Dear Editor, This is in response to Mr. Matta’s piece on YS Jagan, named “Opinion: Telugu Vadi Atma Gauravam”.
First of all, Let me tell you all that I am a staunch supporter of Congress Party and even bigger supporter of YSR and eventually after his death, YS Jagan’s, as we Congress supporters need a spearhead to follow the victorious path of Congress party in the State as well as at the Center, as set up by YSR in the past 10 years. This spearhead would not be none other than YS Jagan. No one else is even close. But then again, I disagree with Mr. Matta and supporters like him on some basic issues. Let me explain in detail.
It sure sounds unjust to most that YS Jagan would not be made Chief Minister right after YSR’s death, even after almost unanimous support from elected officials, party machinery, and people. But here is where most people are getting it wrong. YS Jagan is not YSR. Not even close at this juncture. One day he may grow in to on par with his father. He will face lot of challenges. He would succeed in dealing with some but will fail in some. As people see him struggle in dealing with issues, the sheen will be lost of YSR family leadership and he would find it very hard to lead the party in the Elections 2014. If that happens, Jagan will find it hard to comeback, as he does not have the following of YSR. Please check the cases of Marri, Jalagam, Kasu, Kotla and others. Rajiv Gandhi did become Prime Minister when he was only 40 and inexperienced. They were horrible circumstances and he promptly lost in the next elections with his inexperience.
What is Sonia to YSR? More than most leaders she dealt with. She trusted and had more affection for YSR than most leaders in nation. She gave him freedom to rule the state as he likes. Only clause was to bring the party back to power, which he did in 2009. The emotional and tactical support she gave to YSR and the pure emotions she showed when he died was beyond belief. We all know she has lot of regard for YSR and his family. She would not betray the family. Also, Congress needs to do really well in 2014 in the State to have any chance of Rahul Gandhi becoming Prime Minister. The only man that would lead Congress to a grand victory in the state would be Jagan and no one else. But she can not expose him to public for this long till 2014. With his inexperience, YS Jagan may falter badly and it would affect the chances of the party, Rahul Gandhi and YS Jagan. In my opinion, just because I love my son so much, I should not hand over the keys of my motorbike, who is only 13 as it may cause him more harm than good. The elders always have to look for what’s good and what’s bad for our children and family. I do sincerely agree with Sonia Gandhi and high command. They are treating YS Jagan like their own and know exactly what he needs at this juncture.
In my opinion, YS Jagan right now is inexperienced to handle the Chief Minister’s post. No doubt we all love him. But we want him to lead our beloved party to several victories. He is only 37. He has lot of time on his side. YSR and YS Jagan would not fade away from people’ memory so fast. Of course, no one in Congress party would agree to have anyone other than Rosaiah to be the stop-gap CM. I think we need two years of Rosaiah as CM while YS Jagan is in a good position to learn under him. And then take over to lead the party in 2014. Once he accomplishes this, there will be no turning back. He will be more successful than YSR, who had to build and toil to achieve what he achieved. Honestly, this is what you want right, Mr Matta?
Sincerely, Gurava Reddy, Atlanta
