Activists gather in Delhi to launch anti-Telangana protest

New Delhi: Thousands of protesters from Andhra Pradesh on Sunday gathered here to participate in an anti-Telangana agitation over the proposed bifurcation of the state.

The government recently approved the creation of Telangana, a move that has revived deep political divisions in Andhra Pradesh and raised fears of violence in the area between pro and anti Telangana groups.

Anti-Telangana activists have organised a massive protest rally on Monday to urge the government to withdraw its decision.

"You will have to take back your decision immediately. If not, we are coming to Delhi, we are showing our strength then only you have to withdraw your decision," said Rami Reddy, a protestor from Guntur.

Earlier this week, the parliament erupted in mayhem when a lawmaker fired pepper spray in the house in protest against the Telangana Bill, which left lawmakers coughing, sneezing and holding scarves to their faces. The agitated protesters also broke a glass table and broke an official's microphone.

The furor erupted after Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde rose to table the bill.

Andhra Pradesh MP Lagadapati Rajagopal, who was later expelled from the Congress, then unleashed a pepper spray.

The decision to divide Andhra Pradesh comes ahead of general elections next year.