KURNOOL: Claiming his innocence following his arrest in the skill development scam, Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu criticised the state government, alleging that it was exercising suppressive measures against him as he strived hard for public issues in the state for the past four-and-a-half years.
As he was travelling to Vijayawada following the arrest, Naidu addressed the media and expressed his concern that CID did not disclose any details regarding his arrest. He said that everyone, including the common man, has a right to know they were being arrested, claiming that the actions were bereft of transparency.
Naidu called for calm among the public and his party cadre, comforting them by claiming his innocence and saying that the truth would prevail. He argued that there was no basis for his custody, as there was nothing in the FIR to justify it.
Before the arrest, Naidu took part in a roadshow on Friday night in Nandyal as part of the 'Babu Surety — Bhavishyathuku Guarantee' programme. Tension was simmering already as hundreds of police personnel surrounded the RK Function Hall, where Naidu was staying. The police quickly established barricades and checkpoints throughout the area, under the command of SP Raghuveer Reddy.
The police first moved TD workers and media personnel from the function hall premises to take control of the area. Many TD leaders inside the function hall were detained and shifted to police stations. Party leaders B.T. Naidu and Kalava Srinivasulu resisted the police's attempts to enter the premises, arguing that Chandrababu Naidu should not be disturbed as he was resting.
The police, however, insisted on speaking directly to Naidu. They also threatened to arrest leaders impeding them and seize the bus in which Naidu was staying.
