Jagan battle comes to end! what about the war?

YS Jaganmohan Reddy waged the longest public battle in the Andhra Pradesh Politics. Except for the occasional Telangana flareups, Jagan was all along in the media headlines, limelight and gossip. Hardly known beyond the power brokers circle during his father's tenure, Jagan had a meteoric raise in the state politics. He was named by many, the most "charismatic" politician in the state politics. And perhaps, Jagan too thinks so!

He showed tremendous energy, defiance, confidence and arrogance during the course of time in his public life.

"You like me, or loath me but you cannot ignore me" summarise the character of this 37 year son of YS Rajasekhara Reddy. Also, there are some striking differences when we compare him with his father. First of all, Jagan appears to be a poor listener. Secondly, while his father appeared more confident on all aspects, Jagan looks arrogant with little room for reflection. This kind of personality rarely survives in politics. Third, while his father never went head on with any one including his arch rivals, Jagan directly took on 10, Janpath - the powerful political family in India. No one politically survived after waging a war with Gandhi - Nehru dynasty.

After, near 14 month battle with the congress high command, he quit from the Congress. But, he made more enemies than friends and in fact, many friends have now become - foes. I am sure, Jagan would not keep quiet unless he is further crippled off his resources by the Congress Government. 

Looking at "The Art of the War" quotations, I am just amazed to see how Jagan engaged his battle exactly the opposite way, to what Sun Tzu said in 250 BC. YS Jaganmohan Reddy, born in Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh is not related to Sun Tzu, the great Chinese philosopher. 

But, I think if Jagan is really keen to win the war and grab the power, he cannot ignore what Sun Tzu had said. 

And here is the first lesson from the battle that Jagan lost:

He who "He who wishes to fight must first count the cost. When you engage in actual fighting, if victory is long in coming, then men's weapons will grow dull and their ardor will be dampened. If you lay siege to a town, you will exhaust your strength. Again, if the campaign is protracted, the resources of the State will not be equal to the strain. Now, when your weapons are dulled, your ardor dampened, your strength exhausted and your treasure spent, other chieftains will spring up to take advantage of your extremity. Then no man, however wise, will be able to avert the consequences that must ensue. In war, then, let your great object be victory, not lengthy campaign"

The Battle is lost by Jagan because:

1. Timing: When he had 150 MLA's in his fold - he did not take the decision
2. Standing by word: This the last thing anyone see in Politics. He damaged the image of his father during the dull and boring "Odarpu Yatras". Again, when the elections are 4 years away, the tours will go into the poor public memory. Poor strategy!
3. Too long: When he failed to take the decisive steps - all the first line support deflected to his rivals. Today he is left with handful of MLA's. Again, how many would remain with him is still a question
4. Long Siege: 14 months with Congress high command known for the best of political acumen is the worst step of all
5. Cost: All his supporters cost him lot to be on his side and his resources dwindle quickly
6. Too many fronts: Congress High Command, Rosaiah Government, Telugu Desam Party, Eenadu, Andhra Jyothi and now his own uncle. Listing is expanding. Does he know enemies enemy is a friend? His list is so complicated that - if all enemies get together, he would be crushed. And this may happen now
7. Lengthy campaign: Again, in the end he quit citing family splits engineered by Congress. What did he achieve in 14 months?
8. Poor advisers: Does he listen to anyone?
9. Arrogance: He is not NT Rama rao. And he will never be. Be realistic and be a politician.
10. Strength: Do not bank on the crowds coming to the public show. They may never vote to you when time comes. 

What are the options for Jagan? In a nutshell read the book - "The Art of War". Then, reconsider all the 10 points above. Read the pages from his father political life and understand, how he did overcome the worst, from a factionist leader to become undisputed leader in the state. Finally, never assume that anything is available infinitely.

Otherwise, Jagan will loose future battles and finally the war. 

For now, Jagan is still a force to reckon provided he learns from the mistakes of his first battle. And the first evidence comes from winning the Kadapa Loksabha seat and Pulivendula Assembly seat for his mother.