Can CBI connect the Jagan dots?

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With scams in the last few months regularly throwing up numbers of not less than a 100 crores, we as an alert audience have tuned in to the "not-surprised-anymore" mode. Or so I thought!

When the Andhra Pradesh High Court decided on 10th of August to give a green signal to the CBI for a detailed investigation into YSR Congress MP, Jagan Mohan Reddy's assets, it did catch the state's attention. While politicians came up with their predictable rhetoric, it was amusing to see the man on the street to be equally interested. In fact, at most informal gatherings these days, Jagan & his money are the toast of the discussion. Dinner table conversations veer around how much will the CBI unearth? Is Jagan a victim of Congress witch-hunt, as he claims to be? And the question that's asked most in hushed tones is, will he be arrested, a la Kalmadi?

Jagan Reddy has always caught the media's attention. From being the most popular Chief minister YSR Reddy's son, to a business tycoon, to a rebel MP. And in my several interactions with the soft-spoken & well-mannered politico, he has also made his aspirations for the Chief Minister's post, more than clear on several occasions albeit with a smile that demands sympathy.

But is he really being "hunted" by the Grand Old Party? Jagan Reddy's asset graph defies gravity & how! Before the by-elections earlier this year, Jagan declared assets worth Rs 365 crores in his affidavit. Now, that's not unusual for a state that contributes the maximum number of "richest MPs" in the country. But the fact that just 2 years ago, before the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, Jagan had estimated his wealth at 77 crore rupees, has earned him more than a few scorns. Add to it, in 2004, before YSR took over as Andhra Pradesh's chief minister, Jagan's earnings for the financial year, were a mere approx 9 lakh rupees!

The numbers are for everyone to see & the stories behind it are for everyone to speculate.

YSR Reddy's death gave a voice to the otherwise silent opposition. Making matters worse, Jagan Reddy parted ways from the Congress in Nov 2010. And since then, news reporters in the state have been bombarded with several monologues of Congress politicians alleging financial irregularities in Jagan's businesses.

But all along playing the sympathy card, Jagan Reddy's ventures have only grown. His primary business interests include Construction, Mining & Publications. Sources say the infamous Bellary Reddy brothers did pump in substantial money in Jagan's ventures in return for mining licenses. And this is just one of the several stories. CBI sources reveal more than 24 companies have been questioned on their investments in Jagan's business. CBI sources also add this may just be the tip of the iceberg, & it might take a few months for them to complete the investigation.

But interesting fallout of this entire CBI angle has been the anxiety that more than a few politicians have started to feel. Having supported cabinet decisions that favoured the YSR kin, these legislators who openly supported Jagan may now scuttle back under the Congress party's wing, courtesy: a possible CBI chase. It's a tried & tested tactic of the Congress party, one that rarely fails.

Does that mean greater stability for a wobbly cong state govt? Knowing the dynamics of AP politics, we would be kidding ourselves if we choose to believe that! The main opposition party Telugu Desam calls Jagan an offshoot of a poisonous Congress tree. The Congress says Jagan could be a mask for the BJP. And Jagan says he believes in God's justice!

But remember, 'In politics, there are no permanent foes or friends.'

And as for Justice, well that's what all the taxpayers hope for, from someone a little closer than God though. Maybe the judiciary is a good option for now.