Leaders Across Telugu States Honor YSR's Legacy on 77th Birth Anniversary

The 77th birth anniversary of former united Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR) was commemorated with solemn tributes, remembrance meetings, and public service activities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Wednesday. Leaders from different political parties, elected representatives, and thousands of supporters gathered at memorials and public venues to honour the late leader, whose welfare-oriented governance continues to influence public policy and political discourse in the Telugu states.

The focal point of the commemorations was YSR Ghat at Idupulapaya in Kadapa district, where YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy paid floral tributes to his father. In an emotional message posted on social media, Jagan wrote, "You remain my inspiration, and your blessings are my strength. Miss you, Nanna." The memorial witnessed a steady stream of party leaders and supporters paying homage throughout the day.

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee President Y.S. Sharmila also visited Idupulapaya, offered special prayers, and recalled YSR's commitment to welfare-driven governance. She said his landmark initiatives transformed the lives of millions and continue to benefit people across both Telugu-speaking states.

Celebrations were held across Andhra Pradesh, with Nellore and Anantapur witnessing large gatherings of YSRCP workers. In Nellore, leaders including MLC Parvathareddy Chandrasekhar Reddy , Kakani Govardhan Reddy , and other senior functionaries garlanded YSR's statue while supporters raised slogans in his memory. Speakers highlighted flagship schemes such as Aarogyasri , Jalayagnam , fee reimbursement , and free electricity for farmers , describing them as transformative initiatives that reshaped welfare governance.

In Anantapur, the anniversary was observed through community service programmes , including Annadanam , sapling plantation drives, and the distribution of fruits and bread to pregnant women and new mothers. Welfare activities were also organized at the Spandana Foundation , reflecting YSR's emphasis on public service.

In Hyderabad , Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy led Congress leaders in paying floral tributes to YSR's portrait at Gandhi Bhavan . Joined by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka , Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu , and other senior leaders, he said YSR's contributions to farmers' welfare , public healthcare , education , free power for agriculture , and social justice continue to inspire successive governments.

Widely regarded as one of the architects of welfare politics in the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh, Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy , who served as Chief Minister from 2004 to 2009 , introduced several landmark initiatives that continue to define his legacy. Programmes such as Aarogyasri , 108 emergency ambulance services , 104 rural health services , Indiramma housing , fee reimbursement for higher education , and the ambitious Jalayagnam irrigation programme significantly expanded access to healthcare, education, housing, and irrigation. His historic 1,475-km Praja Prasthanam padayatra in 2003, undertaken to connect with farmers and rural communities, remains one of the defining moments of his political career.

More than 16 years after his passing , YSR's birth anniversary continues to be observed with blood donation camps, plantation drives, food distribution, and other community service initiatives , underscoring the enduring influence of a leader whose welfare-centric governance continues to resonate across generations and political divides.