Thaindian News

Hyderabad, Dec 20 (IANS) The war between two cabinet ministers in Andhra Pradesh came into the open Tuesday when followers of one attacked the other with stones, eggs and tomatoes.

Minister for Textiles Shankar Rao came under attack at NTR Nagar here, allegedly by the supporters of Home Minister Sabita Indra Reddy.

Shankar Rao escaped unhurt but the window panes of his car were damaged in the attack by a group of people who were raising slogans terming him a “land grabber”.

Police intervened to prevent the situation from going out of control. The attack took place when the textiles minister was visiting a piece of land, which is said to be bone of contention between home minister’s son and another person.

Blaming the home minister and her son for the attack, Shankar Rao said a group of 500 people attacked him in a pre-planned manner. He alleged that police did not take any action against those involved in the attack.

Shankar Rao demanded Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy dismiss Sabita Indra Reddy from the cabinet.

Talking to reporters, he said he would complain to the central leadership of the Congress party. He demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) be ordered into the assets of the home minister.

The row between two ministers relates to a petition filed by Shankar Rao in the high court in October this year demanding probe into allegations of corruption against Sabita Indra Reddy and Excise Minister Mopidevi Venkataramana. The court, however, dismissed his petition.