Jagan walks out of jail after 16 months; what's next for him in Andhra politics?

Hyderabad: After spending 16 months in a jail cell, YS Jaganmohan Reddy walks out. He is walking straight into the political landmine of Andhra Pradesh. Jagan, the rebel son of the late chief minister YSR Reddy, will now lead his party, the YSR Congress from the front. He has come out of jail at a politically appropriate time. The Centre's decision to create Telangana by splitting Andhra Pradesh has led to a massive public revolt in Seemandhra region, where Jagan enjoys maximum support.

According to Hyderabad based veteran political commentators K Nageshwar, apart from the YSR sentiments on which it has been relying so far, the party now has the United AP state sentiments to capitalise upon. Though, the party displayed political opportunism in shifting stand completely in favour of a united state, the fact remains that it is the only major party supporting united state expecting rich dividends in the elections.

Jagan's stronghold has 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats. His supporters hope that, he will win maximum seats in this region. The ruling Congress is still hoping that Jagan will extend support to the UPA, because of the minority votes he commands. The BJP and the TDP are already making allegations of a secret deal between Jagan and Congress.

Nirmala Seetharaman, the BJP Spokesperson questions the timing of his release from the jail. She alleges that the Congress is eyeing an alliance with him.

Jagan's arch rival in AP politics, N Chandrababu Naidu is now a worried man. Naidu attacked both Jagan and Congress saying that they will come together either before the coming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections or after the polls. Naidu is facing Jagan in Seemandhra. Political experts say Jagan is already miles ahead of Naidu in this region.

On the flip side, Jagan seems to have lost whatever support he had in Telangana by openly opposing the creation of a new state. His party's structure is also not so cohesive. He can't afford to side with the Congress, if he wants to exploit the anti-Telangana sentiments in Seemandhra. If the court permits, he will resume tour of the state to gain public support ahead of elections. One thing is certain that his release from jail will surely change the dynamics of Andhra politics. The road ahead is not smooth, but it promises a lot to him.