Lenin Centre, a paradise lost for Communists

Vijayawada: Lenin Centre, a city’s major landmark named after the father of Russian revolution VI Lenin, has become a victim of encroachments.

The Communists, during their regime in Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, installed the statue of their cult figure VL Lenin at the centre in 1987.

The 12.5ft statue, procured from the then USSR (United Soviet Socialist Republic) under the aegis of a shoe industry giant with Left leanings the late Chukkapalli Pitchaiah, was installed at the centre and the function was held in this connection was graced by a USSR dignitary.

The centre has also come to be known as Dharna Chowk after the capital shifting from Hyderabad as demonstrations were prohibited at the sub-collector’s office a stone’s throw away from the CM’s camp office in view of security reasons.

Of late, the so-called Lenin Centre lost its glory over a period of time as a sequel to changes in the city’s political landscape which saw Communists out of power in the VMC and their bastion, Vijayawada, slipping out of hand.

Consequently, the centre becomes a refugee for small-time petty vendors, fruit sellers on pushcarts and eateries, eclipsing the area. A portion of the area earmarked for Lenin Centre has become a taxi stand.

Besides, the CRDA office in the erstwhile VGT-VUDA office, came up on the same premises. The centre seems losing its significance since it has been eclipsed by encroachers of all sorts who included coconut vendors, taxi crews, clusters of eatery outlets.

In addition, a Police Sub-Control Room was established in a corner. Earlier the VMC had maintained a garden. Now, there is no garden and greenery around, except encroachments all around.

Although, Lenis has fought a heroic battle against exploitation of all sorts in his homeland, his statue has however remained a muteness to call money traders fleecing small traders who put up shop around in the guise of different political hues, including the Left parties.

The CPI launched a ‘Save Lenin Centre’ campaign, accusing the VMC currently under the ruling of the TDP of neglecting the city’s landmark allegedly for political reasons.

A delegation from the party led by city secretary D Shankar met the VMC Commissioner a few days ago with a request to take measures to retain the centre by removing encroachments.

The Communists suspect that the TDP-ruled VMC is attempting to shift the Lenin’s statue away. Incidentally, a TDP corporator recently introduced a resolution for passage in the VMC recently for developing garden around the place which fuelled suspicions among the Left parties that there have been attempts for shifting of the statue.