Visakhapatnam: Months after former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s name was removed from the plaque at Ambedkar Smriti Vanam in Vijayawada, the TDP-led NDA government has now taken a similar step in Visakhapatnam.
YSR Name Removed from ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium
In a move that has stirred political controversy, the Chandrababu Naidu-led government has ordered the removal of YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s name from the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. The name was taken down under the pretext of conducting repair work, raising questions about the political motivations behind the decision.
Historical Significance of YSR Name at the Stadium
The stadium was officially named after the late Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy on September 14, 2009, under the leadership of then Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) President Gokaraju Gangaraju. The decision to honor YSR was widely appreciated across various sections of society at the time.
Political Repercussions and Public Reaction
The removal of YSR’s name is being seen as an attempt to erase his legacy, sparking criticism from opposition parties and political observers. Critics have accused the TDP government of indulging in symbolic politics rather than focusing on governance and development. They argue that such actions serve only to deepen political divides in the state.
Pattern of Landmark Alterations
This is not the first instance of political name changes under the current administration. Since the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP coalition came to power, multiple landmarks honoring either YSR or Jagan Mohan Reddy have reportedly been altered or vandalized.
As political tensions rise, the debate over the removal of names from public infrastructure is expected to continue, adding yet another dimension to Andhra Pradesh’s evolving political landscape.
