As expected, the ruling YSR Congress party in Andhra Pradesh has put up a massive show of strength at Visakhapatnam in support of three capitals for the state in the name of “Visakha Garjana” rally.
Though it was supposed to be the Joint Action Committee for decentralisation which was to spearhead the rally, it was an out and out YSRC show.
Braving rains, thousands of people from various parts of the state, including Rayalaseema, attended 'Visakha Garjana' which was addressed by ministers and other leaders of the ruling party and the JAC.
Interestingly, there were songs and slogans by the YSRC cultural troupes and party workers saying “Visakha, mana rajadhani” (Vizag is our capital), more than the demand for three capitals for the state.
However, the ministers, MPs, MLAs and MLCs who addressed the gathering focussed more on attacking Telugu Desam Party led by N Chandrababu Naidu, and Jana Sena Party president Pawan Kalyan for insisting on development of Amaravati as the only state capital.
Assembly speaker Tammineni Seetharam, ministers Botsa Satyanarayana, Dharmana Prasad Rao, Gudivada Amarnath, R. K. Roja, V. Rajini, TTD Chairman and YSRCP North Andhra coordinator Y.V. Subba Reddy were present on the occasion.
The ministers and YSRCP leaders questioned the opposition parties for opposing Visakhapatnam as the administrative capital.
The YSRCP leaders alleged that the padyatra by Amaravati farmers is an attempt by Chandrababu Naidu to protect his interests as he and his supporters had acquired vast lands in Amaravati.
Now, the question is whether the rally has really served the purpose of Jagan Mohan Reddy, who want to kick up the sentiment of capital for Visakhapatnam and gain political advantage in the next elections.
If the capital for Vizag demand catches up with the people of Visakhapatnam and other parts of north-coastal Andhra and translates into a big counter agitation against Amaravati demand, it would be a big plus point for Jagan.
But if there is no such demand and the party fails to generate enough euphoria and sentiment among the people of north coastal Andhra, it will end up like Samaikyandhra movement. It all depends on what kind of response Amaravati farmers will get once they enter Vizag.
