Revanth Reddy pitches Rahul Gandhi as PM, vows to complete YSR-era projects

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has urged Congress leaders and workers to unite behind party president Mallikarjun Kharge to make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister, describing the goal as a tribute to former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. Speaking at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Awards 2026 programme in New Delhi on Wednesday, Mr. Reddy said Mr. Gandhi's leadership was a "historical necessity" and that fulfilling YSR's final wish required collective effort in the upcoming elections.

Mr. Reddy also pledged to complete irrigation projects initiated during YSR's tenure, including Pranahita-Chevella, Kalvakurthy Lift Irrigation Scheme, and the Srisailam Left Bank Canal. He said these stalled projects would be finished and dedicated to the people of Telangana, carrying forward YSR's ideals.

Recalling YSR's time as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Reddy highlighted measures such as free electricity for farmers, waiver of ₹1,300 crore in electricity dues, and withdrawal of cases against farmers. He also credited former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi for their contributions to education, irrigation, support prices, and land distribution.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka noted the contributions of YSR and agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan to farmers' welfare. The Dr. YSR and Dr. KVP Foundation conferred the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Award-2026, carrying a cash prize of ₹25 lakh, on the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation for its work in agriculture, food security, and rural livelihoods.