Agitators in Srikakulam vociferously demanded the resignation of former Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao, notwithstanding his statement on Friday that he would move the Supreme Court against the UPA’s move to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh.
For over two hours, there was a crowd around his residence in the district headquarters town, comprising office-bearers and members of the A.P. Non-Gazetted Officers Association and the Samaikyandhra Parirakshana Forum demanding his resignation from the Legislative Assembly. They also vented their ire at Telangana Rashtra Samiti president K. Chandrasekhar Rao’s comments that Government employees who did not belong to Telangana should leave the capital.
The agitation in the Seemandhra regions continued for the fourth day with the anger of people simmering against the bifurcation of the State.
There was tension in Anantapur and Kadapa with a heavy presence of people from different sections of society resorting to all kinds of agitation and a watchful police maintaining vigil. In other places, like Kakinada, Rajahmundry and Vizianagaram, there was peace by and large, but the resent against the Centre was clearly marked with demonstrations and rallies by agitators. Office-bearers and members of the APNGOs Association were vocal in demanding an apology from the TRS chief. Members of the A.P. Working Journalists’ Forum held a meeting to debate on the proposed bifurcation and the future of the drought-prone district in such an eventuality. Ashok, a student of the Sri Krishnadevaraya University who also works as a stringer for a Telugu daily tried to commit suicide by consuming pesticide in his residence, but his attempts were thwarted by his brother. In Vizianagaram too, APNGOs staged demonstrations outside the residences of TDP MLA P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Congress MLA B. Appala Naidu. While the former has put in his papers, the latter is yet to do so. Gajapathinagaram MLA of the Congress, Botcha Appala Narasaiah and MLC Kolagatla Veerabhadra Swamy quit their positions.
Youth attempts suicide
The Imam of the Noorani Masjid in Mydukur of Kadapa district launched a fast-unto-death and it drew attention because it happens to be the Ramzan month. Protestors picketed outside the residence of YSR Congress honorary president and MLA, Y.S. Vijayamma in Pulivendula. Ramanjaneyulu, a youngster who attempted suicide by consuming suicide, was rushed to hospital.