Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy

A Visionary Leader of Andhra Pradesh

Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy was born on 08 July 1949 at Pulivendula in Andhra Pradesh to Y. S. Raja Reddy and Jayamma. He received his early education in Bellary and pursued medical studies at Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College (MRMC), Gulbarga University, Karnataka. He later completed his House Surgeonship at S.V. Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.

After qualifying as a doctor, Dr. Reddy practised medicine for some time at a hospital built by his father in Pulivendula, located in Kadapa district.

Political Journey

In 1978, he contested the State Assembly election from Pulivendula on the platform of the Reddy Congress Party. Subsequently, he joined the Indian National Congress and served as a minister from 1980 to 1983 in the cabinet of T. Anjaiah, handling key portfolios such as Rural Development, Medical Health, and Education.

Dr. Reddy was elected to the Lok Sabha from Kadapa four times and to the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly six times. He also served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly for five years. As an MLA, he played a significant role in securing water from the Tungabhadra River for the Pulivendula Branch Canal and strongly advocated projects such as the Rayalaseema Thermal Power Plant at Muddanur and Proddatur Milk Foods and its ancillary units.

Leadership and Governance

In 2003, he undertook a historic 1,400 km padayatra across the state to understand grassroots realities and the living conditions of the people. This mass outreach effort resulted in a landslide electoral victory for his party in the State Assembly elections, following which he was sworn in as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

As Chief Minister, Dr. Reddy focused on social welfare and rural development. During his first tenure, the state witnessed significant growth, with nearly 70 irrigation projects implemented. Farmers were provided free power supply, and several pro-people schemes were launched.

One of his landmark initiatives was the Rajiv Arogya Shree scheme, a health insurance and emergency services programme for rural populations. Under this scheme, eligible citizens received medical treatment and surgeries up to ₹20,000 free of cost, with the expenses borne entirely by the Government. His governance emphasized improving rural livelihoods and integrating rural youth into mainstream development.

In 2009, he led his party to another electoral victory and was sworn in for a second term as Chief Minister. Tragically, on 02 September 2009, the helicopter in which he was travelling crashed, cutting short the life of this charismatic and widely admired leader.

Commemorative Stamp

In recognition of his dedicated public service and lasting contribution to the development of Andhra Pradesh, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp in honour of Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy. The stamp stands as a tribute to his vision, leadership, and commitment to the welfare of the common people.