Naidu refuses to vacate AP Bhavan, govt seeks Centre's help

New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh government has asked the Union Home Ministry to help it vacate the premises of Andhra Bhavan, where Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu is on an “unauthorised” indefinite fast.

In a letter, Andhra Pradesh Resident Commissioner Shashank Goel requested Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami to ask Delhi Police to take necessary action to deploy additional police personnel to remove the “unauthorised” dharna in AP Bhavan premises and to prevent gathering of crowd.

Delhi Police comes directly under the control of Union Home Ministry.

The letter said the dharna was in violation of Model Code of Conduct for elections to Delhi Assembly.

Naidu, whose fast entered the third day today, however, remained defiant.

“I am a resident of Andhra Pradesh and this great country, who has the right to protest. I will continue my hunger fast, wherever you put me,” Naidu said. “I am not bothered about my health or life. But Congress would be responsible, if anything happens,” he said.

Meanwhile, TDP has also alleged that officials were imposing restrictions on serving food to people visiting AP Bhavan to meet the fasting leader.

TDP Parliamentary Party leader Nama Nageswara Rao said food was offered to visitors in the premises during the last two days.

“But now, we are ferrying people to two or three different places by buses for food as authorities have denied permission at AP Bhavan,” he said.

PTI