Naidu afraid of granting Opposition status to YSRCP, says Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) observed the 16th death anniversary of the former Chief Minister, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), at the party headquarters at Tadepalli on Tuesday.

Party State coordinator Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, along with senior leaders, garlanded YSR’s statue and offered floral tributes.

The programme also included a blood donation camp, distribution of tricycles to persons with disabilities and clothes to the poor, and community meal, all organised by MLC Lella Appi Reddy.

‘YSR a visionary’

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy said YSR was a visionary who had left an indelible mark on the State through welfare schemes such as free power to the farmers, Aarogyasri, fee reimbursement, and irrigation projects.

“Sixteen years after his passing, YSR lives in people’s hearts,” he said, adding that his legacy was being carried forward by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Later, addressing the media, Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, calling his challenges “empty cries.”

He questioned why Mr. Naidu was afraid of granting YSRCP the status of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly. “If recognised, Mr. Jagan will attend and expose this government’s failures, which is what Mr. Naidu fears,” Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy said.

He accused the NDA government of betraying the people with false promises, mishandling farmers’ issues, and misusing power during elections.

He criticised Mr. Naidu for his political legacy of dethroning TDP founder and former Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao. “True tribute to YSR is to continue his vision,” he said.

“No MSP, no urea, no crop insurance. Even in Kuppam, farmers struggle for fertilizer, while Mr. Naidu stages dramas like monthly pension drives,” Mr. Ramakrishna Reddy said.