TDP MPs try to protest near Modi’s residence, detained
Police on Sunday detained Telugu Desam Party (TDP) lawmakers when they attempted to protest near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg here demanding the special category status to Andhra Pradesh.
The decision to protest was taken after TDP lawmakers met at Rajya Sabha member and former Union minister Y S Chowdary’s residence this morning to chalk out the next course of action.
The lawmakers were detained on their way to the prime minister’s residence, reports PTI.
“Twenty MPs are sitting at Tughlak Road police station. Police will allow all MPs to go after some time. They were detained from Bhinder Point near Air Force Station, while they were marching towards the PM’s house,” a police officer said.
TDP lawmaker Jayadev Galla said: “The prime minister is the person to take decisions on the special status. He has to fulfil his promises and that is why we want to raise our demands with him.”
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met the lawmakers “in solidarity” at the police station. “We condemn their detention and fully support demand for spl status of AP (sic),” he said in a tweet later.
The TDP withdrew its ministers in the Union cabinet and walked out of the BJP led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) after the Centre denied the special status to Andhra Pradesh.