It was a massive show of strength by Kadapa MP Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on the concluding day of his “Odarpu Yatra” (tour to console people) which culminated in a public meeting at Netaji Park in the coastal Andhra town of Kakinada on Wednesday.

Though the initial response from the Congress MLAs was not satisfactory, as many as 25 Congress MLAs, three MLCs and a cabinet minister joined Jaganmohan Reddy by evening, giving him the much needed morale boost. The Jagan supporters were successful in mobilizing thousands of people from all parts of East Godavari, flooding the streets of Kakinada.

Jagan was supposed to address the gathering at 5 pm as per the original schedule, take rest for some time and leave for Hyderabad by Gautami Express at 8.30. But with the people coming to Kakinada in large numbers continuously, his programme was delayed. He is now expected to stay back in Kakinada for the night and leave for Rajahmundry on Friday morning to return to Hyderabad by flight.

For Jagan, the 22-day trip was definitely a new fillip and his supporters feel that the high command would have to acknowledge his strength. “Even if he is sent out of the Congress, it will be the party and not Jagan who would be on the losing side,” a Congress MLA said.