Massive turnout of youth, women for Bandi’s walkathon
All routes leading to the starting point at the Bhagyalakshmi temple at Charminar had saffron flags and banners welcoming all senior leaders
HYDERABAD: It was saffron all the way in Hyderabad on Saturday as the BJP state unit began the first phase of Praja Sangrama Yatra.
Being taken out in protest against the ‘corrupt, dictatorial and family rule’ of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, party’s state president Bandi Sanjay Kumar began the padayatra that will cover 750 km in the first phase from Hyderabad to the byelection-bound Huzurabad.
Interestingly, braving rain, youth, women and minority morcha members in large numbers took part in the padayatra, along with leaders and cadre, and on an enthusiastic note.
All routes leading to the starting point at the Bhagyalakshmi temple at Charminar had saffron flags and banners welcoming all senior leaders. Amid rendition of folk songs, wearing saffron turbans and waving flags, the activists reached Charminar.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, 26-year-old techie P. Srikanth of Moula Ali said that in order to participate in the programme he had taken leave. He said it was good to see so many youth around as they were confident of a change-of-guard in Telangana whereupon BJP would displace TRS.
Mahila Morcha general secretary of Kompally, Jyothi said that the leadership was giving utmost importance to women in party activities, which was evidenced by the impressive turnout of women. She said that the massive response from all sections has given them confidence of coming to power in the next elections.
Meanwhile, shops in the busy Charminar area were shut down and there was a sizable deployment of police force. Vehicular traffic was diverted at Charminar, Afzalgunj, Begum Bazaar and other areas.
Nomula Raju, an activist from Ibrahimpatnam, said that the padayatra has inspired them to strengthen the party in their respective localities.
On the first day, the yatra passed through Madina, Afzalgunj, Begum Bazaar, MJ Market, Exhibition Grounds, Nampally, Assembly, Lakdikapul and Masab Tank.
Meanwhile, Goshamahal MLA T. Raja Singh was conspicuous with absence while the organizers said that he could not make it because of court cases.