In Kadapa, 70-year-old Leelamma gently cleans a photograph of YSR as she recalls how Aarogyasri became a lifeline for her husband.
Without the scheme, she says, “We could never have afforded his heart operation.”
That simple memory captures why YSR continues to live in the hearts of people.
Even seventeen years after his demise, former Chief Minister Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy continues to leave an indelible imprint on the lives of millions of people across both Telugu states.
For a patient, he was a lifesaver. For a student, he opened the door to opportunity. For a pensioner, he was a helping hand. For a farmer, he represented a government that stood by them during difficult times.
YSR left behind a legacy that sought to strike a balance between welfare and development. Under YSR, promises were meant to be kept. When critics said free electricity for farmers was impossible, he went ahead and implemented it — and successive governments did not reverse the policy.
Many of his flagship programmes went on to become widely discussed models beyond Andhra Pradesh. Aarogyasri transformed access to healthcare for poor families, while the 108 ambulance service became a recognised model for emergency medical care.
He was also regarded as an able administrator whose administrative skills were acknowledged beyond political circles. In a recent podcast, Prof. Shamika Ravi, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), recalled how effectively MGNREGA was implemented in Andhra Pradesh, creating much-needed livelihoods for daily-wage workers and supporting rural families.
His commitment to irrigation was equally significant. Several major projects made substantial progress during his tenure. However, some remained unfinished for years. The ongoing Polavaram project and the recently completed Veligonda project are reminders of the infrastructure push undertaken during his time.
For many of his supporters, YSR’s legacy continues to represent welfare, development and people-centric governance.
They are once again pinning their hopes on Jagan, believing that he can carry forward YSR’s political and welfare legacy.
The inauguration of Phase I of the Poola Subbaiah Veligonda Project on August 31 marks a major milestone for one of Andhra Pradesh’s longest-pending irrigation…
At the national level, the ‘Mood of the Nation’ surveys conducted by established media houses may have some value, particularly when they attempt to capture…
There is one question that simply refuses to disappear in the Subhash Chandra story: where did the Rs 22,006 crore go? The numbers are not…
Only 5 yrs term, so many accolades. The same author will not give any credit for 20 yrs of CBN laid a new path for development and would invite snide remarks for his contribution to IT sector.This disproportionate praise for YSR was because he dethroned a seemingly impregnable TDP by dubious means of fissiparous nature by instigating Telengana protagonists and by discreet anti Kama feeling (Which was easier as the progress of the community due to their own hard work on the farms over a century displaying visible prosperity by late 60s with green revolution strategies of Govt provising further boost, so much so there was an adage “Cotton Chowdhary” Arthur Cotton…inviting jealousy that was brewing since 70s and resentment because of the over and militant affiliation with TDP) that was lapped up by Redys of Andhra and backwars class Redy of Telengana. And after winning, he was able to due garner free hand from Nincompoop Sonia to implement the so called Welfare programs , the financial foundation for which was laid by CBNs efficient mangement fo Govt finances
Also there was never any postive article on Pawan who is unique politician in India who spent more than Rs 100 crore money on building a party from no where and never flinched a bit even on the back of personal debacles in the elections.There was no praise for donating his own personal money to farmers etc but on top of that he had been ridiculed to abysmal levels with every one vying with each other, when not in power. This continuing even now when in power with him charting a new course for the Panchayat Raj, a department popularly see as non glamorous where the blue eyed boys KTR and Lokesh didnt make any impact as their fathers thought that the department was the ideal ground to develope insights into real India.
YSR truly will live for ever. True administrator and great governance. AP will always will feel his untimely death..
May his soul RIP. YSJ is filling in the gap.
