Former MLA wants Benz Circle renamed

VIJAYAWADA: Former MLA Yalamanchili Ravi has demanded that Benz Circle in Vijayawada be renamed as “Ukku Kakani Circle” with reinstalling of freedom fighter and Jai Andhra movement leader Kakani Venkata Ratnam’s statue at the place.

Participating in the 50th death anniversary meeting on Sunday remembering the three-time MLA Kakani Venkata Ratnam (Ukku Kakani), Yalamanchili Ravi recalled that Kakani had been an inspiration for several donors to start educational institutions for providing free education to all. Government ITI, Government Polytechnic College and others have come up in Vijayawada only because of Kakani’s hard work, he said. He pointed out that Asia’s biggest Autonagar also came to Vijayawada due to the efforts of Kakani.

The former MLA underlined that the great leader’s statue had been present at the Benz Circle for 50 years, until it was removed for the construction of the flyovers. He regretted that the government has not bothered to reinstall the statue.

Congress NTR district president Naraharasetti Narasimha Rao, senior leader Kolanukonda Sivaji and others were present at the function.

Another Kakani’s memorial meeting was held at Kakani Kalyana Mandapam in Hanuman Junction area of Krishna district. Kakani’s grandson and Kakani Ashaya Sadhana Samithi president Tarun Kakani, former MLA Bachina Chencu Garataiah, BJP state secretary Pathuri Nagabhushanam, and Andhra Pradesh Water Users Associations’ Federation president Alla Venkata Gopala Krishna Rao garlanded Kakani’s statue at the venue and paid their tributes.