Jagan Reddy’s name removed from BR Ambedkar memorial plaque in Andhra Pradesh

The plaque on the Social Justice Monument, a 125-foot statue of DR Ambedkar, in Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh, was damaged by unidentified persons on Friday, triggering protests by various Dalit organisations. Interestingly, the name of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was removed from the plaque.

The statue, a symbol of social justice, was ceremonially unveiled by Jagan Reddy and opened to visitors in January this year.

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has accused the ruling Chandrababu Naidu-led government of acting out of vendetta against the monument.

YSRCP leader and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Merugu Nagarjuna condemned the decision, recalling the opposition to the statue during Naidu’s previous term as chief minister.

He also noted that a similar attack took place during Naidu’s current term and termed it as highly condemnable.

Nagarjuna stressed that the incident most likely had the support of the government.

Meanwhile, former MP Nandigama Suresh also accused the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) of resorting to violence and lawlessness after the recent election results. The YSRCP leader warned that party leaders would take legal action if the government did not take strong action.