Those close to YSR turn foes to Jagan

Hyderabad: This is the story of swinging fortunes of persons close to the powers that be. The sudden demise of former CM YS Rajasekhara Reddy had changed the fortunes of many who were close to him from better to worst.

Jagan had derived as much benefit he could during his father's stint as the chief minister. He utilized the opportunity to built a business empire for himself and the family.

At one point of time, he exerted pressure on his uncle Vivekananda Reddy not to contest from Kadapa LS as he wanted the seat for himself but failed to get a nod from the Congress leadership from the Centre.

It is said that YSR himself was upset with the way Jagan used to coerce people into getting whatever he wanted to get. People close to Jagan say that his adamant attitude to get things work in his favour have landed him in the trouble now.

Jagan claimed that he never went to Secretariat nor made any phone call to get things work in his favour. With his father being the Chief Minister, there was no need for him to visit Secretariat or make a call.

It is also said that Jagan was asked by YSR to confine himself to Bangalore city.

Look at what is the position of once YSR close aide and often referred to as YSR conscience Dr KVP Ramachandra Rao.

Though there were serious allegations leveled against his close friend YSR by both the Congress and TDP leaders, he preferred to keep his silence.

It was a well known fact that YSR would never take any decision without taking KVP's advice into consideration.

When several VIPs used to make a bee line at YSR the first question he would ask whether they have met KVP.

Such was his clout when YSR was alive. Now KVP is not coming forward either defend his friend or join the issue with YSR detractors.

Rajahmundry MP Vundavalli Arunkumar always declared that YSR was his political guru and said he owed everything to him.

When YSR was alive, Arunkumar was the one who used to defend his political boss at the drop of the hat.

Arunkumar became popular as translator of Rajiv Gandhi and also Sonia Gandhi's public speeches into Telugu. After the demise of YSR Arunkumar was keeping a stoic silence and now he was talking against Jagan.

Vijayawada MP Lagadapti Rajagopal, who was known for conducting the pre poll surveys, managed to get several benefits to his business during YSR regime.

Now he is up in arms against Jagan and even criticised Vijayamma for not brining up his son in a proper manner.

Ravichand, the personal secretary of YSR, used to command considerable influence both in Secretariat and at the camp office of YSR. Soon after the demise of YSR, Ravichand went into oblivion and is rarely seen.

Sureedu, the personal body guard of YSR, was like a permanent fixture with YSR. One would find him with his gray hair standing behind YSR all the time.

He was so loyal to YSR that it was said the late CM never drank even water without his permission. Though he was involved in a scam through his friend YSR managed to bail him out.

Now he is busy deposing before the CBI on Jagan's Assets case. Though these people were stated to be hard core loyalists to YSR, they changed their colours after YSR's demise. Like they say there are no permanent friends or foes in politics.