Andhra Pradesh Govt Bans Public Rallies On Roads: Citing public safety, the Andhra Pradesh government has banned public meetings and rallies on various roads, including the national highway. The opposition condemned the move, alleging that it was aimed at stifling its voice.
The order, issued late on Monday (January 2), comes in the wake of a stampede at a rally by the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Kandukuru last week, in which eight people were killed. Only BJP MP GVL Narasimha Rao has conditionally supported this decision of the government. This prohibitory order (GO No. 1) was issued on Monday late night under the provisions of the Police Act, 1861.
Meanwhile, TDP (Telugu Desam Party) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to visit his assembly constituency Kuppam from January 4 to 6 but he has been served a notice by the Palamaner Sub-Divisional Police Office (SDPO), saying Strict action will be taken if any gathering is held in violation of prohibitory orders and untoward incidents happen. The SDPO said that if such places are identified where people are not inconvenienced, they will consider giving permission for Naidu’s meeting.
What did the government say about holding public meetings on the streets
In its order, the government said, “The right to hold public meetings on public roads is subject to regulation under section 30 of the Police Act, 1861.” has been asked to “identify such places, which are away from public roads for public meetings, so that traffic, movement of people, emergency services, movement of essential goods etc. is not obstructed.”
Refrain from allowing public gatherings on public roads
The Principal Secretary said, “The authorities should refrain from giving permission for public meetings on public roads. Only in rare and exceptional circumstances, permission for public gatherings may be considered and the reasons for the same should be recorded in writing.” Referring to the Kandukuru incident on December 28, Harish Kumar Gupta said that “public Holding meetings on roads and roadsides puts people’s lives at risk and traffic is also disrupted. He said that it takes a long time for the police to control the situation.
Reddy government has issued a black order – Atchannadu
Opposition parties have criticized this decision of the government. TDP state president K Atchannadu said in a statement, “The Jagan Mohan Reddy regime has issued this black order just to suppress the opposition which is highlighting the failures of the government. This regime is working with a sense of revenge as huge public enthusiasm is visible for Chandrababu Naidu’s rallies.
Has the Jagan government scrapped Article 19 in Andhra Pradesh?
Jana Sena’s political affairs committee chairman N Manohar said the “midnight government order” only exposed the dictatorial attitude of the Jagan Mohan Reddy regime. He said, “The activities of political parties are in accordance with the freedom of expression under Article 19 of the Constitution. Has the Jagan government abolished Article 19 in Andhra Pradesh?
State BJP general secretary S. Vishnuvardhan Reddy said in a statement that YSR Congress should know that it is the right of any political party to hold public meetings and rallies, but this government has taken a strange decision to stop the opposition from coming on the road against its rule. . Although the party’s Rajya Sabha member Rao welcomed the order, but said, “We suggest that it be reviewed after some time.” If it is used to stop the rallies of the opposition, then we will definitely oppose it.
read this also: Kandukur Stampede: 7 killed in stampede during TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu’s roadshow
