The Independence Day celebrations were held grandly in the city on Thursday. The tricolour became conspicuous as the streets were filled with them and many people sported it on their clothes while many vehicles, including autorickshaws carried it atop.
District in charge Minister Botcha Satyanarayana witnessed the parade at the Police Parade Grounds. Later, he met the family members of freedom fighters and greeted them.
He gave away identity cards to the newly appointed gram volunteers and ward volunteers.
At the TDP district office, former Deputy Chief Minister K.E. Krishnamurthy hoisted the flag and addressed the party activists. He said that the younger generations must learn from Mahatma Gandhi, and strive to be peaceful and non-violent.
Acquittal questioned
Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh SC, ST Lawyers’ Forum president Y. Jaya Raju alleged that the BJP-led government at the Centre was acting in a manner that would critically hurt women, Dalits and minority communities in the country.
He garlanded the Ambedkar statue near the old bus stand.
Addressing the gathering, he questioned why the six accused in Pehlu Khan’s murder were acquitted though there was ample evidence for convicting them. “How can we expect justice from the courts now?” he asked.
Commenting on the amendments made to the Unlawful Activities Prevention Amendment (UAPA) Bill, he said it would effectively silence all the dissenting voices.
Mr. Raju alleged that the SC, ST community was specifically being targeted by the BJP government, and the policies brought in by the government ensured that Dalits did not get a proper education.
The celebrations were also held in numerous schools, colleges and offices across the district.
Many children dressed up as freedom fighters were a huge attraction.
