After YSR, who? Possible successors

The hunt for a new Chief Minister in Andhra Pradesh has begun with the Congress in right earnest. However, no decision has yet been taken on the successor, names include YSR's son Jaganmohan, Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy and even Purundeshwari.

Who after YSR?

Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, YSR's son

• First time MP, inexperienced
• Runs a controversial media business

S Jaipal Reddy

• Union Urban Development Minister
• Congress in AP known as 'Reddy' party
• More experienced at the Centre than state

Purandeswari

• MoS, HRD
• Daughter of N T Rama Rao
• Recent entrant into Congress

D Srinivas

• PCC President
• Belongs to a backward class

PTI adds: The names of state Finance Minister K Rosaiah is also high on the list of probables doing the rounds. Seventy seven-year-old Rosaiah, the seniormost leader in the state, has been a minister in successive Congress governments and has taken over as interim Chief Minister.

The Congress Legislature Party is likely to meet in the next few days to elect the successor to Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, who was killed in a helicopter mishap on Wednesday.

Rosaiah, a non-controversial figure, belongs to Vaishya community and hails from Prakasham district.

The other names that have cropped up in the succession race are Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy.

In case, the party decides that the Chief Minister's post should go to a leader belonging to the dominant Reddy community, the chances of Jaipal Reddy are said to be bright.

Jaipal Reddy is also from Telangana region hailing from Mehboob Nagar district. The late Chief Minister was from the Rayalseema region.

Congress sources said the CLP meeting will be convened only after the mourning period is over.

Meanwhile in Hyderabad, supporters of the late leader are pushing for making his son Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, a Lok Sabha member, the Chief Minister.

A number of ministers have made an open demand for making Jaganmohan Reddy the next chief minister. They include Major Irrigation Minister P Lakshmiah, Health Minister D Nagender, Women and Child Welfare Minister K Surekha, Small Scale Industries Minister D K Aruna, Forest Minister P Ramachandra Reddy and Backward Classes Welfare Minister Mukesh Goud.

The Chief Whip of ruling party in the Assembly B Vikramarka is said to have initiated a signature campaign in support of the demand.