Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh), July 8 (IANS) YSR Congress Party President and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and state Congress chief Y.S. Sharmila on Wednesday paid tributes to their late father and former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR) on his 77th birth anniversary.

Accompanied by his mother Y.S. Vijayamma, wife Y.S. Bharati, and other family members, Jagan Mohan Reddy laid a wreath on the late leader’s grave at YSR Ghat at Idupulapaya in YSR Kadapa district.

They participated in special prayers conducted by religious leaders.

Remembering YSR as a visionary leader whose legacy of welfare and development continues to inspire millions, Jagan Mohan Reddy and YSRCP leaders recalled his invaluable contributions to the poor, farmers, healthcare, education, and irrigation. They described him as a leader who dedicated his life to public service and permanently earned a place in the hearts of the people.

Senior YSRCP leaders, present and former public representatives, party workers, and supporters also paid floral tributes and participated in the commemorative prayers. Large numbers of admirers gathered at the YSR Ghat to honour the late leader, reaffirming that YSR’s ideals of inclusive development, social justice, and people-centric governance continue to serve as an enduring inspiration for future generations.

They participated in the special prayers conducted on the occasion and sat in silence for a few minutes.

“Miss You Dad,” Jagan Mohan Reddy posted on X along with photographs at YSR’s grave. “You are my inspiration… your blessings are my strength,” he wrote.

YSR’s daughter and state Congress President Sharmila separately paid tributes to the late leader at his memorial. Vijayamma and Sharmila’s son and daughter were also present on the occasion.

Speaking to the media, Sharmila said that YSR was a legendary leader whose legacy lives on forever.

“Although this great leader served as Chief Minister for only five years, there is not a single household across the two Telugu states that has not benefited from his welfare schemes and development initiatives. He implemented programs like Arogyasri, fee reimbursement, free electricity, and Jalayagnam with genuine dedication,” she said.

“The fact that 700 people lost their lives in the wake of his passing speaks volumes about the deep affection the people held for him in their hearts,” she said and, on behalf of YSR’s family, thanked crores of Telugu people who cherish YSR’s memory.

Sharmila and Jagan Mohan Reddy have been separately attending YSR’s birth and death anniversary events at YSR Ghat ever since differences cropped up between them after he became the Chief Minister in 2019.

–IANS

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