Naidu arrested for price rise stir

The Telugu Desam chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, CPI leader, Mr K. Narayana, and the CPI(M) leader, Mr B.V. Raghavulu, were arrested here on Saturday when they tried to take out a rally from Indira Park to the Secretariat in protest against the rise in prices.

The three leaders along with other activists were taken to Banjara Hills police station and later released.

Earlier, Mr Chandrababu Naidu, said the agitations will continue till the Centre rolls back the fuel prices and controls prices of essential commodities.

He took strong objection to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s statement that development cannot be achieved and jobs cannot be created without raising taxes.

“The Prime Minister is threatening the people and indulging in blackmail tactics. The Central government’s decision is anti-people, anti-farmer and anti-middle class,” he charged.

He said the poor and middle class were the worst affected due to the hike in prices of petrol and diesel which would have cascading affect on commodities particularly food grains.

“There are various other ways to improve resources. We will not keep quiet till the taxes are rolled back,” he added.

Mr Narayana and Mr Raghavulu also criticised the Centre for the price hike.

Later speaking to mediapersons at Banjara Hills, Mr Naidu said in the name of economic reforms the poor are squeezed to the hilt.

The Congress is to be blamed for all the problems confront the people, particularly poor.

It’s unfortunate that UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Finance Minister, Prime Minister

are supporting Dr Manmohan Singh statement ruling out roll back of prices. “Government is pro rich going by the reduction in prices of electronic goods and other items used by
rich. Price of petrol is highest in Andhra Pradesh compared to other states,” he said.