Vijayawada: Political parties across Seemandhra began protesting on Monday following the introduction of the Telangana Bill in the Assembly on Monday. Copies of the Bill were torn up and burnt and protesters shouted slogans against the Congress leadership for dividing the state.
In Vijayawada, protests were held at the Old Bus Station centre and at Benz Circle. The local APNGOs staged a protest at the sub-collector’s office.
Former legislator Adusumilli Jayaprakash asked how the Bill was sent to the Assembly with “several mistakes.” He alleged there were 26 mistakes and asked why it had not been drafted properly. He also questioned how the Centre could draft the Bill without resolving doubts over Article 371D and on river water-sharing issues.
A report from Srikakulam said that YSRC and APNGOs activists formed as human chain at the Seven Roads Junction, in front of the RTC Complex.
The agitators tried to lay siege to the camp office of Union minister of state K. Kruparani. In Bapatla, TD activists surrounded the residence of Union minister Panabaka Lakshmi at Vivekanada Colony for “insulting the sentiments and strong feelings of the Seemandhra people.”
A report from Nellore said that Telugu Nadu Students Federation activists burnt effigies. Traffic on the Trunk Road came to a halt because of the protests, and police had a tough time in regulating the movement of vehicles.
In Vizag, security has been beefed up at Andhra University, Siripuram, Maddilapalem and Gajuwaka in the port town. Police was also posted at the residences of political leaders and other places.
A report from Bhimavaram said that TD leaders condemned the the jostling of party leader Nanna-paneni Rajakumari.
In Kurnool, Rayalaseema Parirakshana Samiti founder Byreddy Rajasekhar Reddy brandished a sword and threatened the Centre with dire consequences if Rayalaseema was ignored. The Sri Krishnadevaraya University joint action committee has called for a 72-hour bandh.
Next: CM talks T-Bill with Seemandhra ministers
CM talks T-Bill with Seemandhra ministers
Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy on Monday night met ministers from Seemandhra and discussed the latest situation in the Assembly with them. The Chief Minister told the ministers that he would attend the House on Tuesday and that BAC meeting would also be held.
Kiran Kumar Reddy is, however, against any discussion on the Telangana Bill in this session and has decided to call for a separate session for the same during the BAC meeting.
“The President of India has given time till January 23. Then what is the hurry to take up the discussion?” the Chief Minister said.
Following the meeting, minister Erasu Pratapa Reddy said that a discussion on Telangana will be held in the House and the Bill will be sent back within the deadline given by the President.
Minister T.G. Venkatesh said that the Seemandhra MLAs were united in their views on the state’s division and would convey the same during the discussion.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the state would not be divided as it is not possible to do so without amending the Article 371(D) of the Constitution.
