Rosaiah irked for absence of YSR photo

The absence of Former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy continues to hurt Chief Minister K Rosaiah where ever he goes. Undoubtedly, Rosaiah must have missed YSR’s presence, especially in the turbulent times following the Former Chief Minister’s death. But even Rosaiah could not have expected the resentment shown by loyalists of the Former Chief Minister who objected to the absence of his portrait and photographs at the foundation stone laying ceremony of a 100-bed hospital building at Huzurnagar.

Mr Rosaiah proceeded to address the gathering at the function but his speech was disrupted by YSR’s followers who protested against the attempt to sideline the late leader. The protestors shouted slogans and alleged that the Congress is not giving due respect to the Former Chief Minister.

The police stepped in and managed to quell the protest, assuring the protestors that remedial action would be taken immediately. Even as the arguments between the police and the protestors were taking place, party leaders managed to bring YSR’s posters and fix these besides the banners. The protestors took these into account, and their slogans died down.

Earlier, Rosaiah had inaugurated the 132 KV sub-station at Kangal during his one-day tour of the district. The 132 KV substation has been constructed at a cost of Rs 15 crore and is expected to provide relief to the farmers who had long been complaining of low voltage and erratic supply.

Rosaiah later proceeded to Huzurnagar where he was accorded a warm welcome from party representatives in the district and other officials. The warmth with which he was welcomed may surely have left Rosaiah unprepared for the turn of events which took place when he proceeded to speak.