Lokpal Bill: Naidu Held For Dharna

Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu, along with hundreds of his supporters, was arrested by the police when he tried to take out a padayatra expressing solidarity with Anna Hazare.

Naidu was held while he was proceeding from Gandhi Statue towards Tank Bund.

Addressing the gathering at Mahatma Gandhi statue, Naidu demanded the unconditional release of Anna Hazare from Tihar Jail.

Naidu said the government has been violating the fundamental rights of people and resorting to forcible methods to contain the anti-corruption agitation in the country.

Stressing the importance of a stringent law to prevent corruption at higher echelons, Naidu demanded the inclusion of the Prime Minister under the ambit of the Lokpal.

Recalling that the Lokayukta in Karnataka had indicted BJP chief minister B S Yediyurappa, Naidu said the government should make efforts to include the Chief Minister's office in the Lokayukta.

Stating that he was ready to go for jail to prevent corruption, Naidu called upon all people, particularly youth, to participate actively in the anti-corruption agitation.

He said he would intensify his agitation until the Centre introduces the Lokpal Bill in Parliament.

The police shifted Naidu and other party leaders, including T Devender Goud, to the Mahankali police station, for obstructing traffic by sitting on the road at the Ramgopalpet police station.

However, the TDP activists continued their protest in front of the Ramgopalpet PS, demanding the release of Naidu, and raised slogans against the police. (INN)