Several people had informed me about naming this flyover after the late Shyamrao Bapu. I myself had met Bapu several times during the inception of the Bharatiya Janata Party, and with the co-operation of Lakshmanrao Mankar, I had met Bapu many times. Bapu and Lakshmanrao Mankar, both dedicated workers of the Jana Sangh, dedicated their lives to advancing our work from the grassroots.
Today, whatever work is flourishing in Bhandara and Gondia districts, the true credit for it goes to Shyamrao Bapu and Lakshmanrao Mankar-like activists, and expressing gratitude towards them and acknowledging their contribution is our duty, and hence, I officially declare the name of this flyover as “Late. Shyamrao Bapu Kapgate Flyover”.
A symbolic statue of them may not be possible on one pillar, but a photo sketch will be prepared, and I have already requested officials to arrange for a good artist to create it and to organize the naming ceremony on the day of Shyamrao Bapu’s birth Anniversary. My heartfelt congratulations on this endeavor.
Dr. Hemakrishna Kapgate and everyone else have constructed an establishment on Gajanan Dongar, Bapu was not only a leader of the Kohli community but struggled throughout his life for all marginalized and oppressed people in this district.
A genuine, selfless, impartial, and unbiased worker and leader, this was the vision of Shyamrao Bapu. Especially when I was young and wanted to work in Bhandara-Gondia district, I often had the opportunity to associate with Shyamrao Bapu, so today, it is a matter of great joy for me to be involved in the naming ceremony of Shyamrao Bapu. I pay my respects to their memory, and undoubtedly, both these bridges, Sakoli and Lakhani, are not just a part of their history but will be written in the history of the nation as State of Art Bridges, showcasing remarkable work.
Sakoli Flyover Inauguration Ceremony, 29th May 2022