Indian National Congress (INC) President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday, 2 September paid rich tributes to former Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh, Dr Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), saying the late leader devoted his entire life to the Congress party and to the poor of his state. Kharge was speaking at the Dr Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy Award 2026 ceremony in New Delhi, held on the 17th death anniversary of the veteran leader.

Kharge's Tribute to YSR

Recalling YSR's governance philosophy, Kharge said the late Chief Minister believed that the purpose of government was to give ordinary people dignity, security, and opportunity — and that he did not abandon those convictions once he attained power.

'Then when he got power, he did not forget what he strove for. He brought healthcare within the reach of poor families through Aarogyasri, built homes for poor families through Indiramma Indlu, worked to give land to the landless, and gave free electricity to farmers while ensuring that farm loan relief reached thousands of families,' said Kharge.

Kharge also noted the occasion's significance: '17 years ago, on this very day, we lost Dr Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, a man who gave his whole life to the Congress Party and to the poor of his state. So, there could be no better way to pay tribute to him than to honour, in his memory, an institution that shares his deepest belief that no farmer and no poor family should be left behind or deprived of their basic needs.'

Award Presented to Swaminathan Foundation

The Dr Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy Award 2026 was presented to the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation at the event. Kharge also paid tribute to the late agricultural scientist Dr M. S. Swaminathan, describing him as a figure whose vision extended well beyond boosting food production.

'I had the privilege of knowing Dr Swaminathan personally for many years. I first came to know him when I was a minister in Karnataka... I knew him as a great scientist, and later as a nominated Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha (2007 to 2013), but what stayed with me was his commitment to science and his belief that scientific knowledge must ultimately improve the lives of ordinary people,' Kharge said.

Revanth Reddy Calls for Rahul Gandhi as PM

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, also addressing the ceremony, called for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to be made Prime Minister, describing it as a 'historical necessity' for the country in what he termed difficult and challenging times.

Revanth Reddy recalled that after taking oath as Chief Minister for the second time, YSR had announced that his life's goal was to see Rahul Gandhi become Prime Minister — a wish he could not fulfil before his death. 'Making Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister is a tribute to YSR. To fulfil his final wish, we must ensure Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister in the upcoming elections,' the Chief Minister said, calling for unity under Kharge's leadership to achieve that goal.

YSR's Legacy and Stalled Projects

Revanth Reddy also stressed the need to carry forward YSR's developmental vision, crediting the late leader for initiating major irrigation projects in Telangana — including Pranahita-Chevella, Kalwakurthy Lift Irrigation, and the SLBC tunnel. He acknowledged these projects are currently stalled and pledged to complete and dedicate them to the people of Telangana.

The Chief Minister additionally cited the contributions of former Prime Ministers Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to agriculture and food security, and noted that the Congress party introduced the Public Distribution System (PDS) and the Food Security Act. He said 3.48 crore people in Telangana currently receive fine quality rice through the PDS.

As the Congress party marks YSR's 17th death anniversary with this award ceremony, the political messaging from the event signals a clear effort to consolidate the party's legacy in southern India ahead of future electoral contests.