Widespread protests by pro-Telangana activists marred the visit of YSR Congress Honorary President Y S Vijayamma to Sircilla where she proposed to hold a day-long Deeksha for weavers on Monday. However, following protests by the TRS activists across the Telangana region, especially in Karimanagar district, Vijayamma had to confine her Deeksha for just two hours.
Vijayamma reached Sircilla on Monday afternoon amidst tight security to participate in one day Diksha program in solidarity with the weavers’ cause. High political drama over-shadowed the real purpose of her Deeksha and the TRS members ensured that the demand for statehood for Telangana continue to dominate over other issues. However, by
ensuring the participation of large number of weavers, the YSR Congress activists gave a clear signal to the TRS members that they were a force to reckon with in the region.
During her speech, Vijayamma slammed the State Government and Telugu Desam Party for not coming to rescue of the weavers who were on the verge of destruction. She said during the regime of YS Rajasekhara Reddy, several Textile Parks were started for the welfare of the weavers and his government extended financial packages to them.
YSR even released funds from the CM’s funds to address the problems of weavers. She demanded an explanation from the government as to why it was neglecting the problems of the weavers in the State who are in a pathetic condition.
Earlier, the entire Telangana region witnessed some tensed moments following Vijayamma’s Sircilla visit. At many places, despite tight security, Telangana activists organised strong protests against her visit. En route to Sircilla, Vijayamma paid tribute to the martyrs of Telangana at Rangarampally village of Siddipet.
In Karimnagar, Telangana activists hurl eggs and tomatoes on the convey of Vijayamma which was en route to Sircilla. At Gandhi Chowk TRS women activist’s staged sit-in protest on the roads against the visit of Vijayamma. Similar protest was also witnessed at Siddipet where TRSV activist’s tried to stop Vijayamma’s convey at Yellamma Temple and pelted stones. However, police resorted to mild cane charge to disperse the mob to provide safe passage for Vijayamma’s convoy. Some TRSV members were also taken into preventive custody. (INN)
