Jagan, Sharmila pay tributes to YSR in Kadapa district on 17th death anniversary

On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, president of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), and Y.S. Sharmila, president of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee, paid individual tributes to their late father, former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, at his memorial site in Idupulapaya, Kadapa district. This marked the 17th anniversary of his death, which occurred on September 2, 2009, following a tragic helicopter crash near the Nallamala forests. Jagan Mohan Reddy, along with his wife Y.S. Bharathi Reddy and other family members, visited the YSR Estates. He placed a garland at the Samadhi, or tomb, of his father and spent several minutes in quiet reflection. During his visit, he expressed his deep personal connection to his father, stating on social media, “Miss you always, dad...! You will forever be my inspiration.” Also present were Kadapa MP Y.S. Avinash Reddy, YSRCP Kadapa district president P. Ravindranath Reddy, and former Chandragiri MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy. Sharmila, meanwhile, visited the memorial site separately. She laid a garland and a wreath at the Samadhi, emphasizing the lasting impact of her father’s policies. She described him as the “heartbeat” of millions of Telugu people who benefited from initiatives such as Jalayagnam, fee reimbursement, free power for agricultural purposes, and Aarogyasri. She highlighted how these schemes, which were central to her father's governance, continue to shape the state’s development. “All the projects considered to be his pet schemes are hard to imagine and impossible for any other leader to implement. The schemes will always bear the imprint of YSR,” she remarked. She also offered prayers for the continued well-being and prosperity of the state. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy served as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh from 2004 until his untimely demise. He was a prominent figure in Indian politics, having been elected to the Lok Sabha from Kadapa for four consecutive terms and serving as an MLA from Pulivendula for six years. His leadership culminated in a significant electoral victory, securing a second term in office. Tragically, his life ended in a helicopter accident on September 2, 2009, just months after this success. The aircraft disappeared over the Nallamala forests, and its wreckage was discovered the following day, resulting in the deaths of all five individuals onboard. Following his passing, Jagan Mohan Reddy, who was then a Member of Parliament representing the Congress party, chose to break away from the party and established the YSR Congress Party. In contrast, Sharmila initially led her own political faction in Telangana before merging it with the Congress party in 2024, subsequently taking charge of the Andhra Pradesh unit. The two leaders' separate visits underscored the enduring legacy of Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, whose contributions to public welfare remain deeply embedded in the socio-political fabric of Andhra Pradesh. As the state continues to navigate its developmental path, the memory of YSR endures through the policies and values he championed.