Chaganti’s remark against Yadavas sparks protest

Tirupati: The members of Yadava community were up in the arms against noted scholar Chaganti Koteswara Rao for his alleged derogatory remarks against the community.

The Yadava community members who were hurt over the alleged remarks of Chaganti Koteswara Rao staged a dharna under the banner of Akhil Bharatiya Yadav Mahasabha (ABYM) at Jyothirao Pule Statue junction here on Wednesday.

The protesters also burnt the effigy of Chaganti over his discourses on Sanathana Dharma.

Addressing the gathering, ABYM district president Asok Samrat Yadav said that it was most unfortunate that a scholarly person like Koteswara Rao made insulting remarks against a community.

During his discourse on Mahabharatha organised by the TTD on the special occasion of Sankranthi festival at Mahati Auditorium here a few days back, Chaganti made an insulting remark against members of the community which was unwarranted and painful, Asok Samrat said.

He demanded that Chaganti should tender an unconditional apology for hurting the sentiments of Yadavas.

ABYM district vice-president Murali Mohan Yadav and Tirumala president Sarat Yadav also sought stern action against the scholar for his slur which they said will send wrong signals in the society.

They also warned that they would intensify the stir if Chaganti failed to withdraw his insinuating remarks against Yadavas and also tender his apology unconditionally.

There was traffic disruption for some time on the busy thoroughfare with the protesters blocking the road while burning the effigy of Chaganti, shouting slogans against him.

Meanwhile, sources said that the contentious issue ended with Chaganti expressing his regrets for the remarks as it hurt the feelings of the members of Yadava community.

ABYM leaders here said that Chaganti explained to a delegation of Yadava leaders who met him at his home in Kakinada on Wednesday that the intention of his observation during his discourse on Mahabharatha on the incarnation of God in Yadava community in Dwapara Yuga as Krishna was only to drive home the point that God has no caste.

The pacified Yadava leaders convinced over the reply of Chaganti declared the issue as closed.