TDP padyatra for SC categorization foiled, MLAs arrested

The police on Monday arrested the Telugu Desam Party Mlas who had taken out a padayatra from Ambedkar Statue at Tank Bund to Chief Minister’s  residence for violating the restrictions in place on account of December 6, the anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid being observed as ‘Black Day’.

The TDP MLAs had taken out the Padayatra demanding that Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy announce an all-party delegation to New Delhi over the categorization of Scheduled Castes.

They had raised slogans against the government during the padayatra and alleged that it was neglecting the legitimate demands of the SC. The police stepped in and arrested the protesting MLAs.

Earlier TDP legislator Motkupalli Narasimhulu told media persons at the Ambedkar statue on Tank Bund, that the scheduled castes in the state were facing discrimination and injustice.

Comparing the role of the TDP in SCs’ welfare, Mr Narasimhulu said, “When the TDP was in power, it had made efforts for Scheduled Castes welfare and protecting their rights but the Congress government has violated their rights and is not taking any steps for their welfare.”

Senior TDP leader Kadiam Srihari alleged that Handlooms and Textiles Minister P Shankar Rao was indulging in double-speak over the categorization of SCs. He condemned the alleged ‘forked tongue’ of the Minister, who he alleged is opposing the categorization demands even while the state government is in favour.

Warning of serious consequences, Mr Srihari demanded that the Minister toe the line of the government immediately.

The TDP leaders also extended their solidarity to Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti leader Manda Krishna Madiga, who is on indefinite fast demanding that the Chief Minister make an announcement on taking all-party delegation to New Delhi over the categorization of Scheduled Castes.

Mr Krishna Madiga meanwhile warned the government that if it did not announce the all-party delegation for New Delhi within 24 hours, it would have to face serious consequences.

The police shifted the TDP leaders to Gandhi Nagar police station.