Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Jagan flexi board kicks up a row in Anaparthi

ANAPARTHI (EAST GODAVARI): A controversial flexi board put up by Jagan fans created a furore in the town on Tuesday with dalits taking strong objection to the portrayal of minister P Shankar Rao.

Sources said dalit leaders are planning to stage a dharna during Jagan's tour of Anaparthi on Wednesday. They said Shankar Rao, a dalit, was insulted by showing him as a dog along with two other senior leaders -- K Keshava Rao and V Hanumantha Rao -- guarding Sonia Gandhi in the board, which had sprouted in Kutukuluru village in Anaparthi constituency in East Godavari.

The flexi board seeks to present the contrast between `banisatvam' (slavery) and `atma gouravam (self-respect).' While three dogs are shown under the title of `slavery' carrying the pictures of Shankar Rao, Keshava Rao and Rajya Sabha member VHR kneeling in front of Sonia, the caption `self-respect' shows the pictures of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and his son Jagan greeting the public.

Dalits expressed ire at the flexi board by staging rasta rokos and shouting slogans against the Reddy lobby. The police immediately removed the flexi board. "The flexi board has caused deep anguish among our community," said Navala Chinna Rao of Mala Mahanadu. A lawyer Pinpe Ramakrishna meanwhile has demanded police to arrest the accused under the SC/ST (Atrocities) Prevention Act.

Curiously, another group in Mala Mahanadu flayed the rival group for blowing the issue out of proportion and expressed support for Jagan. "Police have promised to take action against the accused," said Vontimi Prakash, a leader heading another group in Mala Mahanadu. Meanwhile, police said they are investigating the matter as to who had tied up the flexi board and initiate action against the culprits.

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