File photo of supporters of the bifurcation of the state protesting in large numbers.
Three Congress MPs from Seemandhra region began a two-day fast in Hyderabad on Friday demanding the central government stop the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
MPs G.V. Harsha Kumar, L. Rajagopal and Sabbam Hari, along with their supporters launched a 36-hour hunger strike at the Indira Park.
State ministers from Seemandhra (Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra) reached the hunger strike venue to show solidarity with the fasting MPs. They included G. Srinivasa Rao, K. Parthsarthy and E. Pratap Reddy.
The MPs began the hunger strike on a day when the state assembly resumed its winter session to debate the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill 2013, referred by the president for its views.
The MPs want the legislators from Seemandhra to insist on the house passing a resolution to urge the central government to keep the state united.
The city police gave permission to the MPs for the fast with certain conditions. V. B. Kamalasan Reddy, deputy commissioner of police, central zone, made it clear that if there were any law and order problems, the permission will be cancelled with immediate effect.
The police official, in his order, said the organizers will be liable for action as per law for damage of public and private property in the event of disturbances due to any unlawful activity by the people participating in the hunger strike.
About 500 people are expected to participate in the hunger strike, which will continue till 9 p.m. Saturday.