In times of grief, politics go aside!

Vallishwar shared the anecdote on his Facebook page on the occasion of YSR’s death anniversary, recalling an incident from January 7, 2005, when Rajasekhara Reddy was Chief Minister.

YSR was then staying at a guest house on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Early that morning, Vallishwar was going through the newspapers when he noticed a small front-page report announcing the death of Chandrababu Naidu’s mother, Ammannamma. Naidu was reportedly travelling to Tirupati in a private aircraft to attend the last rites.

The political relationship between YSR and Naidu was extremely strained at the time, with the Opposition mounting attacks over several issues, including allegations concerning the Jalayagnam irrigation programme.

Vallishwar wondered whether the Chief Minister would be willing to personally call his political rival. He decided to take the chance.

According to his recollection, YSR immediately agreed when told about Naidu’s bereavement.

“A mother is a mother to anyone. Won’t he be in pain? Connect me. I’ll speak to him,” YSR reportedly said.

After Naidu landed in Tirupati and got into his car, the call was connected. YSR spoke to him for two to three minutes, expressing his condolences and speaking about the irreplaceable loss of a mother.

After the call, YSR told Vallishwar that Naidu was deeply distressed and said he was glad he had reached out to him.

The anecdote offers a striking glimpse of a moment when personal compassion rose above political differences.