Plea to name new district after Kakani Venkataratnam

Kakani Ashaya Sadhana Samiti president Tarun Kakani on Friday submitted a petition to NTR District Collector S. Lakshmisha, urging that the newly proposed Vijayawada or Krishna district be renamed after former Minister and three-time MLA Kakani Venkataratnam.

In a statement, Mr. Tarun recalled that the late Kakani Venkataratnam, popularly known as the “Iron Man of Andhra”, had shown exceptional courage and leadership in championing the cause of rural communities, particularly in agriculture and dairy sectors of Krishna district, during the period 1920–1972. He said Mr. Venkataratnam passed away during the Jai Andhra movement, which demanded equitable resource allocation in the State after bifurcation.

Describing him as an ajatha shatruvu (one without enemies), Mr. Tarun said Kakani Venkataratnam enjoyed cross-party support and remained an inspiration for today’s political leaders and youth. “Naming the district after him would honour the people of Vijayawada and fulfil the long-cherished wish of his followers,” he said.

Reiterating his demand, Mr. Tarun also urged the authorities to rename Benz Circle as Kakani Venkataratnam Circle and reinstall his statue there. Mr. Lakshmisha assured that a proposal would be forwarded to the State government to rename the district or Benz Circle after Kakani Venkataratnam.