The third day of TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu’s indefinite fast saw hordes of supporters flowing in at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in the Capital on Wednesday. With Naidu determined to continue his hunger strike in spite of his deteriorating health, the Andhra Pradesh Government has sought Union Home Ministry’s help to vacate the premises of Andhra Bhavan.
Over 1,600 Naidu supporters arrived in the city on Wednesday to participate in the protest. The protesters claimed that they had to face several hardships to reach the venue. “We were stranded mid way for an hour in our bus by the police. At Jantar Mantar also many supporters are not being allowed to come to Andhra Bhavan as the police have barricaded the area. Our train was also delayed by nearly three hours. It is all a conspiracy by the Government,” said K Narayanswami, who came to Delhi from Hyderabad.
However, the police claimed that it was a move only to prevent overcrowding of the venue. “If all of them were allowed to enter Andhra Bhavan at one time then a stampede-like situation couldn’t be ruled out,” said ACP Dayanand Singhal. Nearly 150 police personnel and over 90 CRPF men were deployed in and around Andhra Bhavan to keep the situation under control.
Meanwhile, doctors say Naidu’s health is failing. A check-up by doctors from Ram Manohar lohia hospital in the noontime on Wednesday revealed that Naidu’s blood sugar level dipped to 81 MG. “His sugar is low and minerals like potassium, calcium and sodium in his body have begun to decrease. However, his blood pressure is normal. His age being 64 years, he can carry on like this maximum for another 24 hours,” said Dr Venkat Rao. Apart from the medical team from RMl, a group of 50 doctors from TDP’s medical wing were also present to keep a check on the party supremo’s health.
Maintaining his ambiguity whether his party supports the bifurcation of the State or not, Naidu said, “The Congress is favouring one child over the other. My stand remains the same, a consensus from both the regions should be arrived after calling the respective Joint Action Commiittees (JAC) and convening and all-party meeting.”
Besides, calling Naidu’s protest ‘unauthorised’, the Andhra Pradesh Government has sought the intervention of the Home Ministry to vacate the premises of Andhra Bhavan. In a letter, Andhra Pradesh Resident Commissioner Shashank Goel requested Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami to ask Delhi Police to take necessary action to deploy additional police personnel to remove the ‘unauthorised’ dharna in AP Bhavan premises and to prevent gathering of crowd. Delhi Police comes directly under the control of Union Home Ministry.
The letter also stated that the dharna was in violation of model code of conduct for elections to Delhi Assembly. Naidu, whose fast entered the third day on Wednesday, however, remained defiant. “I am a resident of Andhra Pradesh and this great country, who has the right to protest. I will continue my hunger fast, wherever you put me. I am not bothered about my health or life. But the Congress would be responsible, if anything happens,” Naidu said. Meanwhile, the TDP has also alleged that officials were imposing restrictions on serving food to people visiting AP Bhavan to meet the fasting leader.