IT raids: Andhra CM sits in front of Ambedkar statue

Amaravati: Taking a strong exception to IT raids on TDP candidates and party leaders, TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Friday held a sit-in dharna at Dr Ambedkar statue in Amaravati.

The protest of the TDP president was followed by similar dharnas in all districts and mandals in the state. Addressing at the dharna venue, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that the BJP is behind the raids and warned the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that BJP would pay a heavy price for it. The

TDP chief said that raids were being conducted on TDP leaders on the instructions from the Prime Minister. "Once the elections are announced, everything has to be conducted under ECI guidance. All parties should have equal opportunity, even one party they can't suppress and another party they can't support," Naidu said.

Pointing out that BJP had lost Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh due to dictatorial attitude, Naidu warned that people of Andhra Pradesh would teach a lesson to BJP in the elections.

Alleging that the Modi government making a mockery of democracy, Naidu compared Modi's rule with demon's rule and he alleged that Modi wants to destroy the country.

Naidu further said that BJP wants to take political mileage by conducting raids on TDP leaders. "I am warning the PM, if you do like this, you will have to pay a heavy price. We are fighting to save democracy and India. Who are you? You are an outgoing PM. Even the officers I am requesting. Don't listen to him, if you listen, you will also face serious consequences," Naidu stated.

The TDP president alleged that the BJP, TRS and YSRCP are resorting to collusive politics. Naidu predicted utter defeat to the BJP in the Centre and YSRCP in the state.