Congress expresses anguish over lathi-charge on farmers

HYDERABAD: Expressing concern over lathi-charge on farmers protesting erratic power supply in Medak district, Congress today demanded withdrawal of police cases against the protesters by the Telangana government.

"It is painful that lathi-charge took place on farmers who were protesting against erratic power supply in Medak district. Power supply has become a problem in other districts as well. We had appealed and even warned the government on the issue," K Jana Reddy, Leader of Opposition in Telangana Assembly, said in a release.

He demanded that cases against the farmers be withdrawn and uninterrupted power supply ensured.

Police had yesterday lathicharged farmers protesting against power cuts in Medak and Nizamabad districts of Telangana, evoking sharp reactions from BJP, Congress, and other opposition parties.

Jana Reddy also demanded that Supreme Court order on admissions to engineering and other professional courses be implemented by the Telangana government.

The apex court had yesterday said the counselling for admission in professional colleges like engineering and medical in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will go on till August 31, 2014.

The Telangana government had sought more time for counselling on the ground that it lacks the requisite number of staff.