Southern States - Andhra Pradesh   

His new routine

By Gollapudi Srinivasa Rao

WARANGAL MAY 3. For the firebrand Congress leader, Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, who has embarked on the herculean task, everyday is a new day. New place, new people and endless tales of woe everywhere.

Dr. Reddy who chose to have tete-a-tete with The Hindu immediately after waking up on Saturday, said he was fortunate in getting a chance to meet the poorest of the poor during his padayatra. "It is altogether a new experience. I am moved when women complain that they are not able to live due to utter poverty,'' he said.

The Congress leader, who woke up at 5.30 a.m., completed his daily chores and sat down going through the day's newspaper. Sharing his experiences, he said he was of the opinion that the Government's failure in implementing welfare schemes could be estimated at 30 per cent. But, he said, he was surprised to find the reverse.

Recalling his college days, Dr. Reddy said he never expected that he would get a chance to interact with lakhs of rural poor. Moved by the plight of people, he said he always prayed to God that he be given an opportunity to do something for them.

The Congress leader when asked to talk something that did not pertain to politics, he said he was finding no time for personal work too. However, Dr. Reddy said the most memorable moment in his life was his appointment as PCC president by the late Indira Gandhi in 1983. "I was 33 at that time,'' he said.

For Dr. Reddy, there was another surprise that has become a daily affair. Day in and day out, people are staring at him from top to bottom. Some out of cynicism, some with curiosity while a majority with love.

"People are staring at my legs. They are curious about how I am walking miles and miles. Their affection is heartening,'' he said.

At a time when the young and the aged were ready to give full credit to Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy, there were others who are responsible for the success of the padayatra. The security personnel -- Suryudu and Vengal Reddy -- who too were virtually on their feet from day one and 70 other labourers toiling day and night.

The labour under the supervision of D. Sudheer Reddy, a corporator from Hyderabad, was responsible for making arrangements for accommodation and food. The team begins its work immediately after Dr Reddy starts his day's padayatra at 7.30 am. The labour packs up and leaves the spot to the location identified for lunch.

By the time Dr. Reddy and his followers reach the venue around 1.30 p.m., the team raises the tents -- one, a makeshift dining room and another a rest room. Again the padayatra begins at 4 pm, and again the labour packs up and leaves for the night halt spot. They are virtually on tenterhooks to see that everything is in place for their leader on time.

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