The Andhra Pradesh state government seems to be found in confusion with the Jallikattu campaign that turned violent in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, bound to spread to Andhra Pradesh on the issue of Special Status, with a forceful appeals for silent protests on Thursday, seeking Special Category Status to the state.
With the postings in social media spreading like wild fire, the protests are planned at R K Beach in Visakhapatnam, Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada and Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, on January 26, the Republic Day. However, no one knows who is heading these protests though. None has approached the police seeking permission for the protests. The alerted police warned any violation of law will not be tolerated.
Calls for participation are circulating on WhatsApp too. On Facebook, ‘Special Status for AP’ page is being handled by some students of the GITAM University who coined a new slogan – ‘Hum Ladenge… Hum Ladenge… Hum Jitne Thak Ladenge.’
Though the promoters of these calls insisting to keep these protests apolitical and appealing not to display political flags or cause inconvenience to the public, the support from opposition parties and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu questioning on the need for a movement seeking special status, raising political tempers in the state.
It all began with Jana Sena chief and actor Pawan Kalyan’s Sunday tweet that “If the youth of Andhra are planning to do a silent protest on 26th Jan at RK Beach, Vizag, #Janasena Supports them.” The tweet was retweeted thousands of times and the hashtag #APdemandsspecialstatus was among the top trends in the country.
Taking the cue from Pawan, Tollywood actors like Nikhil, Varun Tej and others lent support and fans associations of stars, including Mahesh Babu, jumped in to “make arrangements” for the silent protests.
Interestingly, YSRC chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy, usually inactive on Twitter, chipped in with a tweet, “Any program or event demanding #APSCS is welcome. Request all supporters esp youth to come forward, support & make these events a big success.” The CPI, and CPM parties besides several other organisations including Jayaprakash Narayan’s Lok Satta too pledged their support.
