Thaindian News

New Delhi/Hyderabad, July 6 (IANS) The Congress Tuesday blew hot and cold over the ‘Odarpu yatra’ of its Andhra Pradesh MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, first warning him against going ahead with the march, but mellowing its stand later.
Meanwhile, Jagan continued his preparations to resume the yatra from Srikakulam district in north coastal Andhra Thursday, praying at the grave of his father and late chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in the Idupulapaya family estate in Kadapa district.

In Delhi, Congress spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that breach of party discipline could lead to “completely avoidable consequences”.

“Party discipline does not discriminate between individuals. It is applicable to all. We hope and believe that the committed Congressmen, who have been associated with the party for decades, will carry forward its legacy,” Singhvi told reporters in response to queries about Jagan’s decision to resume his yatra.

Singhvi hoped consequences which come with violation of party discipline would not arise.

A senior Congress leader, however, said that the party follows a certain procedure and a view on Jagan will be taken after the return of Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily, the state in-charge, from London.

The leader indicated that the yatra was an “emotional issue” for the young MP and the party may not take a very harsh view of his decision of resuming the yatra.

Meanwhile, senior Congress leaders in Andhra Pradesh also advised Jagan not to go ahead with his yatra, saying this would be suicidal for him and he would have no political future outside the party.

The Kadapa MP had met Congress president Sonia Gandhi along with his mother Vijaylakshmi and sister Sharmila last month to seek permission to resume the ‘yatra’ July 8 - the birth anniversary of YSR.

Jagan had first defied the party leadership on May 28 by trying to go on yatra in Warangal district, triggering violent protests by pro-Telangana parties.