Hope and joy prevail ahead of Ugadi among jail inmates of Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, with mining scam accused former minister G Janardhana Reddy being lodged there after being remanded in judicial custody.

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Reddy is known to be generous with money and gifts among  his fellow inmates, as has been experienced by inmates of Chanchalguda Jail in Hyderabad where he had been lodged since September 2011.

He unconditionally provided financial assistance to many a fellow-inmate at Chanchalguda jail to help them get bail. Many of the inmates at Parappana Agrahara, who have heard about Reddy’s large-hearted deeds, are now hoping that he exhibits a similar generosity towards them as Ugadi gift, jail officials told DNA based on conversations among inmates that they have overheard.

Reddy is expected to remain in Parappana Agrahara jail until March 24 whereas Ugadi falls on the previous day.

Especially hopeful are those prisoners who act as priests during festivals while performing pujas at various temples within the jail premises.

The last time that these priests received hefty ‘dakshina’ was from former chief minister, BS Yeddyurappa, who was lodged in this jail in October 2011 and celebrated Deepavali festival in jail.

“So far Reddy hasn’t made any promises to the prisoners, but we too feel that this Ugadi will be a special one for them (the inmates) like never before,” said a jail official. “I think Reddy might sponsor quality sweets and top class ration to prepare food for a feast on Ugadi day. But we are yet to talk to him about this,” the official said, adding that he would have to seek permission from the jail authorities if he indeed wants to sponsor a feast.