The latest buzz in Andhra Pradesh politics is around YSRCP chief and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who is reportedly preparing to undertake another extensive padayatra. During a meeting with YSRCP leaders from the Parchur Assembly constituency, Jagan is said to have made key remarks about “Padayatra 2.0.” According to party sources, he indicated that the yatra could begin in September or October next year.
Praja Sankalpa Yatra: A Turning Point
YS Jagan’s earlier Praja Sankalpa Yatra was a major turning point not only in his political career but also in Andhra Pradesh politics.
The yatra began on November 6, 2017, at Idupulapaya in Kadapa district, from the memorial of his father and former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy. It concluded on January 9, 2019, at Ichchapuram in Srikakulam district.
The nearly 16-month-long padayatra covered around 3,648 kilometres, with Jagan directly interacting with people across the state.
13 Districts and 134 Assembly Constituencies
As part of the Praja Sankalpa Yatra, Jagan travelled through 13 districts, 134 Assembly constituencies, 231 mandals and 2,516 villages.
He walked an average of 12 to 20 kilometres every day, meeting people from different sections of society and listening to their concerns.
Farmers, fishermen, auto drivers, workers, Anganwadi employees, unemployed youth and several other sections shared their problems and demands with him during the yatra.
Milestones and Public Meetings
Several milestones during the padayatra, including the 500-km, 1,000-km, 2,000-km and 3,000-km marks, attracted considerable attention.
During the journey, Jagan also addressed 124 public meetings and participated in 55 intimate gatherings with people and party supporters.
The yatra also witnessed a major security incident on October 25, 2018, when Jagan was attacked with a chicken knife at Visakhapatnam Airport. The incident triggered intense political debate at the time and resulted in a temporary interruption to the padayatra.
Problems Identified During the Yatra
The issues and grievances collected from people during the Praja Sankalpa Yatra played an important role in shaping the YSRCP’s Navaratnalu promises ahead of the 2019 Assembly elections.
Schemes and promises such as Rythu Bharosa, Amma Vodi, YSR Aasara, YSR Cheyutha, Vidya Deevena, Vasathi Deevena, Aarogyasri and Jalayagnam became major themes of the party’s 2019 election campaign.
Yatra Ends with 91-Foot Pylon
At the conclusion of the Praja Sankalpa Yatra in Ichchapuram, a 91-foot pylon was unveiled to mark the completion of the historic journey.
The padayatra was followed by the 2019 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, in which the YSRCP registered a landslide victory. The party won 151 Assembly seats and 22 Lok Sabha seats, paving the way for Jagan to become the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
The Praja Sankalpa Yatra therefore came to occupy a special place in Jagan’s political journey.
Padayatra 2.0 Sparks Political Interest
Now, reports that YS Jagan may undertake another padayatra have become a major talking point in Andhra Pradesh politics.
With indications that Padayatra 2.0 could begin in September or October next year, discussions have reportedly begun among YSRCP leaders and cadres.
However, the complete route, schedule, exact dates and other details of the proposed yatra are yet to be finalised. An official announcement from the YSRCP is awaited.
