Jagan invites Modi for Rythu Bharosa launch

New Delhi: Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Saturday sought to ameliorate YSRCP-BJP equations by inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the launch of "Rythu Bharosa" programme aimed at providing farm investment to the farmers in a big way.

In his one-hour meeting with the Prime Minister, Reddy is said to have showered encomiums on the former for his 'sterling performance' in the US and at the UN. Lauding the PM for his bold step in abrogating Article 370 which accorded the Special Status to Jammu and Kashmir, he reportedly remarked how fortunate the country was to have his dynamic leadership.

He then went on to explain the 'Rythu Bandhu" programme details and how it would help the distressed farmers which was in tune with Modi's vision for the nation. Explaining to him that the scheme would be complimentary to the Centre's programmes, he sought his blessings for its success and also his personal attendance in launching the ambitious programme.

It is important for Jagan Mohan Reddy that he be in the "good books" of the PM and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, "as far as possible", his party colleague explained. Hence Jagan's visit should be seen in the backdrop of the ruffled feathers between the BJP and the YSRCP. Jagan's meeting with the PM is said to be aimed at 'sending a message' to the AP BJP leadership too, it was explained.

Even in repeating the reasons for the reverse tendering of the Polavaram project and scrapping of some other contracts Jagan was careful enough to adopt a pleading tone rather than forcefully reiterating his points, it is said.

Similarly, in case of the PPAs sought to be scrapped by the State Government, Jagan is said to have tried to convince him. He also sought release of all pending funds, particularly for Polavaram Project while deliberating upon the pending promises of the AP Reorganisation Act 2014.

He made good of the opportunity to reiterate how the TDP leaders had benefited by the 'insider trading' of the previous government as far as Amaravati Capital City's establishment and the counter plans, he had.

He is also said to have mentioned the recent criticism of the State BJP leadership of his alleged 'vindictive politics' against the TDP leadership to claim that the rule of law he sought to impose was being misunderstood.

He took pains to draw parallels between the TDP and BJP criticism to say that he was unfairly being targeted. Seeking the blessings of 'the fatherly figure', he urged Modi to bless him by visiting AP for the invited programme.