A congregation of students, social activists and supporters of political parties, except the TDP, who met at the District Collectorate here on Monday demanded that the government locate the capital in Kurnool considering its past status as the capital of Andhra.
The protesters took out a rally from the Telugu Talli statue to the Collectorate and later held a demonstration, “Lakshagala Polikeka” (battle cry of one lakh voices). The show got a political tinge, with the YSRC leaders dominating the demonstration.
The speakers were unanimous in their view that Kurnool should be considered first for building the capital and that other cities should be considered only after the exclusion of Kurnool on valid grounds.
YSRC MLAs S.V. Mohan Reddy, Gouru Charita, Buggana Rajendranath Reddy, Mani Gandhi, MP Butta Renuka , MLC M. Sudhakar Babu, JAC leader V. Janardhan Reddy and KC Kalkura took part in the protest. Katasani Rambhupal Reddy, former MLA who joined the BJP recently, demanded something befitting the status of Kurnool if not the capital.
Mr. S.V. Mohan Reddy said Kurnool got the first right to be made the capital as the Andhra capital was first located in Kurnool in 1953. He said the town had all facilities needed for a capital such as land, water, previous history and road and rain connectivity.
MP Butta Renuka said the overwhelming response to the agitation indicated the public mood in support of the capital. The government should consider the capital taking into account the fact the capital could be established at Kurnool without converting agriculture lands.
Congress MLC M. Sudhakar Babu and DCC president B.Y. Ramaiah said the capital should be first declared at Kurnool. The announcement should be made before August 15 when the Chief Minister is scheduled to hoist the national flag.
Former High Court judge Justice Laxaman Reddy said the Andhra government picked up Kurnool as the capital after considering all aspects including places like Tiurpathi, Vijayawada and Guntur. The choice was given to Rayalaseema people to choose between capital and the High Court.
Dasaratha Ramireddy, JAC leader and Neelam Syamalamma were also present.
