Rich tributes paid to Jyotiba Phule

Hyderabad: Chief Ministers K Chandrasekhar Rao and N Chandrababu Naidu and Leader of Opposition in AP Assembly Y S Jaganmohan Reddy on Saturday paid rich tributes to legendary BC leader Mahatma Jyotiba Phule on the occasion of his 189th birth anniversary.

While KCR paid tributes to Phule at Amberpet, Chandrababu Naidu did so at NTR Trust Bhavan and Jagan paid tributes at his party office separately. KCR recalled that Phule fought relentlessly for the uplift of backward classes. Social equality, uplift of poor and weaker sections was the main objective of the great BC leader Phule, who sacrificed for the cause of backward classes. Phule has shown the path to be emulated for focusing on development of the deprived classes, KCR said.

At NTR Trust Bhavan, Chandrababu Naidu emphasised on equality and justice to the poor. He said the BC leader waged a persistent struggle to wipe out untouchability. “We need to emulate Phule to address the problem which is still found everywhere across the country,” he said and added that NTR too was inspired by Phule and followed his footsteps for implementing many schemes for the welfare the BCs.

He also added that his government would continuously work for social and economical development of poor, women and minorities in the State. At his Lotus Pond office, Jagan offered floral tributes to Phule. He recalled that Phule was a warrior who fought against social inequality. “We need to follow the footsteps of Jyotiba to include the poor and backward class communities on growth trajectory,” he felt.