KSR Column: YS Jagan Sounds The Poll Bugle

By Kommineni Srinivasa Rao

The two-day plenary of the YSRCP was a huge success. No wonder, the party cadre is upbeat and brimming with confidence.

The organisers expected some 30,000 delegates on Day 1. But, over 60,000 turned up. This has surprised even the YSRCP leadership. This is being seen as an indication of the growing disenchantment with the TDP rule in the state. What is more significant is not just the turnout, but the enthusiastic participation of the delegates in the proceedings. They appeared very determined and stayed till the end. The delegates took keen interest in the proceedings and lustily cheered the leaders' speeches.

Normally, in such massive gatherings, to keep the audience glued to their seats is a very difficult task. Repeated announcements would be made to call them in. But, in the YSRCP plenary, the delegates stayed focused and a large number had to go back as there was no place to sit.

The plenary debated all issues threadbare and passed several key resolutions. Significantly, YS Jagan heard the speeches with rapt attention and did not interfere every now and then as is the wont in other parties. The speakers were largely successful in exposing the failures of the TDP Government. They had raised issues such as defections, the usurping of the rights of the elected people's representatives from the Opposition through Janma Bhoomi Committees and the rampant corruption. A book terming Chandrababu an emperor of corruption was released on the occasion.

Other important aspects are the rousing speeches delivered by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, his mother and party's honorary president YS Vijayamma and his sister Sharmila. They were well-received and boosted the morale of the party workers. In his concluding speech, YS Jagan made comments of far-reaching significance. He did not give promises that are difficult to implement. He did not dole out false hopes of loan waiver. He assured that his government would provide a financial assistance of Rs 50000 to small and marginal farmers. His assurances to DWCRA women and proposal to hike welfare pensions from Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 and the rest of the promises are masterstrokes. What is most reassuring is that these assurances are implementable.

On the contrary, Chandrababu promised the moon during the elections and said he would waive off all farm loans. Once the elections were over, he could not implement them and ended up losing his credibility. It must be said that YS Jagan was careful about not making such promises.

For whatever reason YS Jagan mentioned that he wanted to be CM for 30 years, the opposition parties and the sycophant media had a field day twisting facts to their convenience. The "30 years in power" issue should be seen in the context of 70-year-old chief minister Chandrababu Naidu's statement that he will be in power till 2050. Also, neighbouring Telangana's IT minister KT Rama Rao is on record stating that KCR will be in power for another 20 years. Compared to that, YS Jagan's wish to be in power for 30 years and follow in his father's footsteps is neither ambitious nor self-glorifying.

The YSRCP president's promise on prohibition is well-timed and shows his commitment to issues that are dear to the people. His promise is a big morale booster to thousands of women who are on a war path against wine shops. There are several protests by various women's organisations against wine shops. The YSRCP will do well to channelise these agitations and provide direction to them.

However, what must have unsettled the TDP and its allies is the parting shot in YS Jagan's speech. The YSRCP chief announced a 3,000 kilometer padayatra covering the length and breadth of the state. The padayatra announcement and the introduction of poll-strategist Prashant Kishore at the plenary increased the self-confidence of the party cadre and conveyed that he would leave no stone unturned in ensuring a victory for YSRCP. It remains to be seen what counter-measures and strategies the TDP will now take to stop the YSRCP.