Muni Koti, who attempted self-immolation in the Congress “Poru Bata” meeting yesterday demanding special category status to Andhra Pradesh succembed to injuries Sunday afternoon, in Chennai’s KMC hospital.
His martyrdom is likely to trigger a political chain reaction. Alrealy people staged demonstrations in Vizag and Eluru. Almost all parties have expressed solidarity to the bandh on August 11.
The Congress worker from Tirupati, was shifted from Ruia hospital to Vellore hospital for treatment. But, as his situation was serious,he was again shifted to Chennai this morning.
Koti, who set himself on fire in a public meeting organized by Congress leaders at the municipal office passed away while undergoing treatment in the hospital in Chennai.
He suffered 90 per cent burn injuries.
Koti was a staunch Congress loyalist. He took active part in the Samaikhyandhra movement also. Even while immolating himself he raised slogan ” Jai Congress”. Koti, neighbors said, was a simple and affable man.
The news of his death turned situation volatile across the state with all political parties vowing to intensify their fight to force the centre to announce special category status to Andhra Pradesh.
Movie star Sivaji who floated Special Status Achievement Forum organized a protest demonstration on the sport where Munikoti attemped self-sacrifice. Hundreds of followers and supporters of the movement demostratated with plate and ladle.
CM Expresses shock
Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the death of Munikoti. He appealed to the youth of the state not to get emotional about the special status. He conveyed his condolences to the family memers of Koti. ” Don’t get emtional. The state is working towards getting special category status. I am confident that centre would bestow the status on Andhra Pradesh,” he appealed to the youth of the state.
“Your lives are valuable not only to your family but also to the state,” he said. He said it was the responsibility of the present government to implement all the six assurances given by previous prime minister Manmohan Singh.
Deputy chief minister K E Krishnamurty said chief minister Naidu would visit New Delhi after Agusut 15, to meet Prime Minister Modi to discuss the speical status issue.
Congress and Chiranjeevi also express their anguish over the death of Muni Koti.
They said his martyrdom would inspire the people to fight for their rightful due from the centre. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, vice president Rahul Gandhi conveyed their condolences on the demise of Munikoti. They also enquired about health condition of Seshadri, who sustained injuries while rescuing Koti. He is undergoing treatment Tiruapat. AICC Secretary Thirunavakarasu is personally taking care of all formalities at Chennai hospital.
Funeral tomorrow
PCC President Raghuveera Reddy has left for Chennai this evening to pay homage to departed soul, and he will accompany the body after the postmortem to Tirupati. Former union minister K Chiranjeevi, Opposition Leader in Council C.Ramachandraiah, former minister S.Sailajanath and other senior leaders will attend the funeral of the Martyr at Tirupati tomorrow, party said in a statement.
