Naidu develops acute pain in legs due to ongoing foot march

Hyderabad, Apr 13: Having walked over 2,709 km in his 195-day "Vastunna Meekosam" foot march in 16 districts of Andhra Pradesh so far, Telugu Desam Party president N Chandrababu Naidu has developed severe problem in his legs, leaving him in acute pain.

Though he was adamant on continuing the yatra in Visakhapatnam district, doctors and party leaders prevailed on the 63-year-old former State Chief Minister to atleast take a short break and accordingly he has announced a two-day rest today and tomorrow.

A team of specialist doctors from Hyderabad visited the yatra spot in Visakhapatnam and conducted various tests on Chandrababu's legs.

"The X-ray showed a small gap in his left ankle. It will turn into arthritis in future," doctors said after the examinations. The pressure on his right leg has increased due to the problem in the left, resulting in a black spot on the bone. X-ray revealed that Chandrababu's right leg bone has been bruised and there is severe inflammation in the tendons too.

"A panel of doctors will review the whole case and advise Chandrababu on the future course of action," a senior TDP leader accompanying him on the tour said.

The TDP president launched his walkathon on October 2 from Hindupur in Anantapuram district to learn the problems being faced by different sections of people and also expose the misrule of the Congress.

Though the first phase of foot march was supposed to end on January 26, Chandrababu decided to continue it because of the "overwhelming response" from people. He has so far walked over a record 2,700 km with just five days' break due to different reasons. He will now end his yatra in Visakhapatnam on April 27, according to TDP vice-president Kambhampati Ramamohana Rao. A massive public meeting is being planned for the occasion.

PTI