AP-MLA sleeps in crematorium to dispel workers' fear of 'ghosts'
It is rare indeed when our lawmakers make it to the news for sincerely praiseworthy initiatives. Andhra Pradesh (AP) MLA Nimmala Rama Naidu has given us one more such opportunity. When workers refused to carry on a crematorium refurbishment project in Palakollu fearing ghosts, he decided to camp there himself for three nights to dispel their worries. Talk about wit and bravery!
What was the problem?
The modernization of the old crematorium was sanctioned last year itself, with the state government approving Rs. 3cr for it. But construction workers kept hesitating; there were too nervous amid the daily funerals and partially burnt bodies. So Naidu decided to take charge.
Naidu thought of a creative and progressive solution
The Palakollu MLA from TDP posted pictures of himself sleeping under a makeshift arrangement complete with cot and mosquito net. "I decided to sleep in the crematorium to instill bravery and confidence among the workers, so they wonder what their problem is if an MLA himself is staying there," he told local media. Apparently it worked! Several workers turned up the next day, IE reports.
Kerala CM lauds Naidu's initiative
Crematorium to soon get a garden, proper bathrooms and cremation-platforms
It was Naidu who helped secure the government grant for the project. "There are no proper facilities for cremation. The entire ground is slushy during rainy season. There is no water facility for people to take a bath after cremating. There's a huge garbage dumping yard just adjacent to it," he listed the problems. Plans now include a garden, new platforms for cremation, bathrooms and more.
Turns out, Naidu is very honest too!
Asked about his nightout at the crematorium, Naidu admits there were difficulties, particularly mosquitoes and the foul smell from the garbage dump. But he doesn't mind. For one, he achieved his desired goal, he says. One has to laud his honesty in the second answer: "Elections to the state assembly are not very far. We need to be in the good books of the people."
