The launch of the India Post Payment Bank in Kadapa by Union Minister Anantkumar Hegde witnessed tension on Saturday after several people gathered to protest against the Centre not implementing the assurances it made in the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014.
The police allegedly assaulted and detained several protesters belonging to Left parties, who obstructed Anantkumar’s convoy near the Roads and Buildings Guest House. A woman, reportedly belonging to the Rayalaseema Communist Party, was also seen hurling her footwear at the Minister's car.
The protestors were especially demanding the setting up of a steel plant in Kadapa district. Accusing the BJP of 'betraying' the people of the state, they refused to let the minister’s convoy pass.
According to reports, the Union Minister of State for Skill Development was on his way to participate in a function organised for launching of the India Post Payment Bank, when his convoy was blocked. After a heated argument, the police detained several activists and shifted them to the police station.
Meanwhile, in a similar development, several activists from Left parties and from the TDP were taken into preventive custody to avoid protests at the Mantralayam in Kurnool, where the RSS is holding a 3-day meeting. BJP National President Amit Shah is also one of the speakers at the event.
The Centre recently withdrew its decision to establish the steel plant in Kadapa claiming that the project was financially unviable.
As a result, the district witnessed a total shutdown in June this year, as protests and demonstrations were staged at several places, even as offices and educational institutes from schools to colleges remained closed. All private and public buses operated by the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) also stayed off the roads.
The call for a shutdown was backed by all parties in the state, except the BJP. This included the TDP, YSRCP and the Left parties. Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan also lent support to the bandh.
TDP had pulled out from BJP led NDA alliance in March this year alleging that the Centre had not fulfilled promises made during bifurcation.