The Rajampet

KADAPA: Efforts by some Congress functionaries to install a statue of former Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy right in front of B.R. Ambedkar statue near Kadapa RTC bus stand was foiled by members of nearly 40 Dalit associations on Sunday.

Dalits assembled at the pedestal constructed to install the statue and burnt the supporting wooden logs protesting against move to put up YSR's statue at the place.

Ambedkar Mission convenor A. Sampath Kumar, Mala Mahanadu leader Ramana, MRPS, Madiga Employees Front and other associations staged dharna before the proposed site for installing the statue.

As tension prevailed in the area with the Dalits insisting on pulling down the pedestal, Kadapa Mayor P. Raveendranatha Reddy visited the place and held discussions with the Dalit leaders.

Mr. Reddy said that some Congressmen might have planned to install a statue at the place due to oversight.

Dalits gave up the protest after the Mayor assured them that YSR's statue would not be put up in the vicinity of Ambedkar statue near the bus stand.