There could be no leader like YSR, says Congress

Hyderabad: Congress leaders on Saturday recalled their association with former chief minister Dr Y.S. Rajashekar Reddy and the services he rendered for farmers, with policies tailormade to benefit them.

Speaking at the launch of the book ‘Rythe Raju’ by Dr K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao and CWC member Dr N. Raghuveera Reddy, leaders unequivocally emphasised that there could not be another politician like him.

The keynote speaker of a conference held on the occasion, journalist P. Sainath, said, “YSR was the first to recognise the agrarian crisis and appointed a committee under Jayati Ghosh. He brought in a leader like Raghuveera Reddy and officials like Koppula Raju and that had a positive impact on farmers. They successfully reduced the price of BT cotton seeds to '900, which the Monsanto was until then selling at '1,800."

“We should recognise the agrarian crisis we are undergoing now, which has reached the level of civilisational crisis. The three farm laws which were taken back because of the relentless fight back by farmers are being brought back through recommendations like the Dalwai Committee. By taking away our right to move the court, those black laws went beyond the farm sector. Currently, the wage income of farmers is increasing alongside a falling agricultural income, indicating a crisis. Those in AP and Telangana should ask themselves what YSR would have done in this situation,” he said.

Digvijaya Singh, Congress Rajya Sabha member and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister, recalled his association with Rajashekar Reddy.

 “It’s been 14 years since we lost him. It was a challenging time to manage the united state of AP ridden with dissensions. But he had the sagacity to take everyone along. Managing contradictions is key to politics. YSR was very blunt and clear of what he wants to do. His policies were pro-poor and for the weaker sections. He, thus, launched free power for farmers, Aarogyasri and helped self-help groups. The '2 rice scheme, reimbursement of tuition fee for students and reservation for minorities were launched by him. These very policies were harnessed by Jagan to come to power,” he said.

“If he were alive, he would have been at the dharna site and supported agitating farmers in Delhi. His padayatra made a huge difference in bringing the party to power in the state and, in turn, brought the UPA to power. The policies implemented by YSR are a continuation of the Nehruvian policies followed by Indira Gandhi also. The present rulers at the Centre have scant respect for the Constitution. I wish YSR was there to fight these challenges,” he said.

Former agriculture minister N. Raghuveera Reddy said, “I was fortunate to be associated with YSR as a minister in his cabinet. KVP called me to become part of this book-writing exercise. To address the farm crisis, we had to reduce input costs and hence, launched free power scheme, jala yagnam to provide water and gave MSP for their produce.”

Recalling how YSR gave equal importance to junior members like him, TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy said, “Unlike other leaders, he was with the Congress sans any post for more than 20 years after becoming PCC president at the very young age of 34. The leaders who he groomed are at the helm in both the Telugu states. YSR would not dismiss our questions which were critical of his policies and answered us. Bhatti, me and others here will bring the Congress to power.”

CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka recalled how he grew as a politician by observing the late chief minister. “He passed away after I got an opportunity to work with him at close quarters. Leaders like him are rare. He has left an indelible mark on politics here. The people in Adilabad recalled during my padayatra that if YSR was alive, the Pranahita Chevella project would have materialised and made the district lush green. The redesigning of the project has left the work unfinished. Taking his thoughts forward would be a true tribute to him.”

Dr Ramachandra Rao said, “Looking at Revanth Reddy, I feel he would bring the party to power akin to YSR. I also congratulate Bhatti for undertaking the strenuous yatra like YSR.”