YSR brought Congress back to power in AP: Sonia

New Delhi, Sep 3: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Thursday, Sep 3, said that they were 'deeply saddened' by the death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

Speaking to reporters, Sonia Gandhi said, "YSR"s historic padyatra brought Congress back to power in Andhra. His death is a huge loss to the party, to the state and to the country."

Gandhi revealed that prior to the recent elections in Andhra Pradesh, some had expressed concerns during core committee meetings about how the party would fare. "But YSR was firm. He said you trust me. I know the people of Andhra. I and my colleagues have worked tremendously and we will come back. He was right," she said.

"YSR was a man of vision, dynamism," she said, adding that he was a hardworking and committed person.

She extended her 'heartfelt condolences' to the grieved families and expressed 'deep sadness'.

The PM said YSR would be remembered for his commitment towards the people of Andhra Pradesh. "His stellar role was responsible for Congress' victory in the state.

"He had launched many innovative programmes for the poor and farmers," he said, adding that the Congress had lost a great politician.

"Under his leadership, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a role model of how governance should be for other states in our Union. He was marked by the sense of commitment dear to party. our heart goes out to the members of families of those who died with Dr Reddy," Singh said.

OneIndia News