HYDERABAD: Thotapalli barrage, a medium irrigation project in Vizianagaram district on which works are in full swing under Jalayagnam programme, has been named after Gouthu Latchanna, freedom fighter and politician, who passed away recently.

An auditorium on the lines of Ravindra Bharathi will be constructed in Hyderabad in his memory and his statues will be installed in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam. This was announced by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy in the Assembly on Monday after he moved a motion condoling the death of Latchanna.

Glowing tributes paid

The House paid glowing tributes to Latchanna, recalling his services to the State, especially to weaker sections. Resolutions were also adopted condoling the death of C. Narayana and Nallapureddy Chandrasekhara Reddy, former MLAs.

Leader of the Opposition N. Chandrababu Naidu, however, struck a note of discord by alleging that the Chief Minister was politicising the issue by raising a memorial to Latchanna.

He said his party had proposed naming of Vamsadhara project after him but the Government had issued a G.O. christening it after B. Rajagopala Rao, former MP.

Dr. Reddy said that Rao had a played vital role in getting Vamsadhara by making representations to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. A meeting in the district later resolved to name the project after Latchanna.

He agreed to make efforts to have a stamp issued in his name and his portrait installed on the Assembly premises.

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