Sirpur MLA Harish Babu withdraws hunger strike against GO 49

Sirpur (T) MLA Dr P Harish Babu ended his indefinite hunger strike against GO 49 on Union ministers’ advice, though he vowed to continue opposing the tiger reserve plan. BJP leaders extended support, warning of intensified protests in Telangana.

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Sirpur (T) MLA Dr P Harish Babu on Friday withdrew his indefinite hunger strike, launched on August 17 at his residence in Kagaznagar, demanding complete cancellation of Government Order 49 meant for creation of a tiger conservation reserve in the district.

The MLA agreed to end his protest following the advice of Union ministers Bandi Sanjay Kumar and G Kishan Reddy, and BJP state president Ramchandar Rao. He, however, vowed to continue his fight against the government, stating that tribals would be forced to leave their villages if the order was implemented.

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Earlier in the day, BJP leaders including Nirmal MLA and floor leader A Maheshwar Reddy, legislators Payal Shankar, Venkataramana Reddy and Rakesh Reddy visited Harish and extended solidarity to his protest. They said the agitation would be intensified in a phased manner, alleging that Podu farmers were losing their livelihood under Congress rule.

On the fifth day of his fast, Harish’s health deteriorated, prompting BJP cadres to gather in large numbers in Kagaznagar and demand better medical care for him. They also called for closure of establishments in the town in support of his demand.