Current Affairs

Issue

Widespread clashes and arson was seen in Andhra Pradesh’s Amalapuram city after the government decided to rename the newly created Konaseema district after B R Ambedkar.

 

Background

The authorities were forced to impose curfew in Konaseema district in order to bring situation under control.

 

Details

• The Andhra Pradesh government recently created 13 new districts taking the number of districts in the state to 26 from the previous 13.

• The Konaseema district was carved out of the former East Godavari district. The government later issued notification to rename the district after Dr BR Ambedkar.

• In response, groups such as Konaseema Parirakshana Samithi, the Konaseema Sadhana Samiti and the Konaseema Udyama Samiti started protests.

 

Opposition

The groups opposing the name say that the area is better known by its name of Konaseema and name change should not take place.

 

Konaseema

• The Konaseema district is made up of delta with small islands nestled between the Godavari river’s four distributaries just before they enter the Bay of Bengal. 

• The coconut groves, lush green fields, small lakes, and the canals have attracted comparisons with Kerala’s backwaters.

 

Renaming exercise

• After the district was formed, many dalit groups requested the Chief Minister to rename the district after Dr Ambedkar due to presence of large SC population.

• Other non-dalit caste groups are opposed to the renaming exercise. Some of them even tried to attack the District Collector’s office.