Naidu continues Porubata amidst T-protests

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

The activists hurled eggs and tomatoes on Naidu's convoy. They had a heated argument with the police personnel who came to Naidu's rescue. The activists were demanding that the TDP chief make his stand clear on formation of Telangana state. Police had to resort to cane charge when the TDP workers confronted the Telangana activists. At least two 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 later they were shifted to the Nizambad police station. However, many Telangana activists assembled at the police station demanding their release.

Meanwhile, the 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 padayatra from Govindapeta to Jakranpalli.

Addressing farmers at Govindapeta, Naidu demanded the implementation of Swaminathan Commission's report to make agriculture a profitable business. He also demanded that the government supply quality power and give remunerative prices for the agriculture produce.

The TDP chief promised that he would give nine hours of free power to farmers, instead of seven hours, if his party comes to power in the state. He also said that he would launch agitation on farmers’ issues at national level and mount pressure on the Centre to address their problems.