Bandh over spl category status partial success in AP

AMARAVATI : A state-wide bandh was observed by various organisations in Andhra Pradesh Friday, demanding that the Centre immediately accord special category status to the state and fulfill promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014. Besides, the bandh a protest programme sponsored by the ruling Telugu Desam Party over the issue was also staged. The bandh and protest by and large did not affect normal life, though bus services were partially hit. State Road Transport Corporation workers too joined the agitation in some districts, partially affecting bus services. No untoward incident has been reported as the protests were continuing in a peaceful manner, a senior police official said.

Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu shed his trademark light gold coloured outfit as he came to the assembly clad in a black shirt and white trouser while other TDP legislators wore black shirts in protest against the Centre’s “apathetic attitude” towards the state. In Vijayawada, TDP, Congress and Left parties’ leaders staged a demonstration in front of the RTC bus station, raising slogans against the Narendra Modi government and blocking movement of buses. Some protesters lay down on the main road blocking movement of traffic.