June 24, 2022
2 mins read

Polcie on alert as Andhra renames Konaseema district after Ambedkar

In view of the Cabinet decision, police made elaborate security arrangements to prevent any protests. Additional forces were deployed in the town and in other parts of the district…reports Asian Lite News

The Andhra Pradesh government on Friday decided to rename Konaseema district as Dr B R Ambedkar Konaseema district, a month after the district was rocked by violence protesting against the proposal.

The state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy approved the gazette notification issued on May 18 to rename the district.

Police have stepped up security across the district, especially district headquarters Amalapuram which witnessed mob violence on May 24 against the government’s move.

Dozens of people, including 25 police personnel, were injured in the violence.

Protesters opposing the proposal to rename the district set afire houses of state minister P. Viswaroop and MLA P. Satish and also torched a few police and private vehicles.

In view of the Cabinet decision, police made elaborate security arrangements to prevent any protests. Additional forces were deployed in the town and in other parts of the district to prevent any untoward incident.

A tight vigil was being maintained on the organisations which had organised massive protests leading to the violence last month.

The state government on May 18 issued a notification inviting objections and suggestions on the proposal to rename the Konaseema district as Dr Ambedkar Konaseema district. It sought suggestions and objections from the people residing within Konaseema. The 30 days period to send objections and suggestions came to an end last week.

The Konaseema district was carved out from East Godavari with Amalapuram as its headquarters.

It was one of the 13 districts created on April 4, taking the total number of districts in the state to 26.

The government had named some of the districts after prominent personalities like freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, former chief minister and TDP founder Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, who was popular as NTR.

Similarly, two new districts were named after saint composer Tallapaka Annamacharya (Annamayya) and Satya Sai Baba (Sri Satya Sai).

The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government headed by Jagan Mohan Reddy had come under criticism from Dalit groups and others for not naming a district after Ambedkar.

However, the decision by the government to rename Konaseema district drew flak from some groups.

Hundreds of people had participated in the protest called by Konaseema Sadhana Samithi (KSS) on May 24 and this led to violence.

Investigation by the police has revealed that two dominant castes in the district — Kapus and Setti Balijasa — came together to oppose the move to rename Konaseema district after Ambedkar.

According to police, the coming together of these communities intensified the protests against the renaming of the district as more people participated in the agitation.

ALSO READ: Jagan clears Adani green energy projects worth Rs 15,740 cr

Previous Story

Australian PM to visit France to mend ties

Next Story

Rift in Taliban factions over controlling coal mines

Latest from India News

India-US Trade Deal Likely This Week

The interim trade deal would be an initial step towards a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement between Indian and the US….reports Asian Lite News India is expected to finalise an interim trade

Global South Finds Its Campus in India

The question is no longer if India can attract global talent, but whether it can build the conditions to do so at scale—with care and vision. Done right, India could emerge as

Jaishankar Gets Real on India-US Ties

The EAM underlined the structural drivers of the bilateral relationship, saying, “The trend line over the last 25 years has actually been very strong….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar

Jaishankar Shoots Down Trump’s Ceasefire Claim

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has rejected former US President Donald Trump’s claim of using trade pressure to broker an India-Pakistan ceasefire….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, drawing on

India, Namibia to Boost Ties During Modi Visit

This will be the first visit of Prime Minister Modi to Namibia, and the third-ever Prime Ministerial visit from India to Namibia….reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s forthcoming visit to
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Prakash Karat to coordinate CPM politburo functioning  

The next permanent General Secretary will be selected at the

Fire onboard merchant vessel brought under control by Navy

The firefighting team from INS Visakhapatnam comprising 10 Indian Naval