TDP leaders court arrest, seek AP CM, Shinde's resignations

Hyderabad, Oct 11 (UNI) Scores of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) activists today staged a dharna and courted arrest before Raj Bhavan demanding resignation of Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and former Andhra Pradesh Governor Sushil Kumar Shinde over the Supreme Court quashing the release of Congressman Gouru Venkata Reddy on a clemency plea.

The TDP workers led by Legislature Party Leader Nagam Janardhana Reddy and City Mayor Tigala Krishna Reddy sat on the road, disrupting traffic. They burnt the effigy of Dr Reddy and raised slogans.

Talking to media, Mr Janardhana Reddy cited the example of Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy who resigned as Chief Minister following strictures against his government. Dr Rajasekhara Reddy could become the Chief Minister again after his innocence was proved, he added.

He added that action should also be taken against the Collector and SP of Kurnool District who 'gave a report to the Governor that release of Venkata Reddy would not hamper public life.' Police later arrested the leaders. Tension prevailed when the TDP activists did not allow the van carrying the leaders to move.

Earlier, TDP Supremo and Former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu demanded the resignations of Dr Reddy and Mr Shinde for 'violating the provisions of the Constitution'.

Supporting the demand, Telangana Rashtra Samiti Chief K Chandrasekhara Rao said Dr Reddy had no right to remain in office for even for a minute and added that the AICC should immediately direct him to demit office.

CPI(M) State Secretary and Politburo Member B V Raghavulu and CPI MP Suravaram Sudhakara Reddy said there should be no political interference in matters such as clemency which, they felt, should be handled only on humanitarian grounds.

The Chief Minister was not immediately available for comment.

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