Chandrababu Naidu shifted to ICU

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president Chandrababu Naidu, who is on a hunger strike since the last seven days, demanding adequate compensation for Andhra Pradesh farmers, has been shifted to an intensive care unit and administered intravenous fluids.

The team of doctors monitoring him at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences said his condition had worsened and vital organs could be affected if he continued his fast. Naidu went on an indefinite fast last week, demanding a better relief package for farmers who suffered losses due to heavy rains. He refused to end his fast despite repeated pleas by his party colleagues, leaders of opposition parties, doctors, his family members and representatives of the state government.

The TDP intensified its stir and party cadres blocked highways across the state to protest the “indifferent” attitude of the state government towards the plight of their leader and the farmers.

TDP legislators have decided to take out a ‘chalo secretariat’ rally on Friday. Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy convened an all-party meeting today to discuss the issue.