People all over the country will remember the great leader today. He left everyone to mourn for him. September 2nd 2009 was the day when the state mourned for its leader. I m talking about none other than the man of masses Dr. Y S Rajshekar Reddy who is still in our hearts and will live forever. Metro News pays tribute to this great leader who left us a year ago. Our great leader Late Y S Rajshekar Reddy, learnt and felt the public pulse which was proved when he was sworn-in as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister for the second successive term. He came up the hard way in his public life spanning three decades and emerged as one of the strongest leaders the Congress has produced in the state.

The 60-year-old broke the jinx by becoming the first Congress chief minister to retain power - a feat achieved before only by legendary N.T. Rama Rao of the Telugu Desam Party in the 1980's. He has always been a winner in life. Elected to the state Assembly for the fifth time, YSR is also a four-time Lok Sabha member and holds the record of never losing an election. Born in a middle-class family at Pulivendula, a small town in Kadapa district, on July 8, 1949, YSR made a modest beginning. He entered active politics in 1978 and was elected to the state assembly from Pulivendula. He served as state minister from 1980 to 1983 and retained the assembly seat in 1983 even when NTR swept to power with a historic victory.

The year 2003 was a turning point in his political career, as he undertook a 64-day padyatra, or walkathon, across the state. Covering 1,500 km under the scorching sun, he received petitions from people about their problems, mainly relating to agriculture and unemployment. On september 2 at around 9 YS Rajshekar reddy as usual will a smile on his face spoke to the media about his visit to chittoor district. Later in the afternoon flashes a news of rajshekar reddy's chopper missing. People all over the state started to offer prayers and the officials went in search of the chopper. After 24 hours of search Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and four other persons news of no more flashed as the helicopter crashed in the Nallamala Hills in bad weather reached Hyderabad.

After hearing the news on Rajshekar Reddy's demise people who learnt that their leader was not among them couldnot digest the fact whereas some of the people suffered heart attack and died. The mortal remains of Rajasekhara Reddy, were brought to Hyderabad from Kurnool district. Amidst slogans "YSR Amar Rahe", Reddy's body was shifted to CM's camp office. Hundreds of party workers, well wishers, ministers, Congress MP and legislators besides political leaders cutting across party lines assembled to pay their respects to Reddy. Union ministers and leaders of various political parties paid rich tributes to Y.S.Rajasehar Reddy. A man who not only led a great life but also struggled for the poor and needy left his people in grief and sorrow. Dr. Rajshekar Reddy will always remain in all our life's as our leader.

Published Date : Thursday, Sep 2, 11:18am IST

Watch Video....