All roads led to the mini-stadium as Samaikyandhra protagonists from different parts of the district thronged the city on Monday for a massive Prakasam Praja Garjana to urge the Centre to reverse its decision on bifurcation.
Slongas like ‘Jai Samaikyandhra’ rented the air as textile merchants, kirana shop owners and other traders downed the shutters and took part in the big event.
Braving the scorching sun, students, employees of the RTC, municipal, electricity and the State government, carrying placards, held an impressive march on the 34th day of the protest.
Ingenuity of the protesters came to the fore as they turned up for the mega meet in the attire of mythological personalities and freedom fighters to further the cause of Samaikyandhra. Artistes, led by Jai Bheem Kala Mandali president Naukathoti Sarath Kumar, performed cultural programmes highlighting the glorious culture of Telugu people.
Leading the protest, the Samaikyandhra Parirakshana Samiti State convener A.Vidyasagar said the integrationists would adopt a three-pronged strategy of broadening the base of the movement by roping in villagers through their network of revenue and other officials at the grassroots level. They would carry on vigorous campaign in towns and cities and at the same time go in delegation to New Delhi in phases to impress upon the Centre to withdraw its decision, he explained.
Call to people
He gave a call to Seemandhra people to send at least one family member each for the September 7 meet in Hyderabad.
Deputy Collectors’ Association State associate president M. Ravindra Babu amid loud cheers said sentiment should not form the basis for division of the State as also the concept of self rule.
“We should be prepared to make any sacrifice to keep the State united by roping in integrationists in different parts of the State.”
