Bandh Call by Telugu Desam Party
The bandh call given by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts has received a partial response on Monday morning. Despite heavy deployment of police force at the houses of important leaders like former Union Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju and TDP District President Kimidi Nagarjuna, the leaders coordinated the bandh from the early hours of Monday. This bandh was called for after an ACB court sent former Chief Minister and TDP national president N. Chandrababu Naidu to 14-day remand for his alleged involvement in the A.P. Skill Development Corporation scam.
Protests and Disruptions
Protestors staged demonstrations at the Vizianagaram RTC complex, preventing the movement of vehicles. Due to the public’s awareness of the bandh, many people did not visit the bus stand. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) anticipated damage to vehicles and did not operate buses after 6 am. Furthermore, shops and establishments remained closed in response to the TDP’s request, as stated by Vizianagaram Chamber of Commerce Secretary Ravva Srinivas.
Meanwhile, TDP District President Kimidi Nagarjuna, who was confined to his home in Cheepurupalli, strongly criticized the deployment of police forces at his residence. He argued that opposition parties have the right to register their protest when their leader is arrested. Nagarjuna further added that the bandh received voluntary support from the public, as they believed in N. Chandrababu Naidu’s innocence in the scam allegations.
Political Accusations and Criticisms
Former Minister and Rajam in-charge Kondru Muralimohan criticized Chief Minister Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy for allegedly misusing official machinery to settle scores with opposition leaders. Muralimohan asserted that the people would teach the ruling party a lesson in the 2024 general elections, as even ordinary citizens were displeased with Naidu’s arrest. Thankfully, there were no untoward incidents reported in Srikakulam.
Srikakulam MP Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, former MLA Gunda Lakshmi Devi, and Itchapuram MLA Bendalam Ashok, among others, condemned the government for causing mental agony to N. Chandrababu Naidu by not allowing him to sleep for almost two days. Rammohan Naidu declared that Naidu’s arrest marked the beginning of Jagan’s defeat in the 2024 general elections.
Response and Outlook
Gummadi Sandhyarani, TDP Manyam District President, expressed satisfaction with the people’s response to the bandh call across various locations, including Saluru, Parvatipuram, and Kurupam. She expressed optimism that Naidu would soon secure bail and continue serving the people as usual.
Parvatipuram TDP observer Boina Govindarajulu emphasized that the TDP cadre was determined to fight against the ruling party despite facing hurdles and police cases.
Overall, the bandh call by the Telugu Desam Party has received a mixed response in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts. The protests and disruptions have showcased the public’s support for N. Chandrababu Naidu amidst the allegations. As the political landscape continues to evolve, only time will tell the impact of these events on the upcoming 2024 general elections.
