..... Neelayapalem Vijay Kumar

For a discerning observer of Andhra Pradesh politics over the years, the more than necessary participation of Jaipal Reddy in the Andhra Pradesh politics for the past fortnight is raising curious issues. Jaipal Reddy, the no nonsense Telangana leader, honestly never fancied himself as the State leader who was representing the State at the Center as a Cabinet Minister. He always tried to show himself a notch above the State leaders and was much happy to be graded as part of the Party’s intelligentsia rather than a AP State leader in the Central Cabinet.

Even in hey days of Telanagana agitation, Jaipal Reddy was never a great participant, albeit a curious onlooker. Though one cannot doubt his affection or resolve for Telangana or its issues, it is a fact that he has not got an outward or a public role in the actual agitation for Telanagana over the years. But now he is adopting a role in which he is criticizing the Andhra people, batting for the perceived backwardness of his own land etc. All this not in his trade mark oxford English punched with at times inexplicable vocabulary, but in chaste Telugu filled with jocular anecdotes. Is he trying to woo the masses, is the immediate doubt that one gets when Jaipal reddy talk in his new language leaving off his posh bookish language either in Telugu or in English!

 

This brings us to his new role perceived and being implemented by himself as an active participant in the post Telanagana as a State! Is he eyeing the coveted Chief Ministers position? This is the doubt as on now that is lingering in the minds of T congress leaders. Though there are enough of people vying for the CMs position in Telanagana itself, Jaipal Reddy, undoubtedly has an edge over others not only by being a close confidante of high command over the years but also a person perceived by the people with great knowledge and expertise. And he laso has the tag of a Reddy which in all respects will be an additional advantage. Given the complex caste factors in the present T area, it is not easy to pick a person. However, Jaipal Reddy with his renewed enthusiasm that he is exhibiting these days in trying to portray him as the top leader, there is every reason to sense the feeling of Jaipal Reddy trying for the coveted post of the CM of Telanagana.