The YSRCP on Friday alleged that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu was taking steps to foil the state-wide bandh called by opposition parties on April 16, over granting Special Category Status (SCS) to the state.
Speaking to reporters, YSRCP spokesperson Ambati Rambabu accused Naidu of 'dampening the public spirit' and also showing his true colours as his MPs refused to resign their seats.
“In the garb of seeking support for SCS demand, Naidu had a secret meeting with former Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh to expedite the AgriGold deal. The meeting was held in New Delhi on April 3 after 10:00 pm, which shows the real purpose of Naidu’s visit to the national capital,” YSRC leader Botsa Satyanarayana was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, in a press conference held in Visakhapatnam, CPI State assistant secretary JV Satyanarayana Murthy asked TDP leaders and workers to participate in the bandh, to prove that was really committed to the welfare of the people.
Several groups in Andhra Pradesh have called for a state-wide bandh on April 16, to make the Centre take note of the 'injustice', over the latter's refusal to grant SCS.
The one-day shutdown was called by the Pratyeka Hoda Vibhajana Hameela Sadhana Samithi and was backed by the Left parties, chief opposition YSR Congress party, and actor-politician Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena party.
The parties said that barring emergency services, all places across the state will be shut.
Speaking at a press meet in Hyderabad, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, CPM State secretary P Madhu and CPI State secretary K Ramakrishna lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to grant SCS to the state.
“When Modi entered the portals of Parliament for the first time, we all believed that he would uphold the sanctity of the Constitution and democracy, but his attitude and strategy with regard to the no-confidence motion has upset everyone," the actor-politician told reporters.
Meanwhile, responding to the call for the state-wide bandh, Naidu said, “We need to educate the people against the Modi government and take the battle to Delhi. What is the point in stalling the development in the state? It will make Modi happier."