The arrest of social activist Anna Hazare by the Delhi police sparked off instantaneous protests across the State.
Telugu Desam Party president N. Chandrababu Naidu led the protestors by taking out a padayatra with available party leaders. Rallies were organised across the State even as the activists of India Against Corruption, Hyderabad chapter, held a demonstration against the denial of permission to Mr. Hazare for going ahead with his fast.
As the news of the arrest spread, Mr. Naidu who was addressing the extended executive meeting of his party took out a padayatra in protest of the police action against the social activist who embarked upon a mission against corruption. The news that Mr. Hazare was sent to Tihar jail further irked Mr. Naidu who criticised the Centre for sending the social activist — who was fighting against corruption — to a place where those indulging in corruption were lodged.
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The activists of India Against Corruption who said their protest was ‘apolitical’ did not allow senior BJP leader Bandaru Dattatreya to express solidarity with them. Mr. Dattatreya as also the Telangana JAC chairman M. Kodandaram were shouted down by the agitated activists.
The TRS condemned the arrest of a Gandhian by the police and the Government’ s action brought back the memories of the ‘emergency days’. CPI State secretary K. Narayana condemned the arrest and called upon the party units across the State to stage protests on Wednesday.