Congress MLAs' fast enters third day, stand-off continues

Congress MLAs' fast enters third day, stand-off continues
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

HYDERABAD, AUG 20: The stand-off between the fasting opposition legislators demanding a roll-back of the power-tariff hike and the TDP Government in Andhra Pradesh showed no signs of ending with the `fast unto death' by the MLAs entering its third day today even as a legislator was shifted to hospital after his condition deteriorated.

Seventy-year-old Congress legislator Ratnakar Rao was today taken to a hospital following deterioration in his condition. Over 60 Congress and two CPI (M) legislators went on an indefinite fast in the Assmebly's lobby soon after their suspension from the House on August 18 for obstructing its proceedings while demanding withdrawal of the hike in power-charges.

Even after revocation of their suspension, the agitating members, who have since been shifted to the MLA quarters here, have stuck to their guns and are continuing with their fast amid tight security and round-the-clock monitoring of their health by a special team of doctors.