In order to foil the proposed protest by the Telangana Political Joint Action Committee against Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu's "Vastunna Mee Kosam" padayatra, the police on Monday arrested several leaders including TPJAC chairman Prof M Kodandaram.
Tension prevailed near Shantinagar when the Mahabubnagar district police prevented Kodandaram and other JAC leaders from proceeding towards Rajouli where they had planned to hold a protest meeting against Naidu's padayatra. In reaction, the JAC leaders staged a sit-in protest on the road. Meanwhile, some TDP activists also arrived at the scene causing some tense moments for the police. Sensing that the situation might go out of control, the police arrested Kodandaram and other leaders. They were later shifted to Alampur Police Station.
Talking to reporters, Kodandaram said that Naidu was holding the padayatra in the Telangana against the wishes of people of the region. He said Telangana people have a right to protest against Naidu's padayatra until he makes his stand clear on the statehood issue. (INN)
filed in:Chandrababu Naidu, Telangana Agitation, Vastunna Meekosam Padayatra, M Kodandaram, Telangana Political JAC