'Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhar Reddy' or YSR (08/07/1949-02/09/2009) as he is popularly known to the Andhra people,knows the public needs & pulse of the voters which was proved when he was sworn-in as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for the 2nd term and set a new records.
He came up the hard way in his public life spanning three decades and emerged as one of the Strongest leaders in the State and in Congress party.The 60-yr old leader set a record by becoming the 1st Congress Chief Minister to retain power - a feat achieved only by Actor turned Politician and the Legendary Mr.N.T.Rama Rao of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in the 1980s.Elected to the State Assembly for the 5th time,YSR is also a four-time Lok Sabha member,and holds the record of never losing an election.
Popular as 'ప్రజల మనిషి' r ' పులివెందుల పులిబిడ్డ' among his followers,YSR tasted success despite facing a poll campaign from both TDP-led four party Grand Alliance and PrajaRajyam Party of actor-turned-politician Mr.Chiranjeevi.The people of AP supported his performance and the numerous welfare schemes his government launched during his last tenure.
And became Chief Minister for the 2nd time.Born in a middle-class family at Pulivendula,a small town in Cuddapah District,on July 8/1949,YSR made history and won the hearts of people of Andhra.Eldest son of Y.S.Raja Reddy,a dynamic local leader of his times,he showed interest in politics while studying at M.R.Medical College,Gulbarga in Karnataka.
Though the party lost the 1999 state elections,YSR emerged as the strongest leader of the party and became the leader of Opposition. His experiences during the Maha-padayatra(1400km-64day) from 'Chevella of Ranga Reddy Dist. to Icchapuram of Srikakulam Dist' was a turning point in his political career helped him to shape his policies after assuming office.And as a result the most succesful and most discussed welfare schemes like "జలయజ్ఞం,ఆరోగ్యశ్రీ,వితంతువు-వృద్ధాప్య-వికలాంగులకు పింఛన్లు,ఇందిరమ్మ ఇళ్ల,OBC విద్యార్దులకు ఫీజు రి-ఎంబరస్మెంట్ పధకం,104 మరియు 108 ఎమర్జెన్సీ సర్వీసులను,పావలా వడ్డీకే పేద మహిళలకు రుణాలు,
కిలో రెండు రూపాయలకు బియ్యపు పథకం,came into force.And also Local Dream Projects like 'ఉచిత విద్యుత్ పథకం,రైతులకు రుణ మాఫీ,గిరిజనులకు భూములపై యాజమాన్యహక్కులు,Three-IIITs at Basara-Hyderabad-Idupulapaya,Krishnapatnam Port' came to a reality and the list goes on.
A final TRIBUTE to the Dynamic visionary,progressive leader who strived and lived for the welfare of the poor and down-trodden through his life,the country has lost a great out-standing leader. He was loved by friends & feared by enemies.The People of Andhra are not able to digest his death even now,and he will always remain in their Hearts and the State mourns for the sudden demise of their beloved CM.
We Salute u Mr.Y.S.Rajasekhar Reddy,may ur Soul rest in peace.
