Dr. Yeduguri Sandinti Rajasekhara Reddy famously known as Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy or YSR was a popular political figure in the South Indian politics. He was born in Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh to Y. S. Raja and Jayamma Reddy on July 8, 1949.
YSR nurtured an interest in politics since his student days. Reddy was elected as the president of his college student's union while studying medical science in M.R Medical College of Gulbarga University, in neighboring Karnataka.
In 1980 YSR became Minister of State for Rural Development, in the Tengutri Anjaih Government. In 1982 he became the Cabinet Minister for Excise in the B.Venkataram Reddy Government and also held the charge of Education and Health department in K.Vijay Bhaskar Reddy Government in 1983. YSR had earned the title of Cuddapah Tiger for his aggressive role in the state assembly.
In 2003, YSR undertook a three month long paadayaatra, of nearly 2000 kilometer across the state. That helped him to become Chief Minister. The Indian National Congress won a thumping victory both in the general and assembly elections of 2004 ensuing that Reddy became the 23rd Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
Reddy came back to power in 2009 with a slogan "Development and the credibility." In the elections, Congress secured the required majority in the assembly with 156 seats and also won 33 Lok Sabha seats. Reddy also was Leader of Opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly for five years between 1999 and 2004.
Reddy was married to Vijaya Lakshmi. They have a son, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, a politician, and a daughter, Sharmila. Jagan Mohan is representing Cuddapah Constituency in the 15th Lok Sabha. He also owns Jagruti Publications and a news channel Sakshi TV.
