The editorial “Death of a talented leader” and the article “The Congressman with a mass following and appeal” (Sept. 4) paid a fitting tribute to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who was killed in a helicopter crash in Kurnool. Rajasekhara Reddy restored the glory of the Congress, which remained out of power for 10 long years, in the State.
He will be remembered for the successful implementation and expansion of the NREGS and projects like Jalayagnam.
M. Nagaraja Shetty,
Bangalore
YSR came to power as a result of direct contact with the people. He emerged as the tallest Congress leader in the south. Although he was accused of corruption, his schemes like housing for the poor and low-interest loans to self-help groups endeared him to the poor. After T. Prakasam and N.T. Rama Rao, YSR was perhaps the only leader to win a place in the hearts of the people.
Karavadi Raghava Rao,
Vijayawada
A leader who won the 2004 elections on the basis of people’s discontent with the TDP government, YSR displayed his superior leadership skills as Chief Minister. His focus on agriculture, irrigation and tribal welfare was far removed from the priorities of the post-liberalisation era in many States. His approach to inclusive growth paid off in the 2009 general and Assembly elections. Although he faced allegations of corruption during his tenure, YSR will be remembered as an astute administrator. India has lost a potential national leader.
Y.N. Murthy,
Bangalore
In the sudden passing of Rajasekhara Reddy, India has lost a charismatic leader. He did not come to power on empty rhetoric but through a strategy to uplift the poor, particularly farmers.
Lt. Col. (retd.) R.V.S. Mani,
Madurai
YSR, like Nehru, believed anything except agriculture could wait. His death is a colossal loss. The Congress has lost its most charismatic leader.
P. Siddhartha,
Nellore
When YSR became Chief Minister, a new wave of enthusiasm swept Andhra Pradesh. His pro-poor policies catapulted him to the seat of power for a second term. He could establish a rapport with all sections. His finest achievement was the deep sense of a united State.
A.S. Farida,
Kancheepuram
Rajasekhara Reddy was the lion of not only Kadapa but also Andhra Pradesh. His untimely and cruel demise is a great setback to the country. The government should take steps to make VVIP movements more secure. We cannot afford to lose efficient and energetic leaders.
S. Padmanabha Mallya,
Kochi
YSR was indeed a combination of exuberance and compassion. While the tiger in him took the political decisions, the dove in him drove his heart which was full of compassion and made him someone whom everybody wanted.
Tharcius S. Fernando,
Chennai
A true leader is one who is humble, has a smile on his face, and follows pro-poor, pro-women and pro-peasant policies. YSR was definitely a leader of the masses. The people of India, particularly Andhra Pradesh, will surely miss him.
