⚡ Key Highlights & Quick Takeaways
- He also recalled what he described as former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S.
- Rajasekhara Reddy’s last wish “to see Mr.
- Rajasekhara Reddy Awards 2026 programme organised by the Dr.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said that making Congress leader Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister of India was an urgent necessity, describing his leadership as “a historical necessity” for the country at a challenging juncture. He also recalled what he described as former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy’s last wish “to see Mr. Rahul Gandhi become Prime Minister”.
He also said his government would carry forward the ideals of YSR and complete the irrigation projects initiated during his tenure.
Addressing the Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Awards 2026 programme organised by the Dr. YSR and Dr. K.V.P. Foundation in New Delhi on Wednesday, Mr. Reddy said, “Making Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister would be a fitting tribute to YSR. To fulfil his final wish, we must work together to ensure that Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister in the upcoming elections.”
The CM called upon Congress leaders and workers to work together under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge to realise the goal of making Mr. Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister.
Referring to the Pranahita-Chevella, Kalvakurthy Lift Irrigation Scheme, and Srisailam Left Bank Canal projects initiated by YSR, he said that all those projects would be completed and dedicated to the people of Telangana.
Remembering the former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, he said Nehru had accorded priority to education and irrigation. “The country had subsequently moved from food shortages to becoming a food-exporting nation, he said.
Mr. Revanth Reddy credited former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi with introducing support prices for farmers and measures for distribution of assigned land to the poor.
Recalling YSR’s tenure as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Revanth Reddy said he had provided free electricity to farmers, waived electricity dues of ₹1,300 crore and withdrawn cases against farmers. These measures had earned YSR a place in the hearts of the farming community, he said.
The Chief Minister said the Pranahita-Chevella and SLBC projects had subsequently stalled. “We will pursue his ideals and complete these projects,” he said, adding that these would be dedicated to the people of Telangana.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka said YSR and agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan had made significant contributions to improving the lives of farmers. While Dr. Swaminathan had brought the benefits of science and technology to agriculture, YSR had given farmers confidence that the government would stand by them, he said.
The Dr. YSR and Dr. KVP Foundation conferred the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Award-2026, carrying a cash prize of ₹25 lakh, on the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) for its contribution to agriculture, food security, sustainable development and rural livelihoods.
Mr. Vikramarka recalled his association with YSR, saying that he had served as the Chief Whip during his tenure. He also highlighted the longstanding friendship between YSR and K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao and said the foundation established by Mr. KVP Ramchandra Rao was helping preserve YSR’s ideals and legacy.