July 16: The YSR Congress district convenor and ZP chairman, Mr Kakani Gov-ardhan Reddy, has demanded the government to rollback RTC bus charges while alleging that the hike is a burden to the common man. Speaking to media persons here on Saturday, he reminded that YSR had never touched RTC fares and the government used to compensate the loss of RTC whenever fuel prices are increased during his rule.

The YSRC leader and Udayagiri legislator, Mr Mekapati Chandrasekhar Reddy, took potshots against Vijayawada MP, Mr Lagadapati Rajagopal, for his remarks against Jagan. “Lagadapati had followed YSR during Pada Yatra for his political future. What is wrong if we follow a charismatic leader like Jagan for the same reason?” Mr Reddy questioned. He rebuked Lagadapati for criticising Jagan and questioned whether he had guts to say a word against Jagan when YSR was alive.

Party leaders, Mr Balakondaiah, Retd. DIG, Mr Raghava Reddy and Mr Khajavali, were present among others. Meanwhile, the YSR Congress leaders and activists led by its district convenor, Dr Nukasani Balaji, squatted on the trunk road in front of the YSR statue and staged a dharna in Ongole seeking rollback of bus fares. Dr Balaji objected to the increase of Palle Velugu bus fares, which were helpful for farmers and the poor.

He explained that APSRTC owns lands in every centre, which could be used for commercial purposes, to increase income, but the government is heedlessly putting burden on the common man. Dr Balaji alleged that government had failed to look after the welfare of the public, and demanded resignation of the Chief Minister, Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, and his ministers taking responsibility for the failures.

Dr Balaji, former zilla parishad chairman, Mr Mukku Kasi Reddy, and other party leaders alleged that the CM, ministers, MPs, and MLAs, had shunned public welfare and are busy in protecting their seats. Earlier, the YSR Congress activists took out a huge rally in the town.