Andhra CM Jagan unveils world’s tallest Ambedkar statue in Vijayawada, but politics looms larger

As many as one lakh YSRCP workers, Dalit organisation members, and people accompanied by their MLAs attended the inaugural.

With elections due in just two to three months, Jagan is setting the stage with the unveiling of the statue, apparently to win the Dalit votes. According to state government estimates, Dalits constitute around 19 percent of the state’s population.

Related: All you need to know about the 125-ft Ambedkar statue

Politics first

However, politics overshadowed the event.

About half a dozen people from Yerragondapalem, who arrived on a bus arranged by their MLA and Minister Adimulapu Suresh, were discussing Jagan’s chances of returning to power.

When South First joined them, they expressed the belief that the statue had brought Dalits in the state together.

Kola Chinna Rangayya, a 50-year-old labourer, said that Jagan installed the statue in the heart of Vijayawada, a feat no one else would have dared since the city is dominated by forward castes.

Kella Bhimarao, the convener of the Ambedkar India Mission in Vizianagaram, joined the event along with 150 other members. The Ambedkar India Mission, initiated by IPS officer PV Sunil Kumar, aims to establish special panchayats for Scheduled Caste (SC) habitations.

Bhimarao informed South First that Jagan is implementing welfare schemes in an unbiased manner. He and others joined in support of the YSRCP.

However, he opined that Jagan is not specifically addressing the needs of the SC community; instead, the general schemes are benefiting them.

He emphasised that Special Grama Panchayats are crucial for the development of SC communities as their habitations are often ignored by all political parties.

విజయవాడ ఇందిరాగాంధీ మున్సిపల్ స్టేడియంలో భారతరత్న డాక్టర్ బి.ఆర్‌. అంబేద్కర్‌ కాంస్య విగ్రహావిష్కరణ సందర్భంగా జరుగుతున్న సామాజిక సమతా సంకల్ప సభకు హాజరైన ప్రజలు.#Ambedkar#Vijayawada#StatueOfSocialJustice#DrBRAmbedkarstatue#jaibhim pic.twitter.com/BNV7R4yirI

— CMO Andhra Pradesh (@AndhraPradeshCM) January 19, 2024

Also read: YSRCP reshuffle sees Jagan retaining only 8 MLAs as candidates in 35 constituencies

In praise of Jagan

Rani Tattaramudi, a 55-year-old resident of Vijayawada, attended the event to see Jagan. She informed South First that she had completed her household chores early and had been waiting for the past three hours.

Rani said she had received around ₹1 lakh through welfare schemes and was also granted a TIDCO house site.

G Sowbhagya and Kousara Bhanu, who came from Kurnool on a bus arranged by their MLA Hafeez Khan, said that approximately ₹1,75,000 was credited into their accounts through various welfare schemes.

Sowbhagya claimed she had difficulties in getting an SC Corporation loan during the previous regime.

However, this time, volunteers visited her house, guiding her on how to avail of each scheme. Both women emphasised that the welfare amount was particularly helpful during the challenging Covid-19 times when their incomes were significantly affected.

Durga Rao, and Madhavi, along with their two kids aged below 10, also attended the event. The couple said their neighbours, too, were attending the ceremony.

M Jayaraj who is affiliated with the party has joined with 45 members from Guntur.

He told South First that Jagan might have done much, but they took pride in the tall Ambedkar statue. “This statue can be seen from Amaravati,” he said.

He emphasised that the statue symbolises their community.

With the crowd leaning towards YSRCP, it remains to be seen how other sections within the Dalit community will align, especially given that the elections are just a couple of months away.

Here are glimpses from the unveiling: