Bandh in Coastal Andhra Pradesh enters Second Consecutive Day

The Bandh in Seemandhra and Rayalaseema  regions of of Andhra Pradesh has entered its second day, crippling the normal life and business. The Bandh has been primarily called to protest against the decision of Union Cabinet to carve out a separate state of Telangana.

The Bandh is supported by all political parties including TDP, YSR Congress and Andhra Pradesh non-gazetted officers (APNGOs). YSR Congress has called for 72 hours total shutdown.

YSR Congress Chief Jagan Mohan Reddy has  even started an indefinite fast at his residence in Hyderabad  in order to protest the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu is also expected to begin his fast unto death from October 7 at New Delhi.

Educational and commercial establishments remained closed in Seemandhra (coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema), where normal life was thrown out of gear.

Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, IG (Coastal Andhra) said, they have deployed additional forces keeping in view attacks on residences and properties of some Congress leaders yesterday.

“Additional forces have been deployed in some areas and situation was under control. As long as agitations are peaceful we have no objection. But if they turn violent then we will swing into action and file cases,” he said.

Sporadic incidents of violence, including attack on public and private property, were reported on the first day of the shutdown. Offices of ruling Congress came under attack from agitators in several districts.

Commercial and educational establishments belonging to PCC President Botsa Satyanarayana were also targeted and police have stepped up security at these locations and also in sensitive areas.

The pro-united Andhra employees, including the staff of state-run Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), are already on strike since mid-August.

On October 3, the Union Cabinet had decided to go ahead with creation of Telangana state from out of Andhra Pradesh.

Meanwhile, Tirupati, which attracts a large number of devotees everyday, wore a deserted look as buses are not plying to the temple town in Chittoor district in view of the ongoing stir by APSRTC employees.