Vijayawada, April 3: BJP Andhra Pradesh state president P.V.N. Madhav on Friday said that the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj remains an enduring source of inspiration for every Indian, and that his ideals continue to hold relevance in contemporary times.

Speaking at a programme organised in Satyanarayanapuram, Vijayawada, to mark the death anniversary of Shivaji Maharaj, Mr. Madhav said the Maratha warrior-king had carved a unique place in history by resisting the Mughal empire and establishing the Hindavi Swarajya. He noted that inspired by his mother Jijiyabai, Shivaji had built numerous forts and consolidated his kingdom, and that the coronation at Raigad had heralded a wider awakening of Hindu consciousness. He added that the people of his era had regarded Shivaji as a divine figure.

Tracing Shivaji's connections with the Andhra region, Mr. Madhav said historical records suggest that the Maratha king's campaigns had extended as far as Visakhapatnam, and that he had undertaken penance at Srisailam.

Turning to the present, Mr. Madhav called upon the gathering to remain vigilant against forces attempting to divide the nation, and to cultivate a deeper respect for one's own dharma. He referred to the Central government's progress in suppressing Left-wing extremism, describing it as a significant step in safeguarding national security.

Against the backdrop of conflicts in various parts of the world, Mr. Madhav said India's philosophy of Sarva Dharma Samabhavana — equal respect for all faiths — positioned the country as a moral guide for the world and underlined its credentials as a Vishwaguru. He stressed the need to carry Shivaji's ideals to every section of society.

The programme was attended by BJP state general secretary Sannareddy Dayakar Reddy, SC Morcha state president Panatala Suresh, RSS representative Krishna Nagalingam Shivaji, and others.

Vijayawada, April 3: BJP Andhra Pradesh state president P.V.N. Madhav on Friday called for greater government support and welfare measures for traditional dappu percussion artists, emphasising that the art form is a vital symbol of the state's cultural heritage.

Speaking at a round table conference of dappu artists' associations organised by the BJP SC Morcha in Vijayawada, Mr. Madhav said it was imperative to protect the tradition while ensuring sustainable livelihood opportunities for its practitioners. He announced that the party would soon organise a large-scale programme bringing together dappu artists from across the state.

The BJP leader said efforts would be made to extend pension benefits to artists who are yet to receive them, and to increase the pension amount for those already enrolled. He also spoke of steps to restore the dandora announcement posts within the panchayat system and to create avenues for dappu artists in temple events and government publicity programmes. He stressed the need to provide instruments to artists through schemes such as Aadarana.

Artists who participated in the meeting raised the shortage of leather used in making dappu drums as a pressing concern, urging that raw materials be made available through the leather industry. They appealed for both social recognition and financial security for a vocation passed down through generations.

BJP SC Morcha state president Panatala Suresh reaffirmed the party's commitment to resolving the problems faced by dappu artists and improving their living standards. Sanskrit Telugu Academy chairman R.D. Wilson said the artists play a crucial role in the country's cultural fabric, noting that they have historically served as carriers of public information through community announcements.

The meeting was also attended by Bulla Rajarao, president of the Charmakara Sangham, Paragonda Joshi, state president of APTKS, and Minority Morcha state president Syed Basha, among others.

BJP state president PVN Madhav hails the development as a historic milestone; Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reaffirms commitment to world-class capital

AMARAVATI, APRIL 2: The passage of the Amaravati Capital Bill in both Houses of Parliament has set off widespread celebrations across Andhra Pradesh, with political leaders and farmers gathering at Uddandarayunipalem to mark what many are calling a defining moment in the state's post-bifurcation journey.

Addressing the gathering, BJP state president PVN Madhav said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pivotal role in steering the legislation through Parliament had earned him a permanent place in the hearts of the people of Andhra Pradesh. He also paid tribute to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his sustained support, describing it as something that "history will remember."

Mr. Madhav characterised the conferment of legal status upon Amaravati as a landmark achievement, noting that it had been realised only after prolonged struggle and perseverance. He attributed the success to a combination of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu's resolve and the sustained backing of the Central government. The contributions of BJP's elected representatives and Members of Parliament from the state also received special mention.

Reflecting on the sacrifices made by farmers who had surrendered their lands for the capital's development, Mr. Madhav said the hardships they endured between 2019 and 2024 could not be forgotten. He observed that the bill had secured the support of nearly all major political parties in the country — a rare show of cross-party consensus.

Mr. Madhav expressed confidence that Amaravati would grow into far more than an administrative capital — envisioning it as a hub for industry, tourism, and welfare initiatives. He recalled with pride his own role as a member of the Capital Selection Committee during his tenure as MLC, when he had submitted reports to the Central government on the matter. The symbolic gesture of bringing soil and water from sacred sites across the country to Amaravati, he said, had forged a deep national connection with the new capital.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, speaking at the event, reiterated the government's firm commitment to developing Amaravati into a world-class capital city.

Among those present were BJP leaders Panatala Suresh, Syed Basha, and several others. The mood among attendees was one of relief and optimism, with leaders expressing that the long-cherished aspirations of the people of Andhra Pradesh had at last been fulfilled