India
My ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ was inspired by Rajasekhara Reddy’s 2003 yatra through Andhra: Rahul Gandhi | India News – Times of India
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Monday that its more than 4,000 km Kanyakumari to Kashmir ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra‘ was inspired by party veteran YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s march through Andhra Pradesh in 2003. In a video message on the 75th birth anniversary of the former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Gandhi said he was a true leader of the masses and his determination, dedication and commitment to the upliftment and empowerment of the people of the state and India have been a guiding light for many.
“I personally learnt a lot from Rajasekhara Reddy ji. My ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, the walk from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, was inspired by Rajasekhara Reddy ji’s yatra through Andhra Pradesh. I remember the images of Rajasekhara Reddy ji walking in the heat, walking in the rain and walking with the people of Andhra Pradesh,” the Leader of Opposition said in the Lok Sabha.
“We have taken some of those ideas and merged them into our ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’,” added Gandhi, who led the 4,000-km-long ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ that will cross 12 states and two union territories between September 2022 and January 2023.
In 2003, Reddy had undertaken a 1,400-km padyatra in Andhra Pradesh. He had led the Congress to a resounding victory a year later, defeating the incumbent Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Gandhi idolised Reddy and said that he was someone who lived for the people of Andhra Pradesh.
“It is a tragedy that we have lost him and I am absolutely sure that if he were here today, Andhra Pradesh would have been a completely different place. It would not have faced the tragedies and difficulties that it is facing now. (YS) Sharmila ji is his daughter… I am confident that she will carry forward the legacy of Rajasekhara Reddy ji and she will do so because she has the same sentiment, the same determination, the same perseverance and the same affection and love for the people of Andhra Pradesh that he has,” the former Congress leader said.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also eulogised Reddy on the occasion of his 75th birth anniversary.
“He was a compassionate and visionary leader who dedicated his life for the welfare and development of Andhra Pradesh. Through his innovative plans and programmes, he made a lasting impact on the lives of the people,” Kharge said.
“In his memory, we cherish his legacy and pay tribute to a leader who will always be admired for his unwavering dedication to the people,” he said.
“I personally learnt a lot from Rajasekhara Reddy ji. My ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’, the walk from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, was inspired by Rajasekhara Reddy ji’s yatra through Andhra Pradesh. I remember the images of Rajasekhara Reddy ji walking in the heat, walking in the rain and walking with the people of Andhra Pradesh,” the Leader of Opposition said in the Lok Sabha.
“We have taken some of those ideas and merged them into our ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’,” added Gandhi, who led the 4,000-km-long ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ that will cross 12 states and two union territories between September 2022 and January 2023.
In 2003, Reddy had undertaken a 1,400-km padyatra in Andhra Pradesh. He had led the Congress to a resounding victory a year later, defeating the incumbent Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
Gandhi idolised Reddy and said that he was someone who lived for the people of Andhra Pradesh.
“It is a tragedy that we have lost him and I am absolutely sure that if he were here today, Andhra Pradesh would have been a completely different place. It would not have faced the tragedies and difficulties that it is facing now. (YS) Sharmila ji is his daughter… I am confident that she will carry forward the legacy of Rajasekhara Reddy ji and she will do so because she has the same sentiment, the same determination, the same perseverance and the same affection and love for the people of Andhra Pradesh that he has,” the former Congress leader said.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also eulogised Reddy on the occasion of his 75th birth anniversary.
“He was a compassionate and visionary leader who dedicated his life for the welfare and development of Andhra Pradesh. Through his innovative plans and programmes, he made a lasting impact on the lives of the people,” Kharge said.
“In his memory, we cherish his legacy and pay tribute to a leader who will always be admired for his unwavering dedication to the people,” he said.
