The challenges and counter-challenges by Congress and Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy camp over facing trial of strength in the Assembly grabbed the media headlines today with all major publications playing up the belligerent statements from both sides. As a side-show, “Eenadu” and “Sakshi” fought their own battles in the media columns, carrying critical stories targeting each other.
The Governor E S L Narasimhan’s Republic Day address in which he warned of difficult law and order situation prevailing in the state, the continued disruptions in the ongoing “Racchabanda” programme of Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, the war of words between Minister B Satyanarayana and senior TDP leader Nagam Janardhan Reddy over who is responsible for delay in taking decision on Telangana issue and the likely launch of Jagan’s regional party in March are among the other major stories highlighted in the local newspapers.
On a day of combative political posturing, the rival factions in the Congress dared each other to face the trust vote in the Assembly. “Sakshi” ran a lead story highlighting the statements of Jagan camp MLAs P Subhashchandra Bose, B Srinivas Reddy, M Chandrasekhar Reddy and Babu Rao throwing challenge at Chief Minister to prove confidence of the Assembly. Alleging a nexus between Kiran and TDP President N Chandrababu Naidu, they demanded fixing of date for seeking trust vote even while asserting that they have no intention to dethrone the government. On the other hand, “Eenadu” described the slanging match as shadow-boxing as the two warring factions were afraid of exposing their inherent weaknesses.
“Andhra Jyothy”, in its lead story, commented that the Kiran Kumar Reddy was technically reduced to a minority but will continue to survive as nobody is prepared to overthrow the government and force mid-term elections on the people. It also pointed out that the number of MLAs in Jagan camp was on the decline and the former Kadapa MP was not ready to precipitate the matters.
“Andhra Bhoomi”, in its report on the unfolding developments, said some of the ministers, sulking over their insignificant portfolios, are creating problems for the Chief Minister and indirectly encouraging internal friction.
The banner story in “Eenadu” focused on the “illegal empire” of Jagan and how he and his father late Y S Rajasekhar Reddy misused the official machinery and amassed huge wealth. With an investment of a mere Rs 8 lakh, Jagan had pocketed Rs 1,246 crore through dubious investment flow into his media group. The investors who bought shares in his companies at a premium were favoured with lucrative contracts, projects and land allotments in the name of developing Special Economic Zones, the report said.
On the other hand, “Sakshi” targeted its bête noir Chandrababu Naidu saying he was an epitome of corruption. A master in the art of back-stabbing for the sake of power, Naidu was now hand-in-glove with Kiran and hence silent on moving no-confidence motion against the government, it said. Another report in “Sakshi” denied that there was a move to hammer out a compromise between Congress and Jagan.
According to Delhi bureau reports of all leading dailies, the Centre is likely to convene next round of all-party meeting on Justice Srikrishna Committee report in the first week of February and is said to be keen on firming up its stand on Telangana before the commencement of budget session of Parliament.
