Power stir continues amidst conflicting statements

Confusion and uncertainty adds to the power  protests with leaders giving contradictory statements though the entire opposition is up in arms against the State government for the hike power charges.

While Ysrcp Honorary President YS Vijayamma along with her party leaders began the Current Deeksha at the new MLAs quarters in city, the left parties are marching forward in the protest and they also expressed solidarity with BJP, whose leaders are on fast the Old MLA quarters.

TDP also in on the protest mode, with Chandrababu Naidu undertaking one day fast yesterday in Kakinada while the party leaders submitting a memorandum to the Governor to intervene and suggest the government to roll back power prices.

While all this is on, there was resentment from within the cabinet and Congress. However, Revenue Minister Dr N Raghuveera Reddy today came in defence of the hike.

Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who is in Nellore, assured that the weaker sections will not be affected and the decision will be reviewed if necessary. He made it clear that free power cannot be provided to second crop.

Meanwhile, a PIL was also admitted by the High Court that has challenged the hike in power charges.

There is resentment in the entire opposition and a section within the Congress. It remains to be seen how the high command tries to convert the issue to its advantage.