The news of the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Dr.Y.S.Rajashekar Reddy's chopper missing since yesterday sent shockwaves throughout the state. The worst fears of everyone came true when the wreckage of his chopper was spotted on a hill in Nallamala forests adjoining the Kurnool district.
The confirmation of his death today brings to an end the story of one who although was controversial has battled adversity all by himself. It's one of the strangest ironies of life that a man who bought his party back to power in the recently held 2009 elections against the worst predictions of his sceptics wasn't so lucky himself.
I am not a big fan of YSR but the way he came to power after the former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu was defeated in the elections after 10 years in power is a text book example of how politicians can win people's hearts. He travelled more than a 1000 kilometers by foot in the scorching sun meeting villagers and farmers. He even took a shower staying with the villagers. Cut back to 2009 his was a one man show and he proved all his critics wrong. He was the only man in the Congress which normally interferes in the decision making of the state units who told Sonia to just trust him which Sonia did. It was a calculated risk. If YSR would have lost, he would have been literally banished into oblivion. But the fact that Congress won a majority in the state assembly and returned a lion's chunk of parliament seats proved him right.
As a voter, Congress was never my favourite party as I hold it responsible for most of the problems. However giving the credit where it is due inspite of corruption charges against him, the phenomenal rise of his son Y.S Jaganmohan Reddy especially his business interests and the Satyam scam, YSR was a towering personality. The calm confidence exuded by him meant that the state was in secure hands. The experience gleaned from his padayatra (as mentioned above) helped him gauge the pulse of rural farmers. The NREGS (National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) which worked quite well in the state providing livelihood for atleast 100 days in a year and rural housing scheme for the poor were some of his creditable achievements. On the downside free power to farmers even when the state had a power deficit was not a sensible decision.
He wasn't in awe of even international leaders except Sonia. A case in point was when the former United States President George Bush visited the agricultural university in Hyderabad. Unlike many who fawn over foreign dignitaries he just sent one of his officials to represent the state.
Today is a sad day in the history of Andhra Pradesh. In all this, one should also not forget the people - pilot group captain S K Bhatia, co-pilot captain M S Reddy, special secretary P Subrahmanyam, chief security officer ASC Wesley who perished in the accident along with Dr.Y.S.Rajashekar Reddy. May their soul rest in peace.
(Image courtesy: http://3.bp.blogspot.com/techsatishtelugu_ysrajasekar+reddy.jpg)
