The Congress high command is not inclined to install Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy either as Chief Minister or even Deputy CM of Andhra Pradesh, although he could be considered for a place in the state Cabinet or in the Union Council of Ministers if he so desires, it was reliably learnt.

Although Congress president Sonia Gandhi is yet to take a call on whether to continue with Chief Minister K Rosaiah in the saddle or not, a search is also on for a “Reddy face” if he has to be replaced, said party sources.

Union minister Jaipal Reddy, who was once being considered for the coveted post, is however out of contention now. Among other Reddy leaders in the race are Vivekanand Reddy, brother of the late Y S Rajasekhar Reddy, who took oath as a member of the state Legislative Council on Friday, former home minister K Jana Reddy, and former CM M Chenna Reddy’s son Shashidhar Reddy.

The Congress sources, however, said no other Reddy leader was acceptable as Chief Minister to Jagan. Although Rosaiah belongs to the Vaishya community, he does not have an anti-Reddy image and would be acceptable, said sources close to Jagan. Rosaiah was also close to the late YSR and Jagan would prefer him to any other candidate.

The sources also said Jagan was not interested in ministership either in the state or at the Centre. They, however, added that there was no possibility of the Kadapa MP defying the party high command.

... contd.