As the YSR Congress party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is making drastic changes in the list of candidates contesting the ensuing assembly and Lok Sabha elections, the party leaders are at their wits’ end as to what is going on in the party.
According to party sources, many of the MLAs and MPs, are glaringly feeling the presence of popular political strategist and founder of Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC) Prashant Kishor at this crucial juncture, when Jagan is dropping several sitting MLAs and changing their constituencies without any rhyme or reason.
A party leader said there is a huge difference between Prashant Kishor and the new team of I-PAC led by Rishi Raj Singh, when it comes to dealing with Jagan.
“Prashant is a seasoned strategist and he would not compromise when it comes to getting the things done as per his plan of action,” he said.
On the other hand, Rishi Raj Singh is a softer person, compared to Prashant Kishor. Though he works out his strategies well and presents before Jagan, he leaves it to the latter to implement them.
“He doesn’t stretch beyond a point and the final decision will be taken by Jagan, not his team,” the YSRCP leader said.
While Prashant Kishor used to insist that his word prevailed in every decision forcing Jagan to implement it, Rishi Raj Singh would not take that liberty with Jagan and explain to him the ground realities.
“Senior leaders like Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy or even Y V Subba Reddy care a damn for the I-PAC team and they try to influence Jagan’s decisions on selection of candidates or change of candidates. Yet, Rishi doesn’t put his foot firmly down,” the party leader said.
Another importance difference between Prashant Kishor and Rishi Raj Singh is that the former had been given the freedom of interacting with disgruntled leaders and convincing them to accept Jagan’s decision.
“But Rishi Raj Singh has no such freedom. The other day, when his team had a talk with Ongole MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy and pacify him, Jagan pulled up the I-PAC team for going against his wishes and talking to the rebel MP,” sources added.
The party leader said had Prashant Kishor continued with Jagan, the selection of candidates would have been a smooth affair. But now, it is creating a revolt in the party ranks, he added.
