Lukewarm response to bandh in Nellore

Nellore: Lukewarm response to the bandh call given by Pratyeka Hoda Vibhajana Hameela Sadhana Samithi in the district seeking Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh. Banks and government offices functioned normally.

Educational institutions declared holiday for students. Some activists forcibly closed banks and some commercial establishments in the city and other parts of the district. RTC and private operators ran buses in the city. In Nellore, many shops and establishments were closed voluntarily by the traders till afternoon.

Huge police force was deployed at all important places like railway station, bus stations, and also other places to respond instantly in case of any emergency situation arises. Congress leaders led by AICC leaders P Chenchal Babu Yadav and P Sitharam Babu took out a rally in the city.

They staged a protest at Gandhi Statue and shouted slogans against the BJP-led NDA government demanding SCS to the State. They said Congress is ready to provide special status if they come to power. Police took AICC leaders and other party leaders into custody and released later. As there was no support from YSRCP and Jana Sena, there was no impact on public life.

TNSF leaders took out a novel protest begging on streets near Gandhi Statue in the city. NUDA Chairman K Srinivasulu Reddy, former legislator MSK Reddy and other TDP leaders also organised similar protests in the city.