NEW DELHI: On the occasion of his 74th birth anniversary, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi expressed their reverence for the late Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

Kharge took to Twitter to acknowledge Reddy's noteworthy contributions, stating, "He was a compassionate leader who dedicated himself to the progress and well-being of Andhra Pradesh until his final moments. We pay homage to the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, on his birth anniversary. His enduring impact on public life and the Congress party will always be treasured."

In his tribute, Rahul Gandhi, the former Congress chief, praised Reddy's pivotal role within the united Andhra Pradesh, saying, "I extend my sincere tributes to the esteemed Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, on his birth anniversary. He was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the welfare of the people of Andhra Pradesh. His legacy will forever endure."

Rajasekhara Reddy, born on July 8, 1949, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on September 2, 2009. His birthday is celebrated as "Rythu Dinotsavam" (Farmer's Day) in Andhra Pradesh.

The homage paid by the Congress leaders on his birth anniversary is seen as a step towards fostering a closer relationship with his daughter, Y.S. Sharmila, and her party, YSRTP, with the aim of bringing them into the fold of the Congress party.

Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy, popularly known as Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy or YSR was the 14th Chief Minister of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, serving from 2004 until his untimely demise in 2009. YSR was a charismatic leader who left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Andhra Pradesh, transforming the state and empowering its people through his welfare programs and visionary initiatives.

Born on July 8, 1949, in Pulivendula, a small town in the Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh, YSR had humble beginnings. He hailed from an agricultural family and grew up witnessing the struggles faced by rural communities. These experiences instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and drove him to work tirelessly for the welfare of the common people.

Remembering YS Rajasekhara Reddy on His 74th Birth Anniversary

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