*Potti Sriramulu’s sacrifice will remain an eternal inspiration: YS Jagan*

Tadepalli, March 16: Former Chief Minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said Potti Sriramulu symbolizes the self-respect of Telugu people and that his supreme sacrifice in pursuit of a separate state for Andhra remains an eternal inspiration for generations. 

YSRCP leaders paid rich tributes to the legendary freedom fighter and martyr Potti Sriramulu on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary at the party’s central office in Tadepalli. Floral tributes were offered and leaders remembered his historic sacrifice for the creation of a separate state for Telugu-speaking people. Speaking on the occasion, YSRCP leaders said that Potti Sriramulu’s name will remain immortal as long as the Telugu community exists, recalling his 58-day fast unto death demanding a separate state for Telugu people. 

MLC Lella Appi Reddy said such selfless sacrifice for a linguistic state is unparalleled in world history and noted that the ideals of Potti Sriramulu are reflected in the leadership and governance approach of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, who has upheld values of integrity, credibility and commitment toward the state and its people. 

Former MLA Malladi Vishnu recalled that inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Potti Sriramulu undertook several fasts in his life, including the historic fast that ultimately led to the formation of linguistic states in India. 

Former Minister Velampalli Srinivas said the YSRCP government restored the celebration of Andhra Pradesh Formation Day on November 1 and honoured Potti Sriramulu’s legacy, while criticizing the present coalition government for neglecting his memory, including failing to allocate funds for the construction of his 58-foot statue while spending heavily elsewhere. 

Former Minister Sake Sailajanath said the life and dedication of Potti Sriramulu should inspire people to work with the same determination for the pride and unity of Telugu society. 

Several party leaders and representatives of affiliated wings also participated in the programme and reiterated their commitment to uphold the ideals of the great martyr.