Govt targeting Ashok Gajapathi, Raghurama: Undi MLA
Derogatory comments against Ashok unpardonable
AMARAVATI: TDP Undi MLA Manthena Ramaraju on Friday demanded that Endowments Minister Vellampalli Srinivas tender an unconditional apology to former Union Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju for passing ‘derogatory’ comments against him.
Ramaraju expressed concern that the Kshatriya community came under increasing attacks from the ruling YSRCP Government. Ashok Gajapathi Raju was known for his humble living and spotless character but Vellampalli Srinivas did not hesitate to use a highly objectionable word against him.
Addressing a press conference here, the TDP MLA condemned the manner in which the YSRCP MLAs and Ministers were disrespecting the Kshatriya community leaders and elected representatives. The custodial beating of MP Raghurama Krishnam Raju was still fresh in memory. The vengeful actions of the Government became a matter of great concern all over.
Ramaraju said the silence of the Chief Minister on the insults hurled on Ashok Gajapathi Raju amounted to giving his approval for the derogatory comments. The CM should change this culture and he should make sure that such incidents would not repeat anywhere in the State. The Government made a huge mistake by not giving prior information to Ashok Gajapathi on the Ramatheertham temple reconstruction in Vizianagaram district.
The TDP MLA asked how the temple EO could have a police case filed against Ashok when he was a hereditary trustee chairman for over 108 temples. The Gajapathi Rajus family had donated lakhs of crores worth property to MANSAS and other institutions as a token of their service to society. The YSRCP rulers were using abusive language against a member of such a highly respected family.
Ramaraju said that Gajapathi Raju’s family was still collecting just Re 1 or Rs 2 towards rent from the occupants of huge shopping complexes. Their family’s contributions in Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam were significant.
The TDP MLA deplored that the YSRCP regime was trampling upon the fundamental rights of the opposition leaders and the general public. The people were afraid to raise their voice as the Government was misusing the police to make house arrests and file false cases. The YCP has deprived the people of their freedom of expression.
