'Chalo Atmakur' Rally: Chandrababu Naidu Makes Failed Attempt to Defy House Arrest As Andhra Police Fortify His House Gate With Ropes

Amaravati, September 11: Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who was placed under house arrest on Wednesday, attempted to defy restrictions. Chandrababu Naidu tried to leave his residence at Undavalli to join 'Chalo Atmakur' rally called by his Telugu Desam Party (TDP). However, the police foiled Naidu's bid and fortified the main gate of his residence with ropes. The police also stopped TDP leaders from entering Naidu's house.

The TDP planned to hold 'Chalo Atmakur' rally today to protest against alleged attacks on their cadres by the ruling YSRCP leaders. Naidu was scheduled to join the protest march from Guntur town. However, the police put Naidu under house arrest as the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) too called for a counter-protest march. Tension prevailed around Naidu's house as TDP leaders coming to meet him were prevented from entering the house.

Naidu's son Nara Lokesh, who came out of the house, took strong exception to the police action. The TDP leader had an argument with the police officials. As police did not allow Naidu to leave his house, he launched a day-long fast at his home. During a teleconference with party leaders, Naidu asked them to protest wherever they were stopped by the administration.

Chandrababu Naidu Addressing Media After His House Arrest:

"This government (Jaganmohan Reddy's) is violating human rights and fundamental rights. I am warning the government. I am warning the police also. You cannot play this type of politics. You cannot control us by arresting. Whenever they allow me, I'll continue 'Chalo Atmakur' march," the former chief minister told reporters.

Director General of Police, Gautam Sawang had on Tuesday said there was no permission for meetings, processions, rallies or protests in Palnadu region as Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and Section 30 of Police Act were imposed. However, TDP had announced that it will go ahead with 'Chalo Atmakur'. TDP has alleged that its eight workers were killed in the attacks by YSRCP leaders, most of them in Palnadu region. It claimed that 500 TDP activists and sympathisers were attacked since the announcement of election results in May.

The ruling YSRCP on Tuesday announced that it will also conduct 'Chalo Atmakur' with victims of the attacks by TDP leaders during the last five years. (With IANS inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 11, 2019 01:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).