Date:22/03/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/03/22/stories/2004032202990600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Several TDP leaders resign in protest

By Our Special Correspondent

RAJAHMUNDRY, MARCH 21. Several TDP leaders who included party functionaries, ZPTC, MPTCs, MPPs and sarpanches from the mandals of Allavaram, Amalapuram, Inavilli and Upplaguptam announced their resignations to the party as a protest against denial of party ticket to the district party president, Nimmakayala Chinarajappa.

Irate protesters who gathered in large number at the party office in Amalapuram on Sunday evening shouted slogans like `Chief Minister down down.' There was a phone call from the Chief Minister and when Mr. Rajappa wanted to talk, the phone was snatched away from him. The protesters also organised `rasta roko' and two youth made an attempt to immolate themselves. The angry workers also shouted slogans against other TDP leaders, Boddu Bhaskara Rama Rao and Mudragada Padmanabham.

Meanwhile, Jyothula Nehru, former MLA, reached Amalapuram and assured the angry workers a solution to the issue immediately.