Vijayasai Reddy's Coterie Remark Raises Dust In AP

Vijayawada: By alleging that YSRCP president and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is under the grip of a coterie, his close lieutenant-turned-foe V Vijayasai Reddy, former MP, has put the party leadership in an embarrassing situation.

Deposing before the CID in Vijayawada in connection with the case filed on forcible transfer of shares worth Rs3,600 crore in Kakinada Seaports Ltd and Kakinada SEZ from its owner KV Rao, he alleged that he had cautioned his former leader Jagan several times. He also told the media persons who met him that he had to distance from Jagan due to the coterie. He also ruled out the possibility of his 'ghar wapsi' and claimed that he was very happy to spend his time in cultivation-his favourite passion.

Once No. 2 in YSRCP, Vijayasai Reddy said it was wrong to presume that those wearing modern attires are not qualified to become farmers. He said "fear is not in his blood. I am not the person to fear anyone. I won't hesitate to call a spade a spade," he said and described one Kasireddy Rajasekhar Reddy as the kingpin in the liquor scam unearthed by the TDP-led coalition during the YSRCP regime. A distant relative of Jagan, Vijayasai Reddy said Kasireddy was also part of the coterie. TDP leaders allege that Kasireddy played a key role in siphoning off around Rs.3,000 crore.Stating that Jagan will have bleak political future if he did not get rid of the coterie, he said, accusing Vikrant Reddy, son o f YSRCP MP Y.V. Subba Reddy, as the mastermind behind the Kakinada port deal. He also claimed that KV Rao was only an acquaintance denying any political and business deal with him. Meanwhile, YSRCP leaders said that Vijayasai Reddy after enjoying power as No. 2 in YSRCP, is now distancing from it after the party's defeat in the general elections. He said the former MP is only reading out the script prepared by the TDP leadership as part of a deal as he quit from Rajya Sabha at a crucial time knowing very well that it will benefit the NDA. Reacting to his charge, former Minister for Industries and Visakhapatnam district YSRCP president Gudivada Amarnath on Thursday clarified that Jagan Mohan Reddy’s "coterie" consists of his admirers and dedicated YSRCP workers who served the party for 15 years. Responding to Vijayasai Reddy’s remarks in Vijayawada, Amarnath called it ironic for a former insider to criticise the group, urging him to reflect on his role as a close aide.