Appearing before the media after a gap of over 16 months, the YSR Congress Party President Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy handled the event with maturity and restraint and spoke about a wide range of issues, including the ongoing political turmoil in the state over bifurcation, with aplomb.
While pitching strongly for keeping Andhra Pradesh united, he took pot shots at his political rivals, particularly the Telugu Desam Party, and rubbished the charge of match-fixing between him and the ruling Congress.
Jagan went about methodically, touching upon each subject with great poise, in-depth understanding and made a point-by-point presentation on a range of issues.
He also sprang a surprise when he spoke appreciatively about Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, saying "I admire Modi for his able administrative skills."
However, he quickly made it clear that he would like a leader like Modi to come on to a secular platform and work towards bringing together secular parties on a common platform.
Since the CBI special court has refused permission for him to address meetings in Guntur, Jagan appeared to be resigned to the inevitability of functioning with Hyderabad as his base. He announced that YSRCP would conduct a massive public meeting in the state capital between October 15 to 20 to pledge its commitment for the cause of Samaikyandhra.
Ridiculing the allegation that he had entered into a deal with the Congress, he said "If that is the case, why did it take 16 months to come out on bail instead of the mandatory 90 days?"
The Kadpa MP also said that his party would keep the options open on the question of supporting a combination of secular parties after the 2014 elections, "Many parties have secular credentials," Jagan said adding that his party's earlier announcement of willingness to support a secular alliance does not necessarily mean the UPA.
“Personally I admire BJP’s Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi as an able administrator, but I want him realize that irrespective of religion all Indians are same and there is no difference in their birth or death. I wish that he could bring all secular parties on one platform in the interest of the nation, why creating insecurity among people,” Jagan said.
Answering a volley of question on his party’s future alliances, he said “There are communists, Janata Dal United and many other secular parties that YSRC could work with.”
He demanded the Samaikhyandhra JAC not to allow TDP leaders to attend meetings as TDP has not taken back the letter it submitted to the Centre, supporting Telangana state formation. Jagan said that only YSRCP, CPI (M) and MIM are committed to the cause of united Andhra Pradesh and are very clear about their stand. "All other parties are playing dramas," he said
The YSRCP chief demanded that Assembly should be convened immediately to pass a resolution pledging for keeping the state united and this special session should be held before the Union Home Ministry puts up the Telangana note before the central cabinet.
"There will be no point if the Assembly is convened after the Telangana note goes to the Union Cabinet. It should be done before the cabinet approves it," Jagan said.
"I will be the first person to sign the letter on keeping Andhra Pradesh united. Let all political parties come out and make their stand on the issue clear," he said.
Dwelling at length on the problems that the division of the state would throw up, he said that along with the status of Hyderabad, the disputes over sharing of river waters, access to education and jobs would become unmanageable.
"How is it possible to build a capital city within ten years? Hyderabad is closely linked to each and every family of Andhra Pradesh. Every youngster would like to avail the educational facilities and employment opportunities available in Hyderabad," Jagan said.
