Infrastructure and Investments Minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao, who shot off a letter to the BCCI seeking cancellation of the One-Day match between India and West Indies in Visakhapatnam on Nov 24 citing Samaikyandhra sentiments, seems to have no such qualms when it comes to film stars.
He himself unveiled the trophy of the TSR Crescent Cricket Cup 2013, which will be played between Tollywood and Bollywood stars in the Port City on Dec 21, here Sunday along with actor Nagarjuna. The minister had in his letter to the BCCI urged it to either cancel the match or shift the venue, reasoning that it’s not proper to organise cricket matches at a time when the people are fighting for the cause of a united state.
He felt it would send a wrong signal to the Central government that people of the region had given up their demand for Samaikyandhra. He was unavailable for his comment on the film stars’ match.
However, the non-political joint action committee (JAC) chairman V Balamohan Das said all organisations participating in the Samaikyandhra struggle were against holding such events in the region.
“Music director AR Rahman cancelled his programme in the city following our demand. The BCCI and the ACA should also put off the match respecting the sentiments of the people. We are not a political organisation but would like to appeal to the people not to attend either of these matches,” he said.
Speaking to Express, Tribal Welfare Minister P Balaraju, known detractor of Ganta Srinivasa Rao, felt the Samaikyandhra movement should not be linked to cricket matches. He had opposed the call for cancellation of the international ODI pointing out that it would dent the image of the city. “Being a cricketer himself, I hope the Chief Minister will intervene and ensure that the ODI or any other sports events are held without disturbances,” he said.