How Did Jagan and Sharmila Honor YSR on His Death Anniversary?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- YSR's legacy continues to impact Andhra Pradesh through various welfare programs.
- The emotional tributes reflect the deep respect held for YSR by his family and followers.
- Jagan and Sharmila's separate commemorations illustrate their complex relationship.
- YSR's governance model emphasized welfare and development, which remains relevant today.
- The lasting memory of YSR is evident in the hearts of the people he served.
Kadapa, Sep 2 (NationPress) On the solemn occasion of the 16th death anniversary of their father, former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and president of the YSR Congress Party, along with Y. S. Sharmila, the State Congress chief, paid heartfelt tributes today.
Joined by his mother Y. S. Vijayamma, wife Y. S. Bharathi, and other family members, Jagan Mohan Reddy placed a floral wreath at the grave of the late leader located at YSR Ghat in Idupulapaya, within the YSR Kadapa district.
The family also took part in special prayers led by religious leaders.
Numerous senior leaders from the YSR Congress Party, along with former and current public representatives, party workers, and admirers, paid their respects by laying floral tributes, honoring the enduring legacy of YSR as a champion of welfare and a pioneer of development.
“Missing you dearly,” Jagan Mohan Reddy shared on 'X', accompanied by a cherished photograph of himself with the late leader.
Sharmila, YSR's daughter and state Congress president, also commemorated him at his grave, where Vijayamma was present as well.
Sharmila was accompanied by her son, daughter-in-law, and other family members.
In her tribute, Sharmila reflected on YSR's impactful life, stating that he was used by God for a significant purpose. She emphasized that even after 16 years since his passing, YSR continues to hold a special place in the hearts of the people.
“His image is still revered alongside idols of God. Landmark initiatives like Arogya Sri, free electricity, and fee reimbursement stemmed from YSR's compassionate vision. Every Telugu household has benefitted from these programs,” Sharmila noted.
She also recounted the heartbreak felt by many upon YSR's untimely death, revealing that 700 individuals succumbed to grief. She honored their memory as well.
YSR served as the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh from 2004 until his tragic death in a helicopter crash on September 2, 2009, just months after leading the Congress party to a second consecutive electoral victory.
At that time, Jagan was a Congress MP but later parted ways to establish the YSR Congress Party.
Since differences arose following Jagan's ascent to the Chief Ministership in 2019, both Sharmila and Jagan Mohan Reddy have been independently commemorating YSR's birth and death anniversaries at YSR Ghat.
Last year, the YSR Congress faced significant electoral losses in both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections.
Sharmila, eager to uphold YSR's legacy, assumed the presidency of the state Congress early last year after merging the YSR Telangana Party with the Congress.