yatra. He is going to be with people and touring each district for nearly a week to interact with the people. This tour has reportedly made the YSR Congress jittery. As Naidu would be with the people for the next four months, YSR Congress ranks are worried that he might pick up image and the YSR Congress might be pushed back to the background. Party leaders are worried that if there was not a constant program of interaction with the people, party would suffer.
Both TDP and Congress have cadre base. YSR Congress has so far not developed such a base and has been functioning only on the charisma of late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and Jagan. The party has so far done well in the by-elections as the sentiment created after the tragic death of YSR had not died down. But how long would this sympathy remain in tact is the problem worrying the YSR Congress leaders. Once this sympathy dies down, they fear that Naidu might pick up with his arduous Yatra.
Party senior leaders are asking Vijayamma to keep touring the State, so that the party would not be forgotten by the people. As Jagan’s remand has crossed the stipulated 90 days, party leaders are hoping that he would soon come out on bail. If it does not happen immediately, it would be better for Vijayamma and Sharmila to undertake a tour, party leaders are suggesting. Jagan’s bail petition would be coming up for hearing on Friday. (NSS)