At least ten people, including a journalist, were injured in clashes between supporters of Telugu Desam Party and Telangana Rashtra Samiti in Warangal district on Friday. The violence broke out when pro-Telangana demonstrators tried to block the convoy of Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu while it was entering Warangal district at Janagaon on Friday morning.
Despite the warning by Warangal police -- that his visit can create a serious law and order problem in the district -- Naidu pressed ahead to undertake his Rythu Poru Bata programme.
All the schools, colleges and shops have remained closed in the tense district after the call given by the Telangana Rashtra Samiti and the Telangana Joint Action committee.
Naidu's convoy faced blockades and protests even before it left Hyderabad. He faced protests at Tarnaka. where TRS supporters tried to stop the vehicles in the convoy, but they were dispersed by the police with lathi charge and tear gas shells.
The second blockade was at Bhongir town of Nalgonda district where pro-Telangana supporters clashed with TDP workers.
Telangana supporters also stopped buses, which were carrying TDP supporters on their way to attend Naidu's programme, at various places. The RTS bus service was also affected. Doctors of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College Hospital were attending only emergency duties as part of their strike.
Senior TDP leaders from Warangal K Srihari and E Dayakar Rao formally welcomed Naidu at the district border. Naidu was also accompanied by leaders from Andhra region, including Kodela Siva Prasad, who are known for their opposition to Telangana state.
Hundreds of Telangana supporters, mostly college students, had come out on the streets. They halted vehicles and pelted stones at Naidu's convoy.
TDP has made the programme into a prestige issue and its leaders were determined to make the event successful.
Putting up an impressive show of strength, TDP had included more than 500 vehicles in Naidu's convoy. The numbers continued to swell as the convoy moved towards Warangal.
Warangal police have already arrested more than 2000 Telangana supporters as a precautionary measure.
Naidu is scheduled to take part in an 11-km long padayatra from Lakshmakkapalle to meet farmers and discuss the problems caused by this year's drought.
Telangana supporters are opposing Naidu's visit, demanding that he should first clarify whether his party was in support of a separate state or not.
