There is no love lost between Chandrababu Naidu and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
When Chandrababu was in power, he hounded Jagan and now the latter is trying to repay the debt with interest.
While some decisions of Jagan against Chandrababu can be ascribed to Newton’s third law of motion, there is one important issue now which goes way beyond the scope of their personal vendetta.
It is regarding the sharing of Godavari waters with Telangana and concerns each and every citizen of Andhra Pradesh.
Apparently, YS Jagan has been approached by KCR with a formula for the sharing of Godavari waters.
Jagan praised this decision of KCR saying the Telangana CM has taken the initiative and come forward with a broad-minded proposal.
Jagan stressed on the need to maintain cordial relations with the neighbouring States. Irrigation Minister Anil Yadav said the draft agreement was being prepared.
While it is important to underscore here that Jagan said he would sign the agreement only if it is fair to Andhra Pradesh, there is also the apprehension that Jagan out of goodwill for KCR might be compelled to accept a less than satisfactory agreement.
The YSRCP has the mandate in the House and can get the Bill passed without any hassle but Chandrababu Naidu’s words are equally relevant.
“Today, Jagan may have good relations with KCR but the long term implications should also be kept in mind. We have seen how Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are still fighting for Cauvery waters. Even the Supreme Court is unable to resolve the issue. Therefore, Jagan should not take a hasty decision,” said Chandrababu Naidu.
Jagan might well refuse the counsel of Naidu; after all, Naidu never consulted him on Amaravati, Pattiseema etc. But Jagan should also realise that it was precisely this unilateral approach of Chandrababu that cost him the trust of the people.
The sharing of Godavari waters is a matter far bigger than the individual egos of either Jagan or Chandrababu.
A wrong decision can have disastrous consequences for the future generations of Andhra Pradesh.
Therefore, Jagan would be well-advised to convene an all-Party meeting irrespective of numerical representation in the Assembly and take the suggestions of all seniors and experts into consideration before signing any agreement.
This way, the interests of the State will be protected.