Uproar in AP as TDP protests Naidu's arrest

Violence reported from many parts of state

The TDP called for the bandh following the arrest of its leader N Chandrababu Naidu who was protesting the government's meagre relief package for the rain-hit farmers.

Sporadic incidents of violence were reported from many parts of the state as TDP activists damaged APSRTC buses and forcibly downed shutters of shops and business establishments.

Party workers in all 23 districts of the state were on protest after Naidu's arrest. They were on the streets burning the effigies of Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, stopping buses at the depots and setting up roadblocks.

“If necessary, we will move a no-confidence motion against the anti-farmer government in the state,” TDP leader Payyavula  Keshav said while leading a protest.

In the wee hours of Monday, Naidu, who was sleeping at the venue of his hunger-strike at the MLA quarters, was hauled into a waiting ambulance amidst attempts by TDP party workers to rescue him from the police. The opposition leader was shown no consideration even as he slipped and fell from the stretcher. He was rudely pushed back and carried into the vehicle.

Several TDP workers clashed openly with the police during the seven-hour high drama at the new MLA quarters when the fasting opposition leader was admitted to Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences  (NIMS) after specialists diagnosed a fall in sugar level which has led to malfunctioning of  his liver. The condition could lead to cardiac problems in future.

Naidu was quarantined in the ICU of NIMS hospital, where his protests stopped doctors from giving liquid food.

The opposition leader was indeed continuing his hunger strike from hospital wards.  The state government has registered a case under section 309 of Indian Penal Code (attempt to commit suicide) on the TDP president.

Case against all TDP workers and leaders under Section 353 of the IPC for preventing public servant from discharging his duties. State Home Minister Sabita Indra Reddy justified police action as a humanitarian action and denied a political conspiracy.

No alternative

State Health Minister D L Ravinder Reddy said the government had no alternative than to shift him to a hospital as his health deteriorated.

TDP workers heckled the health minister who called on Naidu at  NIMS hospital. Naidu rejected his requests to end the hunger-strike. State Health Secretary P V Ramesh said Naidu’s health was being monitored.