High drama prevailed near former minister and Congress leader Devineni Rajasekhar (Nehru)’s residence on Eluru Road here on Sunday. A clash-like situation ensued with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) workers taking up padayatra and Congress activists attempting to celebrate induction of K. Chiranjeevi into Union Cabinet.
The TDP workers led by Mylavaram MLA and party district president Devineni Umamaheswara Rao tried to cross the bridge near Mr. Rajasekhar’s residence. They planned to kick-start their ‘intintiki TDP padayatra’ from Gunadala in the city. Former minister’s son Devineni Avinash and his associates made revelry arrangements over Mr. Chiranjeevi’s induction into the Union Cabinet.
The police stopped the movement of Mr. Avinash in front of his residence and the Congress celebrations were put on hold for a while. The TDP workers moved ahead on their padayatra from ‘vantena’ to the first ward.
The Congress leaders, including Vijayawada (Central) MLA Malladi Vishnu, Mr. Avinash, former Corporator Venkata Satyanarayana (Arava Satyam) and others joined the celebrations later.
Both the groups have been warring on padayatra. The TDP leaders, Bonda Umamaheswara Rao and Vallabhaneni Vamsi, even registered a case with the local police stating that Mr. Nehrus’ followers had threatened them of dire consequences if flex banners were put up in Gunadala. Mr. Nehru’s followers, however, readily denied that they threatened the TDP activists.
The police stepped up vigil and bandobust following allegations and counter allegations since early hours of Sunday.
The TDP activists took out motor cycle rally and people in significant numbers gathered as the TDP leaders took out the padayatra. They offered prayers at Sivalayam near moodu vantenalu centre.
The residents gave a warm reception and welcomed the TDP leaders with traditional ‘aarthi’.
