HYDERABAD: Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy today utilised the birth centenary celebrations of former chief minister Kasu Brahmananda Reddy to reiterate his Government’s stand on the unified Andhra Pradesh.
Rajasekhara Reddy, while praising the former chief minister for his commitment towards an integrated Andhra Pradesh for the State’s progress, asserted that his Government would go ahead and definitely act as per the `thinking’ of the late leader.
It may be recalled that the late leader had resigned to the Chief Minister’s post to ensure that the State do not get bifurcated.
Participating in the birth centenary celebrations of the late leader organised by the State Government at Ravindra Bharathi, Rajasekhara Reddy said that the former chief minister had `social conscience’ and love for weaker sections. He had played an important role in `construction’ of Andhra Pradesh. ``We all should strive to realise his desire (of having integrated State). This government will definitely act as per his (Kasu) thinking,’’ he noted.
Recalling his association with the late leader as youth Congress worker in 1975, Rajasekhara Reddy praised Brahmananda Reddy for his contribution towards construction of projects like Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam and Sriram Sagar. In spite of opposition from the Centre and other states, the former chief minister took the initiative to erect crest gates on Nagarjuna Sagar dam. The late leader was also instrumental in constitution of Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) during his tenure as Chairman of the Sixth Finance Commission. ``His good works should be inspirational to us.
Even the future generations should think like Kasu Brahmananda Reddy,’’ he added.
Describing the former Chief Minister as one of the architects of modern Andhra Pradesh, Governor Narayan Datt Tiwari today paid homage to the late leader.
``He walked tall among his peers by virtue of his vision for development and left an indelible mark on contemporary politics by force of his gentle personality.
His contribution to public life, Andhra Pradesh and people’s welfare are priceless,’’ he noted.
Earlier, the Governor and Chief Minister inaugurated a photo exhibition of the late leader.