Update: AP govt. retains Kalam’s name, owing to backlash

It is quite common for the existing governments to change the names of all the welfare schemes introduced by the previous government.

After YSRCP government has formed in Andhra Pradesh, “Anna Canteens” has been replaced by “Rajanna Canteen”, ‘NTR Bharosa’ was renamed as ‘YSR Pension’ and several such names have been replaced by the present government. As YSRCP formed the government, people got convinced with the changing of names, as it is obvious that no government will be willing to retain the names of the previous government.

But the same may not convince the people, if the names of legendaries get replaced. YSRCP government has resorted to one such thing now and is facing a severe backlash from all the sides. The state government has issued a G.O replacing the name of ‘Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Prathiba Puraskar Awards’ with ‘Y. S. R Vidya Puraskars’.

Also read: Social media power: YSRCP colors whitewashed

On Kalam’s birthday, which is recognized as National Education Day, these awards will be presented every year to the students, who perform well in the SSC public examinations. Kalam is such a legendary, who is universally loved by everyone, irrespective of any discrimination like caste, creed, color, religion etc.

So replacing his name with a local politician like YSR has angered many. While painting the national flag with YSRCP colors, has already landed the government in trouble recently, it seems, with the latest act, the state government has stooped down to new low levels.

Just-in, UPDATE:

The G.O. that has been released, showing the replacement of Kalam’s name by YSR, has been cancelled by the state government, as it led to the severe backlash from the netizens.