Techie’s steely resolve to put netas on toes

He climbs Seven Hills on knees for Special Status

Tirupati: A software engineer undertook a hard and strenuous task to exert pressure on the Centre for the Special Category Status to the truncated state. Dhanunjaya Reddy, a software professional from Rayochoti and located in Bangalore, took to a novel but the most arduous means of protest by trekking the holy Tirumala Hills on his knees on Sunday seeking the divine intervention for achieving the Special Status tag for the state. Reddy was very much upset with the ruling BJP going back on its promise to accord SCS to the state which ultimately spurred him to take up the backbreaking feat of climbing the hill on knees.

Talking to The Hans India, Reddy said: “I know politicians are susceptible to breaking the promises they made to people for the sake of votes and power but I could not digest the leaders going back on the promise which was delivered in the sacred place like Tirupati at the foot of the holy Tirumala Hills.” Driving his point home, he alluded to the SCS promise delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s assurance while addressing an election rally in 2014.

“Tomorrow if my son may ask me as to how I failed to fulfill my responsibility as a concerned citizen to defend the interests of the state, I may have no answer then. Just I did my part by taking to the grueling task so as to avoid such an embarrassing situation,” he said. Reddy quips, “I am well aware of the fact that the Centre is unlikely to concede SCS request with my protest. But as a conscience keeper, I aim to ignite the minds of people through the means of my protest.”

Reddy firmly believed that SCS is the only panacea to the backward Rayalaseema region as it helps spur industrial growth and generate employment. Economic growth alone is the remedy for the bloody factions, abject poverty and utter backwardness that stalk the Rayalaseema region, he asserted.

Investors are very much reluctant to invest in the region which is deprived of infra facilities such ports, airports and proper rail and road connectivity for want of incentives. Dhanunjaya Reddy said he had prayed the deity to let wisdom dawn on the ‘nethas’ so that they keep the promises delivered at a holy place like the temple town and live up to the people’s expectations.

By G Sridhar