Rallies, Rasta-Rokos During AP Bandh

The state-wide bandh called by opposition parties in protest against the hike in power charges was marked with dharnas, protest rallies, picketing of sub-stations, RTC bus depots and the arrest of leaders across the state.

Left party leaders B V Raghavulu (CPI (M)) and K Naryana (CPI) were arrested while protesting at the Mahathma Gandhi Bus Station. BJP leaders were arrested at Liberty cross-roads in the city, while leaders from TDP, YSRCP and other left parties took up the protests where the former had left it.

The RTC ran few bus services, while shops and establishments were closed, and exams scheduled to be held today were postponed. The women's wing of TDP stormed the Ministers' Quarters and held a dharna. They were whisked away by the police later.

BJP leaders created commotion at Nellore by resorting to a rastha roko, and vehicles on the national highway were jammed on either side. The police had a tough time dispersing the mob, and regulating the traffic.

Basara wore a deserted look with RTC buses being pulled out and few pilgrims attending the Saraswathi temple.

Left Parties said that the government should roll back the hike after seeing the response to the bandh.

Meanwhile, industrialists of Mallapur participated in the bandh and picketed the Nacharam sub-station on the outskirts of the city.

Mild tension prevailed at Addanki in Prakasam district when two groups who were on dharna clashed. The situation was brought to control by police intervention.

Reports of dharnas, rasta rokos, rallies and other demonstrations came in from Adilabad, Guntur, Patancheru, Visakhaptanam and Khammam districts. (INN)