AP CM forced to call off ''Rachabanda'' programme in Warangal

Hyderabad, Feb 10: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy had to abruptly end the Rachabanda, the mass-contact programme, today in Warangal district following protests by the pro-Telangana supporters.

The Chief Minister was forced to stop the programme as pro-Telangana supporters went on raising slogans at the venue at Rayinapadu village in the district.

Telangana political Joint Action Committee (JAC) had also called for a bandh in Warangal and Karimnagar districts against the programme alleging that police were harassing pro-Telangana supporters.

The call for shutdown evoked good response and normal life was affected as state-run Andhra Pradesh. State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses remained off the roads and shops and other establishments were closed.

However, the Chief Minister's Rachabanda programme passed off peacefully elsewhere.

Reddy said the Telangana issue was being examined by the Centre and that he would abide by its decision.

PTI