CBI quizzes Jagan, MLAs queue up to join him

Eleven MLAs from the Congress and the Telugu Desam Party have expressed their willingness to quit their respective parties and join Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress, say sources close to the leader.

On Friday, Congress MLA A Nani had openly supported YSR Congress chief Jagan.

Today, Congress leader Ranga Rao from Bobili constituency announced his decision to quit the Congress and join Jagan. He is likely to formally join the YSR Congress by Saturday evening.

Sources close to Jagan say that 11 MLAs -- 9 from the Congress and two from the TDP -- are waiting to cross over, but in a phased manner.

The feud between Jagan and the Congress is likely to become more aggressive over the next couple of days.

According to YSR Congress leaders, if the CBI was being used by the Congress to target Jagan, then they would also do everything to ensure that the ruling party becomes weaker in the state.

Meanwhile, the adapa Member of Parliament on Saturday appeared before the CBI for the second round of questioning in connection with an alleged disproportionate assets case.

Jagan, who was grilled for more than eight hours on Friday, was questioned about the alleged irregularities with regard to VANPIC project, according to CBI sources.

He was questioned in the presence of other accused Nimmagadda Prasad, an industrialist, and Brahamananda Reddy, former Special Secretary of Infrastructure Department Andhra Pradesh.

Terming the quizzing as "peaceful", the Kadapa MP had said, "Clarifications have been sought and I have given (them). I will be facing them (CBI) again. I will be giving them further clarifications."

On Monday, Jagan will have to be present before the CBI court, following which the agency will take a decision regarding his arrest.

With additional inputs from PTI