PNS|Vijayawada
In an interesting development, TDP, the main Opposition party, has sought police permission for the ‘padayatra’ of party general secretary Nara Lokesh. TDP leader Varla Ramaiah has written a letter to the Director General of Police, seeking permission for Nara Lokesh’s ‘padayatra’ scheduled to start on January 27.
Varla Ramaiah requested the police boss to accord permission and provide adequate security, he assured the DGP that they will not cause any hindrance to the free flow of traffic and maintenance of law and order. He wrote that Lokesh faces threats to his life from extremists, factionists, and political rivals.
He also requested necessary security arrangements throughout the ‘padayatra’ and at the night halt venues in order to avoid any untoward incident. It is requested to give appropriate directions to all the police stations across the State to provide adequate security to the ‘padayatra’, wrote Varla Ramaiah.
Earlier, Lokesh announced to undertake a 4,000 km ‘padayatra’ from Kuppam to Ichchapuram in 400 days. The ‘padayatra’ is titled ‘Yuva Galam’ an exclusive platform for youth. TDP says that it would be a campaign to mobilise the youth to participate in the agenda-setting process, as well as to raise their voices to express their opinions and demand change.
It can be recalled that the state government has issued GO 1 against rallies and meetings in the wake of a stampede during a road show of Chandrababu Naidu at Kandukur that claimed eight lives. Interestingly, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu was stopped from organising road shows and public meetings during his visit to his Assembly constituency Kuppam, in Chittoor district.
The opposition parties have criticised the ruling YSRC government on GO 1, calling it an attempt to stifle the voice of the Opposition.
It can be noted that Jana Sena has planned Yuva Shakthi a youth programme in Srikakulam on January 12 (Youth Day), the JSP leadership saught police permission and the police accorded permission for the meeting.
