Telugu Desam won't join SCS panel's bandh call

Vijayawada: The Telugu Desam has decided to stay away from the bandh called by the Special Category Status Sadhana Samithi (SCSSS) on Monday.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that such bandhs will only increase hardships of people and cause loss to the state.

He also held a teleconference with the available Cabinet ministers, police officials and CMO officials to discuss Monday’s bandh. He asked the police to ensure that the bandh is held in a peaceful manner without inconveniencing the people.

While expressing solidarity with the issue for which the bandh was called, Mr Naidu said TD will stay away from such protest programmes that create inconvenience to the public. However, he said his party will support all those groups and parties who hold such protest programmes in Delhi.

In the teleconference, he asked the police officials to be on high-alert so that no anti-social elements join the protest and take advantage of it.

He appealed to the SCS Sadhana Samithi that the protest should be held in a peaceful manner. He also told the police to conduct surveillance using CCTV cameras and body-worn cameras.

Mr Naidu said said that officials of the police department, revenue and RTC should work in close coordination. He observed that since the fight is with the Centre, such protest programmes should be held in Delhi.