Naidu sits on fast over Andhra special category status demand

Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu began his day-long hunger strike in Vijayawada on Friday to demand special status for the state.

Coinciding with his birthday, the Dharma Porata Deeksha (Struggle for Justice) against the alleged injustice meted out to the state by the NDA government.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president’s fast comes in the wake of the day-long fast observed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 12 in protest against the recent logjam of the budget session of Parliament allegedly caused by the Opposition parties.

Naidu has chosen sprawling grounds in front of in Indira Gandhi Stadium for his protest. Nearly a lakh people are expected to join Naidu.

Naidu said he would not celebrate his birthday on Friday to protest the “betrayal” of faith by the Prime Minister and demand the implementation of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act.

“The other day, the Prime Minister took up one-day fast to protest against stalling of Parliament, though he was responsible for the logjam. But I am going to take up the fast for the rights of the state and there is no compromise on the same,” he said.

“I appeal to all sections of people to support me in my struggle for justice. There should be debate across the country on the injustice meted out to the state,” he said.

Besides Naidu, party leaders will observe fast in their respective districts.

HYDERABAD:Andhra