My father stayed underground for 19 months during Emergency, recalls P.V.N. Madhav

The fourth memorial lecture commemorating the 92nd birth anniversary of former Andhra Pradesh BJP president P.V. Chalapathi Rao was held in a grand manner here on Friday (June 26, 2026).

The event was presided over by AP BJP president P.V.N. Madhav, son of the late P.V. Chalapathi Rao. Eminent physician B. Sarangipani and academician Kasireddy Venkata Reddy attended as chief guests. The programme was attended by public representatives, BJP leaders, intellectuals, artists and a large number of party workers and supporters.

Paying tributes to P.V. Chalapathi Rao, the speakers recalled his contributions to the fields of education, social service and culture. They said his dedication to public service continued to inspire younger generations.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Madhav said his father remained his greatest source of inspiration. Recalling the period of the Emergency, he said Chalapathi Rao’s birthday fell on June 26, while the Emergency was imposed on the midnight of June 25, 1975. An arrest warrant had been issued against his father during that period, he said, adding that, following the party’s directions, Chalapathi Rao remained underground for 19 months, moving in disguise and actively taking part in the movement to safeguard democracy.

Mr. Madhav also spoke about his father’s admiration for Veer Savarkar. He said some people may question the connection between the two, but explained that Chalapathi Rao had drawn inspiration from Savarkar’s ideology and patriotism.

Former BJP State president and MLC Somu Veerraju said P.V. Chalapathi Rao dedicated his life to public service by following the ideals of revolutionary leaders such as Veer Savarkar.

As part of the celebrations, the audience witnessed a play titled ‘Veer Savarkar’, presented by Samskara Bharati and directed by P.V.N. Krishna. The performance received an enthusiastic response, the actors earning appreciation for their portrayal.

Visakhapatnam North MLA Vishnu Kumar Raju and others were present.