In Spirit Of Prakasam Pantulu, YSRC Pledges To Protect VSP
During the observance at the party's headquarters in Tadepalli, YSRC leaders adorned Prakasam Pantulu’s portrait with garlands and recalled his unparalleled contributions to the state.
Vijayawada:Paying rich tributes to the great Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu on his birth anniversary, YSR Congress president and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy remarked, “I extend my sincere respects to the valiant Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu, who dedicated his life to fighting the British for India's freedom, served as the first Chief Minister of Andhra state, and was a leader devoted to the welfare of the people.”
During the observance at the party's headquarters in Tadepalli, YSRC leaders adorned Prakasam Pantulu’s portrait with garlands and recalled his unparalleled contributions to the state. They pledged to uphold his principles by ensuring the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) remains public and is not privatised.
MLC Lella Appi Reddy emphasised that VSP, won through the sacrifice of 32 youth and people’s struggles, is a symbol of Andhra pride. “Privatising VSP is a betrayal. Safeguarding it is the truest tribute to Prakasam Pantulu,” he said, flaying the ruling coalition for backing the Centre. Former MLA Malladi Vishnu described Prakasam Pantulu as a fearless crusader against colonial exploitation, paralleling his vision with YS Jagan’s welfare governance. Former MLA TJR Sudhakar Babu hailed him as the flag-bearer of Andhra self-respect, drawing comparisons with Jagan’s grassroots governance reforms, now dismantled by the present regime. Former minister Sake Sailajanath condemned Chandrababu Naidu’s “authoritarian rule,” asserting that public assets are being handed over to cronies while democratic freedoms are being crushed. He urged YSRCP cadres to fight back in the spirit of Prakasam Pantulu. The event, led by MLC Lella Appi Reddy, witnessed participation from party coordinators, the legal cell, the SC cell, student leaders, and grassroots workers.