The reappointment of YSR Congress party general secretary and Rajya Sabha member V Vijay Sai Reddy as the Special Representative of the Government of Andhra Pradesh in New Delhi came as a big surprise for many.
The chief secretary had to modify orders twice to make the appointment of Sai Reddy.
On June 22, he issued orders appointing the YSRC MP as special representative with cabinet rank and all facilities.
The GO was withdrawn on July 4, stating that Sai Reddy’s appointment was cancelled.
But surprisingly on Sunday, another order was issued reappointing Sai Reddy as special representative of the AP government with a status of 'State guest' without any Cabinet rank and other perks.
It would mean the post cannot be considered as office of profit and so, Sai Reddy would not be liable for any legal scrutiny.
Had he been given the cabinet rank, it would be in conflict with his existing position as an MP, thereby amounting to office of profit.
But what made one wonder why YSRC president and chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy was so keen on having Sai Reddy as special representative even without any rank or perks.
In fact, the name of former Narasaraopet MP Modugula Venugopal Reddy was also heard to be in the reckoning for the post, but Jagan was apparently firm on Sai Reddy’s appointment.
Apparently, Jagan cannot find a better person than Sai Reddy in lobbying with the Centre not only on the issues of state’s concern, but also on his personal issues.
Nobody else could be as confidant as Sai Reddy is for him. So, Jagan had no option other than Sai Reddy.
However, there is a talk in political circles that Governor E S L Narasimhan has advised Jagan against appointing Sai Reddy as the special representative in Delhi because it would create legal problems, notwithstanding the fact that Sai Reddy won’t be given any benefits.
But Jagan did not listen to Narasimhan and went ahead with Sai Reddy’s appointment, sources said.