JSP failed to impress in its maiden meet

RAJAHMUNDRY: Jai Samaikyandhra Party (JSP), the new party floated by former chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy failed to impress in its first public meeting held at Gemini Grounds here Wednesday. While many questioned the very need for floating a political party for a united state after state division, others doubted how long it would last.

Contrary to the tall claims of the organisers, not many prominent leaders were seen on the dais except for a handful of MPs and MLAs. While people expected that MLAs, who worked with Kiran Reddy would participate in the meeting, only Vundavarlli Arun Kumar, GV Harsha Kumar, Lagadapati Rajagopal and Sabbam Hari, former minister Pitani Satyanayarana, MLAs Bharathi and Neeraja Reddy, MLC Reddappa Reddy and others were seen at the party launch.

The Gemini Grounds was filled to capacity and had over 50,000 people, drawn mostly from the districts of Visakhapatnam and East and West Godavari. 'Many parties are coming into the scene during these elections, but none is working for the welfare of the people. How JSP works has to be seen?' said L Rajya Lakshmi, a student from Rajahmundry.

It was not just the public response, even those who were carrying the party flags, were not impressed by the speeches of the leaders, including party president N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who failed to offer anything new.

Instead, they felt the leaders were only trying to reiterate what they had said earlier. 'We are definitely hurt over the bifurcation and we welcome floating of the party to keep the state united. But I think it is a wrong time and doubt as to how many days it can survive and how the state can be united when it is already divided. There will be no change in the lives of farmers with any party coming into existence,' felt K Ramaiah, a farmer.

Though the people raised slogans in favour of Samaikyandhra due to their love for a united state, many expressed doubts to what extent the party will survive to achieve its goal. Kiran Reddy too could not convince the public over the need for floating the new party, but only appealed to them to support the party in the ensuing elections.

'What is the need for a new party now when the leaders failed to prevent the division. Further, the party leaders could not elaborate on what is in the store for people, except making vague promises to keep the state united,' felt R Ramani, a housewife.