Cong ministers arrested

News pulse, Politics | admin | May 21, 2011 at 8:00 am

The Congress government in Andhra Pradesh was left red-faced today when two of its cabinet ministers were arrested by police in Mahbubnagar district to avert a showdown between them.

Endowments minister Jupally Krishna Rao and information and public relations minister DK Aruna were taken into police custody at two separate places and shifted to different police stations as tension mounted in Gadwal constituency in view of the former’s paada yatra (foot march) in support of Telangana.

Aruna was subsequently set free on personal surety as she had to take part in Rajiv Gandhi’s death anniversary programme, a senior police officer said over phone.

Jupally, however, refused to obtain bail demanding that chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy intervene and permit his foot march in Gadwal constituency represented by Aruna.

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president D Srinivas’s intervention in the afternoon too did not resolve the issue as the two ministers, apparently engaged in a turf war in their native district, refused to climb down from their respective stands.

As the chief minister was in New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and AICC leaders, a few ministers informally discussed their cabinet colleagues’ arrest.

Aruna, who represents Gadwal, objected to Jupally’s yatra in her segment, Jupally, on the other hand, sought police protection as his yatra was to enter Gadwal today.

As he was about to embark on his yatra from Aiza town, police took Jupally into custody and shifted him to Pebberu police station.

Aruna was also detained in Tummalapalli village and taken to Dharur police station.

“Both the ministers were taken into preventive custody to avert a law and order problem,” Mahbubnagar district superintendent of police G Sudheer Babu said, adding the situation was under control.

Reports from Gadwal, however, said supporters of Jupally have called for a bandh in Aiza town in protest against his detention.

Meanwhile, in Gadwal, supporters of Aruna too have called for a bandh and blocked movement of state transport corporation buses for some time.

“When I have covered several constituencies in the district as part of the yatra peacefully in the last 23 days, where was the need for police to arrest me today? Why am I prohibited from touring in Gadwal?” the endowments minister questioned.

MP Manda Jagannadham, who was present with Jupally, too protested the latter’s detention and said as elected public representatives they had the right to tour any place.

On reaching her home in Mahbubnagar in the afternoon, the Information Minister said there was no rationale for her arrest. “I am a responsible minister and how can he conduct a yatra in my constituency without even informing me?” she questioned.

Aruna claimed Jupally’s yatra was only to serve personal interests. “He does not enjoy people’s support.”

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