Sweltering heat was not a deterrent for hundreds of people, who travelled from districts to participate in the swearing-in ceremony. Despite, the heat and dust, it was perhaps the video scenes from different NTR starrer hit movies, that kept them cool and cheering. The moment images of “Anna garu” flashed on giant screens, there were cheers and whistles from the audience.
Astrologers have a field day
At a time, when authorities were on tenterhooks about the arrangements and the worries of any possible untoward incidents, a few astrologers, who made it to the venue were discussing muhurthams for Mr. Naidu’s next programmes. P. Srinivasa Gargeya said though Mr. Naidu respects astrologers and astrology, when he plans a thing, he takes it up, irrespective of the day and muhurtham. “However, we suggest that it would be good, if he conducts cabinet meeting at 11.52 a.m. on June 12 and assembly at 11.42 a.m. on June 19. This will augur well for the State, especially agriculture,” said Mr. Gargeya.
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Popular playback singer and native of Guntur district Mano on Sunday enthralled the packed venue by belting out several devotional, patriotic and film songs. Giving him vocal support was Nandigama’s Rasool, Surabi Sravani, Mallikha, Pallavi, Ramu, Simha and instrumentalists from Vijayawada and Guntur.
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Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s gamble in inviting national leaders and Union Ministers paid off. Union Ministers led by Rajnath Singh assured their full cooperation and support to the new State.
Catching the eye
Right from politicians to district officials, everyone wanted to gain mileage from the ceremony. While MP Galla Jayadev supporters sported yellow T-shirts with ‘Jayadev Sena’ on them, while Guntur Collectorate staff wore white T-shirts.
For a rainy day
After the programme, people took away huge flexi boards put up by different politicians to make use during the coming rainy season. The flexis were put up along the national highway near the venue.
City roads deserted
The city roads wore a deserted look as many residents and TDP party supporters went to attend swearing-in ceremony in the evening. Holding party flags, a majority of the supporters came to the venue on motorcycles and cars. Diversions imposed by the traffic police also contributed for less traffic in the city.
Police resort to lathi-charge
TDP supporters, who came to attend swearing-in ceremony, strongly criticised the high-handed behaviour of police. A group hailing from Srikakulam and Kadapa were trying to proceed towards the VIP gallery to get relief from scorching heat. On seeing the surging crowd, the police resorted to lathi-charge and dispersed them.
(With inputs from M. Rajiv, S. Sandeep Kumar, J.R. Shridharan, M. Srinivas, and Rajulapudi Srinivas)