The announcement made by leader of opposition in Andhra Pradesh assembly and YSR Congress party president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy that he will undertake a marathon 3,000 km long padayatra across the length and breadth of the state with effect from October 27 has become a big sensation in Andhra politics.
Starting from Idupulapaya, where the Samadhi of his father late Y S Rajasekhar Reddy was located, Jagan will embark on the marathon padayatra for six months and conclude it at Itchapuram in Srikakulam district, covering every part of the state.
It is going be a real ecord, if Jagan completes the 3000-km long padayatra. It would be the longest padayatra ever taken up by any politician in the state.
The earlier record was in the name of Telugu Desam Party president and present chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu who undertook padayatra titled “Vasthunna Mee Kosam” (I am coming to you) for nearly 2,800 km in a span of 108 days.
And before that, Jagan’s father late Y S Rajasekhar Reddy took out a 1500-km long padayatra titled “Praja Prasthanam” (people’s march), starting from Chevella in Ranga Reddy district of Telangana to Itchapuram in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh in the scorching summer of 2003, a few months before the 2004 general elections.
And if Jagan completes the foot march, he will be beating the records of both the earlier chief ministers.
The only difference is that both Naidu and YSR took up padayatras when they crossed 60 years of age. But, Jagan will be taking up the padayatra in his 40’s. So, Jagan cannot take away the credit of the two CMs!
