Tense situation prevailed at Vizianagaram area when TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu tried to march towards the collectorate office in the town in the noon hours from the bungalow of Ashok Gajapathi Raju. Sources said that there was exchange of words between the police and TDP leaders. Even jostling took place and Ashok Gajapati Raji reportedly fainted.

It  may be noted that Chandrababu Naidu announced that he would be stating dharna in Vizianagaram today against the liquor syndicates. The police, however, denied the permission and Babu in turn declared that he would anyhow stage the protest. He has also accused PCC chief Bothsa Satyanarayana that triggered the leaders of Congress and TDP to indulge in war of words.

When Chandrababu Naidu was heading towards Vizianagaram by road from Vizag, he was obstructed by the police at many places. But the determined TDP activists even removed barricades near Boyapalem village.

On the other hand, Congress is also holding a protest today in the same town against the alleged involvement of TDP leaders in liquor syndicate. 

Raising fingers at each other and crying foul is nothing new for political leaders especially when the elections are round the corner. People are also used to it and therefore today’s protest is most unlikely to have any impact on the elections. (Phani)