The decision of Y S Vijaya Lakshmi, widow of former chief minister of combined Andhra Pradesh Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy, to hold a meeting in Hyderabad on the occasion of her husband’s death anniversary on September 2 raised a lot of curiosity among the political parties.
Vijayamma sent private invitations to all the erstwhile associates of late YSR, including his past cabinet colleagues, friends, media friends and well-wishers, for the meeting to be held at Hotel Novotel at 5 pm on September 2, which marks the 12th death anniversary of her husband.
The invitation said it would be purely a non-political and non-party programme.
“Vijayamma garu is personally extending the invitation and requested you to join the event and make it success,” it said.
The invitation has led to a lot of speculation in the media over the purpose of the meeting. It appears the meeting is being convened only by Vijayamma without involving her son – YSR Congress party president and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy or her daughter – Y S Sharmila, who recently floated YSR Telangana Party, a new regional outfit in Telangana.
This is for the first time that Vijayamma is conducting such a programme on her own.
All these years, she had been seen either with Jagan or Sharmila. In fact, she has not been seen in political limelight after the state bifurcation, though she is still considered to be the honourary president of YSRC.
Only time, Vijayamma came into the open after seven years was at the public meeting of Sharmila, where she announced the launch of the new political party in Telangana.
She appealed to the people to bless her daughter.
So, what is the purpose of Vijayamma’s meeting in Hyderabad? Since she is inviting YSR’s erstwhile colleagues and friends from both the Telugu states, it is definitely not meant for seeking solidarity to either her son or the daughter in their endeavours in politics in Andhra and Telangana respectively.
The only speculation that sounds reasonable is that Vijayamma might announce the launch of a foundation in the name of YSR to help the poor and the needy.
And that would indirectly benefit both Jagan and Sharmila in their political journeys in future.