YSR - Can anybody fill his shoes?

Y S Rajasekhar Reddy's death came as a shock to many and it is just sad to see so many people commit suicide over this shocking news. Why does this happen? Can you imagine a death is followed by 300 odd deaths? I remember someone saying some become cults in their era and they are almost living gods to many people. YSR got closer to the people of Andhra Pradesh more than any other Chief Minister not just in the history of the state of Andhra Pradesh but may be in the entire history of independent India. N T Rama Rao was also a cult but he was a movie star first and Telugu people worshiped him for his work in movies and then his populist policies.

One may disagree with YSR on his policies but his political acumen and hard work are undoubtedly admired by not just his followers but his critics. In a state that is so polarized based on caste, Reddys in support of YSR leadership and Kammas in the support of CBN (Chandra Babu Naidu) leadership, YSR captivated the hearts of rural Andhra by his populist policies. My village is full of Reddys and we have been voting in favour of Congress for very long time but loyalties switched this time as Roja Reddy (TDP) ran against a sitting MLA belonging to Kamma caste, Galla Aruna Kumari (Cong.). This is bad for the state but the reality is caste has become a big factor and in some constituencies, it is the single most factor. Such is the nature of politics today and Reddy managed to play the game well in the last few years.

In 2004, Congress needed a miracle and YSR's padayatra, free power promise and 9 years of severe drought not only helped YSR to become Chief Minister but also helped Congress in winning much needed seats at national level. YSR is a mass leader and can communicate eloquently compared to any of his contemporary leaders in Andhra Pradesh. His political rivals lacked the abilities and he excelled in the last 15 years. YSR understood that the equation to win elections is about creating policies that help masses in one way or other; pensions, arogya sri, ambulance services, indiramma housing, crop loans etc helped every farmer. One can argue on the politics of it and delivery efficiencies etc but politically, the schemes worked.

YSR one time was a leader of opposition within Congress party and led the group of dissenters in the party notably during Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy's 2nd term. YSR was very much his father in his early days; factionalism and group-ism were the weapons back then. He transformed from a discontent and frustrated faction leader to a mature and inclusive leader, who led a party like Congress very effectively both as an opposition leader and as a leader of the ruling party in the last few years. Leaving some outbursts in assembly, he maintained his cool and temper very much. It is difficult to lead when in opposition but YSR did so effectively for many years that too in an organization like Congress where power center is located in Delhi.

In a party like Congress, there is no appropriate time to look for successors. Cabinet under the newly sworn-in caretaker CM, Mr. Rosaiah passed almost an unanimous resolution to elect Y S Jagan as the leader of the ruling party. Y S Jagan is first time MP from Kadapa and UPA celebrated 100 days in office recently, which is what Jagan's experience is in active politics. TOI reported that forest minister, Mr. Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, even went on to say that he will resign if Jagan is not the boss. I think this is inherent in our political structure. What amazed me even more was that some legislators wanted Jagan to be sworn in as CM before even the last rites completed. I don't know what to call these crazy idiots.

His eloquence, composure and temper are something that he acquired over the years and Jagan doesn't have any of those qualities at this time. In fact, other political parties in Andhra do not have leaders with skills that YSR has. We all know in the Indian history, Rajiv became Prime Minister not because of the experience but for the last name. Dynasty politics is something we accepted in the past and our political class continues to engage in the very same. Let us hope that whoever takes over lead us in the right path if not the same path YSR chosen.

This is a testing time for Pradesh Congress Committee and whatever High Command/Sonia's coterie decides now will determine the future of Andhra Pradesh politics. Time will evaluate the decisions of Congress but we know what a leader YSR was and it is indeed a great loss to the state of Andhra Pradesh. May his soul rest in peace!