As Andhra Pradesh reels under soaring temperatures, several parts of the state have been suffering due to water scarcity. Anantapur district is among the worst hit and has been so for the past few months.
On Wednesday, as many as 500 people, including YSRCP (YSR Congress Party) workers conducted a massive protest against their MLA, actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, in Hindupur mandal of Anantapur.
Several men and women, along with YSRCP workers, protested by carrying empty pots and painting the abbreviations 'MLA' and 'TDP' on their buffaloes in an attempt to catch the government's attention. The protesters also shouted slogans like "MLA down, down!"
“The protest started at around 11am and lasted till after 2pm. The protesters did not take any prior permission for the protest. Around 20 policemen had to control the crowd when some of the protesters sat on the road, disturbing the traffic,” said Inspector Madhu Bhushan.
A case has been registered in Hindupur Town II police station against 15 YSRCP members under section 355 of IPC (Assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour person).
“There has been water shortage for over three months now. There are 38 wards here, and all 38 are facing water shortage,” said the inspector.
The protesters were allegedly angered by the MLA's indifference to their problems.
"It's peak summer and there is acute water crisis. Our MLA said he will stay with us and solve our problems. But he has never come to the village. There is no water in the village," one of the protester told CNN News 18.
In Hindupur #Andhra, angry people protest after actor & TDP MLA Balakrishna fails to address drinking water problem. @CNNnews18 @naralokesh pic.twitter.com/I1ZhefQa8e
— SAKSHI KHANNA (@tweetsakshi) April 19, 2017