AP CM came down on opposition for observing bandh

Vijayawada, Apr 16: The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said that his state was suffering a lot due the shutdown observed across the state to press for special category status.

A state-wide bandh (shutdown) is in place in Andhra Pradesh today to build pressure on the Centre to grant special status to the state. The bandh has been called by Andhra Pradesh Pratyeka Hoda Saadhana Samiti.

Addressing a party coordination committee, Naidu said that the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) lost Rs. 12 crores and over 60 lakh passengers have suffered due to the one-day bandh.

"Many more have lost employment with shutting down of shops. The state is already suffering a lot. Our protests should not be detrimental to the interests of the state. All should work for state interests and for the rights of five crores Andhra people," Naidu asserted.

Opposition parties such as the Yuvajana Shramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP), Jana Sena, Congress and the Left parties have extended their support to the shutdown. However, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is not participating in the state-wide protest.

Calling YSRCP as "fake", the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister claimed that their politics were "fake", coupled with false photos, videos and campaign.