YSR Congress Party president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday hinted at launching a statewide padayatra (foot march), not immediately, but ahead of the next assembly elections.
Speaking at a meeting with the party’s youth wing leaders in Tadepalli, Jagan said: “First, I will undertake district-wise tours to expose the failures of the current Telugu Desam Party-led coalition government in the coming years. Only after that will I embark on a full-fledged padayatra across the state.”
Jagan’s previous padayatra in 2017–18 had played a crucial role in his landslide victory in the 2019 assembly elections, garnering massive public support.
He urged the youth to actively use social media to highlight the anti-people policies of the current government, engage with the public, and become a voice for their concerns.
“The party was founded on principles of credibility, values, and a fighting spirit. Despite intense political pressure, we stood firm. Now, it’s time for the youth to rise as future leaders by bringing influencers into the party and strengthening its base,” he said.
Recalling the party’s beginnings, he added, “When we started, only my mother and I were elected representatives. When 18 MLAs wanted to switch sides, we asked them to resign. We fought both the Congress and the TDP, and in the by-election, I won with the highest margin—drawing national attention, which didn’t sit well with many.”
Jagan also reminded the audience how the TDP poached 23 of the 67 MLAs after the 2014 elections. Yet, the YSRCP withstood the pressure and continued to be the voice of the people.
“You must carry forward that same spirit,” he told the youth. “Your efforts today will lay the foundation for future success. Use social media effectively to expose the government's failures and connect with the people.”
He emphasized: “Expose the misdeeds of the coalition government through social media and ensure that people are informed. Be present for the people when they need us the most. The future of the party lies in your hands. Strengthen the party’s organizational structure and constantly assess your own growth.”
