Ex-legislators condemn restrictions on protests in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: Former MLAs Palla Srinivasa Rao and Gandi Babji and MLC Duvvarapu Rama Rao on Thursday strongly condemned state government imposing curbs on their protests in Visakhapatnam following the arrest of their party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Addressing a press conference, Srinivasa Rao said of all places in the state, Visakhapatnam police have been different while handling the protests by Telugu Desam.

“They are not giving permission when we want to protest. Police are even putting us under house arrest,” the former legislator remarked.

He alleged that because Vizag police are focussing on political protests, criminal activities, including smuggling of ganja, in the city have increased.

MLC Rama Rao said government should divulge the details of Fibernet scam. “TD government gave internet, phone and TV for just ₹149 a month. But the YSRC has resorted to looting. “The stage has come when people will revolt against the YSRC government,” he remarked.

Former MLA Babji said when they approach the commissioner’s office for permission to stage protests, they are being told that the okay has to come from the chief minister’s office.

Babji underlined that protests are turning into a mass movement. Very soon, ordinary people will be on roads and raise the banner of revolt against the government, he remarked.