Thousands pay rich tributes to Bhumaiah

Leaders from all parties hail Telangana Praja Front chief

Hyderabad: Cutting across party lines, political leaders and social activists offered their condolences to Akula Bhumaiah, president of Telangana Praja Front (TPF), who died in a road accident on Tuesday night.

Thousands of Telangana activists took out a procession from Gandhi hospital to Secunderabad Clock Tower, where Bhumaiah’s body was kept for people to pay their respects. BJP State leader Bandaru Dattatreya said Bhumaiah worked with people of all ideologies to achieve Statehood to the Telangana region. “His untimely death, at a time when Telangana State is soon to be a reality, has caused sorrow among the people in the region,’’ he observed.

TRS leader Naini Narasimha Reddy recalled how Bhumaiah had fought for Telangana cause since 1969.

Revolutionary writer Vara Vara Rao alleged that the State was trying to silence the voices of people, who have been raising their voices for achieving the Telangana since 1985. Recalling the contribution of Bhumaiah in Karimnagar farmers’ movement, Telangana Vidyavanthula Vedika president Mallepalli Lakshmaiah stated that the departed leader actively took part in various social movements from his student days. For that, the people of Telangana would always remember him dearly in their hearts.

Founder of ‘Arunodaya Samskruthika samakhya’ Vimala said that Bhumaiah used to be very friendly with people much younger to him and encouraged them to work for the people.

MRPS chief Manda Krishna Madiga said that Bhumaiah dreamt of a democratic Telangana and the real tribute to him was only to achieve that dream.

“He was a fighter, who led revolutionary movements to free people from being exploited by the powerful sections,” he noted.

Social Activist Prof Haragopal described Bhumaiah as a person who had a vision for rebuilding Telangana through alternative governance.

“He struggled though out his life to achieve a new democratic system. He claimed that there were several doubts in the minds of the people regarding the manner in which Bhumaiah had died. The government needs to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind his death. Telangana has lost a friend, a well-wisher and an activist who had persistently fought for an alternative society,” he pointed.

TNGOs JAC president Devi Prasad said that he was guided by Bhumaiah since his student days.

Recalling Bhumaiah’s lectures during his student days, he said that the leader used to speak of a modern democracy, human rights and an alternative educational system in the country.

TJAC Chairman Prof Kodandaram, Chief Editor of HMTV-The Hans India K Ramachandra Murthy, senior journalist Pashyam Yadagiri, former MLC and noted Educationist Chukka Ramaiah, revolutionary singer Desapathy Srinivas and others offered their last respects to Bhumaiah.

The last rites for the departed leader will be performed at his native village in Karimnagar District on Thursday.