Shutdown continues in Andhra Pradesh over creation of Telangana

Supporters of YSR Congress and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) called for a shutdown for the second consecutive day in various districts of Andhra Pradesh on Friday against the creation of Telangana.

Members of YSR Congress party burnt tyres and staged a protest shouting slogans on the streets of Guntur district against the state government over its decision of creation of a separate state, Telangana by bifurcating Andhra Pradesh.

Effect of shutdown was also seen in Hyderabad, where businesses remained shut and also in Visakhapatnam where no public transport was visible and people were seen waiting at the bus stops.

The Union cabinet has given a nod to create a separate Telangana state, with 10 districts.

In July last year, the Congress approved the creation of Telangana state, which had raised fears of violence in the area, home to global firms including Google.

The decision to break up Andhra Pradesh and establish a new state of Telangana comes ahead of upcoming general elections and critics say the Congress is seeking to shore up its political fortunes after dragging its feet over the explosive issue for four decades.

The proposal was received with mixed emotions across the state, with various politicians starkly opposing the bifurcation.

Supporters, however, say Telangana's economic development has been neglected in favour of the richer and more powerful Andhra, and that a new state is the only solution.