Anaparthy: Police stop Naidu’s convoy; former CM walks 7 km to address public meeting

Anaparthy: TDP national president Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Friday lambasted the state government for trying to stall his Anaparthy programme. On Thursday, tension prevailed at Anaparthy after the police stopped Naidu’s convoy when he was heading to a public meeting.

Since the police denied permission, party cadres got into an argument with the police. They also tried to remove barricades.

Later Naidu alighted from his car and walked about 7 km to reach the venue. It is alleged that power was also disconnected in the area.

"Chief Minister tried hard to prevent me to visit Anaparthy. Police are now denying their own permission. Can they deny the permission letter that they issued?” Naidu asked.

Recalling Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy's pada yatra, Naidu said he extended full cooperation to the former chief minister. He said he did not create hurdles when Jagan Mohan Reddy embarked on pada yatra during his rule. "Did I create any obstructions to either Dr. YSR or to Mr. Jagan?" he asked.

Sending a strong warning to the police, Naidu said: "Once the TDP is back into power, this police will be taught a fitting lesson. As a chief minister for 14 years, I have faced several humiliations."

What the police say?

According to the police, they have received a request seeking permission to conduct a meeting from Chandra Babu Naidu, but as per the Police Act and GO No 1, meetings could not be conducted on roads.

“We informed them that they can hold rallies without causing inconvenience to vehicular movement. We suggested two open areas- Kalakshetram and a layout suitable for the meeting and assured adequate security. However, he defied the directions,” said East Godavari district SP Sudheer Kumar Reddy in a release given.