YSR changed the image of the Congress, which is often criticised for being subservient to the high command, in Andhra Pradesh. He became the face of the party and the government, and thus brought stability. His welfare policies will be remembered forever. Successive leaders should make sure that his dreams are fulfilled.
Vinay Kumar,
Gudur
Dr. Reddy’s death is an irreparable loss to the Congress. A master strategist, he had tremendous mass appeal. He gave priority to the uplift of the weaker sections. It was no wonder that he was elected to power for a second term. YSR the politician and YSR the administrator are worthy of emulation.
Varghese Vattakuzhy,
Thrissur
The Congress has lost a brilliant cadre who led his State unlike past Chief Ministers of the party. It was due to his efforts that the Congress won a convincing victory in the 2009 elections, defeating the TDP and the Praja Rajyam Party.
K.R. Prem Kumar,
Bangalore
At a time when the Congress was fraught with factionalism and regional parties became powerful, YRS undertook a padayatra throughout Andhra Pradesh to build the party. After he became Chief Minister, he endeared himself to the masses through the successful implementation of irrigation projects, housing schemes and medical care for the poor. Thanks to him, the Congress got more MPs from the State in 2009 which helped it to form a government at the Centre. People voted for him, not the party. His sudden death has created a vacuum in the Congress.
Vaidyanathan K. Iyer,
Paloncha
YSR was the only Congress leader to become Chief Minister twice in succession. No Congressman in Andhra Pradesh had the charisma of YSR and no leader could attract the Opposition members as YSR.
B. Ramesh Babu,
Secunderabad
