Andhra Pradesh

I have concern for all sections of society: Naidu

Razole (East Godavari dt.): Tension prevailed near Razole in East Godavari district when scores of Mala Mahanadu activists tried to stop the convoy of TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu during his `Mee Kosam’ tour, to register their protest against the classification of SCs into A, B, C and D categories. However, the police who were present in large numbers dispersed the agitators by using force as they surged ahead.

Mala Mahanadu leaders suggested that Mr. Naidu was in favour of classification, which was not acceptable to them and expressed apprehension that it was a ploy to drive a wedge between the Mala and Madiga communities.

They warned that they would not allow SCs to be divided into the said categories irrespective of which party was in power.

Amidst the din, Mr. Naidu replied that he would not jump to a conclusion without taking the people’s opinions and it was not proper to brand him loyal to a particular community on political grounds. He expressed equal concern for all sections of society and vowed to do whatever he could to alleviate their plight if the TDP came to power in the 2009 elections.

Mr. Naidu’s entourage moved forward after the police prevailed over the agitators but there was commotion even after that as activists of Mala and Madiga associations had heated arguments over the issue. However, the situation returned to normal after a while.

Mr. Naidu was scheduled to enter East Godavari district around 3 p.m on Sunday but reached Sakhinetipalli almost three hours late by crossing the Godavari river at Narasapuram on a punt along with his party leaders, volunteers and security forces. His road-show ended at Bandarulanka where he stayed for the night.

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