Andhra Pradesh split: Chandrababu Naidu to continue indefinite fast in protest

NEW DELHI: Undeterred by a notice asking him to withdraw his hunger strike at Andhra Bhawan, Telugu Desam Party leader Chandrababu Naidu today said he would continue his fast to protest against the split of Andhra Pradesh.

"What crime I have committed? When Jaganmohan Reddy was in jail, he took part in fast against jail manual. But why should I vacate Andhra Bhavan as I am under fast for a good cause," he told PTI.

Residence Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh served a notice to the TDP chief stating that the hunger strike is "unauthorised" as permission was granted only for a Press meet at the venue, TDP spokesman Shiva Prasad Rao said.

Asked whether his indefinite fast was a second struggle for Andhra Pradesh, Naidu said he wanted to expose the Congress party which is allegedly "match fixing with YSR Congress and TRS."

"Congress is adamant and playing politics. It is unfortunate," the TDP chief said.

He also stressed that problems must be sorted out amicably. "Justice should be done. They (Congress) have to pay the price for what they have done," Naidu added.

Naidu began an indefinite fast here yesterday to protest against the split of Andhra Pradesh, accusing Congress of playing politics in view of the Lok Sabha polls, but remained ambivalent on Telangana.