Rahul Gandhi could have become PM anytime between 2004 and 2014: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy

Reddy was speaking at the 75th birth anniversary celebrations of former CM YS Rajasekhara Reddy at Gandhi Bhavan. “Welfare programmes introduced by YSR during his rule are the inspiration for the ‘six guarantees’ announced by Congress in the recently held Assembly elections,” he said.

“I remember YSR’s statement after coming to power for the second consecutive time in 2009 that Rahul Gandhi will become Prime Minister of India. YSR left us before Rahul could ascend to the post. All Congress workers should strive hard to make him the Prime Minister,” he said.

Revanth Reddy said that former Andhra Pradesh CM YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s padayatra, which helped bring Congress to power in the state, also influenced Rahul Gandhi to embark on his Bharat Jodo Yatra. (Express archives)

YSR served as the chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh between 2004 and 2009. Three months after returning to power, he died in a chopper crash in September 2009.

Reddy said that YSR’s padayatra, which helped bring Congress to power in Andhra Pradesh, also influenced Rahul to embark on his Bharat Jodo Yatra.

“Rahul Gandhi is already working hard as the leader of the opposition. He is just one step away from assuming the PM post. The country will develop only under his leadership,” he said.

Urging Congress workers to take an oath to make Rahul the PM, he said, “Posts and positions are not important for Rahul Gandhi. He could have become the PM anytime between 2004 and 2014. True supporters of YSR are those who work hard to make Rahul the next Prime Minister… I appeal to all YSR fans to join the Congress.”

Last year too, the Telangana Congress, before storming to power in November, had celebrated YSR’s birth anniversary – ostensibly an effort to woo YSR supporters from other parties, especially the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS).