Telangana issue: Protests continue in Andhra, Rayalaseema

Hyderabad, Dec 12 (ANI): Shutdown and protests against the Centre's decision to give its nod for initiating the process for the formation of a Telangana State continued for the second day on Saturday.

Thousands of passengers had a tough time as the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) suspended its services in coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.

Schools, colleges, shops and other business establishments also remained closed.

The fast-unto-death launched by students besides the relay hunger fast continued in Visakhapatnam. Protesters have also planned demonstrations in the port city during the day.

Cutting across party lines, 136 MLAs belonging to different political parties handed over their resignation letters to the State Assembly Speaker N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Friday in protest against the Centre's decision to initiate the process for the formation of the Telangana State.

The announcement sanctioning a new State has backfired colossally for the Centre.

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly has been adjourned till Monday following the protests.

The Congress, the Telugu Desam and the Praja Rajyam parties are expected to meet in the evening to decide the future course of agitation. (ANI)