YSRCP pledges to protect VSP in the spirit of Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu

 Tadepalli, August 23: Paying rich tributes to Andhra Kesari Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu on his birth anniversary, YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) President and former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said: “I offer my heartfelt homage to the great Tanguturi Prakasam Pantulu Garu, a warrior who risked his life fighting the British for India’s freedom, the first Chief Minister of Andhra State, and a leader who lived every breath for the people, on his birth anniversary,.”
Commemorating the occasion at the party headquarters in Tadepalli, YSRCP leaders garlanded Prakasam Pantulu’s portrait and recalled his unmatched contribution to the state. They vowed to honor his ideals by protecting the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) from privatization.
MLC Lella Appi Reddy emphasized that VSP, won through the sacrifice of 32 youth and people’s struggles, is a symbol of Andhra pride. “Privatizing VSP is a betrayal. Safeguarding it is the truest tribute to Prakasam Pantulu,” he said, flaying the ruling coalition for backing the Centre.
Former MLA Malladi Vishnu described Prakasam Pantulu as a fearless crusader against colonial exploitation, paralleling his vision with YS Jagan’s welfare governance. Former MLA TJR Sudhakar Babu hailed him as the flag-bearer of Andhra self-respect, drawing comparisons with Jagan’s grassroots governance reforms, now dismantled by the present regime.
Former Minister Sake Sailajanath condemned Chandrababu Naidu’s “authoritarian rule,” asserting that public assets are being handed over to cronies while democratic freedoms are being crushed. He urged YSRCP cadres to fight back in the spirit of Prakasam Pantulu.
The event, led by MLC Lella Appi Reddy, witnessed participation from party coordinators, legal cell, SC cell, student leaders, and grassroots workers.