Andhra Pradesh: Police stop YSRCP rallies, detain leaders demanding CBI probe into DSC recruitment
The YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) held protests and attempted motor vehicle rallies across Andhra Pradesh on Monday, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into alleged irregularities in the District Selection Committee (DSC) recruitment process and the resignation of HRD Minister Nara Lokesh. Police stopped the programmes, citing lack of permission, and detained several party leaders.
In Visakhapatnam, a large police force was deployed at Jagadamba Junction ahead of a rally planned under the leadership of former Visakhapatnam South MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar. Police informed the party that permission for the rally had not been granted, even as YSRCP workers gathered to proceed. A protest truck decorated for the rally was taken into custody by police. Mr. Ganesh Kumar and party members then marched to the Police Barracks, seeking its release, and staged a protest.
Mr. Ganesh Kumar and several other YSRCP leaders were subsequently taken into custody, according to the party. He was taken to the Three Town police station. YSRCP Visakhapatnam district president K.K. Raju was stopped by police at R&B Junction while taking out a protest rally. The party described the rally as peaceful.
In Gajuwaka, former Minister Balaraju and YSRCP coordinator Thippala Devan Reddy, along with party workers, were detained while protesting against what the party alleged was corruption in the mega DSC recruitment process. Several other YSRCP leaders were detained in different parts of Visakhapatnam, including former Pendurthi MLA Adeep Raj.
Tension prevailed in Kuppam as YSRCP cadres protested against the Mega DSC recruitment. YSRCP MLC and Kuppam party in-charge K.J.R. Bharath began a protest outside his residence after police detained him at his house as workers gathered for a rally. Police put up barricades at several junctions to stop cadres from moving towards the MLC's residence and diverted traffic on the Krishnagiri highway through rural roads.
YSRCP leaders alleged that the police were favouring the ruling TDP, claiming permission had been given to the TDP for a counter-protest. A dharna was held in Chittoor, where YSRCP workers raised slogans against the government and repeated the demand for a CBI inquiry.
Deputy Superintendent of Police D. Parthasarathi is overseeing the security arrangements in Chittoor, with police deployed in strength at key points. More details are awaited as the developments unfold.
