Naidu announces museum in honour of S.V. Ranga Rao

Says he is privileged to unveil the celebrated actor’s bronze statue, recalls how NTR and SVR competed on screen

Tribute to a legend: N. Chandrababu Naidu with the family members of actor S.V. Ranga Rao after unveiling his statue, at Kalaparru on the outskirts of Eluru on Tuesday.

The State government is planning to establish a museum on actor S.V. Ranga Rao in Eluru, besides developing the region as a tourist destination, according to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Addressing a meeting after unveiling the bronze statue of SVR near the Palakarru toll plaza on the occasion of his birth centenary on Tuesday, Mr. Naidu recalled how NTR and SVR had competed with one another on screen and gave memorable films of different genres.

“Being Telugus, we should be proud of the personalities such as NTR and SVR. I feel privileged to unveil the statue of the celebrated actor, known as

Viswa Nata Chakravathi ,” Mr. Naidu said.

Announcing that the Y junction would be rechristened as SVR junction in honour of the artiste, Mr. Naidu said the road would be named after NTR.

‘SCS is enough’

“Plans are afoot to develop a satellite township at Kalaparru and connect it to Amaravati. It will help accelerate growth in the region and generate employment,” he said.

Referring to the Kadapa steel plant issue, Mr. Naidu said the Centre need not release funds for the project, but grant Special Category Status (SCS) to the State. “With the help of the benefits that come with SCS, we can build the factory on our own,” he said, and took pot shots at YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for failing to extend support to the State government.

Addressing the centenary celebrations of the District Cooperative Central Bank, Mr. Naidu said he had a special place for West Godavari in his heart and would never forget the support extended by the people of the district to the TDP.

Commending the services of the employees, he said the government was extending all benefits to the employees, notwithstanding the financial situation.

Inaugurating the Thalassemia Ward in the government hospital, the Chief Minister announced monthly pension to the patients.

Ministers, elected representatives, and family members and fans of SVR were present.