Andhra bank union calls off agitation over 'Slapgate'

Hyderabad, July 2 (ANI): The Andhra Pradesh Regional Rural Banks Employees Association (APRRBEA) has welcomed Congress MP M Jagannath's unconditional apology to the bank manager, whom he slapped on Monday for allegedly denying loans to Dalits.

The bank union called off its agitation that was launched in protest against the incident.

"We welcome the unconditional apology tendered by the MP. We have decided to call off our agitation," president of the Andhra Pradesh Regional Rural Banks Employees Association (APRRBEA) B Ravikant said.

The Uppununtala branch in Mahabubnagar District, where the incident took place, would resume functioning tomorrow, Ravikant said.

The Association held demonstrations in eight districts in the state and had submitted a memorandum to the Mahabubnagar district Collector demanding action against the MP.

Earlier in Delhi today, seeking to put an end to the row, Jagannath tendered an unconditional apology to the victim.

Jagannath, who was caught on camera slapping Ravinder Reddy, the branch manager of Andhra Pradesh Grameen Vikas Bank at Uppununtala in Mahabubnagar district, was summoned by the Congress high command to Delhi to explain his position over the issue. (ANI)