Jagan Mohan to take out 'Odarpu Yatra' in defiance of party high command

Kadappa (Andhra Pradesh), Aug.23 (ANI): Unfazed by warnings of the party high command, Jagan Mohan Reddy, son of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y. S. R. Reddy, on Monday decided to resume second leg of his condolence tour across the region.

Reddy plans to go ahead with his controversial 'Odarpu Yatra' (condolence tour) from Andhra Pradesh's Prakasham district on September 3.

On Monday, he offered floral tribute to his deceased father in the State's Kardappa district.

According to media reports, Reddy, who was recently in New Delhi for the Parliament session, had met several party leaders, including Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily, who is also in-charge of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Andhra Pradesh.

Reddy commenced his 'Odarpu yatra' or condolence tour from Srikakulam district on the birth anniversary of his father, Y. S. R. Reddy, popularly referred to as YSR, in July this year.

The congress party has been opposed to the tour as it was seen as an attempt by Reddy, a critic of the ruling Rosaiah government in Andhra Pradesh, to gather support of party MLAs.

Earlier this year, Congress President Sonia Gandhi had asked Reddy to call off the tour after a trip to Mahabubnagar district had resulted in large-scale violence triggered by pro-Telangana activists.

Reddy is opposed to division of the Andhra Pradesh state, which is sought by the pro-Telangana faction.

Jagan Mohan Reddy's condolence tour has caused a deep rift in the State Congress party unit.

The present Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah has already made his displeasure with the tour known. (ANI)