Andhra: Jagan sent to jail, can't campaign for bypoll

Hyderabad: YSR Congress chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, arrested in a disproportionate assets case, will stay in jail till the eve of the crucial bypoll in the state. He has been remanded to judicial custody for two weeks by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court.

As the YSR Congress launched a high-pitched attack, the state Congress government rejected the charges saying his arrest was part of the legal process.

The drama continued in Hyderabad on Monday as Jagan was produced in front of the CBI court, and outside his residence, his family led by his mother YS Vijayamma went on a dharna.

While Jagan was produced before the CBI court on Monday, his family led by her mother went on a dharna.

Jagan's family protested and shouted slogans, designed to ensure that Jagan and his YSR Congress got maximum political mileage from the arrest.

In the courts, there was a semblance of victory. The CBI was refused further custody of Jagan despite making a strong argument that he hasn't cooperated and needs to be questioned further. Jagan was sent to judicial custody till June 11.

The CBI says it will challenge the order in a higher court and seek further custody of Jagan. But it's clear that whatever the legal outcome be, Jagan's party has a one-point focus to create maximum political momentum for the by-elections to 18 seats on June 12.

In the midst of the legal and political drama, the state heaved a sigh of relief as the day ended without any major law and order problems. The YSR Congress's bandh call meant life came to a stand still in the Rayalseema region but there were no incidents of violence.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)