Existing statues to be replaced with those of Telangana personalities
Chadrasekhar Rao sought the BJP's support to move statues to AP. (Photo: DC/File)
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao kicked up a controversy by asserting that the existing statues on Tank Bund should be replaced with those of Telangana personalities.
Though Mr Chandrasekhar Rao made the comment in a lighter vein in response to a request by BJP MP Bandaru Dattatreya to install the statue of veteran Telangana movement leader late Konda Laxman Bapuji on Tank Bund, it is bound to kick up a furore again.
“Mr Dattatreya has made a request. I agree 100 per cent that a statue of Mr Konda Laxman Bapuji should be installed on Tank Bund. But existing statues should be removed. You should cooperate. Why should we have statues unconnected to our people?” he asked looking at Mr Dattatreya.
He added, “We will not destroy the existing statues, but safely remove it, and send it to AP and install the statues of our leaders. I don’t mind bearing the cost of transportation,” he said, addressing the laughing audience at Padmashali Bhavan where a function was held after the CM unveiled a statue of Konda Laxman Bapuji, on Saturday.
Looking at BJP MP from Secunderabad Mr Bandaru Dattatreya, Chief Minister K. Chadrasekhar Rao sought the BJP’s support to move statues to AP.
Don't succumb to Mr Chandrababu Naidu's pressure because you are friends now. The statues of prominent Telangana leaders like Prof. Jayashankar, Sri Konda Laxman Bapuji and others should be installed."
Showering praises on Konda Laxman Bapuji's contribution to the Telangana movement and the Jaladrushyam premises on the banks of Hussainsagar near the Secretariat where the TRS was launched, the Chief Minister promised to set up a fitting memorial at the old Jaladrushyam premises which was forcibly demolished by the TD government.
He also said an institution will be named after him in a fitting centenary tribute to the great leader. KCR also promised to convene an all-party meeting to discuss issues pertaining to the Padmashalis (weaver community) and take concrete measures for their advancement.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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