YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy was unable to meet former minister Seediri Appalaraju at Ampolu Sub-Jail in Srikakulam district on Thursday after arriving beyond the permitted visiting hours.
The main purpose of Jagan’s visit to Srikakulam was to meet Appalaraju during the mulaqat hours and extend support to him following his arrest in connection with a hit-and-run case involving his son, Arnav Varma.
However, Jagan missed the scheduled prison visiting hours as he could not reach the jail on time.
His journey was delayed after his convoy turned into a roadshow, attracting large crowds of party workers and supporters.
Jagan arrived at the jail after the 5 pm deadline prescribed for inmate visits.
Citing prison rules, jail authorities denied him permission to meet the former minister, forcing him to leave without entering the prison.
He instead met Appalaraju’s family members outside the jail premises and assured them of the party’s support.
The delay was attributed to the slow movement of Jagan’s convoy along the Visakhapatnam-Srikakulam route.
YSRCP leaders had mobilised supporters at several locations to welcome the former Chief Minister, resulting in repeated halts as he greeted the crowds.
The convoy effectively turned into a roadshow, significantly extending the travel time and ultimately causing him to miss the prison visiting hours.
The emphasis on a high-profile public reception appeared to take precedence over ensuring a timely arrival for the jail visit.
Had the convoy proceeded directly to Ampolu Sub-Jail without multiple public interactions, Jagan would likely have arrived before the deadline and secured permission to meet Appalaraju.
Appalaraju is currently in judicial custody after being arrested in connection with a fatal road accident case involving a vehicle allegedly linked to his convoy.
Following his arrest, a court remanded him to judicial custody, and he was shifted to Ampolu Sub-Jail near Srikakulam.
A large number of YSRCP leaders and supporters gathered outside the jail during Jagan’s visit, prompting the police to deploy additional security personnel to maintain order.
Party sources indicated that Jagan may seek permission to meet Appalaraju on another occasion.
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