YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MLA Bhumana Karunakar Reddy on Sunday sat on an indefinite hunger protest in Tirupati demanding the state government to make the abode of the seven hills liquor-free. The local MLA who won the byelections said the government must respect the sentiments of the public who considered the town as a renowned pilgrimage centre. The  YSRCP leader said that Tirupati also must be made on the lines of Shirdi in Maharashtra. The leader took up the fast near the guest hosues of the pilgrims.

The leader on Saturday announced that he would be going on indefinite hunger strike from Sunday morning, demanding the state government to clamp total prohibition in Tirupati with immediate effect.

Mr Reddy also sought the state government to release Rs.450 Cr funds promised during byelections for the overall development of Tirupati within 15 days. Otherwise, he threatened to undertake public agitation, during the special press meet.

Inspite of much speculations on the issue from critics this sis sure to distant the leader from a specific group of the society who run the bars and restaurants. However many say that the leader would have garnered wonderful response from the public if the agitations also highlighted tha water crisis faced by the Temple town. Tirupati or the abode of the Lord of seven hills Shri Balaji or Shri Venkateswara is a sanctified shrine in the Hindu Mythology. It is thronged by devotees who come from various parts of the world. (With inputs from internet-AarKay)