YSRCP protests govt’s move to remove YSR’s name

Visakhapatnam, March 20, 2025: Former Minister and YSRCP Visakhapatnam District President Gudivada Amarnath condemned the coalition government’s plot to remove Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s name from the PM Palem International Cricket Stadium. Speaking at a YSRCP protest outside the venue, he warned that erasing the late leader’s legacy would not be tolerated, accusing CM Chandrababu Naidu of "reckless folly" and the coalition of malicious intent.

The protest opposed efforts to strip the stadium, named after YS Rajasekhara Reddy in 2009 by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), of his name, a move Amarnath called part of a political vendetta. He demanded the ACA clarify its stance on retaining the name at the main gate, noting the stadium’s 16-year history and the former CM’s statue honoring his tenure. Amarnath criticized the coalition for targeting YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s legacy since June 2024, citing removals of his statues at ANU and Bapatla, destruction of a named viewpoint in Sitakonda, and erasure from schemes like Rythu Bharosa and Arogyasri. Despite IPL matches, YSRCP vowed continued protests, alleging police harassment and house arrests of leaders.

Amarnath accused TDP, holding key ACA roles, of orchestrating the name’s removal from new stadium structures, questioning their silence, and BCCI norm violations by TDP MPs. He urged the ACA for transparency.