Hyderabad (Agency): Digvijaya Singh, a senior leader of the Congress party, extolled the late Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, former chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, for his unwavering commitment to implementing welfare schemes that significantly aided the underprivileged. Speaking at an event to release a book on the occasion of Reddy’s death anniversary, Singh emphasized Reddy’s profound contributions to pro-poor policies that aligned with the core values of the Congress party.
Singh commended Rajasekhara Reddy’s exceptional dedication to farmers and the poor, describing it as unparalleled. He pointed out that the welfare schemes initiated and executed by Reddy were instrumental policies of the Congress party, echoing the principles advocated by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi. Reddy effectively continued and implemented these policies during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, greatly benefiting the marginalized sections of society.
The Congress veteran and former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh praised Rajasekhara Reddy’s initiatives as being “pro-poor, pro-deprived sections, and pro-minorities.” Reddy’s noteworthy policies encompassed free power for farmers, health insurance schemes, free ambulance services, housing initiatives, minimum support price (MSP) for paddy farmers, irrigation projects, fee reimbursement schemes, and reservations for minorities in professional institutions.
Additionally, Singh lauded Reddy’s adept handling of the Naxalite movement, noting that he astutely brought individuals involved in the movement into the mainstream, thereby facilitating their transition.
Singh reflected on how Reddy’s tragic passing had left a significant impact on the region’s political landscape, observing that the state of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana could have experienced distinct changes if not for his untimely demise. Reddy was not only a political leader but also a strategist, friend to the poor and minorities, and a practitioner of Gandhian principles.
Singh highlighted Reddy’s pioneering introduction of the “padayatra” (foot march) into Indian politics, attributing the transformation of Andhra Pradesh’s electoral dynamics to his leadership. Reddy’s influential 1,400-kilometer walk played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape and securing victories for the Congress party in the 2004 and 2009 parliamentary elections.
Reddy’s path to power was marked by his 2003 foot march, which propelled him to victory in the 2004 Legislative Assembly elections. Although he tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on this day in 2009, shortly after beginning his second term in office, his contributions and legacy continue to be celebrated.
Singh concluded by expressing his concerns about the current challenges faced by the country, alluding to the leadership’s lack of respect for the Constitution and the growing polarization within society. He expressed a wish that Reddy were present to confront and address these pressing challenges. The event was attended by Telangana Congress president and Member of Parliament, A Revanth Reddy, along with other party leaders.
