YS Jagan, Sharmila pay tributes to YSR at Idupulapaya; Rahul Gandhi tweets first time

VIJAYAWADA: The Yeduguri Sandinti (YS) family, represented by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP Chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, his sister and YSRTP Chief YS Sharmila and their mother YS Vijayamma, paid tributes to the late Chief Minister YS Rajashekara Reddy (YSR) on his birth anniversary on Saturday at Idupulapaya.

There was heavy speculation of a rift in the YS family last year in the wake of YS Sharmila starting her own party in Telangana and Jagan not being in favour of it. Despite this, Jagan and Sharmila did pay homage to their father together in 2022. But this year, the brother-sister duo chose to visit the YSR Ghat and pay tributes separately.

While Jagan didn't speak in Idupulapaya, he did share a few words about his father's legacy at a public function earlier in the day in Anantapur.

"YSR was a great man who will remain forever in the hearts of Telugu farmers. YSR Jayanthi is celebrated as Farmers' Day. If you mention the name of YSR, schemes like Arogyashri and fee reimbursement will come to mind," he said.

The Chief Minister also tweeted about his father saying, "You always strove for improving the living standards of people and ensured that everybody stayed happy. These endeavours have cemented your place in people's hearts. Your inspiration always leads me in achieving these goals."

Meanwhile Sharmila, who is under the hawk’s eye for her next big political move, paid tributes to YSR along with her mother, husband and children, much before her brother could arrive there.

There is heavy speculation that her party, YSTRP, will be merged with the Congress. Adding fuel to this buzz was Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's tweet paying tributes to the late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister.

"My tributes to senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Rajasekhara Reddy ji, on his birth anniversary. He was a visionary leader who devoted his life to the betterment of the people of Andhra Pradesh. He shall always be remembered," Rahul Gandhi tweeted. This is the first time Rahul Gandhi is paying tributes to the late YSR in a long time.

Sharmila expressed her gratitude to Rahul Gandhi and tweeted, "Thank you Rahul Gandhiji for your affectionate words, reminiscing late Dr YS Rajashekara Reddy on his birth anniversary. Dr YSR was a committed Congress leader who died in the service of Telugu people, believing in the bright future for this country under your leadership. His model of welfarism remains the preferred model of governance across the country even to date. Thank you Sir that Dr. YSR remains in your heart."

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge too tweeted paying tribute to YSR.

"A compassionate leader of the people, he steered the development and welfare of Andhra Pradesh till his last breath. Our homage to former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Rajasekhara Reddy on his birth anniversary. His contribution to public life and to the Congress party shall always be cherished," Mallikarjun Kharge said on Twitter.

While the merger of YSRTP with the grand old party still remains a big question, it is worth mentioning that the issue will remain a proverbial thorn in the flesh of YSR's family and will play a role in the run up to the election campaign in both the Telugu states.