Dudekula Kasim, an unwavering follower of Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, recently donned slippers for the first time in a decade.
His decision to do so marked the fulfillment of a vow he made to meet his beloved leader as the Chief Minister.
Kasim had abstained from wearing slippers for the past 10 years, harboring the hope of personally meeting Jagan Reddy in his capacity as the Chief Minister.
This dream finally came true when he had the opportunity to meet Jagan Reddy during his Memantha Siddham bus yatra.
Hailing from Kanala village in Nandyal district, the 45-year-old Kasim expressed his unwavering admiration for Jagan Reddy, which stemmed from his deep reverence for the late chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, Jagan's father.
"After attending Jagan's Odarpu Yatra following Rajasekhar Reddy's demise, and witnessing the injustice faced by such a magnanimous leader, I vowed not to wear sandals until I could meet Jagan Reddy after he assumes power like his father," shared Kasim.
Despite facing challenges as an agricultural laborer, Kasim remained steadfast in his commitment, walking barefoot.
Even after Jagan Reddy assumed office as the chief minister in 2019, Kasim continued to honor his vow, patiently waiting for the opportune moment to meet his real-life hero.
During his visit to Nandyal as part of the Memantha Siddham Yatra, the chief minister met Kasim and presented him with a fresh pair of chappals.
Overwhelmed with gratitude and joy, Kasim expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the CM for the thoughtful gesture.
The emotional encounter between Jagan and Kasim drew parallels to the legendary bond between Lord Krishna and Sudhama.
Just as Lord Krishna honored Sudhama with compassion and generosity, Jagan Reddy bestowed his devoted follower, Kasim, with a gift that he will cherish for life, remarked a senior YSRC leader.
