Sunday, November 24, 2013

ODI used to raise united AP demand

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, Nov 24, 2013: Samaikyandhra protagonists, especially youngsters, chose venue of the ODI match between India and the West Indies as a platform to show case their aspirations of United Andhra Pradesh. Students flashed placards like “Save Andhra Pradesh“, “Jai Samaikyandhra” during the day and night match, held at ACA VDCA YSR Stadium, in Madhurawada on Sunday.

Along with the national flags and cheering team India, city youth raised slogans of united Andhra Pradesh.


 “We felt it's our duty to rise for the occasion and highlight our cause for which, every section of the society, took to streets demanding that Union government take back the Telangana decision. We tried to highlight our issue and cause by grabbing attention from national and international media,” said Rajesh, who is studying engineering at a city college.

The Samaikyandhra votaries were divided vertically on organising ODI match in Vizag. A few objected and vowed to stop the match stating that the people of Vizag are not in a mood to enjoy such matches, due to the on going stir for Samaikyandhra, some argued that cricket matches should be taken in sporting spirit and such acts would only dent the image of the city.

They opined that the match should be treated as an opportunity to showcase their aspiration. Ports and infrastructure minister, Ganta Srinivasa Rao also wrote a letter to the match organizers seeking to either postpone the match or change the venue from Vizag. However, ACA and VDCA members approached, the minister requesting him to cooperate with them in organizing the match.

“It’s actually a bad idea to demand to cancel the match. It sends wrong signal about Vizag. See, now we could use this as a platform to highlight our cause. A few persons from north India who came to city to watch the match and sitting next to us inquired why were giving slogans like Save AP and we could give them a clear perspective about the ongoing issue,” said Teja.


 Police too were seen deployed in good numbers to thwart any attempt by the Samaikyandhra agitators if they tried to disrupt the match and create trouble. Senior police officials also on Saturday cautioned the Samaikyandhra votaries not to disrupt the match but can showcase their feelings in a democratic and peaceful manner. 

No comments: