Tension over Telangana meeting in Vijayawada

VIJAYAWADA: Mild tension prevailed for some time at the Press Club here on Sunday when Samaikyandhra and Telangana activists entered into an argument over the latter group trying to organise a meeting.Samaikyandhra Krishna district JAC convener Kolanukonda Shivaji had warned on Saturday that they would not allow the meeting of Telangana leaders in support of state division to be held here. He had said such meetings would instigate regional feelings and pose a threat to law and order.However, police said the Telangana activists had permission for the meeting and dispersed both groups.Telangana Praja Sanghala JAC president Bellaiah Naik Tejawat, general secretary Srihari Yadav, Mallela Venkat Rao, Mala Maha Sabha state president Palle Ravikumar, Telangana Journalists Forum convener and others met police commissioner N Madhusudhana Reddy to seek permission for the meeting.  After coming out of the commissioner's office, they reached the Ambedkar statue at Tummalapalli Kalakshetram and addressed the gathering. Singer Goreti Venkanna also joined them.Speaking on the occasion, Mala Mahanadu state president Mallela Venkat Rao said they formed the Telangana Praja Sangham to support the division of the state as the state was witnessing disturbances due to the separate state demand. He said it would be better to divide instead of fighting.Besides, politicians are encashing on the situation for their personal gains and provoking people to create regional feelings, he added.Later, Telangana Praja Sanghala JAC leaders decided to convene the meeting in Vijayawada on July 28 tentatively. They are getting ready to select a venue and take police permission for conducting it.They argued that there was nothing wrong in expressing their views and condemned the attitude of Seemandhra JAC leaders in opposing their meeting. Meanwhile, a large number of policemen were posted at the Tadikonda Ramulu Kalyanamandapam and at Press Club.