NEW DELHI: The leadership crisis in Andhra Congress took a fresh turn on Wednesday with the party high command sending out an unambiguous signal to
the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy camp that its demand to make late YSR’s son the next chief minister was out of question.
In the face of resignation threats from at least seven Congress MLAs and one state minister, the party on Wednesday asserted that K Rosaiah’s government in Andhra Pradesh was “very stable”. The party established that Mr Rosaiah’s is not a temporary fixture, a move that effectively rules out the demand by the Jagan camp to anoint him CM at the earliest. Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the Congress “had an CM in Andhra Pradesh” after having lost it elected CM to a “terrible accident”.
In Hyderabad, pro-Jagan MLAs and ministers had toned down their rhetoric on Tuesday after Monday’s resignation threats had surcharged the atmosphere. Kadappa MLAs, who had served the Congress a 48-hour notice to make Jagan the CM, kept a low profile while state minister Konda Surekha said she would abide by the high command’s decision.
Jagan himself issued an appeal asking his supporters to refrain from acts of indiscipline. He also said the high command would look into their demands. The Pradesh Congress (PCC) president D Srinivas said action would be taken against those who were found going against the party and for the first time an MP and a MLA came out openly in favour of Mr Rosaiah.
In Delhi, KVP Ramchandra Rao, YSR’s close aide and the architect of the ‘Jagan for CM’ campaign, was not able to meet any senior Congress leader despite camping in the Capital for two days.
The developments come in the wake of a series of incidents in the state which have weakened Jagan’s case further. A banner with Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s picture was torn in the party’s district office in Khammam while clashes between pro- and anti-Jagan groups have been reported from Warangal besides many resignation threats from the state unit. The charge that the Jagan group rigged stories of people dying of shock or committing suicide on hearing YSR’s demise dented the ‘Jagan for CM’ campaign as well.
The new developments have only added to the image of the Jagan group arm-twisting the party high command. In addition, the anti-YSR group leaders have disparaged the efforts being made by the late CM’s son. Leaders such as Hanumantha Rao and K Kesava Rao have come out in the open about alleged threats they have received for supporting Mr Rosaiah’s continuation.
The Congress, which is busy with the election preparation for the 13 October assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana and Arunachal Pradesh, is unlikely to tackle the Andhra problem before the polls. Sensing this, the Jagan camp is playing it by the ear. However, the group is not yet ready to give up its demand and their campaign is unlikely to stop in near future.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Support for Jagan as Andhra Chief Minister is going down
Hyderabad: There is still no clarity over who will become the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Will the Cabinet Ministers stick it out with current CM K Rosaiah or will YSR's son Jagan be given that position?
After the clamour for YS Rajashekhara Reddy's son Jagan Mohan Reddy, the corridors of power in Andhra Pradesh are silent and K Rosaiah is settling in as the Chief Minister.
"Constitutionally, there is no interim Chief Minister. A Chief Minister is a Chief Minister. So technically I am a full fledged Chief Minister yet there are representations for Jagan. I don't feel embarrassed about ministers demanding Jagan as Chief Minister. I don't see anything wrong in it," said Rosaiah.
However, his Cabinet colleagues still see him very much as a temporary arrangement.
When asked if they were still hopeful that Jagan will soon become the chief minister Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Minister G Aruna Kumari replied, "Yes, We are hoping, expecting that the Center will take the appropriate decision."
But the High Command seems to be in no hurry to crown Jagan.
Instead, it has clamped down on the Jagan campaign.
The man who is being seen as the conductor of the pro-Jagan orchestra, KVP Ramachandran, has been told to reign in any further demands and not contradict Rosaiah.
But the High Command can't control the thousands who gather everyday at YSR's home in support of Jagan though the he continues to maintain his silence.
Chief Minister Rosaiah has been working from his old office instead of the Chief Minister's cabin.
The loud support for Jagan that one could hear untill a few days ago is now missing since the pro-Jagan camp does not want the Center to get any wrong signals.
But with the entire state curious about who would lead them next, the silence seems more of a lull before the big political storm.
Will the Cabinet Ministers stick it out with current CM K Rosaiah or will YSR's son Jagan be given that position?
After the clamour for YS Rajashekhara Reddy's son Jagan Mohan Reddy, the corridors of power in Andhra Pradesh are silent and K Rosaiah is settling in as the Chief Minister.
"Constitutionally, there is no interim Chief Minister. A Chief Minister is a Chief Minister. So technically I am a full fledged Chief Minister yet there are representations for Jagan. I don't feel embarrassed about ministers demanding Jagan as Chief Minister. I don't see anything wrong in it," said Rosaiah.
However, his Cabinet colleagues still see him very much as a temporary arrangement.
When asked if they were still hopeful that Jagan will soon become the chief minister Andhra Pradesh Cabinet Minister G Aruna Kumari replied, "Yes, We are hoping, expecting that the Center will take the appropriate decision."
But the High Command seems to be in no hurry to crown Jagan.
Instead, it has clamped down on the Jagan campaign.
The man who is being seen as the conductor of the pro-Jagan orchestra, KVP Ramachandran, has been told to reign in any further demands and not contradict Rosaiah.
But the High Command can't control the thousands who gather everyday at YSR's home in support of Jagan though the he continues to maintain his silence.
Chief Minister Rosaiah has been working from his old office instead of the Chief Minister's cabin.
The loud support for Jagan that one could hear untill a few days ago is now missing since the pro-Jagan camp does not want the Center to get any wrong signals.
But with the entire state curious about who would lead them next, the silence seems more of a lull before the big political storm.
Jagan camp keeps diplomatic silence
HYDERABAD: Ministers, MPs and MLAs who have been carrying out the `Jagan-for-CM' campaign have gone silent, at least for the time being.
According to sources, the camp does not want to anger the high command by continuing with their public campaign. Yet, at the same time, they do not want to give it up.
The camp spent the Id day in quiet confabulations while Jagan was busy receiving sympathisers in Idupulapaya in a big way. "The question is to sustain the hype as we have not received a final word from the party high command that it does not want to make Jagan the chief minister, " an MLA told TOI on Monday.
With all access closed to the high command, the group is desperate to know the mood of Sonia. Towards that end, ministers, former and present, met AICC spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member K Kesava Rao on Monday. Those who met the former PCC chief included ministers Botsa Satyanarayana, Vatti Vasant Kumar, and former minister J C Diwakar Reddy. Also, several Congress leaders are queuing up before KK's Jubilee Hills residence as he is being perceived as the only window to the mind of the party leadership.
Meanwhile, in Banjara Hills, YSR's advisor K V P Ramachandra Rao held court with several MLAs, MPs and state ministers to discuss the future of the Jagan camp. Prominent among those who met KVP were irrigation minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah, school education minister D Manikya Varaprasad, rural water supply minister Viswarup, former minister Redyanaik and MPs G Sukhender Reddy and G Vivekananda.
According to sources, the Jagan camp leaders are pacifying their followers that the high command will take a decision on the CM issue after the completion of the Maharashtra election and that they should hold their horses till then. "It is a matter of another three weeks. We will devise a line of action after the high command reveals its mind. Until then, it is uneasy truce as far as we are concerned," said a Jagan loyalist.
According to sources, the camp does not want to anger the high command by continuing with their public campaign. Yet, at the same time, they do not want to give it up.
The camp spent the Id day in quiet confabulations while Jagan was busy receiving sympathisers in Idupulapaya in a big way. "The question is to sustain the hype as we have not received a final word from the party high command that it does not want to make Jagan the chief minister, " an MLA told TOI on Monday.
With all access closed to the high command, the group is desperate to know the mood of Sonia. Towards that end, ministers, former and present, met AICC spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member K Kesava Rao on Monday. Those who met the former PCC chief included ministers Botsa Satyanarayana, Vatti Vasant Kumar, and former minister J C Diwakar Reddy. Also, several Congress leaders are queuing up before KK's Jubilee Hills residence as he is being perceived as the only window to the mind of the party leadership.
Meanwhile, in Banjara Hills, YSR's advisor K V P Ramachandra Rao held court with several MLAs, MPs and state ministers to discuss the future of the Jagan camp. Prominent among those who met KVP were irrigation minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah, school education minister D Manikya Varaprasad, rural water supply minister Viswarup, former minister Redyanaik and MPs G Sukhender Reddy and G Vivekananda.
According to sources, the Jagan camp leaders are pacifying their followers that the high command will take a decision on the CM issue after the completion of the Maharashtra election and that they should hold their horses till then. "It is a matter of another three weeks. We will devise a line of action after the high command reveals its mind. Until then, it is uneasy truce as far as we are concerned," said a Jagan loyalist.
TDP hits out at Congress ministers in Andhra Pradesh
Hyderabad, Sep 21 (PTI) The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) today took exception to the reported remarks of some Andhra Pradesh ministers that the Opposition was trying to scuttle the chances of Y S Jaganmohan Reddy to become the Chief Minister.
Hitting out at the ministers, senior TDP leader K Yerran Naidu wondered how the Opposition parties are involved in deciding who should be the Chief Minister of the Congress government.
"It is your party's internal matter. Your party high command takes a decision on the issue. How are we concerned? he told reporters.
It is political bankruptcy of the ministers to say that the Opposition parties are waiting for mid-term elections, Naidu said.
The ministers are more interested in choosing a successor to late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy rather than discharging their responsibilities, he alleged.
Hitting out at the ministers, senior TDP leader K Yerran Naidu wondered how the Opposition parties are involved in deciding who should be the Chief Minister of the Congress government.
"It is your party's internal matter. Your party high command takes a decision on the issue. How are we concerned? he told reporters.
It is political bankruptcy of the ministers to say that the Opposition parties are waiting for mid-term elections, Naidu said.
The ministers are more interested in choosing a successor to late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy rather than discharging their responsibilities, he alleged.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Anti YSR Mails In Circulation
The death of Y S Rajasekhar Reddy may have left the state and many Telugus shell shocked but then it has not stopped those who belong to the anti –YS camp to come up with the possible causes of his untimely and horrifying demise.
Apparently, an email has been making hot rounds across various mailboxes and this gives an explanation as to how factors like Rain, Hindu gods and other elements were the cause of YSR’s death and it also went on to allege how YS had taken advantage of those things during his regime.
As it is, there are those who say that due to the various controversies and violations that YS and his government was involved in the matters of Tirumala Tirupathi, the end for him has been quite gruesome with no one to attend to, more than half of his body burnt and decomposed.
@http://andhracafe.com/index.php?m=show&id=39720
Apparently, an email has been making hot rounds across various mailboxes and this gives an explanation as to how factors like Rain, Hindu gods and other elements were the cause of YSR’s death and it also went on to allege how YS had taken advantage of those things during his regime.
As it is, there are those who say that due to the various controversies and violations that YS and his government was involved in the matters of Tirumala Tirupathi, the end for him has been quite gruesome with no one to attend to, more than half of his body burnt and decomposed.
@http://andhracafe.com/index.php?m=show&id=39720
Overdose Of YS Jagan
Barely few hours after the death of Y S Rajasekhar Reddy, the lust for power was evident in the congress camp. Ironically, the movement was spearheaded by none other than followers of Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, son of the late chief minister.
True to this initiative, the Sakshi channel which is owned by Jagan got into one major campaign. Now, more than being called as a news channel, the Sakshi TV has been busy propagating about YS Jagan and how he is the right choice for becoming the chief minister.
Those who have been watching the channel and are reading the Sakshi newspaper since few months are said to be vexed with the Jagan overdose. They say that this is the best example of how media is exploited to grab the reins of power.
source @ http://andhracafe.com/index.php?m=show&id=39726
True to this initiative, the Sakshi channel which is owned by Jagan got into one major campaign. Now, more than being called as a news channel, the Sakshi TV has been busy propagating about YS Jagan and how he is the right choice for becoming the chief minister.
Those who have been watching the channel and are reading the Sakshi newspaper since few months are said to be vexed with the Jagan overdose. They say that this is the best example of how media is exploited to grab the reins of power.
source @ http://andhracafe.com/index.php?m=show&id=39726
Swine flu: 2 more dies in Hyd, death toll rises to 20 in Andhra
H1N1 turned more deadly on Sunday as two more lost their life of the deadly virus in Andhra Pradesh, taking the death toll in the state to 20.
Informing the reporters, the health officials said that a patient named G Lakshmi, 42, admitted to Government Chest Hospital died on Tuesday.
Lakshmi was a resident of Kapugadda, Shamshabad. She developed H1N1 symptoms and was admitted to the Chest Hospital three days ago.
Speaking on this, Dr K Subhakar, H1N1 influenza nodal centre coordinator, said: "She was obese and a hypertension patient. Since the time she was admitted, she was incubated but died after three days of admission due to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and bilateral pneumonia at 8.55 am."
The other victim includes a 42-year-old Satyanaryana, a resident of Anand Bagh, Malkajgiri died at AP Chest Hospital on Saturday.
Both of them were suffering from pneumonia and had tested positive for H1N1.
Apart from this, 51 more people have been admitted in swine flu designated hospitals across Hyderabad, the state capital.
Notably, Andhra Pradesh has recorded over 400 positive cases of swine flu so far.
Informing the reporters, the health officials said that a patient named G Lakshmi, 42, admitted to Government Chest Hospital died on Tuesday.
Lakshmi was a resident of Kapugadda, Shamshabad. She developed H1N1 symptoms and was admitted to the Chest Hospital three days ago.
Speaking on this, Dr K Subhakar, H1N1 influenza nodal centre coordinator, said: "She was obese and a hypertension patient. Since the time she was admitted, she was incubated but died after three days of admission due to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and bilateral pneumonia at 8.55 am."
The other victim includes a 42-year-old Satyanaryana, a resident of Anand Bagh, Malkajgiri died at AP Chest Hospital on Saturday.
Both of them were suffering from pneumonia and had tested positive for H1N1.
Apart from this, 51 more people have been admitted in swine flu designated hospitals across Hyderabad, the state capital.
Notably, Andhra Pradesh has recorded over 400 positive cases of swine flu so far.
TDP demand health emergency in State
HYDERABAD: The Telugu Desam Party has demanded that the State Government immediately declare a health emergency in the State in view of the outbreak of epidemics like swine flu and dengue which claimed many lives so far.
A delegation of senior TDP MLAs met Chief Minister K Rosaiah here today and submitted a memorandum in this regard. TDP MLAs Nagam Janardhana Reddy, M Narasimhulu, E Dayakar Rao, Payyavula Kesav and A Revanth Reddy met the Chief Minister in the State Secretariat.
Similarly a delegation of senior BJP leaders comprising party’s State president B Dattatreaya, MLA G Kishan Reddy, general secretary Ch Sabhamurthy and party’s city unit president Ch Ramachandra Reddy met the Governor ND Tiwari at Raj Bhavan this evening and submitted a memorandum to this effect.
Later speaking to the media, TDP leader Janardhan Reddy stated that the state was under the spell of dreadful diseases like Influenza, swine flu, dengue and anthrax.
In the tribal areas hundreds of people were dying due to malaria, the TD leader said and wanted the vacant doctor posts in the health department to be filled immediately and if need be they should be paid higher wages. Janardhan Reddy wanted the Government to import swine flu vaccine immediately.
Dayakar Rao wanted the Government to pay compensation to the kin of those who died of swine flu and dengue.
A delegation of senior TDP MLAs met Chief Minister K Rosaiah here today and submitted a memorandum in this regard. TDP MLAs Nagam Janardhana Reddy, M Narasimhulu, E Dayakar Rao, Payyavula Kesav and A Revanth Reddy met the Chief Minister in the State Secretariat.
Similarly a delegation of senior BJP leaders comprising party’s State president B Dattatreaya, MLA G Kishan Reddy, general secretary Ch Sabhamurthy and party’s city unit president Ch Ramachandra Reddy met the Governor ND Tiwari at Raj Bhavan this evening and submitted a memorandum to this effect.
Later speaking to the media, TDP leader Janardhan Reddy stated that the state was under the spell of dreadful diseases like Influenza, swine flu, dengue and anthrax.
In the tribal areas hundreds of people were dying due to malaria, the TD leader said and wanted the vacant doctor posts in the health department to be filled immediately and if need be they should be paid higher wages. Janardhan Reddy wanted the Government to import swine flu vaccine immediately.
Dayakar Rao wanted the Government to pay compensation to the kin of those who died of swine flu and dengue.
TDP MLA's case echoes in Andhra assembly
HYDERABAD: The political battle between the ruling Congress and main opposition Telugu Desam over the criminal case filed against a TDP MLA
reached the Andhra Pradesh Assembly today with the government asserting that a prima facie case existed against him.
The TDP MLA from Kovvur T V Rama Rao, who had been accused of misbehaving with the girl students from Kerala in the Nursing institute run by him at Nidadavole in West Godavari district, asserted in the Assembly today that the allegations levelled against him were false.
Claiming that he was framed in the case as he refused offers to join the Congress, Rama Rao said the reporter of a Telugu daily and some Congress leaders were instrumental in the conspiracy.
The incident made headlines on June 18 following reports that murder and rape took place in the institute. The reports, however, subsequently turned out to be incorrect.
Sharply attacking the Congress government, the MLA had gone on an indefinite fast in Hyderabad which ended after he was admitted to a hospital.
Alleging that the case was politically motivated as no student or any family member lodged any complaint over the matter, the Telugu Desam organised a massive agitation against the Congress government.
reached the Andhra Pradesh Assembly today with the government asserting that a prima facie case existed against him.
The TDP MLA from Kovvur T V Rama Rao, who had been accused of misbehaving with the girl students from Kerala in the Nursing institute run by him at Nidadavole in West Godavari district, asserted in the Assembly today that the allegations levelled against him were false.
Claiming that he was framed in the case as he refused offers to join the Congress, Rama Rao said the reporter of a Telugu daily and some Congress leaders were instrumental in the conspiracy.
The incident made headlines on June 18 following reports that murder and rape took place in the institute. The reports, however, subsequently turned out to be incorrect.
Sharply attacking the Congress government, the MLA had gone on an indefinite fast in Hyderabad which ended after he was admitted to a hospital.
Alleging that the case was politically motivated as no student or any family member lodged any complaint over the matter, the Telugu Desam organised a massive agitation against the Congress government.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Pranab to spot YSR’s heir
NEW DELHI: The Congress High Command has decided to send a three-member team led by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to Hyderabad to start the process of consultations with senior leaders and legislators to find a successor to late Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.
Sources said the team would reach Hyderabad on Thursday, a day after the seven-day mourning is over. The meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) would be convened after September 10 to elect a new leader.
The team would study the political situation and consult the party’s senior leaders before fixing a date for the CLP meeting.
“CLP decision would play a crucial role. But the high command’s decision is final. Andhra Pradesh is a special state. We are thinking a lot for YSR’s successor. The high command may take a final decision any day after September 12,” sources in the Congress said.
Meanwhile, supporters of YSR’s son Jaganmohan Reddy and those who are against him succeeding him, are camping in Delhi and lobbying for their leaders.
Among the Andhra Pradesh heavyweights present in the national capital are Union Minister Jaipal Reddy, MPs Kesava Rao, V Hanumantha Rao and Vundavilli Arun Kumar.
According to sources, the Congress high command is considering six names for the top post. The frontrunners include Jaganmohan, acting Chief Minister K Rosaiah, S Jaipal Reddy, PCC president D Srinivas and Rajya Sabha member K Kesava Rao. The party is is likely to finalise YSR’s successor only after the concurrence of Jaganmohan and adviser to state government Dr K V P Ramachander Rao.
Sources said the team would reach Hyderabad on Thursday, a day after the seven-day mourning is over. The meeting of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) would be convened after September 10 to elect a new leader.
The team would study the political situation and consult the party’s senior leaders before fixing a date for the CLP meeting.
“CLP decision would play a crucial role. But the high command’s decision is final. Andhra Pradesh is a special state. We are thinking a lot for YSR’s successor. The high command may take a final decision any day after September 12,” sources in the Congress said.
Meanwhile, supporters of YSR’s son Jaganmohan Reddy and those who are against him succeeding him, are camping in Delhi and lobbying for their leaders.
Among the Andhra Pradesh heavyweights present in the national capital are Union Minister Jaipal Reddy, MPs Kesava Rao, V Hanumantha Rao and Vundavilli Arun Kumar.
According to sources, the Congress high command is considering six names for the top post. The frontrunners include Jaganmohan, acting Chief Minister K Rosaiah, S Jaipal Reddy, PCC president D Srinivas and Rajya Sabha member K Kesava Rao. The party is is likely to finalise YSR’s successor only after the concurrence of Jaganmohan and adviser to state government Dr K V P Ramachander Rao.
Jagan as CM? Congress weighs options
NEW DELHI: The political weather in Andhra Pradesh is likely to remain uncertain for a while longer as a wary Congress leadership prepared itself
for a long haul, closely following moves of YSR loyalists running a campaign to make the late leader’s son Jagan Mohan Reddy as CM.
The high command is keen to make an exact assessment of the support for Jagan in the legislature group even as Andhra Pradesh MPs look likely to bring their case to Delhi. Though the leadership expressed its “satisfaction” over the appeal issued by Jagan on Sunday asking his supporters to call off their campaign, the point is likely to be driven home to key YSR loyalists like K V P Ramachandra Rao who has been called to Delhi.
In Hyderabad, ministers seen to be loyal to Jagan met Rao ahead of his departure for Delhi. There were reports of a team of senior leaders being deputed to visit Hyderabad, but senior Congress sources said there were no such plans at present. “Any leader who goes there now will be doing so as a condolence call,” said a central leader.
The high command emphasis remains in allowing the “heated” political situation to calm down. “A big leader has fallen, the emotions will not ebb immediately,” sources said. Congress is likely to take a call on whether to send a delegation to Hyderabad only after a couple of days. There are concerns that a premature move will only spark off renewed lobbying with the central team inundated by representations and demonstrations.
The issue of Jagan’s support among MLAs has figured in discussions held by the party leadership. While the party has almost certainly decided to ignore Jagan for the top post given his lack of experience, what is troubling the managers is the 47 first-time MLAs and 58 Reddys in assembly. The situation looks more precarious when seen in the light that Congress has a meagre majority of seven MLAs.
Congress high command has been thinking hard over the ‘Telugu self-respect’ factor that could come into play if the Jagan-for-CM campaign is not handled sensitively. This is even as as functionary said, “No leadership would agree to work under pressure.”
If numbers are a worry, MPs are now arriving in Delhi. Sources said they have even begun to seek appointments with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to push their case. A close YSR aide and MP Arun Kumar met the party chief on Monday.
Another MP Keshav Rao also met her and is understood to have conveyed his disapproval of the boisterous campaign.
While it is felt that Jagan is unlikely to defy a central decision on YSR’s successor, it is realised that his sulking would spoil the balance Congress achieved during YSR regime. This means that Jagan’s wishes would have to be taken into account on a successor even if he is to be overlooked and this means likely accommodation of the Reddy lobby.
A day after Jagan’s appeal to his supporters to leave the leadership issue to Sonia, Congress brass is learnt to have got fresh feedback from ground zero. The immediate query revolves around how many MLAs are with YSR’s son. At the same time, the reasons for their loyalty are also being looked into for working on them.
Sources said the prevailing mood in state may push the leadership to settle for an MLA instead of sending someone from Delhi. The party worries are two-fold. While there is a confidence that Jagan can be brought around, there is a fear that any instability could immediately put the party on the defensive, making it vulnerable to brinkmanship. The party will use its powers of persuasion to win over Jagan, arguing that his long-term interests lie in accepting a lesser job than CM, perhaps at the Centre. The party is aware that it must tread carefully in the post-YSR landscape with a N Chandrababu Naidu seeing a glimmer of hope. This leaves the possibility of a neutral Rosaiah continuing for longer than an interim arrangement.
The task of reading the situation on ground and gravitating MLAs towards an acceptable name may fall on veteran Pranab Mukherjee. Veerappa Moily, AICC incharge of state, and Digvijay Singh, who handled it as general secretary before Moily, are likely to play a role too.
Digvijay Singh, who was in Hyderabad on Sunday to offer his condolences to the YSR family, it is learnt, sought to impress upon Jagan the need for patience. He reportedly returned to Delhi with the impression that the ‘self-respect’ factor could snowball. He met Sonia on Monday.
for a long haul, closely following moves of YSR loyalists running a campaign to make the late leader’s son Jagan Mohan Reddy as CM.
The high command is keen to make an exact assessment of the support for Jagan in the legislature group even as Andhra Pradesh MPs look likely to bring their case to Delhi. Though the leadership expressed its “satisfaction” over the appeal issued by Jagan on Sunday asking his supporters to call off their campaign, the point is likely to be driven home to key YSR loyalists like K V P Ramachandra Rao who has been called to Delhi.
In Hyderabad, ministers seen to be loyal to Jagan met Rao ahead of his departure for Delhi. There were reports of a team of senior leaders being deputed to visit Hyderabad, but senior Congress sources said there were no such plans at present. “Any leader who goes there now will be doing so as a condolence call,” said a central leader.
The high command emphasis remains in allowing the “heated” political situation to calm down. “A big leader has fallen, the emotions will not ebb immediately,” sources said. Congress is likely to take a call on whether to send a delegation to Hyderabad only after a couple of days. There are concerns that a premature move will only spark off renewed lobbying with the central team inundated by representations and demonstrations.
The issue of Jagan’s support among MLAs has figured in discussions held by the party leadership. While the party has almost certainly decided to ignore Jagan for the top post given his lack of experience, what is troubling the managers is the 47 first-time MLAs and 58 Reddys in assembly. The situation looks more precarious when seen in the light that Congress has a meagre majority of seven MLAs.
Congress high command has been thinking hard over the ‘Telugu self-respect’ factor that could come into play if the Jagan-for-CM campaign is not handled sensitively. This is even as as functionary said, “No leadership would agree to work under pressure.”
If numbers are a worry, MPs are now arriving in Delhi. Sources said they have even begun to seek appointments with Congress chief Sonia Gandhi to push their case. A close YSR aide and MP Arun Kumar met the party chief on Monday.
Another MP Keshav Rao also met her and is understood to have conveyed his disapproval of the boisterous campaign.
While it is felt that Jagan is unlikely to defy a central decision on YSR’s successor, it is realised that his sulking would spoil the balance Congress achieved during YSR regime. This means that Jagan’s wishes would have to be taken into account on a successor even if he is to be overlooked and this means likely accommodation of the Reddy lobby.
A day after Jagan’s appeal to his supporters to leave the leadership issue to Sonia, Congress brass is learnt to have got fresh feedback from ground zero. The immediate query revolves around how many MLAs are with YSR’s son. At the same time, the reasons for their loyalty are also being looked into for working on them.
Sources said the prevailing mood in state may push the leadership to settle for an MLA instead of sending someone from Delhi. The party worries are two-fold. While there is a confidence that Jagan can be brought around, there is a fear that any instability could immediately put the party on the defensive, making it vulnerable to brinkmanship. The party will use its powers of persuasion to win over Jagan, arguing that his long-term interests lie in accepting a lesser job than CM, perhaps at the Centre. The party is aware that it must tread carefully in the post-YSR landscape with a N Chandrababu Naidu seeing a glimmer of hope. This leaves the possibility of a neutral Rosaiah continuing for longer than an interim arrangement.
The task of reading the situation on ground and gravitating MLAs towards an acceptable name may fall on veteran Pranab Mukherjee. Veerappa Moily, AICC incharge of state, and Digvijay Singh, who handled it as general secretary before Moily, are likely to play a role too.
Digvijay Singh, who was in Hyderabad on Sunday to offer his condolences to the YSR family, it is learnt, sought to impress upon Jagan the need for patience. He reportedly returned to Delhi with the impression that the ‘self-respect’ factor could snowball. He met Sonia on Monday.
TDP Women's wing chief Roja quits party
Hyderabad, Sept 7 (PTI) Telugu Desam Party Women's wing president and yesteryear actress of Telugu films R K Roja today quit the party.
In a letter to the TDP headquarters, Roja expressed her gratitude for providing her an opportunity to serve the party for ten years.
At the same time, she lamented the 'injustice' meted out to her in allocation of party ticket in the 2004 and 2009 Assembly elections much against her preferences. "Despite knowing everything, party president N Chandrababu Naidu failed to do any justice to me," she regretted.
Roja felt no justice would be done to people like her, who toiled sincerely for the party. "I never ever imagined that I will have to quit the TDP one day. But, given the circumstances, I am forced to leave the party," she added.
In a letter to the TDP headquarters, Roja expressed her gratitude for providing her an opportunity to serve the party for ten years.
At the same time, she lamented the 'injustice' meted out to her in allocation of party ticket in the 2004 and 2009 Assembly elections much against her preferences. "Despite knowing everything, party president N Chandrababu Naidu failed to do any justice to me," she regretted.
Roja felt no justice would be done to people like her, who toiled sincerely for the party. "I never ever imagined that I will have to quit the TDP one day. But, given the circumstances, I am forced to leave the party," she added.
Monday, September 7, 2009
ESPN Star Sports to launch sports news channel
NEW DELHI: ESPN Star Sports (ESS) is set to launch a round-the-clock sports news channel after rolling out a new look for its existing mainstream
channels midnight on Sunday.
Asia’s largest sports broadcaster has applied to the Indian government for permission to downlink the proposed channel, which is likely to be called ESPNews. This will be the fourth channel from the ESS bouquet after ESPN, Star Sports and Star Cricket.
ESS expects that the relaunch of ESPN and Star Sports channels on Sunday midnight across all Asian countries will help it recover the steep acquisition cost it has paid for sports properties by driving advertiser interest. The relaunch includes new logos, graphics and presentation besides an expansion in portfolio.
“The relaunch aims to enhance the value of our brands — a stronger brand means better and more business,” RC Venkateish, managing director of ESPN Software India, told ET.
The timing of the relaunch holds special significance for India because two international cricket tournaments, Champions Trophy scheduled for later this month and the T20 Champions League next month, are round the corner. “We are moving into a high-activity phase and the timing is relevant for us,” Mr Venkateish said.
ESS has exclusive broadcast rights to T20 Champions League, Champions Trophy, FIFA World Cup and the T20 World Cup that will be broadcast in the next 12 months.
ESS is a 50:50 joint venture between The Walt Disney Co-owned ESPN (formerly Entertainment and Sports Promotion Network) and News Corp-owned STAR TV, and says it has a reach of 310 million viewers across Asia. In the US market, ESPN had launched ESPNews in 1996 and ESPNews HD in 2008.
ESS already competes with half a dozen round-the-clock sports channels in the Indian market: Nimbus Communications’ Neo Sports and Neo Cricket, Zee Network’s Zee Sports and TEN Sports, Sony’s SET Max and state-run DD Sports. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also planning an all-cricket channel.
The economics of running a sports channel is skewed by the high cost of acquiring sports properties in a highly-competitive market. In September last year, ESS had paid $975 million for commercial rights of the T20 Champions League for 10 years — its most expensive cricket acquisition. The deal, which gave ESS rights for the tournament till 2017, makes it the most expensive cricket tournament by value on a per-game basis.
In addition, ESS has paid $1.1 billion for all cricket tournaments organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for an eight-year period between 2007 and 2015.
Last year, the cancellation of the inaugural T20 Champions League tournament because of terror attacks in Mumbai had resulted in ESS losing an opportunity to earn about Rs 200 crore from on-air revenues and ground rights.
However, this year, with both Champions Trophy and Champions League coinciding with the festival season, the broadcaster is hopeful of generating healthy advertiser interest. Telecom service provider Bharti Airtel had paid close to Rs 170 crore for a five-year period as the title sponsor of Champions League.
Since India is essentially a cricket country, ICC has scheduled its Cricket World Cup in 2011 to be held in India. ESS too derives its maximum revenues from cricket.
The Indian arm of ESS contributes 45-55% of the total revenues earned by the company.
channels midnight on Sunday.
Asia’s largest sports broadcaster has applied to the Indian government for permission to downlink the proposed channel, which is likely to be called ESPNews. This will be the fourth channel from the ESS bouquet after ESPN, Star Sports and Star Cricket.
ESS expects that the relaunch of ESPN and Star Sports channels on Sunday midnight across all Asian countries will help it recover the steep acquisition cost it has paid for sports properties by driving advertiser interest. The relaunch includes new logos, graphics and presentation besides an expansion in portfolio.
“The relaunch aims to enhance the value of our brands — a stronger brand means better and more business,” RC Venkateish, managing director of ESPN Software India, told ET.
The timing of the relaunch holds special significance for India because two international cricket tournaments, Champions Trophy scheduled for later this month and the T20 Champions League next month, are round the corner. “We are moving into a high-activity phase and the timing is relevant for us,” Mr Venkateish said.
ESS has exclusive broadcast rights to T20 Champions League, Champions Trophy, FIFA World Cup and the T20 World Cup that will be broadcast in the next 12 months.
ESS is a 50:50 joint venture between The Walt Disney Co-owned ESPN (formerly Entertainment and Sports Promotion Network) and News Corp-owned STAR TV, and says it has a reach of 310 million viewers across Asia. In the US market, ESPN had launched ESPNews in 1996 and ESPNews HD in 2008.
ESS already competes with half a dozen round-the-clock sports channels in the Indian market: Nimbus Communications’ Neo Sports and Neo Cricket, Zee Network’s Zee Sports and TEN Sports, Sony’s SET Max and state-run DD Sports. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is also planning an all-cricket channel.
The economics of running a sports channel is skewed by the high cost of acquiring sports properties in a highly-competitive market. In September last year, ESS had paid $975 million for commercial rights of the T20 Champions League for 10 years — its most expensive cricket acquisition. The deal, which gave ESS rights for the tournament till 2017, makes it the most expensive cricket tournament by value on a per-game basis.
In addition, ESS has paid $1.1 billion for all cricket tournaments organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for an eight-year period between 2007 and 2015.
Last year, the cancellation of the inaugural T20 Champions League tournament because of terror attacks in Mumbai had resulted in ESS losing an opportunity to earn about Rs 200 crore from on-air revenues and ground rights.
However, this year, with both Champions Trophy and Champions League coinciding with the festival season, the broadcaster is hopeful of generating healthy advertiser interest. Telecom service provider Bharti Airtel had paid close to Rs 170 crore for a five-year period as the title sponsor of Champions League.
Since India is essentially a cricket country, ICC has scheduled its Cricket World Cup in 2011 to be held in India. ESS too derives its maximum revenues from cricket.
The Indian arm of ESS contributes 45-55% of the total revenues earned by the company.
CBI to probe YSR helicopter crash
HYDERABAD: The Andhra Pradesh government announced on Monday that the CBI will probe the helicopter crash that killed late chief minister Y S
Rajasekhara after it recommended to the central government that an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) be ordered.
State home minister P Sabita Indra Reddy told reporters Monday that Union home minister P Chidambaram has agreed to the state's request, conveyed by chief minister Rosaiah.
"The Union home minister readily agreed to the CBI inquiry and conveyed the decision to the chief minister," Sabita Reddy said after the meeting. She, however, added that the probe being conducted by the state’s crime investigation department would also continue.
The state government has also ordered a probe by a two-member expert committee comprising M R Reddy, retired Indian Police Service (IPS) official, and H S Kola, former director general, civil aviation, she said. The committee will submit its report in 60 days.
"Since, many doubts are being raised over the helicopter tragedy, we decided to conduct a thorough inquiry from all angles so that the truth comes out," she said.
YSR, his special secretary, chief security officer and two pilots were killed when the helicopter carrying them from Hyderabad to Chittoor crashed in bad weather in Nallamalla forests in Kurnool district on Wednesday morning. The charred bodies and the wreckage of the chopper were found the next morning after a massive search operation.
Rajasekhara after it recommended to the central government that an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) be ordered.
State home minister P Sabita Indra Reddy told reporters Monday that Union home minister P Chidambaram has agreed to the state's request, conveyed by chief minister Rosaiah.
"The Union home minister readily agreed to the CBI inquiry and conveyed the decision to the chief minister," Sabita Reddy said after the meeting. She, however, added that the probe being conducted by the state’s crime investigation department would also continue.
The state government has also ordered a probe by a two-member expert committee comprising M R Reddy, retired Indian Police Service (IPS) official, and H S Kola, former director general, civil aviation, she said. The committee will submit its report in 60 days.
"Since, many doubts are being raised over the helicopter tragedy, we decided to conduct a thorough inquiry from all angles so that the truth comes out," she said.
YSR, his special secretary, chief security officer and two pilots were killed when the helicopter carrying them from Hyderabad to Chittoor crashed in bad weather in Nallamalla forests in Kurnool district on Wednesday morning. The charred bodies and the wreckage of the chopper were found the next morning after a massive search operation.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
YSR's son in UPA Cabinet?
HYDERABAD : While the path seems to be clear for Y S Rajasekhar Reddy’s lone son Y S Jaganmohan Reddy (Jagan), 36, the Lok Sabha MP from Kadapa, to take over as the new chief minister, it may not happen so. If indications from the Congress are to be believed, the party leadership would prefer the young politician as a minister in the Union Cabinet.
However, as many as 35 ministers handed a letter to Sonia Gandhi in Hyderabad on Friday morning , requesting her to make Jagan, an industrialist, the CM.
“It is good if they propose Jagan as the chief minister. He is young and dynamic. However, the decision has to be taken by the Congress Legislature Party” , said Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily, who is in charge of AP Congress affairs.
JAGAN WAS BEING GROOMED TO BE CHIEF MINISTER
Jagan is non-controversial , young, and was being groomed as the future chief minister by his father for the last two years or so.
“He can better understand his father’s ideals and line of thinking” , said Congress MP Lagadapati Rajagopal.
K Rosaiah, who took oath as interim CM on Thursday said, “I just obeyed the party high command to be interim chief minister. I will wait for the regular CM to take over” .
Pradesh Congress Committee chief D Srinivas said, “This is not the time to think of the next chief minister. The party has several eligible people including many seniors . Our party high command will soon take a decision on that.”
Congress insiders also point out that preference of anybody other than Jagan would only mean allowing the party to divide into groups again, to the advantage of the opposition Telugu Desam.
But the view of the high command seems different. It will be difficult for the young politician to face the politics of stalwarts. “The view is Jagan needs training and exposure before being vested with the responsibility of chief minister ,” sources say. Rosaiah is a noncontroversial Congress loyalist. But, his Delhi contacts are limited. “Here, Jagan will bridge the gap, while paving his way for growth” , the sources said.
JAGANMOHAN SAYS
However, Jagan said, “We need to be brave at this moment. Our primary objective is to take the welfare schemes initiated by the former CM forward. People and their welfare was close to YSR’s heart.”
However, as many as 35 ministers handed a letter to Sonia Gandhi in Hyderabad on Friday morning , requesting her to make Jagan, an industrialist, the CM.
“It is good if they propose Jagan as the chief minister. He is young and dynamic. However, the decision has to be taken by the Congress Legislature Party” , said Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily, who is in charge of AP Congress affairs.
JAGAN WAS BEING GROOMED TO BE CHIEF MINISTER
Jagan is non-controversial , young, and was being groomed as the future chief minister by his father for the last two years or so.
“He can better understand his father’s ideals and line of thinking” , said Congress MP Lagadapati Rajagopal.
K Rosaiah, who took oath as interim CM on Thursday said, “I just obeyed the party high command to be interim chief minister. I will wait for the regular CM to take over” .
Pradesh Congress Committee chief D Srinivas said, “This is not the time to think of the next chief minister. The party has several eligible people including many seniors . Our party high command will soon take a decision on that.”
Congress insiders also point out that preference of anybody other than Jagan would only mean allowing the party to divide into groups again, to the advantage of the opposition Telugu Desam.
But the view of the high command seems different. It will be difficult for the young politician to face the politics of stalwarts. “The view is Jagan needs training and exposure before being vested with the responsibility of chief minister ,” sources say. Rosaiah is a noncontroversial Congress loyalist. But, his Delhi contacts are limited. “Here, Jagan will bridge the gap, while paving his way for growth” , the sources said.
JAGANMOHAN SAYS
However, Jagan said, “We need to be brave at this moment. Our primary objective is to take the welfare schemes initiated by the former CM forward. People and their welfare was close to YSR’s heart.”
Thursday, September 3, 2009
YSR: A doctor with a finger on the public pulse
HYDERABAD: A doctor by training, Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy, or YSR as he was popularly known, was known for his strong administrative
YSR Reddy distributing articles to poor patients in Hyderabad. (PTI Photo)
More Pictures
skills and whose second stint as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh this year broke a 53-year-old jinx for the Congress party.
This May, he became the first Congress chief minister since the state was formed in 1956 to complete a full five-year term and retain power in elections. The only other chief minister who achieved the fate was NT Rama Rao of Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
One of YSR's main achievements was subduing the ultra-left Naxalite insurgency in the state that had one time gripped 21 of its 23 districts. In the process, the People's War Group (PWG), once the dominant Maoist group in India, was crushed beyond recognition.
When he took over as chief minister for the first time on May 14, 2004 from N Chandrababu Naidu of TDP, it was a dream came true for YSR. The leader from the badlands of Rayalaseema had come up the hard way in his public life spanning three decades and emerged as one of the strongest leaders the Congress has produced in the state.
He has always been a winner. Elected to the state assembly for the fifth time, YSR is also a four-time Lok Sabha member and holds the record of never losing an election.
More than once he proved why he was more popular among masses with his fingers on the public pulse.
Popular as 'people's leader' among his followers, YSR tasted success despite facing a hostile poll campaign from both the TDP-led four party Grand Alliance and the Praja Rajyam Party of actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi.
YSR also emerged as one of the few leaders in the country to retain power beating the anti-incumbency factor. What has made his performance more creditable is the fact that he made no big promises and instead highlighted his performance versus the "poor credibility record" of his main rival N Chandrababu Naidu of TDP.
Banking on his performance and the numerous welfare schemes his government launched during the last five years, YSR retained power despite a three-cornered contest. The man who ran the Congress campaign on his shoulders emerged victorious in the face of hectic electioneering by top stars of the tinsel world in favour of TDP and Praja Rajyam.
Born to a Christian middle class family at Pulivendula, a small town in Kadapa district, on July 8, 1949, YSR made a modest beginning. Eldest of the five sons of YS Raja Reddy, a dynamic local leader in his heydays, he evinced interests in politics while studying at MR Medical College, Gulbarga, Karnataka.
After completing his MBBS, YSR served as medical officer at the Jammalamadugu Mission Hospital briefly. In 1973, he established a 70-bed charitable hospital.
He entered active politics in 1978 and was elected to the state assembly from Pulivendula. He served as state minister from 1980 to 1983 and retained the assembly seat in 1983 even when NTR swept to power with a historic victory.
Sensing a potential leader in him, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appointed YSR president of the state unit of Congress when he was only 34.
In 1989, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kadapa and held the seat till 1999, when he shifted again to state politics. From 1998 to 2000, he again served as president of the state Congress.
Though the party lost the 1999 state elections, YSR emerged as the strongest leader of the party and became the leader of opposition.
The year 2003 was a turning point in his political career as he undertook a 64-day padyatra, or walkathon, across the state. Covering 1,500 km under the scorching sun, he received petitions from people about their problems, mainly relating to agriculture and unemployment.
It was this campaign and a strong anti-incumbency wave against Chandrababu Naidu's government which catapulted YSR to power.
His experiences during the padyatra helped him shape his policies after assuming office as he gave free electricity to farmers, waived their loans, introduced several welfare schemes like pension for the aged, widows and handicapped, housing for poor, Rs2-a-kg rice, Rajiv Arogyasri or community health insurance scheme and a massive programme to build irrigation projects.
Thanks to these initiatives, the Congress won 156 of Andhra Pradesh's 294 seats and bagged 33 of its 42 Lok Sabha seats this time.
In a message on Independence Day on Aug 15, Reddy said: "The state has witnessed tremendous growth in the past five years when compared to the growth that took place since independence. Our people are a happier lot and are embracing a bright future without any fears."
YSR Reddy distributing articles to poor patients in Hyderabad. (PTI Photo)
More Pictures
skills and whose second stint as chief minister of Andhra Pradesh this year broke a 53-year-old jinx for the Congress party.
This May, he became the first Congress chief minister since the state was formed in 1956 to complete a full five-year term and retain power in elections. The only other chief minister who achieved the fate was NT Rama Rao of Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
One of YSR's main achievements was subduing the ultra-left Naxalite insurgency in the state that had one time gripped 21 of its 23 districts. In the process, the People's War Group (PWG), once the dominant Maoist group in India, was crushed beyond recognition.
When he took over as chief minister for the first time on May 14, 2004 from N Chandrababu Naidu of TDP, it was a dream came true for YSR. The leader from the badlands of Rayalaseema had come up the hard way in his public life spanning three decades and emerged as one of the strongest leaders the Congress has produced in the state.
He has always been a winner. Elected to the state assembly for the fifth time, YSR is also a four-time Lok Sabha member and holds the record of never losing an election.
More than once he proved why he was more popular among masses with his fingers on the public pulse.
Popular as 'people's leader' among his followers, YSR tasted success despite facing a hostile poll campaign from both the TDP-led four party Grand Alliance and the Praja Rajyam Party of actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi.
YSR also emerged as one of the few leaders in the country to retain power beating the anti-incumbency factor. What has made his performance more creditable is the fact that he made no big promises and instead highlighted his performance versus the "poor credibility record" of his main rival N Chandrababu Naidu of TDP.
Banking on his performance and the numerous welfare schemes his government launched during the last five years, YSR retained power despite a three-cornered contest. The man who ran the Congress campaign on his shoulders emerged victorious in the face of hectic electioneering by top stars of the tinsel world in favour of TDP and Praja Rajyam.
Born to a Christian middle class family at Pulivendula, a small town in Kadapa district, on July 8, 1949, YSR made a modest beginning. Eldest of the five sons of YS Raja Reddy, a dynamic local leader in his heydays, he evinced interests in politics while studying at MR Medical College, Gulbarga, Karnataka.
After completing his MBBS, YSR served as medical officer at the Jammalamadugu Mission Hospital briefly. In 1973, he established a 70-bed charitable hospital.
He entered active politics in 1978 and was elected to the state assembly from Pulivendula. He served as state minister from 1980 to 1983 and retained the assembly seat in 1983 even when NTR swept to power with a historic victory.
Sensing a potential leader in him, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi appointed YSR president of the state unit of Congress when he was only 34.
In 1989, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kadapa and held the seat till 1999, when he shifted again to state politics. From 1998 to 2000, he again served as president of the state Congress.
Though the party lost the 1999 state elections, YSR emerged as the strongest leader of the party and became the leader of opposition.
The year 2003 was a turning point in his political career as he undertook a 64-day padyatra, or walkathon, across the state. Covering 1,500 km under the scorching sun, he received petitions from people about their problems, mainly relating to agriculture and unemployment.
It was this campaign and a strong anti-incumbency wave against Chandrababu Naidu's government which catapulted YSR to power.
His experiences during the padyatra helped him shape his policies after assuming office as he gave free electricity to farmers, waived their loans, introduced several welfare schemes like pension for the aged, widows and handicapped, housing for poor, Rs2-a-kg rice, Rajiv Arogyasri or community health insurance scheme and a massive programme to build irrigation projects.
Thanks to these initiatives, the Congress won 156 of Andhra Pradesh's 294 seats and bagged 33 of its 42 Lok Sabha seats this time.
In a message on Independence Day on Aug 15, Reddy said: "The state has witnessed tremendous growth in the past five years when compared to the growth that took place since independence. Our people are a happier lot and are embracing a bright future without any fears."
Andhra Pradesh CM YSR is dead
HYDERABAD:Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy and four others have been killed, officials in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) confirmed Thursday, more than 24 hours after his helicopter went missing in a densely forested area.
"The bodies have been recovered. They will be taken to Hyderabad for post-mortem," a PMO official in New Delhi told IANS shortly after the mangled remains of the Bell helicopter were found on a hilltop in Kurnool, about 200 km from here.
Helicopters, search parties and villagers had conducted the search in pouring rain for a whole day and night in the forested hinterland for the wreckage, which was finally located about 40 nautical miles east of Kurnool town.
The 60-year-old chief minister, popularly known as YSR, was going to Chittoor, 588 km from this state capital, for a mass contact programme when his helicopter went missing in inclement weather around 9.30 a.m. Wednesday in the Nallamalla forests.
With YSR, who this May steered the Congress to a second stint in power, was his principal secretary P. Subramaniam, his chief security officer A.S.C. Wesley and the two pilots of the ill-fated helicopter -- Group Captain S.K. Bhatia and Captain M.S. Reddy.
The news stunned the Congress. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi are expected to reach Hyderabad Thursday.
There was shock, disbelief and tears in Andhra Pradesh as news came in that there were no survivors from the crash.
"He is my god. I can't believe that he is no more," said an inconsolable Congress worker.
Crowds gathered outside the state secretariat, the chief minister's camp office and Gandhi Bhavan, the headquarters of the ruling Congress.
YSR was last seen Wednesday morning when he went to launch the 'Rachcha Banda', a mass contact programme, in Chittoor despite apprehensions of bad weather.
It was only around 5 a.m. Wednesday that senior police officials in Chittoor district were informed by the chief minister that he would be visiting Anuppalle village to launch 'Racchabanda' programme.
A day after the budget session of the state assembly concluded, YSR had chosen a remote village in Anuppalle to launch the programme of surprise visits to villages to know people's problems.
Chandrababu Naidu pay homage to YSR
HYDERABAD - Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu and actor-turned-politician K. Chiranjeevi were among prominent state leaders who paid homage to chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy here Thursday.
State ministers, leaders belonging to the ruling Congress party and opposition parties, celebrities from the Telugu film world and various walks of life paid their last respects to YSR at the camp office.
The mourners filed past the casket kept on a flower bedecked platform with two portraits of the chief minister, who died in a helicopter crash Wednesday.
Naidu and Chiranjeevi laid wreaths and paid homage.
Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) MP and former actress Vijayshanti, Lok Satta president Jayprakash Narayan, leaders of the CPI and the CPI-M also paid their homage to YSR.
Veteran actor Krishna, Vijay Nirmala, young actor Jagapati Babu, producer and former union minister Dasari Narayan Rao and Raghuvendra Rao were among film personalities who paid their homage.
The chief minister and four others died in a copter crash in the state’s Nallamalla jungles Wednesday.
State ministers, leaders belonging to the ruling Congress party and opposition parties, celebrities from the Telugu film world and various walks of life paid their last respects to YSR at the camp office.
The mourners filed past the casket kept on a flower bedecked platform with two portraits of the chief minister, who died in a helicopter crash Wednesday.
Naidu and Chiranjeevi laid wreaths and paid homage.
Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) MP and former actress Vijayshanti, Lok Satta president Jayprakash Narayan, leaders of the CPI and the CPI-M also paid their homage to YSR.
Veteran actor Krishna, Vijay Nirmala, young actor Jagapati Babu, producer and former union minister Dasari Narayan Rao and Raghuvendra Rao were among film personalities who paid their homage.
The chief minister and four others died in a copter crash in the state’s Nallamalla jungles Wednesday.
Rosaiah breaks down while announcing YSR's death
HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Finance Minister K. Rosaiah, who is likely to be appointed caretaker chief minister, broke down during a news conference Thursday while announcing the death of chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash.
The 76-year-old leader, the seniormost minister in the cabinet, could not control himself when he made the formal announcement that the chief minister had died.
"I had never imagined that I will have to announce this bad news. I am not able to digest his demise. The man who was working among us till yesterday suddenly disappeared," said Rosaiah, who has been guiding the state government in key policy matters during the last five years.
"People prayed across the state... prayed for his safety yesterday and throughout the night. There were prayers in temples, mosques, churches and gurdwaras but god willed otherwise," he said in a choking voice.
"We were working with Mr Rajasekhara Reddy till day before yesterday night. He was with us during the debate on appropriation bill in the assembly. After the bill was passed in the assembly, he went out and later telephoned me to inform that he will not able to come to the council and wanted me to take care of the same," he said.
"Late in the night he congratulated me. I wanted to know what was the matter. He said the assembly and council business is over and we will be a bit free. I am not able to describe the affection he was showing to me and other ministers," said Rosaiah.
The finance minister said YSR's death was not only a personal loss to him but a great loss to the state and the country. "He was only 60 and was healthy. He had a long life before him and would have done much more for people but fate cut short his life," he said.
The 76-year-old leader, the seniormost minister in the cabinet, could not control himself when he made the formal announcement that the chief minister had died.
"I had never imagined that I will have to announce this bad news. I am not able to digest his demise. The man who was working among us till yesterday suddenly disappeared," said Rosaiah, who has been guiding the state government in key policy matters during the last five years.
"People prayed across the state... prayed for his safety yesterday and throughout the night. There were prayers in temples, mosques, churches and gurdwaras but god willed otherwise," he said in a choking voice.
"We were working with Mr Rajasekhara Reddy till day before yesterday night. He was with us during the debate on appropriation bill in the assembly. After the bill was passed in the assembly, he went out and later telephoned me to inform that he will not able to come to the council and wanted me to take care of the same," he said.
"Late in the night he congratulated me. I wanted to know what was the matter. He said the assembly and council business is over and we will be a bit free. I am not able to describe the affection he was showing to me and other ministers," said Rosaiah.
The finance minister said YSR's death was not only a personal loss to him but a great loss to the state and the country. "He was only 60 and was healthy. He had a long life before him and would have done much more for people but fate cut short his life," he said.
Andhra Bhavan in gloom after YSR's death
NEW DELHI: A pall of gloom hung over the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in the national capital on Thursday following the death of chief minister Y S
Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash in Kurnool district on Wednesday.
Union minister of state for Defence Pallam Raju, who was among the first to come and pay his condolences, said the nation has lost "a powerful leader".
"The sudden passing away of our chief minister under tragic circumstances is a big shock to the people of Andhra Pradesh and the nation. Reddy was the leader of the masses and whose heart beat for the common man, the under-privileged and the farming community.
In his death country has lost a great and powerful leader. May god bless his departed soul and give strength to his family," Raju wrote in his condolence message.
YSR, as the Andhra Pradesh chief minister was popularly known, was on his way to Chittoor, about 580 km from the state capital Hyderabad, when his helicopter lost contact with the air traffic control around 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday.
The crashed helicopter with the bodies of YSR and four other co-passengers was sighted on Thursday morning by Indian Air Force choppers on a forested hilltop in Kurnool district, about 200 km from the state capital.
"He was a very powerful and important leader. He used to work for common man. He started a lots of irrigation projects. He implemented all the central and the state government schemes with full dedication.... big loss to the country. We will work in his name and fulfil his dreams," Raju said in his message.
A prayer meeting was organised at the Andhra Bhavan and a condolence meeting is scheduled on Thursday evening. Left leaders D Raja and Sitaram Yechury also came to pay their tributes. Indian flag was flying at half mast.
"It's a very tragic loss. When he won the recent assembly election emphatically, we all believed that he is poised to play a bigger role in the national politics. But this did not happen," Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury said.
Communist Party of India leader D Raja said: "He was quite friendly and generous person. He was a very affectionate leader. It's a very tragic loss." Union minister for tourism Selja also visited the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan to offer her respects to the departed leader.
The information officer of the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan Kiran Kumar told IANS: "Seven days of state mourning has been declared. Today (Thursday), tomorrow (Friday) and day after tomorrow (Saturday) will be institutional holidays. His funeral will take place on Saturday."
The happening Andhra cafe, which is visited by nearly 5,000 people daily, had fewer number of footfalls. The cafe decided to cancel its dinner services to mourn the death of the leader.
"People are sad. There is a definite decrease in the number of people coming here. Dinner will not be served on Thursday," supervisor Satyanarayan said.
Krishna Reddy, one of the visitors who came to pay his homage, said: "He (YSR) was one of the greatest leaders and a visionary. He worked for the common man. The people will miss him."
Joshua Jena, an NGO worker from Andhra Pradesh, said: "I met Mr. Reddy in 2006. He was a wonderful guy and a very dynamic leader who worked for the needy, the downtrodden and the minorities." "It's a great, great loss for the state. He did wonders for Andhra."
Rajasekhara Reddy in a helicopter crash in Kurnool district on Wednesday.
Union minister of state for Defence Pallam Raju, who was among the first to come and pay his condolences, said the nation has lost "a powerful leader".
"The sudden passing away of our chief minister under tragic circumstances is a big shock to the people of Andhra Pradesh and the nation. Reddy was the leader of the masses and whose heart beat for the common man, the under-privileged and the farming community.
In his death country has lost a great and powerful leader. May god bless his departed soul and give strength to his family," Raju wrote in his condolence message.
YSR, as the Andhra Pradesh chief minister was popularly known, was on his way to Chittoor, about 580 km from the state capital Hyderabad, when his helicopter lost contact with the air traffic control around 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday.
The crashed helicopter with the bodies of YSR and four other co-passengers was sighted on Thursday morning by Indian Air Force choppers on a forested hilltop in Kurnool district, about 200 km from the state capital.
"He was a very powerful and important leader. He used to work for common man. He started a lots of irrigation projects. He implemented all the central and the state government schemes with full dedication.... big loss to the country. We will work in his name and fulfil his dreams," Raju said in his message.
A prayer meeting was organised at the Andhra Bhavan and a condolence meeting is scheduled on Thursday evening. Left leaders D Raja and Sitaram Yechury also came to pay their tributes. Indian flag was flying at half mast.
"It's a very tragic loss. When he won the recent assembly election emphatically, we all believed that he is poised to play a bigger role in the national politics. But this did not happen," Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury said.
Communist Party of India leader D Raja said: "He was quite friendly and generous person. He was a very affectionate leader. It's a very tragic loss." Union minister for tourism Selja also visited the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan to offer her respects to the departed leader.
The information officer of the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan Kiran Kumar told IANS: "Seven days of state mourning has been declared. Today (Thursday), tomorrow (Friday) and day after tomorrow (Saturday) will be institutional holidays. His funeral will take place on Saturday."
The happening Andhra cafe, which is visited by nearly 5,000 people daily, had fewer number of footfalls. The cafe decided to cancel its dinner services to mourn the death of the leader.
"People are sad. There is a definite decrease in the number of people coming here. Dinner will not be served on Thursday," supervisor Satyanarayan said.
Krishna Reddy, one of the visitors who came to pay his homage, said: "He (YSR) was one of the greatest leaders and a visionary. He worked for the common man. The people will miss him."
Joshua Jena, an NGO worker from Andhra Pradesh, said: "I met Mr. Reddy in 2006. He was a wonderful guy and a very dynamic leader who worked for the needy, the downtrodden and the minorities." "It's a great, great loss for the state. He did wonders for Andhra."
YSR's death a great loss: Chidambaram
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday confirmed the tragic death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy and the four other occupants in the helicopter.
He said the death of the chief minister has been conveyed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram confirms the death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy and the four other occupants in the helicopter. Photo: Yashbant Negi/India Today
The home minister said, "Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy's chopper crashed 49 nautical miles off Kurnool. An Indian Air Force aircraft that was on the search mission found the wreckage of the chopper at 8.30 am on Thursday morning.
"The helicopter had broken into several parts."
He further said that the bodies are still at the accident site. "We are trying to get a doctor to the accident site, but it will take time following which the bodies will be flown first to Kurnool and from there to Hyderabad."
Chidambaram announced that the Cabinet will meet at 3 pm on Thursday.
"We are in a deep sense of grief, loss and shock on the passing of a tall leader. We send our condolences to the families of Reddy and the other four passengers in the chopper."
He said the death of the chief minister has been conveyed to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram confirms the death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy and the four other occupants in the helicopter. Photo: Yashbant Negi/India Today
The home minister said, "Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy's chopper crashed 49 nautical miles off Kurnool. An Indian Air Force aircraft that was on the search mission found the wreckage of the chopper at 8.30 am on Thursday morning.
"The helicopter had broken into several parts."
He further said that the bodies are still at the accident site. "We are trying to get a doctor to the accident site, but it will take time following which the bodies will be flown first to Kurnool and from there to Hyderabad."
Chidambaram announced that the Cabinet will meet at 3 pm on Thursday.
"We are in a deep sense of grief, loss and shock on the passing of a tall leader. We send our condolences to the families of Reddy and the other four passengers in the chopper."
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