Can YS Jagan turn tables in Telangana?

Ever since the rise of Telangana movement in Andhra Pradesh, all parties regional and national have started playing double games in Telangana and Seemandhra regions. While Seemandhra representatives spoke against division of Andhra Pradesh, those in Telangana spoke in support of the division. Except for TRS and BJP, all parties virtually played with the sentiments of people in both the regions.

The Ruling Congress government never spelt out its stand even as it took potshots at other parties for not coming out with clear cut views on Telangana. Its leaders played to the galleries in both Telangna and Seemandhra thus becoming the laughing stock. TDP supremo Chandra Babu Naidu tried to take people for a ride with his two-eyed policy. But none were convincing.

When YSR Congress party chief, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy started his Odarpu Yatra when he was in the Congress party, he tried to expand his support base in Seemandhra and Telangana. However with Telangana movement at its peak, when Jagan tried to enter Telangana for his Odarpu Yatra, he met with huge protests with even stone attacks by Telangana supporters. However, as a YSRCP leader he tried to enter Telangana many times but in vain.

After he was sent to Chanchalguda Jail, his mother YS Vijayamma and sister Sharmila too tried entering Telangana but met with little resistance as they were women. All this changed when Jagan came out of the jail and took a complete U turn supporting United Andhra Pradesh. Jagan even went on fast unto death and this resulted in many of YSRCP's Telangana leaders deserting the party. Prior to that, strong leaders from Telangana like Konda Surekha and her husband left the party hurt by the high-handed behavior of Jagan.

All this weakened the party in Telangana and all poll surveys predict virtual rout for YSRCP in the coming elections. Now with the state divided, Jagan is taking steps to strengthen his party in the region. Earlier there was talk of understanding between his party and KCR led TRS to teach a lesson to Congress. However now with Congress delivering on Telangana and KCR keen to have some understanding with Sonia Gandhi, Jagan will be their enemy in Telangana.

Couple of days back, Jagan Mohan Reddy called for meeting of Telangana leaders and took their suggestions to strengthen the party in the region. The meeting was attended by all coordinators from Assembly, Lok Sabha constituencies and also members of CEC and CGC. Inside talk is that as Telangana state is a reality, Jagan's wish to go to people starts with his Odarpu Yatra in the run up to the elections by promising them Golden Telangana as his father YS Rajasekhar Reddy promised to Telangana people. Sources say YSRCP will enter Telangana promising development across the new state. Jagan is also planning to hand over Telangana reigns to his sister Sharmila who earlier proved her mettle with Maro Praja Prasthanam padayatra during by-elections which resulted in victory to YSRCP.

It will be a litmus test for Jagan Mohan Reddy's leadership skills and ability to run the party in both Seemandhra and Telangana regions. Jagan is known for his stunning decisions which takes his rivals by surprise and people are waiting what tricks he now has up his sleeve to stun his opponents.

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