Pangs of a ‘global’ city

On Saturday, the common man in Hyderabad -- a city known for its cosmopolitan nature, was caught in the crossfire of regional feelings stoked amidst tension, hype and high drama at the Lal Bahadur Stadium during the APNGOs-sponsored ‘Save Andhra Pradesh’ rally, which was tempered by an overnight bandh called by pro-Telangana groups

It came as a rude shock to denizens that APSRTC had suspended bus services in light of the protest. This, coupled with the skeletal MMTS services, compounded their woes. It was a bizarre scene on the arterial roads leading towards the LB Stadium.

Business took a hit, as many establishments remained shut throughout the day. The worst-hit were theatre owners, who, instead of benefitting from weekend crowds, suffered heavy losses and had to refund money to ticket holders.

In A S Rao Nagar and Alwal, many pro-Telangana activists manned the roads and staged a ‘Rasta Roko’ that was followed by a bike rally. Some food chains that chose to remain open in spite of the call for bandh were forced to close up shop due to the constant patroling of the activists. It was merry time for auto drivers, who charged double the fare or more for transporting hapless citizens.

Chaotic situation:

Over 70,000 employees, representing some 70 associations in 13 districts of Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema, assembled at the LB Stadium. It was interesting to note that the number of women who participated in the meet equalled the number of men who had arrived at the venue.

Right from 7 am, ie over 7 hours before the scheduled start of the meeting, hordes of people thronged the stadium premises. There was a breach in security arrangements, as some Samaikyandhra supporters had entered the venue without ID cards.

Amidst a huge contingent of united Andhra supporters, one Telangana supporter managed to raise slogans in the midst of a spirited speech. The police dragged him out of the stadium, with the activist continuing his tirade.

Students from Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapur, sought to enter the stadium, but were denied permission. Samaikyandhra supporters who could not gain entry into the venue formed a human chain outside the stadium. Artistes from Anantapur, including four men and two women, were present outside the stadium to lift the spirits of Samaikyandhra supporters through their impromptu songs in support of a united Andhra Pradesh. Singer Vanga Pandu Prasada Rao was not allowed to enter the venue as he did not possess an invitation.

Among Samaikyandhra supporters, those who were new to the city found it difficult to reach their destination. One group strayed into the Nizam College hostel, which is filled with students who support the Telangana state. Fortunately for them, the police arrived just in time and directed them towards the venue. Many senior HMRL employees, dressed in blazers, were seen arguing with cops, as they could not park their vehicles and enter their office owing to the traffic jams.

Samaikyandhra supporters heaved a sigh of relief as some youngsters such as Prakash and Radhakrishnan from East Godavari District carried meals and water packets for the attendees. The Agriculture Department staff also arranged for water packets. Vendors of snacks and munchies, particularly groundnuts, did brisk business outside the stadium.