Balayogi hails Gowthu Latchanna's services

By Our Special Correspondent

VIJAYAWADA, AUG. 19. The Lok Sabha Speaker, Mr. G.M.C. Balayogi, has said that Mr Gowthu Latchanna has carved a niche for himself by waging a relentless battle against inequalities in society and by working for the welfare of backward classes over the last six decades without craving for power.

Participating as chief guest in the 93rd birthday celebrations of Mr. Gowthu Latchanna held here today, Mr Balayogi said that Mr Latchanna was one of the few leaders who provided effective leadership in both social and political spheres and exhorted the youth to draw inspiration from him. Mr. Latchanna, who led Mandasa struggle, filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking measures for the welfare of backward classes.

Mr. Balayogi mildly chided the organisers for projecting Mr. Latchanna as leader of one community. He felt that Mr. Latchanna should be seen as State and national-level leader. He pointed out that Mr Latchanna had won both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections from Srikakulam district in 1967. But he resigned his Lok Sabha membership to facilitate the election of his political mentor late N.G. Ranga. Had he retained his Lok Sabha membership, he would have become a national leader, he felt.

Mr Sunkara Satyanarayana presided. Mr K. Yerran Naidu, TDP Parliamentary Party leader, said that the anti-Congress forces gained ground in Srikakulam district mainly because of the self- less service rendered by Mr Latchanna. Mr K.E. Krishna Murthy, former Minister, wished that Mr Latchanna would live long so that they could celebrate his centenary in the same hall.

Mr Justice B.S.A. Swamy released the book ``Naa Jeevitam'' written by Mr. Latchanna.

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Section  : Southern States
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