The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Mala Mahandu launches counter agitation

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Sunday, Apr 27, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Mala Mahandu launches counter agitation

Special Correspondent

Accuses government of working against Malas’ interests

HYDERABAD: Mala Mahanadu led by Jupudi Prabhakara Rao, MLC, has threatened to obstruct the government’s ‘Praja Patham’ programme and work against the Congress in the byelections if it continues to support the Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS).

It began indefinite hunger strike in mandals all over the State on Saturday to counter the fast launched by MRPS president Manda Krishna on Friday. Mr. Prabhakar Rao himself would begin a fast at Chintal Basti here on Sunday.

He took serious objection to the appointment of the Usha Mehra Commission on SC classification saying it ran contrary to judgments of courts against such categorisation. He said it was unfortunate that the Congress government was working against the interests of the Malas who had voted for it in the 2004 elections.

Meanwhile, the indefinite fast by MRPS founder president Manda Krishna demanding categorisation of SCs entered the second day on Saturday. MRPS activists maintained a strict vigil around the premises to ward off any attempts by the police and the rival Mala Mahanadu to foil the agitation. A group of women sat with kerosene cans, threatening to burn themselves if the police advanced.

Mr. Krishna was surrounded by another large group on the second floor. He told reporters that he would continue the fast until the government responded positively to the demand. He would go on fast for any number of days and warned the government against aggravating the situation by provoking him.

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