Andhra tangle may take a bit longer to resolve

NEW DELHI: The Andhra tangle may take longer to resolve even as the Congress high command seems keen to ensure that its views prevail in bringing
about a "peaceful" resolution to the leadership issue in the wake of Y S Rajashekhar Reddy's death in a chopper crash.

After a meeting on Sunday evening between YSR camp leader K V P Ramachandra Rao and Congress's chief trouble-shooter Pranab Mukherjee, it was felt that negotiations would proceed after party chief Sonia Gandhi returned from a tour of Mumbai and possibly another visit out of Delhi.

While no formula has emerged -- both top central leaders and the YSR camp denied any proposal had been tabled -- sources said the process would see more discussions. It is understood that KVP, as Rao is better known, made the case for YSR's son Jagan Reddy as CM. The Jagan camp claimed the high command did not seem "averse" to the proposal.

Yet, the time being taken to arrive at a decision indicates the high command's hesitation over Jagan's candidacy as well as the need to make him party to any resolution. In the immediate context, it does raise the possibility of K Rosaiah continuing as CM. The Congress leadership seems keen to ensure that a smooth succession takes place and this could mean a place for Jagan in the central ministry.

The Jagan camp has also made it amply clear that it is not contemplating any split or rebellion. "We are all loyal Congressmen. We are not going against the high command," said a leader. This could mean that Jagan's embassy to Delhi will do its best to press his case. But in case this does not work out, there will be a fallback plan to negotiate.

Sources also ruled out any proposal that could see KVP as CM. It is understood the MP has ruled out such a proposal. The high command is keen to ensure that its Andhra unit remains stable. Involving Jagan in state politics at the government level may not allow this to happen.

A one-day session of the Assembly is expected to be held this week to pay condolences to YSR. It is felt that there will be no legislative issues involved if Rosaiah is not formally elected CLP leader before the session. As CM, he would move the resolution of condolence.