PRP & TDP activists clash at Narakoduru

TENALI: In what seemed to be a precursor to simmering conflict between the two dominant castes in the coastal districts, rival groups of PRP and TDP clashed at Narakoduru and Angalakuduru villages en route the Praja Ankita Yatra being undertaken by Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi in the district. Trouble broke out at Narakoduru junction late last night when a handful of PRP activists trying to erect a flex banner of Mr. Chiranjeevi were stopped by TDP supporters. On Tuesday morning, a sizeable number of PRP activists reached the place and had heated arguments with the TDP supporters. Police stepped in to prevent further trouble. Tension prevails At Angalakuduru, one PRP activist was injured in clashes between TDP and PRP supporters on Tuesday morning. Tension has been prevailing in the village since Monday night itself after TDP supporters objected to erecting a flex sheet. In the melee, the youth allegedly manhandled the handful of PRP workers. On Tuesday morning, a group of PRP youth stormed into the village and picked up a verbal duel with the TDP supporters. The agitating supporters pushed each other and when things appeared to spin out of control, police stepped in and quelled the tension. Even before the yatra rolled into the village, a heavy police bandobust was put in place by Superintendent of Police Mahesh Chandra Laddha. Sensing trouble, Mr. Chiranjeevi avoided the strong rhetoric against the TDP and instead harped on the youth and women power.