BJP demands Jangaon district be renamed after Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud
Hyderabad, Aug 18 (TNT): Telangana BJP President N Ramchander Rao on Tuesday demanded that the State government rename Jangaon district after Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud, describing him as a people’s warrior who fought against social injustice and for the downtrodden and weaker sections.
Addressing a gathering at the BJP State headquarters after paying floral tributes to Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud on his 376th birth anniversary, Rao said the BJP demanded that the Congress government immediately rename Jangaon district as “Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud district”.
He said the Congress had promised in its 2023 election manifesto to name Jangaon district after Papanna Goud in recognition of his contribution.
Despite nearly three years in office, the government had not taken a decision on the promise, he alleged.
Rao also alleged that the Congress government was neglecting commitments made under the BC Declaration and demanded that it install a statue of Papanna Goud as promised.
Describing Papanna Goud as a leader who fought against social injustice and oppression, Rao said he had emerged from the Bahujan communities and challenged the ruling system and Mughal dominance of his time.
He said Papanna Goud had established his rule over Golconda Fort, built a powerful army and fought for the people. His birthplace, Khilashapur in Jangaon district, and the forts associated with his life and struggles had an important place in Telangana’s history, he added.
Rao also criticised the Congress over its alleged conduct towards the national song “Vande Mataram” and accused the party of showing disrespect to the song.
He said “Vande Mataram” had played an important role in India’s freedom struggle and called upon the Congress to set aside what he described as vote-bank politics and demonstrate respect for patriotism, national honour and national symbols.
Former Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, who participated in the programme and paid tributes to Papanna Goud, said it was the responsibility of everyone to remember leaders who fought against injustice and oppression with courage and self-respect.
Dattatreya suggested that a suitable memorial along with a statue of Papanna Goud should be established at his birthplace.
His biography and stories of struggle should also be widely publicised under government auspices to present him as a role model for future generations, he said.
Malkajgiri MP Eatala Rajender, MLC Malka Komurayya, BJP State General Secretary Dr N Gautam Rao, BJP OBC Morcha State president Anand Goud and other party leaders and workers participated in the programme.
TNT TS
