Mangalagiri: A recent incident involving a channel analyst and journalist making highly derogatory remarks about Amaravati has sparked widespread outrage, with many alleging a well-organised conspiracy behind the comments.

Public and official circles are urged to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

The controversial statements, which targeted the capital region, its residents, particularly women, and the rich historical and Buddhist heritage of the area, cannot be dismissed as mere individual opinion. The channel, far from disassociating itself from the comments or condemning them during the discussion, allowed them to be aired without challenge. This inaction suggests a deliberate attempt to insult and ridicule Amaravati and its people with vile language, according to a statement from Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

The Deputy Chief Minister’s statement highlights a concerning lack of historical awareness among those engaging in “vile propaganda” against Amaravati. The region boasts a profound historical and spiritual significance, with inscriptions from the Maurya and Ikshvaku dynasties, and Kakatiya rulers. Chinese traveler Xuanzang’s writings attest to the region’s flourishing Buddhist heritage.

“This is the land where Acharya Nagarjuna walked,” the statement read, emphasising that Mahayana Buddhism, along with other traditions, thrived here, making it a sacred place for Buddhists. The Amaravati school of sculpture found patronage in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asian countries where Buddhism spread. “Have those making such vile comments ever considered the sentiments of people who believe in these faiths?” the statement questioned.

The statement further accuses previous rulers and their associates of consistently attempting to tarnish Amaravati’s image through malicious remarks, likening the capital to a “cremation ground” and branding it with casteist labels. Farmers who donated land for the capital were allegedly harassed with false cases and suppressed politically when they protested for the capital to remain.

Notably, 32 per cent of the farmers who contributed land belong to SC and ST communities. The previous government is accused of filing SC/ST atrocity cases against these very farmers who were protesting for Amaravati to remain the capital. Additionally, 14 per cent were BC farmers, 20 per cent from the Reddy community, 18 per cent Kamma, 9 per cent Kapu, and 3 per cent Muslim farmers.

The recent derogatory comments made on the TV channel are seen as an insult to all women in the capital region, irrespective of their caste or community (SC, ST, BC and others).

“The malicious intent of this group appears to be to cast a negative light on a region being developed as a people’s capital,” the Deputy Chief Minister’s statement concluded. It vowed that the State government will act decisively against individuals involved in such conspiracies and malicious propaganda, and those behind them. Police are expected to take legal action against those who made the vile remarks.