Porubata Continues Amidst T-Protests

Tension prevailed at the Ichoda by-pass road in Adilabad district, on Thursday, when Telangana activists obstructed the convoy of Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu during his Rythu Porubata program.

The activists hurled eggs and tomatoes on Naidu's convoy, and had a heated argument with the police personnel who came to Naidu's rescue.

The agitators demanded that the TDP chief make his stand on Telangana clear.

The police had to resort to cane charge when TDP workers confronted the Telangana activists. At least 2 activists were injured in the police lathi-charge.

Police personnel also damaged the camera of a vernacular television channel.

Several activists were taken into custody, and were later shifted to the Nizambad police station.

However, many Telangana activists assembled at the police station, demanding their release.

Meanwhile, media personnel, too, staged a dharna in front of Naidu's convoy, in protest against the police action.

Amidst tight police security, Naidu proceeded to Gussapur in Nizamabad, and participated in the padayatra from Govindapeta to Jakranpalli.

Addressing farmers at Govindapeta, Naidu demanded the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's report to make agriculture a profitable business.

He also demanded that the government supply quality power to farmers and also give remunerative prices for their agriculture produce.

The TDP chief promised that if voted to power his party would give farmers 9 hours of free power, instead of 7 hours.

He also said that he would launch a national-level agitation on farmers' issues and mount pressure on the Centre to address their problems. (INN)