Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Congress chief Y.S. Sharmila on Wednesday, 2 September separately paid tributes to their father, former undivided Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), on his 17th death anniversary at YSR Ghat, Idupulapaya, in YSR Kadapa district. The occasion drew senior party leaders, former and current public representatives, and thousands of admirers who gathered to honour the late leader's enduring legacy.

Jagan's Tribute at Idupulapaya

Accompanied by his mother Y.S. Vijayamma, wife Y.S. Bharathi, and other family members, Jagan Mohan Reddy laid a wreath on YSR's grave at YSR Ghat. The family also participated in special prayers conducted by religious leaders at the site.

Senior YSRCP leaders, along with former and present public representatives and party cadre, also laid floral wreaths, remembering the late leader with deep respect and acknowledging his legacy as a welfare provider and architect of development in the state.

On social media platform X, Jagan Mohan Reddy posted: 'Miss you always, Dad! You'll forever be my inspiration.'

Sharmila Remembers YSR's Welfare Legacy

Y.S. Sharmila, who became president of the Andhra Pradesh state Indian National Congress (Congress) unit in early 2024 after merging the YSR Telangana Party with the Congress, also paid her respects at YSR Ghat. Vijayamma was present on this occasion as well.

Sharmila described YSR as 'a legendary leader who holds an indelible place in the hearts of millions.' She highlighted his flagship welfare initiatives, stating that the Aarogyasri scheme provided free corporate-level medical care to the poor, while the Fee Reimbursement scheme ensured free education and academic security for millions of underprivileged students.

'YSR was a modern-day Bhagiratha who transformed the agricultural sector through free electricity for farmers and revolutionised irrigation through the Jalayagnam project. Initiatives such as the 108 and 104 ambulance services and the waiver of agricultural loans for farmers remain unforgettable to this day,' she said.

Sharmila also recalled that as many as 700 people reportedly lost their lives out of grief upon hearing the news of YSR's passing. 'On this anniversary, as YSR's daughter, I pay tribute to them as well,' she said.

Who Was Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy

Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy served as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh from 2004 to 2009. He died on 2 September 2009 in a helicopter crash, just months after leading the Congress to its second consecutive electoral victory in the state. His death triggered an outpouring of grief across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana that, according to reports, proved fatal for hundreds of his supporters.

The Sibling Divide and Political Context

Jagan Mohan Reddy, who was then a Congress Member of Parliament at the time of his father's death, subsequently broke away from the party and founded the YSR Congress Party. Sharmila and Jagan have been attending YSR's birth and death anniversary events separately ever since differences emerged between them after he became Chief Minister in 2019.

The YSRCP suffered a crushing defeat in both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in 2024, leaving the party significantly weakened. Both siblings now appear to be competing for the political and emotional ownership of YSR's legacy — a contest that is likely to shape Andhra Pradesh's political landscape in the coming years.