Chandrababu Naidu arrested on visit to Marathwada's Babhli barrage

NEW DELHI: TDP chief and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu was arrested in Nanded district along with five TDP MPs and seven MLAs for violating prohibitory orders, said Maharashtra home minister R R Patil.

Despite Patil’s warning that his visit to Babhli barrage in Marathwada may pose a threat to the law and order situation in the region, Naidu went ahead with the journey. Patil had warned that Naidu would be arrested if he visited Babhli barrage.

Maharashtra Government started the 2.74 TMC project to bring 8,000 hectares land in Nanded district under irrigation. However, Andhra government went to the Supreme Court against it in 2006.

Two hearings were held in 2007 and the apex court allowed Maharashtra to construct the barrage, Patil said.

The state government has spent about Rs 165 crore on the Rs 170 crore project and doors have not been installed as directed by the apex court, he said.

"Despite the matter being subjudice, Chandrababu's visit becomes illegal and it may threaten law and order situation in the area," Patil said.

Andhra Pradesh is a good neighbour of Maharashtra and the state would not like to spoil the relation, Patil said.

The state has always supported projects in Andhra and expects similar cooperation from them, he added.