Visakhapatnam: YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders have strongly opposed any attempt to remove former Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy’s (YSR) name from the PM Palem International Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. District YSRCP president and former minister, Gudivada Amarnath, issued a stern warning, stating that such actions would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
In protest, YSRCP leaders and party cadres gathered near the YSR statue at the Dr. YSR ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium, voicing their discontent.
The controversy arose amid renovation work ahead of the upcoming IPL matches. As part of maintenance efforts, the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) and the Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association (VDCA) carried out painting and refurbishment at the stadium. During this process, the name “ACA VDCA International Cricket Stadium” was prominently displayed at the entrance gallery. However, YSR’s name still remains on the wall of the main entrance.
Following YSR’s passing in 2009, just months after securing a second term as Chief Minister, ACA and VDCA honored his legacy by renaming the stadium as “YSR ACA VDCA Cricket Stadium.” YSRCP leaders now fear that authorities are attempting to erase their leader’s legacy, prompting them to stage protests and demand clarity on the matter.
