Chandra, a crusader of masses : Gurudas

Year-long centenary celebrations of Communist stalwart begins

A symbol of burning radicalism transformed him into a crusader against feudal zamindars and landlords, besides playing a pivotal role in Telangana Armed Struggle

Hyderabad : The year-long centenary celebrations of Chandra Rajeswara Rao, a crusader of toiling masses who fought relentlessly for the uplift of the working class, began at Sunderayya Vignana Kedram here on Thursday. Rich and glowing tributes were paid to the communist stalwart on the ocassion.

Several Central and State leaders from two communist parties, CPI and CPM, participated in the launch of the celebrations. CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta recalled that Rao was one of the tallest leaders of the communist movement. A symbol of burning radicalism transformed him into a crusader against feudal zamindars and landlords, besides playing a pivotal role in Telangana Armed Struggle, Gurudas remarked.

He preferred to be among masses to organise movements for their grievances rather than sitting in the Parliament as a member, observed Gurudas. He said that the ideals of Rajeswara Rao should be emulated for the cause of workers and to strengthen trade unions which still had relevance in the current national scenario, which was facing serious political unrest and financial crisis. He felt that the present government was unable to take on communal and anti-social elements, against which Rajeswara Rao fought during his long stint as national general secretary. It is unfortunate that in the present day political scenario, people at the helm were ignorant of the plight of toiling masses, Gurudas averred.

He noted that Rajeswar strived for ensuring equality to masses, justice to the downtrodden and uplift of the working and poorer sections of the society. He was of the strong opinion that the left parties should remain united and take up movements against the anti-people policies of the government. Recalling his association with Rajeswar, senior journalist C Raghavachari said that Rajeswara Rao was a leader who had always shown respect for all and learnt from all without any qualms. He was noted for starting movements for distributing land to the landless by waging a protracted struggle against the Zamindari system.

CPI State secretary K Narayana who presided over the celebrations said that Rajeswara Rao was a man of the masses, who fought relentlessly for the cause of working class and weaker sections. He fought for seven days against communal tactics of political parties at Ayodhya against the demolition of Babri Masjid. Narayana said that the great leader waged long fight against demoralising politics and laxity of values and morals.

Rajeswar was born on June 6, 1914 in Krishna district. He belonged to a family of landlords and had led the agitation against Challapalli zamindars. He was dismissed from the Benaras Hindu University, where he was pursuing medicine, for participating in communist activities. The BHU issued a transfer certificate to him and sent him home. He then joined the CPI. He was also known for his abilities to prepare a dedicated and effective cadre. Whenever national executive meetings were held, he used to mingle with the volunteers after the meeting and also have lunch with them.

He was among those leaders who had donated their property for the sake of the party. He had also played a significant role in launching of the 'Prajasakti' newspaper between 1942 and 1948 and 'Visalandhra' newspaper in 1952, recalled the speakers.