Hyderabad: The ongoing confrontation between Kadapa MP Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy and leaders of the Congress party, over his condolence tour seems to be heading for a showdown.
Congress party leaders have categorically ordered ministers, legislators and other party leaders to stay away from Jaganmohan's Odarpu Yatra (condolence tour) in Prakasham district beginning September 3.
While most of the legislators from the district seem to have towed the party line, at least one minister, B. Srinivas Reddy, has rejected the party's directive.
Reddy remained unrelenting despite getting a call from Chief Minister K. Rosaiah who conveyed the message of Ahmad Patel, political secretary of All India Congress Committee (AICC) President Sonia Gandhi, for him to stay away from the yatra.
The chief minister warned Reddy of "serious" consequences if he ignores AICC's directives.
"After that, it is your wish", Rosaiah reportedly told him.
Firm stand
But the minister was firm on his stand.
"My relationship with Jagan's family is much bigger. The ministry is a temporary thing", Reddy told the media indicating that if necessary he was ready to quit the cabinet if forced to stay away from the yatra.
"Whether anybody joins the yatra or not, I will participate in it", said Reddy, who is also a relative of Reddy. "I will remain with Jagan and I am ready to face any consequences."
