YSR's widow's name crops up as possible successor

Among the names of possible successors to Chief Minister K Rosaiah doing rounds in political circles, the name of Ys Vijayalakshmi, the widow of former chief minister late YS Rajasekhara Reddy is slowly but surely gaining ground.

YSR loyalists, on the condition of anonymity said that Ms VIjayalakhmi would be the best possible option for the High Command, given the current political scenario, particularly if it wants to avoid a split in the party.

The YSR-loyalists argue that Ms Vijayalakshmi alone would be able to bring the Congress flock together and also offer a face-saving formula to the High Command.

The move will also checkmate Kadapa MP YS Jaganmohan who is seen as a growing challenge to the High Command and, as many believe, on the verge of splitting from the party to launch his own outfit.

Mr Jaganmohan Reddy, YSR loyalists say, will never rebel against his own mother and the masses, who looked at YSR as a saviour during his lifetime and even after his death, will support his widow outright.

Even the Congress party members, who had sworn allegiance to YSR during his lifetime but had later sided with Mr Rosaiah, will flock back to her, the YSR loyalists say.