Bandh evokes mixed response in Guntur

Guntur: The bandh called by the Pratyeka Hoda Sadhana Samithi demanding Special Category Status for the State evoked mixed response from the people in Guntur district on Friday. The TDP, CPI, CPM, Jana Sena and Congress extended their support to the bandh and the cadres stopped the buses at RTC Bus Stand for some time.

However, educational institutions were functioned as usual and Intermediate practical examinations scheduled to be held on February 1, were postponed. The APSRTC operated its services as usual. BSNL, post offices, banks, and insurance companies functioned as usual. All the shops and business establishments remained opened and conducted their business as usual.

The TDP leaders protested at Lodge Centre in the city and raised slogans. The Left parties, TDP, Jana Sena and Congress leaders raised against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for denying the SCS demand. Addressing the gathering, CPI State assistant secretary Muppalla Nageswara Rao warned that they will continue the bandh till the Centre grants SCS to AP.

He said the voters would teach a fitting lesson to the BJP government in the ensuing elections. CPM district secretary Pasam Rama Rao, AITUC Veluguri Randha Krishna Murthy, former MLC Dr Rayapati Srinivas, TDP leader Bonaboina Srinivasa Yadav, party leaders Subba Rao raised slogans against Modi. Addressing the gathering at Lodge Centre in the city, former MLC Dr Rayapati Srinivas and TDP leader Bonaboina Srinivasa Yadav explained how Prime Minister Narendra Modi cheated the people of AP. In Sattenapalli, District Congress Committee president Makkena Mallikarjuna and other Congress leaders protested for SCS.

In Mangalagiri, leaders of TDP, CPI, CPM, Jana Sena and Congress protested near RTC Bus Stand. In Chilakaluripet town, TDP activists burnt the effigy of the BJP government and formed a human chain on NH-5 to register their protest.

In Chilakaluripet town, CPI activists burnt the effigy of BJP government and demanded to accord SCS to AP. CPI leaders C R Mohan, Rama Rao, Subhani and Venkateswarlu participated in the agitation.