Andhra Pradesh - Anantapur   

Thousands pay homage to Paritala

Staff Reporter

First death anniversary of former TDP legislator observed

ANANTAPUR: The first death anniversary of TDP leader and former legislator of Penukonda Paritala Ravindra was observed amid thousands of his supporters and several party leaders gathered from within the district and outside at his native Venkatapuram village in Ramagiri mandal on Tuesday.

Party leaders led by wife of Ravindra and Penukonda legislator Paritala Sunita paid rich tributes at the memorial constructed for him near their house in the village. The tiny village was flooded by thousands of Ravindra's supporters. The district police videographed each and every vehicle leading to Venkatapuram at N.S. Gate and at Eguvapalli on the Karnataka border.

Hundreds of supporters of Ravindra donated blood on the occasion, for which special arrangements were made.

A few die-hard fans of Ravindra came to the village on foot from their villages and offered prayers at his samadhi. Feeding for the poor was also organised on the occasion.

Speaking in a charged atmosphere, an emotional Sunita called upon party workers to bravely face the excesses of Congress leaders and she would be always with them.

Recollecting her husband's unexpected entry into politics, Ms. Sunita mentioned that it was late N.T. Rama Rao who had forced Ravindra to enter politics to create a peaceful atmosphere in Dharmavaram and Penukonda constituencies by putting an end to the excesses of Congress leaders.

Unable to digest his ever-growing popularity across the State and finding him an obstacle in their excesses, Congress leaders allegedly got Ravindra killed immediately after coming to power, she said.

"I have entered politics only to fulfil his dreams though I don't have any liking for politics. I will pray to God to make him (Ravindra) my husband if I have another birth," Ms. Sunita said in tears.

Senior TDP leader K. Yerran Naidu said the affection for Ravindra in the district had enabled the party to win six Assembly seats in Anantapur district, the highest in the State.

He alleged that Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy was ruling like a dictator and was resorting to victimisation of TDP leaders.

He blamed the Government for CBI's failure to investigate the case properly.

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