Date:20/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112060991100.htm

Andhra Pradesh

‘Manhandling of activist led to protest’

Special Correspondent

Ruling party cadres raid R&B guesthouse at Pulivendula

Irate group of people damage some vehicles
Police restrain Congressmen from staging protest

Tense situation: A Congressman pulling out Praja Rajyam flag from a vehicle in Pulivendula on Wednesday.

PULIVENDULA: Manhandling of a Congress activist, Chinna, by Praja Rajyam activists after he objected to their attempt to tie their party banner and flag atop his house sparked off trouble in Pulivendula, leading to the ruling party activists raiding the R&B guesthouse at Pulivendula, according to Pulivendula DSP Khaleel Saudagar.

Following the manhandling, Praja Rajyam activists rushed to the guest house and took shelter inside and an irate group of people damaged some vehicles, a Congress leader Ravimohan said. Rather than chide the partymen, PR leader K. Vidhyadhara Rao levelled allegations against Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, resulting in a dharna by Congressmen, he added.

Congress functionaries staged a peaceful demonstration for a while before Kadapa MP Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy’s office on Wednesday morning, with policemen restraining them from protesting during Chiranjeevi’s tour.

The Chief Minister is said to have directed party leaders and activists not to obstruct or protest during the Chiranjeevi’s tour, Congressmen said.

Chiranjeevi, who said PR activists exercised restraint and staged peaceful protests, ought to have admitted that yesterday’s incidents were a fall-out of overzealous PR functionaries’ bid to put up party flags atop Congress sympathisers’ houses, a Congress leader said.