Year after YSR’s death, Andhra pays rich tributes

HYDERABAD - Andhra Pradesh Thursday remembered one of its greatest leaders, late chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who had died in a helicopter crash a year ago, leaving the state in shock.

Rich tributes were paid to YSR - as he was popularly called - and, at various programmes held across the state, he was recalled as a man especially concerned about the welfare of the poor.

YSR died when the government helicopter carrying him from Hyderabad to Chittoor district crashed amid bad weather in Kurnool district Sep 2. Four others, including two pilots, also died with him.

Chief Minister K. Rosaiah, who is suffering from fever, had to cancel his visit to Nallakalva in Kurnool district where he was to unveil a statue of YSR. He could not attend a function in the state capital either.

“I am sad over not being able to attend the programmes to pay tribute to the great leader due to ill health,” Rosaiah said in a message. He recalled his close association with YSR.

“He was a great leader who always used to think of the welfare of people,” Rosaiah said.

YSR’s widow Vijayalakshmi, son and Congress MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy, daughter Sharmila and other family members came to pay their respects at his grave in Idupulapaya family estate in Kadapa district.

Vijayalakshmi, who is also a state legislator, broke down while praying at the grave. Other family members, his long-time friend and Rajya Sabha member K.V.P. Ramchandra Rao, film actor Vishnu, former minister Konda Surekha and Congress leaders were among those who paid tributes.

Assembly speaker N. Kirankumar Reddy and several leaders of the ruling party paid floral tributes in the lobbies of the assembly.

Chief Minister Rosaiah deputed a couple of senior ministers to Nallakalva near the crash site to unveil the statue. The government is developing YSR Smruthi Vanam, a memorial, over 22 acres of land.

An all-religion prayer, video film display and special photo exhibition on YSR were held during one of the main programmes in the state capital.