According to sources Andhra Pradesh Pratyeka Hoda Saadhana Samiti is observing a one day statewide bandh today over the demand of Special Status for the state. Meanwhile the opposition parties such as the Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), Jana Sena, Congress and the Left parties have also extended their support to the shutdown. Furthermore AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will observe a day long hunger strike here on his birthday, April 20, in protest against the Centre's non-cooperation towards the state.
Presently the Left parties are protesting on National Highway 16 which connects Kolkata and Chennai. In the meantime, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses will operate only till Andhra Pradesh state border due to the statewide bandh. Previously, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which has been agitating for the Special Category Status and implementation of the provisions of the AP Reorganization Act, has opposed it and not taking part in the protest.
Meanwhile when reacting to the shutdown call, Chief Minister N Chandrababu
Naidu said bandhs were not welcome as they hamper development. Moreover YSRC
political affairs committee member Ambati Rambabu said "When Naidu was the
Opposition leader, he had called for bandhs on many occasions, but as a Chief
Minister he is now opposing them (bandhs), saying they hinder
development".
