After Chandrababu, Jaganmohan fasts for farmers

Vijayawada : Former Andhra Pradesh MP YS Jaganmohan Reddy, who quit Congress last month, on Tuesday launched a 48-hour fast demanding better relief package for farmers who suffered heavy crop loss due to rains recently.

Son of former chief minister late YSR Reddy, Jagan, who turned 38 on Tuesday, was joined by thousands of his supporters as he started the fast on the banks of Krishna River, near Prakasam Barrage.

He arrived in the town early in the morning by train and offered prayers at the local Durga temple before sitting on the fast.

This is the first display of strength by Jagan after he quit the Congress and resigned from Kadapa Lok Sabha seat, charging the Congress of being insensitive towards his father?s legacy. Jagan has announced of launching a new party shortly.

He was joined by supporters and leaders, including former ministers and MPs, from across the state in the state.

Jagan, who had visited the farmers after the rains, has demanded more relief for the losses suffered due to the early onset of rains.

Meanwhile, former chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu continued his indefinite hunger strike on the same cause.

He was arrested and hospitalized by the authorities on Monday as his health deteriorated following his fast since Saturday.