Based on intelligence reports that as many as 18 legislators are now sitting on the fence, an alert Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy began 'counseling' operations with the Congress legislators at his camp office in Hyderabad on Tuesday.
Consequent to the large-scale CBI raids on the offices and residences of Y S Jaganmohan Reddy and Emaar Properties, which sent shock waves through the YSR Congress camp, 26 legislators tendered their resignation letters on Monday.
They had submitted the letters to the Secretary Sadaram, stating that they were resigning both from their post and their party to protest against the inclusion of YSR's name in the CBI's FIR against Jagan.
Sensing the danger of more ministers jumping to the YSR Congress camp, the Chief Minister began conciliatory talks with his party legislators and ministers. Legislators who were close to Jagan in the past, like Vijaya Kumar from Santhnoothalapadu, Rajesh from Chintalapudi, Sudhakar from Madakasira, a minister from the CM's own district Katasani Ramireddy, and others were assured that the camp office would be open for 24 hours to attend to the problems in their respective constituencies.
Further, the Chief Minister is understood to have discussed with ministers Dharmana Prasada Rao, Kasu Krishna Reddy and Vishwaroop.
Since Dharmana Krishnadass (Dharmana Prasada Rao's brother) and sons of Kasu Krihna Reddy and Vishwaroop are all Jagan-loyalists, the CM reportedly expressed his concern asking the ministers to try to persuade their 'kith and kin' to return to the ruling party.
The CM's office also received reports that these supporters were camping in Idupulapaya in Kadapa to be part of an action plan being formulated by Jagan's leadership. (INN)