The Maha Dharna, a massive protest in support of farmers' problems, which was jointly staged by TDP and CPI culminated at Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada on Saturday evening. Situation turned tense when the police tried to block farmers and leaders, who were marching towards Potti Sriramulu statue in the city. Notably, jostling took place between police and leaders. The sources said that some leaders apparently picked up debated with the police and expressed their anguish for stopping them. They were, however, arrested by the police. When the police reportedly tried to shift the arrested leaders, the farmers blocked the roads.

It may be noted that TDP called for this massive protest against the farmers' suicides in the state due to insufficient power supply. The sources said that Maha Dharna received a good response in Vijayawada and it apparently sent strong signals to Delhi. Also, CPM and TDP are gearing up for another massive protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over the same issue. So, the observers said UPA might look into the issue and try to pacify the leaders. Lets wait and watch how Congress is going to put a check to the joint agitations of TDP and left.

(AW Phani)