Recalling the historic 1,457-kilometre padayatra from Chevella to Ichchapuram that began on April 9, 2003, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee chief Y. S. Sharmila said the march remains an unforgettable milestone in Telugu political history. She stated that the yatra not only touched the hearts of the people but also played a decisive role in bringing the Congress party to power in both the state and at the Centre.
Praising the legacy of former Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, Sharmila described his governance as a “golden era” and said his padayatra laid the foundation for the development seen today. She emphasized that YSR’s ideology was rooted in welfare, farmer support, and inclusive growth.
Launching a direct attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Sharmila alleged that he has merely used YSR’s name without truly following his ideals. She questioned why flagship initiatives like Jalayagnam were not completed during Jagan’s tenure if he truly believed in YSR’s vision.
Sharmila further accused Jagan of deviating from YSR’s principles by aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party, which she said YSR had strongly opposed during his lifetime. She also criticized his silence on attacks against Christian minorities and alleged failures in implementing key promises such as prohibition, claiming that a liquor mafia system is thriving under the current administration.
Highlighting welfare schemes introduced during YSR’s tenure—including free electricity, Aarogyasri, fee reimbursement, and farm loan waivers—Sharmila said these programs emerged from the struggles of the common people. She asserted that YSR’s true ideology survives only within the Congress party and urged his supporters to join hands with Congress to restore what she called a pro-people governance model, concluding with the slogan: “YSR means Congress, and Congress means YS.”
Comments
Sign in with Google to comment.