As the elections to the Andhra Pradesh state assembly are fast approaching, the boat of ruling YSR Congress party led by chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is showing signs of shaking, if the latest resignations and open disgruntlements in the party are any indication.
Yet, the YSRC leadership is trying to put up a brave front and is giving the impression that all is well within the party and it can comfortably return to power with a thumping majority.
Insiders say a group of leaders around Jagan are said to be misleading him and are not allowing him to know the ground realities. Seniors like V Vijay Sai Reddy and S V Subba Reddy have virtually stopped interacting with Jagan on a day-to-day basis and are confined to the task given to them in their respective area of operation as party coordinators.
But those who are regularly meeting Jagan and briefing him about the party activities and feedback on the government programmes are skirting the real issues plaguing the party so as to earn his goodwill.
“These leaders and officials in the CMO are hand in glove with one another and create an impression that all is well within the party. They do not allow any issue that is unpalatable to go into the notice of the chief minister. They regularly tell him that the graph of the party is gradually rising and there is nothing to worry about the Telugu Desam Party,” sources said.
This coterie always underplays the disgruntlement within the party, so that Jagan would not get disturbed with the developments. Most of the times, they ensure that these disgruntled leaders do not get the appointment of the chief minister.
“They have managed even the I-PAC people so that they would not lose their hold on the party. That is why, Jagan sounds confident at every meeting, without realising the ground realities,” sources added.