Rename Lenin Centre in Vijayawada after noted Telugu poet: New BJP chief

Time of India

3 days ago

Vijayawada: In a politically charged statement that stirred fresh debate in Andhra Pradesh, newly appointed BJP state president PVN Madhav demanded that Lenin Centre, one of Vijayawada's prominent landmarks, be renamed after Viswanatha Satyanarayana, the celebrated Telugu poet and Jnanpith awardee.
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Speaking during a rally held in the heart of Vijayawada on the occasion of his swearing-in, Madhav questioned the relevance of naming a central location in the city after Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin, who he said had "no connection whatsoever to India or its heritage." "Why should we retain a name like Lenin Centre when we have icons like Viswanatha Satyanarayana who dedicated their lives to our language and culture?" Madhav asked, drawing loud cheers from BJP supporters.
He added that the BJP would work towards rechristening the spot to honour Viswanatha Satyanarayana, who played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Telugu language and literature.
Earlier in the day, Madhav, accompanied by several BJP leaders, paid floral tributes at the statue of Viswanatha Satyanarayana, acknowledging the poet's lifelong efforts in compiling a legislative lexicon aimed at recognising Telugu as the official language of the state.
At the BJP state party office, Madhav formally took charge as the party's new state president on the occasion of ABVP foundation day. He said he would move forward with the strength and strategy laid down by his predecessors and hailed the discipline and dedication of BJP cadres. "Every worker is acting like they are the president of the party. That is the strength of BJP," he remarked.
He also paid tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar, reaffirming BJP's vision rooted in social justice, nationalism, and cultural pride.
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"Nation-first slogan, commitment to upliftment of the last person in the queue, and the saffron flag – all of these form the core values that BJP brings to the people," he said.
Former party chief and MP Daggubati Purandeswari, who was present at the event, expressed confidence in Madhav's leadership. She noted that the party completed organisational appointments from the village to state levels. "With the party's strengthening and his vision for the future of karyakartas, we are confident Madhav will lead the BJP forward in Andhra Pradesh," she said.