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Activists replace Andhra boards with Telangana Rashtram

July 26, 2011 17:29 IST
Pro-Telangana activists launched a massive agitation in the region on Tuesday, wherein they replaced all boards, hoardings and posters that read Andhra Pradesh with those that read Telangana Rasthram.

Boards in government offices were replaced and activists urged private operators to do the same. Many have come forth and responded to the call. Activists accompanied by painters went from office to office undertaking this operation. 

They also called upon the public to do away with number plates of vehicles that bear the registration of AP (Andhra Pradesh) and instead replace it with TG (Telangana). Registration numbers of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses were changed and the name of the state was struck out.        

This call was given by the Telangana Joint Action Committee a few days back. "The Union government is not granting statehood to Telangana, which we rightfully deserve. Hence we will name our own state," the activists said.

The JAC has decided to carry out this programme in a phased manner. On Tuesday, the movement was launched in various parts of the Telangana region and in the days to come it is expected to reach Hyderabad.  

Pro-Telangana activists have also demanded action against Andhra Assembly Speaker Nadendla Manohar, who rejected the resignations of leaders from the region. While the Telangana Rashtra Samiti members of Legislative Assembly faxed their resignations to the Speaker again on Tuesday, pressure is mounting on the Telugu Desam Party and the Congress to follow suit.

Vicky Nanjappa