Protests Mar Vijayamma's Sircilla Visit

Widespread protests by pro-Telangana activists marred YSR Congress president Y S Vijayamma's visit to Sircilla, where she had proposed to hold a day-long Deeksha for weavers on Monday.

However, following protests by TRS activists across the Telangana region, especially in Karimanagar district, Vijayamma had to confine her Deeksha to just 2 hours.

Vijayamma reached Sircilla on Monday afternoon, amidst tight security, to participate in one day Deeksha, ostensibly in solidarity with the weavers' cause.

High political drama overshadowed the real purpose of her Deeksha, and the TRS ensured that the demand for statehood for Telangana continues to dominate other issues.

However, by ensuring the participation of a large number of weavers, the YSR Congress' activists gave TRS members a clear signal that they are a force to reckon with in the region.

During her speech, Vijayamma slammed the state government and the Telugu Desam Party for not coming to the rescue of weavers who were on the verge of destruction. She said that during the regime of Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, several textile parks were started for the welfare of the weavers, and that his government had also extended financial packages to them.

YSR even released funds from the CM's funds to address the problems of weavers, she said.

Vijayamma demanded an explanation from the government as to why it was neglecting the problems of the weavers in the state.

Earlier, the entire Telangana region witnessed some tense moments, following Vijayamma's Sircilla visit. At many places, despite tight security, Telangana activists organised strong protests against her visit.

En route to Sircilla, Vijayamma paid tribute to the martyrs of Telangana at Rangarampally village of Siddipet.

In Karimnagar, Telangana activists hurled eggs and tomatoes on Vijayamma's convoy, which was heading towards Sircilla. At Gandhi Chowk, TRS women activists staged a sit-in protest on the roads.

Similar protests were also witnessed at Siddipet, where the TRSV's activists tried to stop Vijayamma's convoy at the Yellamma temple and pelted stones at it. However, the police resorted to mild cane-charges to disperse the mob. Some TRSV members were also taken into preventive custody. (INN)