YSRC supporters hold protest against Naidu, carry out mock funeral in Tirupati

TIRUPATI: Expressing their anger against Telugu Desam chief Chandrababu Naidu for “letting loose his party leaders and their use of abusive language” against Chief Minister Jagan, YSR Congress leaders held a mock funeral and burnt an effigy of Naidu here on Friday.

Following the party high command’s call, the Janagraha Deeksha continued here for the second day under the aegis of YSRC and its legislator Bhumana Karunakar Reddy. YSRC cadre participated in the Deeksha in large numbers, shouted slogans against Naidu and demanded that he apologise for the indecent remarks made by his party’s national spokesperson Pattabhi Ram on CM Jagan.

Speaking to reporters, MLA Bhumana came down heavily on Naidu and said he was trying to trigger unrest in the state through political conspiracies. “Pattabhi had deliberately used abusive words under the directions from Naidu," he said, and warned that the YSRC would intensify the agitation till Naidu tendered an unconditional apology to the CM.

He claimed that the people of AP were hurt by the abusive comments made by Pattabhi against the CM. He slammed Naidu for holding a “fake” deeksha. “Poor people who are benefiting from the welfare programmes undertaken by CM Jagan will vote again for the YSRC. Fearful of this, Naidu has lost his mental balance and is trying to create law-and-order problems in the state with provocative statements and abusive languages,” he said.

Meanwhile, YSRC supporters carried out a mock funeral procession carrying the effigy of Naidu. A man wearing a mask resembling Naidu's son Lokesh carried out the mock 'cremation' ritual. Tirupati mayor Sirisha and deputy mayor Narayana, corporator Bhumana Abhinay and others were present.