Vijayawada, Sep 21: Tension prevailed in Vijayawada after the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) called for a protest demanding an inquiry into alleged irregularities in DSC sports quota recruitment and the resignation of Minister Nara Lokesh.
The YSRCP had called for a protest near the SAAP office at Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium. Following the call, police deployed heavy security in several parts of Vijayawada. Barricades were placed at Red Circle, Labbipet and other areas to prevent YSRCP leaders and workers from reaching the SAAP office, party leaders alleged.
Police reportedly said that Section 30 was in force and that permission had not been given for the rally.
YSRCP leaders questioned why they were being stopped when they had called for a peaceful protest. Former minister Jogi Ramesh and former MLA Malladi Vishnu protested against the police restrictions. YSRCP sources said that Malladi Vishnu was taken into custody by the police.
Meanwhile, former Deputy Speaker Kona Raghupathi was reportedly stopped by police at Chundurupalli in Bapatla district while he was travelling to Vijayawada. He was later taken to a police station, according to party sources.
In Krishna district, police reportedly issued notices to YSRCP leaders asking them not to attend the protest. Police were also deployed near the party office in Machilipatnam, according to YSRCP sources.
The YSRCP also alleged that TDP leaders and workers had gathered near the SAAP office and accused them of attempting to attack its supporters.
The YSRCP demanded a comprehensive inquiry and a CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities in DSC sports quota recruitment. The party also called for an end to what it described as attempts to suppress its protest.
