HBD YS Jagan: Mass Leader, But With Conditions

For the first time since 2019, YSR Congress president, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is celebrating hi birthday, not as the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh. After having celebrated his last five birthdays as the CM of the state, the situation has lopsided so very badly that Jagan is not even the opposition leader today.

On the occasion of Jagan’s 52nd birthday today, here is a look back at his story, thus far and a projection of what is possibly to come from him in the future.

After the tough defeat in the 2014 election, many analysts and observers felt that Jagan Reddy might not have the determination to continue his political career. Many seasoned observers wrote him off as an impatient politician who was desperate to become the CM in his first election.

Then came the historic mega walkathon (Padayatra) in 2017 and this redefined Jagan Mohan Reddy. During the start of this yatra, Jagan was still an unpolished politician who needed a career defining incident to connect with the masses.

Jagan, being the son of YS Rajasekhar Reddy, who was a man of masses himself, and also his tendencies to stay in close proximity with the public by hugging, embracing and even pecking them, quickly found solace with the Padayatra. He could connect with the masses big time through this Yatra which eventually propelled him to the chief minister chair in 2019.

Jagan absolutely decimated TDP, JSP, and BJP with a whirlwind campaign which gave YCP 151 MLA seats. But as it turned out, it was easier for Jagan Mohan Reddy to gain power than keeping a hold of it.

The mass connect that Jagan had with the masses quickly vanished after he became the CM. Barring an occasional event or two, Jagan never really connected or interacted with the masses after becoming the CM. He was of the opinion that he would be the chief minister for the next 30 years, and there is no reason for him to step out in the public. He was relying on his ‘Button nokkudu’ notion.

Come 2024 elections, a confident Jagan, who was almost fixated on being the chief minister again was dealt with a killer blow as NDA swept 164 seats, even bigger than YCP’s 151 in 2019. But the result shown YCP’s historic downfall.

Nearly 7 months after the formation of the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh, Jagan Reddy is scheduled to step out after the Sankranti season. He is reportedly going on a statewide tour, interacting with his party leaders.

Right from the start of his career, hardships and challenging situations have been regular features in Jagan’s path and he will have to endure the same for the next five years. Life has come full circle for him as he is back to 2014-19 days.

On the other hand, though YCP got just 11 seats, the party posted nearly 40% vote share in the assembly elections. So, Jagan simply can’t be written off just based on the 2024 elections which literally wiped away YCP.

Chandrababu, of all the people will know all about the Jagan effect after getting tormented for the last five years. He must virtually be doing everything in his power to appease the public and keep Jagan at bay.

Jagan is indeed still a mass leader but he needs to tune up with public if he is to have sustained run at power. Certain traits like endless abuse of power, ignorance of mass connect, and monopolistic approach must be addressed if for him to alter course, feels a political analyst.