Vijayawada: A controversy over the naming of a Pushkar ghat in Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari district has sparked a political debate, prompting HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh to clarify that he does not endorse naming public facilities after his son, Nara Devaansh.
The Dispute Over Devaansh Ghat
The issue centers on a ghat located at Muni Koodali in the Rajanagaram assembly constituency. Recently, reports and social media posts claimed that the ghat had been renamed "Devaansh Ghat," allegedly with the support of local political leaders and activists. These claims quickly gained traction, drawing reactions from various quarters.
However, local MLA Battula Balaramakrishna dismissed the allegations, stating that the name had been in place for several years and was not a recent development. He accused certain social media accounts of deliberately misrepresenting the issue, creating an "unnecessary controversy" around a project aimed at developing a significant religious site.
Muni Koodali's Religious Importance
According to the MLA, Muni Koodali holds great importance in Hindu mythology and is considered a spiritually significant location in the region. He noted that Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recently directed officials to transform the area into a model ghat and sanctioned Rs 1 crore for its development, recognizing its cultural and religious value.
Nara Lokesh's Response
As the debate intensified online, Nara Lokesh responded by making his position unequivocal. He stated that he had already issued instructions that no ghats, public structures, or government facilities should be named after his son. Thanking those who brought the matter to his attention, Lokesh distanced himself from the naming issue and reiterated his opposition to such practices.
This clarification comes amid broader discussions about the appropriateness of naming public assets after political figures' family members. The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding such naming decisions in Andhra Pradesh's political landscape.
