- Rally for self-respect
- Lambadas Accuse Congress of Double Standards;
Article Today, Kothagudem:
Kothagudem town witnessed massive protests on Sunday as members of the Lambada community raised slogans in defence of their self-respect. The rally, led by Sevalal Sena founder-president Bhukya Sanjeev Naik, sent a strong message to the Congress government. Participants accused the ruling party of adopting a dual stance on the case seeking removal of Lambadas from the Scheduled Tribes list.
Allegations Against Government
Mr. Sanjeev Naik alleged that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was holding meetings both with Adivasi groups and Lambada leaders not to resolve the issue but to widen divisions. He said such actions were pushing the communities towards open conflict. The Sena leader further accused the government of deliberately complicating the matter for political benefit.
Role of Congress Leaders
The protestors questioned why the Chief Minister had not directed party legislators, including Bhadrachalam MLA Tellam Venkata Rao and Soyam Bapu Rao, to move for withdrawal of the case. Mr. Naik suggested that the controversy was being allowed to escalate. He alleged that Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy’s influence could be seen behind the stand of Mr. Venkata Rao, his close associate.
Demand for Constitutional Protection
Lambada organisations rejected allegations that they had entered the tribal list illegally. Leaders stressed that the community had been included in the
Scheduled Tribes list through constitutional procedure. They criticised the government for failing to issue a formal clarification, which they described as a serious lapse. They declared that the agitation would continue until their rights and identity were safeguarded.
Warning of Sustained Agitation
The rally saw the participation of Sevalal Sena State president Banoth Hussain Naik, ZAK leaders Veeru Naik, L.H.P.S. State president Rajesh Naik, and Dr. Shankar Naik, along with leaders of employees and teachers’ associations. They warned that Lambadas would not rest until justice was secured. The leaders vowed to intensify their self-respect movement if the government did not respond immediately.
