Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal met TDP protesters near PM Modi's residence extending his support
In yet another attempt to put pressure on the ruling BJP leadership for special category status for Andhra Pradesh, a group of lawmakers from Chandrababu Naidu's
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) today marched towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence. As soon as they reached Lok Kalyan Marg, 19 lawmakers were detained. The cops gave them an option to either leave or accompany them to the police station, while making it clear that they won't be allowed near the prime minister's residence.
Their rally started began early this morning from Rajya Sabha member and former union minister YS Chowdary's residence where they discussed the party's future course of action. With yellow scarves around their necks, the protesters came ready with placards that said "Save Andhra Pradesh".
"The prime minister is the person to take decisions on SCS. He has to fulfil his promises and that is why we want to raise our demands with him," TDP lawmaker Jaydev Galla told news agency Press Trust of India.
19 TDP MPs were detained by Delhi Police near PM Modi's residence today
Just before the police thwarted their plans to see PM Modi, they were visited by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who offered his party's support for their cause.
"TDP MPs taken to Tughlak Road Police Stn for demanding Spl status for AP. I went and met them at police stn in solidarity. We condemn their detention and fully support demand for spl status of AP," Mr Kejriwal tweeted.
After failing to convince the NDA government to grant special status to Andhra, TDP chief announced his party's exit from the national alliance last month. The TDP also tried to bring a no-confidence motion against the government. Mr Naidu met several leaders of opposition parties and BJP allies to garner support for the no-trust motion, but it wasn't taken up in the recently concluded Budget Session due to repeated adjournments in the parliament.
Meanwhile, lawmakers of the YSR Congress Party, the main opposition party in Andhra, continued their hunger strike for the third consecutive day. An MP had to be taken to the hospital but they have no plans to end their strike till the government promises their demand of special status to Andhra Pradesh. Five of its MPs had resigned from the Lok Sabha on Friday.
YSR Congress honorary president met party MPs who are on an indefinite hunger strike
In 2014, when Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh, the then government led by Dr Manmohan Singh had promised "special status" and financial package to the state. Mr Naidu says that PM Modi's government has failed to fulfil the promise made to Andhra.
The NDA government, however, says that it has already sent about Rs 12,000 crore to southern state, but new rules disallow "special status" sought by any state.
(With inputs from PTI)