Political parties in Andhra Pradesh are protesting budget allocation to the state in the Union Budget
Protesting against the injustice meted out to their state in this year's budget, the Left parties and several other smaller parties have called for a state-wide
bandh in Andhra Pradesh today. YSR Congress and Congress have also backed the shutdown call. The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has also called for protests across the state to express solidarity with its lawmakers, who have been trying to stall the proceedings in both the Houses of Parliament to demand justice to the state.
Disappointed with budget allocation for the state, Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu had called for a meeting with party leaders to discuss the future course of action. Union minister and TDP leader YS Chowdhary said that the party would continue to fight for what is due. Mr Naidu had also asked TDP lawmakers to keep on with protests until the centre makes a categorical announcement.
Here are the LIVE updates on Andhra Pradesh Bandh:
Protesters sit on dharna, blocking roads in Andhra Pradesh.
The Andhra University announced suspension of classes to avoid inconvenience to students. Classes would be suspended at the Visakhapatnam-based Andhra University and its affiliated colleges, said Registrar V Umamaheswara Rao in a statement.
Transport services in Visakhapatnam were paralysed as private and public bus services, autorickshaws, lorries and trucks are off the road.
Attendance was reportedly low in government offices and public sector undertakings like Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Visakhapatnam Port Trust, National Thermal Power Corp and Hindustan Shipyard among others.
YSR Congress president and leader of opposition YS Jaganmohan Reddy declared a one-day break from his ongoing foot march today in solidarity with the bandh, reported news agency PTI. He is currently in SPS Nellore district.
Opposition parties are enforcing the day-long bandh to protest the "failure" of the centre to implement the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
Telegu Desam Party says Andhra Pradesh "ignored" in Union Budget, leads bandh in the state.
People are voluntarily shutting their shops across the state in support of the bandh.
Transport services affected as Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses are off the road today.
Schools and colleges will remain shut today following state government's order as part of precautionary measure. Elaborate security arrangements have also been made by the state police to prevent any untoward incidents.