A day-long shutdown called by the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh began on Monday to protest the arrest of its leader and former Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, in an alleged skill development scam. TDP leaders and supporters took to the streets at various locations, condemning Naidu’s arrest.
In an attempt to thwart the protest, the police placed several top TDP leaders under house arrest for the third consecutive day and imposed prohibitory orders banning rallies, processions, and meetings across the state. The protest saw road blockades, arrests, and tense situations in different parts of Andhra Pradesh, with the shutdown called to denounce Naidu’s arrest, alleged attacks on TDP members, and perceived political vendetta by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy’s government.
The Jana Sena Party and Left parties have extended their support to the shutdown. Naidu was arrested by the CID in Nandyal and subsequently sent to judicial custody for 14 days.