There is a huge fan following for Jagan Mohan Reddy, and it hasn't waned even after his party's colossal defeat in the elections. However, his followers are worried that getting a darshan (meeting) with Jagan Mohan Reddy is no longer as easy as it was before 2019.
Back then, Jagan Mohan Reddy used to be among the people — roaming through every town and village, eating in small huts, and staying connected with the masses. But after winning the 2019 elections and becoming Chief Minister, he remained distant and did not meet the public much for five years.
Now, even after losing the 2024 election, he still isn’t mingling with people the way he once did. Instead, he appears briefly — like a spark — holding a meeting or attending a condolence gathering, and then leaves immediately.
Here is a fresh example of what recently happened:
Jagan visited Papireddypalle in Ramagiri Mandal of the Raptadu constituency in Sri Sathya Sai district on Tuesday. The main purpose of his visit was to console and encourage the family of YSRCP worker Kuruba Lingamaya, who was allegedly killed by the TDP. After the visit, he proceeded to the helipad to return to Bangalore.
However, YSRCP supporters surrounded the helicopter. In the rush of party workers and local leaders trying to meet and greet Jagan, the helicopter was damaged. As a result, he had to travel to Bangalore by road.
It is being suggested that such situations arise because Jagan, despite being a mass leader, has distanced himself from regular public interaction.
Had Jagan been meeting the people more frequently, his followers might not have been so desperate to see him. The fear that they may not get another chance to see him up close led to the overwhelming response — even to the point of damaging the helicopter.
This is why it is said that a leader like Jagan should stay connected with the public regularly. When visits become rare, such incidents are bound to happen.
Overall, the Raptadu tour was considered a grand success.
