N. Chandrababu Naidu, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (AP,) on the 11th of February, started a one day strike against the Central Government, at Andhra Bhavan, in Delhi. The 12 hour hunger strike, also called the ‘Dharma Porata Deeksha,’ started at 8:00 A.M.
Naidu, the leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP,) began the protest against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Central Government, which failed to grant the Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh. The State is demanding the SCS as per the provisions of the AP State Reorganisation Act, 2014, since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into the State of Telangana and the State of Andhra Pradesh.
According to sources, Mr. Naidu paid a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and also garlanded the statue of B.R. Ambedkar before starting his protest. Approximately 500 people, including TDP members, Cabinet members and student groups are expected to join Naidu.
On the 10th of February, around 10:00 A.M., two special trains, which started from Anantapur and Srikakulam respectively, carried the TDP members, the members of non governmental organisations (NGOs) and others to join the protest in Delhi.
The anti Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parties, such as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP,) the Trinamool Congress (TMC,) the Indian National Congress (INC) and many others, extended their support to Naidu.
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and the AAP chief, accompanied by Farooq Abdullah, a member of the National Conference, is also expected to meet Mr. Naidu at Andhra Bhavan.
Later, on the 12th of February, Mr. Naidu is expected to meet Ram Nath Kovind, the President of India, and submit the memorandum and official documents regarding the granting of the SCS to Andhra Pradesh.
Stay tuned for further updates.
