There is nothing like a neutral opinion of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Either you love him or hate him. He commands extreme loyalty from his supporters. For them he is modern Robin Hood. Born for the masses and welfare of the needy. He sustains remarkable energy levels. No other politician in the state's history traveled as widely across the state as Jagan, without elections even on the horizon. He commands huge crowds at this rallies. Always smiles and keeps his cool on most of the occasions. Unlike most of the ultra-rich Andhra Pradesh politicians Jagan never claimed either he is poor or innocent. His was not a rags to riches story. His father, late YS Rajasekhar Reddy - and his grandfather Raja Reddy were rich by any standard during their own life times. For decades, this family hold on Kadapa political scene is near complete. Let it be in Congress or outside Congress, Kadapa remained their fortress.
For his critics, Jagan is an unethical and corrupt person to the core. He misused his father's power to the core and amassed billions of dollars. These figures are wide and varied. At one end, the estimated wealth crosses in excess of Rs 50,000 crores (that is Rs 500, 000 millions or US $1billion). His bete noire claim it could be even four times. This staggering amount of wealth has been accumulated in a short span of about 5 years. Even by richer country standards making $1billion per year is not a mean task. However, officially Jagan declared asserts worth Rs 365 crores. At the same time, his wife owns assets worth 10 times more than himself. Going by norm as it is the case with most of the political and business class, his overall assets must be worth many time more. Besides misusing his father's power and amassing huge wealth, other chief allegation of his critics is centered his violent politics which is a norm in faction ridden Rayalaseema region. His name has been quoted by his opponents and their associated media - specially around the high profile murder of Paritala Ravi (Incidentally, Ravi himself was a product of the violent Rayalaseema politics, with many murder cases tagged to his name).
For neutral observers, Jagan is a strewed and power hungry politician. Soon after his father came to power, he started a big media company. Despite all the dubious accounts on it's genesis, Sakshi became a platform for providing alternative version and views to public. Until that point, Congress in the state did not have a vernacular media to provide a platform or support. Incidentally, Sakshi on some occasions successfully proved the dubious dealings of media baron Ramoji Rao with Eenadu facade that dented the reputation. Under the current jinxed circumstances, it is Sakshi providing Jagan with a saving grace - against a coordinated and scripted onslaught.
Jagan is a staunch Christian. Like Nehru-Gandhi family - Reddy tag is for public consumption. Jagan's great grandfathers' were converted Christians and there is no ambiguity. He is neither hypocritical like Rahul Gandhi who recently proclaimed himself a Brahmin. Rahul's mother Sonia Gandhi is Catholic, his father Rajiv Gandhi was born to a Hindu mother (Indira Gandhi) and a Parsi (Feroz Gandhi) with some claim that Feroz is of Muslim origins than Parsi . Interestingly, while many attributed YSR's political power and blessing from Delhi to his Christian faith (his master Sonia's faith), for Jagan it never mattered when he called shots at Sonia Gandhi.
Both Jagan and his father, know how to get best of their hereditary tags. In a nutshell, Jagan is acceptable face of dalits and dalit Christians who are the significant vote bank. His Reddy tag is good for Reddy dominated state politics. His wealth is good for the upper class opportunists like Businessmen and entrepreneurs. Going by the list of his close associates and benefactors from his father's time - most of them are Kamma's and few Reddi's. His party is filled with Kapu's who have been left in isolation by Chiranjeevi who is no more than a disaster in politics.
The arrest of Mopidevi Venkatarama, who comes from a backward class - provides the debating opportunity while, the upper caste ministers who have been charged have been spared for now from sending behind the bars. Jagan is strewed enough to exploit the opportunities. Not the least, there is no better time and opportunity to revive the Telugu people pride. No one stands a better chance than Jagan Mohan Reddy. Even his critics silently admit his public popularity. Perhaps, Jagan's direct confrontation with Congress high command may stem from his political acumen that Gandhi's power at Delhi is fast shrinking and it is the time of powerful regional satraps to decide who would sit in Delhi gaddi.
If I were to have Rs 50,000 crores or 4 times that amount - what would have I done? Why should I slog on the streets - day and night. Pick a direct confrontation with the most powerful political Gandhi family? Launch concurrent battle fronts with multiple opponents? Claim for a Chief Minister gaddi while father body was lying in state? Start a political party and take on do or die battles? Remain in public eye for wrong reasons? Risk getting arrested? and expose oneself and become vulnerable?
The singular answer is Jaganmohan Reddy is not from the standard school of politicians. He comes with incessant energy levels and Leading from the front mindset. Since NT Ramarao, on other politician in the state stirred so much of interest, passion and public debate in the state politics. Like his father, who struggled all along his political career, Jagan political career as well is a bumpy ride thus far. What ever is likely to happen in the coming months, for now - only one who can silence Jagan looks like Jagan himself. His critics and supports may continue to differ widely on opinions and views but, Jagan till now proved to be a strong willed, resilient and rock solid personality.
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