In spite of voicing support to Y S Jaganmohan Reddy’s candidature for the chief minister’s post, Parliament member Lagadapati Rajagopal is reportedly playing his cards in the national capital. Rajagopal is keenly monitoring the political developments in the state Congress and is not averse to throw his hat in the ring in case an opportunity comes by, sources said. As an industrialist, Rajagopal has wide contacts with many influential leaders in the party and also industry big-wigs. At the same time, Rajagopal has many adversaries in the state party.
While he could be opposed tooth and nail by legislators from Telangana region, his relationship with the Andhra Congress leaders is also wanting. Keeping all these facts in mind, Rajagopal has reportedly begun networking with those opposing Jagan’s candidature in Delhi.
"Rajagopal has very good relations with Union urban development minister S Jaipal Reddy, which he could utilise to push his case in case of a confrontation over leadership in the state," a Congress leader close to the MP said. Rajagopal was the man who took Union health minister Gulam Nabi Azad, Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and AICC leader Narayanaswamy to Idupulapaya to attend the funeral of the late chief minister.
He reportedly engaged a Reliance chopper specially to fly down the national leaders to Kadapa and take them back. Rajagopal reportedly told Jagan that he was going to instal bronze statues of YSR in a big way across the state soon.
Sources said that plans are afoot to instal at least 294 bronze statues at a cost of Rs 2-2.5 lakh each in all the constituencies. Curiously, the YSR camp legislators are not enthusiastic at his attempts. "Backing Rajagopal as CM? We cannot even dream of that," fumed Pedana MLA Jogi Ramesh.
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