VIJAYAWADA: Opposition leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday dared the government to prevent him from participating in the candle light rally proposed to be organised by YSR Congress party at RK beach in Visakhapatnam on Thursday evening. He said that in a democratic country, people would not fear the dictatorial attitude of the government.
"I dare the government and the police to stop me. I would be participating in the candle light protests to be organised by YSRC at Visakhapatnam Beach," he declared.
Speaking to the reporters at his party office in Hyderabad, Jagan said that despite people aspiring for special category status for Andhra Pradesh, chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu was trying to obstruct their peaceful protests. "Instead of participating or at least supporting such protests that would benefit the State, Naidu has vehemently opposed it fearing the Centre's backlash. The police too are issuing veiled threats to the youth who want to hold peaceful and silent protests," he said.
Objecting to the chief minister's statement that the State received support equal to special category status through the financial package, Jagan stated that none of the subsidies or incentives are being offered to the investors in Andhra Pradesh as against those offered in states enjoying the special category status. "We are ready to join any fight or protest with any party or organisation to achieve special category status for Andhra Pradesh. The chief minister is welcome to lead an all party delegation to meet the Prime Minister on the issue, and even if he does not, we will organise such protests to showcase our anger," he added.