The sudden change in the schedule of YSR Congress party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy’s visit to Kadapa district on Thursday has triggered a lot of speculations in the media.
As per the original schedule, Jagan was supposed to fly down to Kadapa on July 7 and straightaway drive to Idupulapaya estate for a nigh halt.
The following day, he was supposed to visit his father late Y S Rajasekhar Reddy’s Samadhi at Idupulapaya for paying tributes and attending prayers to the departed leader on his birth anniversary along with his family members.
However, the schedule of Jagan’s tour to Kadapa has suddenly undergone a change on Monday evening.
As per the revised schedule, Jagan will fly from Gannavaram airport to Puttaparthi airport in Anantapur district in his special flight and from there, he would go to Rayaduram in a helicopter.
After taking part in the Rythu Dinotsavam programme at Rayadurgam, Jagan would go to Pulivendula in the chopper and from there, he would drive down to Idupulapaya and take part in the prayers at YSR Samadhi at 4 pm.
He would spend about 45 minutes there paying tributes to his late father.
He would have a night halt at the Idupulapaya estate on July 8 and the next day, he would go to Badwel to participate in the official programmes, before returning to his Tadepalli bungalow.
Normally, it had been a practice for Jagan to attend prayers and pay tributes to his father at the YSR Samadhi at Idupulapaya on July 8 during the morning hours. So, his decision to pay homage to his father only in the evening has raised many eyebrows.
Apparently, Jagan got the information that his sister Sharmila is also coming to Idupulapaya in a special flight from Bengaluru to pay tributes to late YSR on July 8 morning and then leave for Hyderabad, where she would announce the launch of the new political party in Telangana.
Maybe, Jagan does not want to see the face of Sharmila, who is launching her political party much against wishes.
There are reports that both brother and sister have not been in talking terms after she announced her plans to enter active politics in Telangana.
Last time in December 2020, when Jagan went to Pulivendula and hosted a big party for his family members, too, Sharmila did not attend the function.
However, another reason is also being cited for Jagan’s change of schedule to Idupulapaya.
He may not have objection to the presence of Sharmila at the prayers at YSR Samadhi, but if both of them hold any talks at the spot, it might lead to further criticism in the wake of the dispute between Telangana and AP over Krishna waters.
While Jagan is hell bent on constructing Rayalaseema lift scheme and opposing the Telangana projects, Sharmila said she would not hesitate to fight with anybody to protect the interests of Telangana.
So, both the brother and sister do not like to give scope for any criticism by holding discussions at YSR Samadhi.