Just the picture of former Chief Minister Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy was sufficient for the Congress party to win all the forthcoming elections and there was no need for any tie-up, said YSR loyalists at a condolence meeting held for him here on Monday.
Vijayawada Central MLA Malladi Vishnu said that a memorial meeting would be held on every second of the month. The monthly ritual and puja called “masikams” are performed to give peace to the soul of the deceased are conducted for a year. Such a meeting could not be held last month because of floods in Krishna River, Mr. Vishnu said.
The speakers, including Rajahmundry MP Undavalli Aruna Kumar, Vijayawada MP Lagadapati Rajagopal, Minister for Animal Husbandry K. Parathasarati, former Deputy Chief Minister Koneru Ranga Rao, PCC general secretary Ambati Rambabu paid rich tributes to the former Chief Minister.
Mr. Aruna Kumar said that YSR was one of the greatest humanitarian produced by Andhra Pradesh. Narrating several instances where YSR left lasting impressions on, Mr. Aruna Kumar said that on occasions he felt that “God” had manifested himself in the form of the leader.
Mr. Aruna Kumar said that Sonia Gandhi was very close to the YSR family and had full confidence in members of the family. Ms. Gandhi and Mr. Jagan had a very good understanding and any demand to make the latter the Chief Minister would only ruin the beautiful relationship.
Mr. Rambabu said that he was very hurt with the way some of the Congress leaders were talking about YSR after his tragic death. He compared some leaders to dogs that squabble for leftovers near the garbage bin, but there was a danger of the party being shredded to bits in this confusion.
Mr. Ranga Rao said the party would suffer huge losses if it did not give Mr. Jagan the respect and place he deserved. Attempts to push away Mr. Jagan would be counter productive, he said.
