Revanth Reddy urges fulfilment of YSR’s last wish
Hyderabad : Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday called for the ideals of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy to be carried forward, saying completing the late leader’s unfinished projects and fulfilling his last wish would be a true tribute to him.
Speaking at the YS Rajasekhara Reddy Awards 2026 programme in New Delhi, Revanth Reddy said YSR’s vision should be pursued in full.
Revanth recalls Congress welfare and farm initiatives
Revanth said the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, gave priority to education and irrigation. He said Nehru’s vision helped India move from food shortages to becoming a food-exporting country.
He credited Indira Gandhi with taking the first steps to provide a support price for crops produced by farmers. He also said she had brought in the Agriculture Act and distributed assigned land to the poor.
Revanth said Sonia Gandhi brought in the Food Security Act with the objective of ensuring food security for everyone in the country.
He said the Congress also introduced the public distribution system (PDS), through which essential commodities are supplied through ration shops.
“If we are providing Samba rice to 3.48 crore people in Telangana, it is because of the efforts of the Congress governments of that time,” Revanth said.
YSR projects will be completed, Revanth says
Revanth said YS Rajasekhara Reddy was the first leader to sign on providing free electricity to farmers.
He said YSR cancelled ₹1,300 crore in electricity dues and withdrew cases against farmers, earning a lasting place in their hearts.
Revanth said YSR had initiated the Pranahita-Chevella project, Kalwakurthy Lift Irrigation Project and SLBC tunnel to provide irrigation to Telangana.
“Pranahita-Chevella and SLBC, which YSR launched at the time, have now stopped,” he said.
“We will continue his ideals 100%. We will complete Pranahita-Chevella, SLBC and Kalwakurthy Lift Irrigation and dedicate them to the people of Telangana,” Revanth said.
Revanth links YSR’s last wish to Rahul Gandhi
Revanth reminded YSR’s followers of what he described as the late chief minister’s last wish.
“After taking oath for the second time, he said only one thing. Making Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister was the only goal of his life,” Revanth said.
He said YSR died without seeing that wish fulfilled.
“The people of the country are in difficulties. When people are in difficulties, a leader must stand by them,” Revanth said.
He said the country needed such support at a “historic moment” and described Rahul Gandhi as a strong leader for the country.
“Making Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister is the true tribute to YSR,” he said.
Revanth said YSR’s last wish could be fulfilled only if Rahul Gandhi was made Prime Minister in the coming elections.
“For this, we need your support. Under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge, let us all work together and make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister,” he said.
The Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy Award 2026 was presented to the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation for its contribution to agriculture, food security, sustainable development and rural livelihoods.
