Former IAS Praveen Prakash released a public apology to AB Venkateswara Rao and Jasti Krishna Kishore, two officials he targeted during Jagan’s rule. Instead of a Press Note, he shared a video message and set off a new trend.
Only a few days earlier, he gave an exclusive interview to ABN RK. During YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure, Praveen Prakash played a powerful role in the CMO. Many described him as someone who controlled decisions even above the Chief Secretary.
He handled several controversial moves taken under Jagan’s government. After three years, a gap formed between him and Jagan. He was moved to Andhra Bhavan in Delhi for some time and later returned to the state.
Once the new Government came to power in Andhra Pradesh, he surprised everyone by opting for VRS. He now says the apology helps him clear his conscience and that he cannot die in peace without expressing it.
But many question the sincerity behind these claims. IAS Srilakshmi, once an accused in Jagan’s disproportionate assets cases, suffered jail time and serious health issues and even became wheelchair bound. People sympathised with her then, but she returned to the CMO and regained influence when Jagan returned to power.
Just like Praveen Prakash, Vijaysai Reddy also moved away from Jagan after losing power. This raises a larger question. Can these statements from Opposition side leaders be trusted when history shows otherwise?
Would Praveen Prakash apologise, or would Sai Reddy retire, if Jagan had won in 2024? The answer appears clear when you look at Srilakshmi’s example. Behaviour seems to change with power.
If Jagan returns in 2029, there is every chance these leaders will revert to old positions. For now, their current stance looks more like a temporary shield under a new Government they believed would be hostile to them.
