Mudragada sets March 11 deadline, threatens fast

*Says he will go on an indefinite fast from March 11 unless Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu personally writes a letter assuring him that all promises made will be fulfilled
*Points out that he had called off his earlier fast following theassurances given by the Chief Minister

Kirlampudi (East Godavari): Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham issued an ultimatum to the State government on Friday that he would once again go on indefinite fast from March 11 unless Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu personally writes a letter assuring him that all promises made during his calling off earlier fast would be implemented.

Speaking to press persons here on Friday, he alleged that his phone calls are being tapped by the government. He also took exception to the allegation that he was acting at the behest of YSRCP chief Y S Jaganmohan Reddy. While admitting that he spoke to Jagan only once to thank the latter for extending his support to Kapus’ demands, he dared Chief Minister to prove his allegations.

“If Naidu can prove that Jagan is behind our agitation, I would retire from politics. If he failed to prove, will his family retire from politics?” he asked Naidu pointedly.

He reminded that the representatives of the government had assured him of releasing Rs 500 crore immediately besides allocating Rs 1,000 crore annually at the time of his calling off fast. He demanded loans for Kapus without the interference of Janmabhoomi committees while alleging that TDP leaders were dictating terms. The Kapu leader alleged that the government was harassing leaders who attended the Kapu meeting in Tuni while recalling that the government had promised not to implicate anyone until the investigation was over. He lamented that the government was treating him as a “Taliban terrorist”.