Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry D. Purandeswari described former Deputy Prime Minister late Babu Jagjivan Ram as a crusader for the advancement of Dalits.
At a programme organised by the Ghantasala Sports and Cultural Association in connection with the 26 death anniversary of Babu Jagjivan Ram here on Saturday, she recalled his services towards the downtrodden and weaker sections in society.
She said that Babu Jagjivan Ram had served in various capacities at the Centre for four-and-a-half decades and called upon the gathering to emulate him and strive to achieve his vision.
Minister for Infrastructure and Investment Ganta Srinivasa Rao said that Babu Jagjivan Ram had made immense contribution for the uplift of Dalits. He said that the government was spending crores of rupees for the welfare of SCs and STs. Government Whip Dronamraju Srinivas, MLAs Tynala Vijay Kumar and Malla Vijay Prasad, writer Jaladhi Vijaya, Mahila Congress president Pedada Ramni Kumari and cultural association secretary Chenna Tirumala Rao were present.