YSR Congress Party Protests Against Removal of YSR’s Name from Vizag Stadium
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Synopsis
On March 20, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) members protested the removal of Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy's name from the Vizag Cricket Stadium. Led by Gudivada Amarnath, they condemned the government’s actions and demanded the name's restoration, highlighting YSR's legacy in education and healthcare.
Key Takeaways
- YSR Congress Party protests against name removal.
- Significant turnout led by Gudivada Amarnath.
- Government criticized for erasing YSR's legacy.
- Stadium hosted IPL matches, name change controversy.
- YSR's contributions to education and healthcare emphasized.
Visakhapatnam, March 20 (NationPress) Leaders and members of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) organized a demonstration on Thursday to oppose the deletion of the name of the late former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, from the Visakhapatnam Cricket Stadium.
A significant gathering of YSRCP members led by former minister Gudivada Amarnath protested at the stadium located in Madhurwada.
Waving party flags and chanting slogans, they criticized the actions of the TDP-led NDA government for removing YSR's name from the stadium.
The demonstrators cautioned that they would escalate their protests if YSR's name was not reinstated.
A dispute arose when it was noted that YSR's name was absent from the stadium, which was renovated for Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. The stadium is traditionally known as Dr Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA VDCA Stadium, but after renovations, YSR's name was missing from the arch and the main building.
In anticipation of the protests, law enforcement increased security at the stadium. Reports indicated that some party leaders were placed under house arrest prior to the demonstration.
The stadium is set to host two IPL matches on March 24 and 30.
YSR served as the Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh from 2004 to 2009 and tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in 2009.
YSR's son, Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, currently leads the YSR Congress Party and was Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 2019 to 2024.
Amarnath accused the coalition government of deliberately diminishing YSR's legacy. He questioned why YSR's name seems to intimidate the ruling alliance, suggesting that renaming institutions will not erase his profound contributions.
He urged the government and the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) to restore the original name of the Visakhapatnam VDCA Cricket Stadium, which was previously named after YSR.
Amarnath criticized the government for focusing on diminishing the YSRCP and the YSR brand over fulfilling electoral pledges, pointing to the dismantling of YSR's statues at various locations including Nagarjuna University and Vemuru (Bapatla), as well as the removal of his name from institutions like the Health University, the Visakhapatnam stadium, YSR viewpoint in Sitakonda, YSR district, Rythu Bharosa Kendras, and Tadigadapa Municipality.
He emphasized that while the name of YSR might be removed from physical structures, his legacy lives on in the hearts of the people.
Amarnath underscored YSR's significant reforms in education and healthcare, his support for the underprivileged, and his impactful leadership in the undivided Andhra Pradesh.
