YS Sharmila wants to bring 'Rajanna Rajyam'
His rule was golden rule. Every farmer lived like king. He built pucca house for every poor. He wanted to see that every poor student gets good education and job. He used to say poverty is a curse. Today this is not the situation. I want Rajanna Rajyam back, - says Sharmila to the YSR loyalists
Sharmila waving to public outside her residence, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad on Tuesday Photo: Srinivas Setty
Hyderabad : Former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy's daughter YS Sharmila on Tuesday vowed to bring 'Rajanna Rajyam' in Telangana.
Sharmila, who is sister of present Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, on Tuesday began consultations with loyalists of her late father here amid reports that she is planning to float a new party in Telangana. "There is no Rajanna Rajyam here. Why it's not there. Why can't we bring it," she said in a brief chat with media persons outside Lotus Pond, the YSR family residence. "We will bring it," she replied when asked if she would be bringing Rajanna Rajyam in Telangana. She said she would soon announce all the details.
Rajanna Rajyam is a reference to the rule of YS Rajasekhara Reddy in undivided Andhra Pradesh. YSR, as Rajasekhara Reddy was popularly known, was Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 2004 to 2009, when he died in a helicopter crash. Following his father's death and subsequent developments in Congress, Jagan Mohan Reddy quit the party to float YSR Congress Party.
Sharmila began consultation with YSR loyalists from united Nalgonda district. This will be the first in a series of meetings she will be holding over next few days. She will be eliciting their views before deciding her next course of action. Addressing the meeting, Sharmila said though many years have passed since the death of his father, his popularity has not waned. "His rule was golden rule. Every farmer lived like king. He built pucca house for every poor. He wanted to see that every poor student gets good education and job. He used to say poverty is a curse. Since ill-health pushes poor into debts, he brought Arogyasri. Today this is not the situation. I want Rajanna Rajyam back. I believe only we can bring it," she told the YSR loyalists.
Sharmila said the meeting was the first step as part of the process. "I don't know the ground realities like you and what you see and experience in your respective places. Give me your suggestions and advise. I have come to hear you and understand," she added.
Lotus Pond in posh Jubliee Hills, was abuzz with activity since Tuesday morning as large number of her supporters descended there from various parts of the State. A festive mood prevailed at Lotus Pond amid beating of drums and bursting of firecrackers. A huge flexi carrying Sharmila's picture with her father and hailing her leadership was installed at the residence. Sharmila, who arrived with her husband Anil Kumar from Bengaluru on Monday night, came out of the house to wave at her supporters.
There have been speculations for last few days that Sharmila will float a new party in Telangana. "We don't know if this exercise is aimed at forming a new party or strengthening YSR Congress Party in Telangana. Whatever decision Sharmila or Jagan will take, we will abide by it," said a YSR supporter who came from Warangal district.
