Even as chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the Centre was seeking to launch a witch hunt against him for demanding the Special Category status, the call to block National Highways for two hours across the state called by Opposition parties saw widespread impact, particularly after TDP extended its support to the protests and its rippling effect on highway traffic was felt till evening, leaving many vehicles stranded.

The TDP which is trying to move a no-confidence motion is citing the unrest among the people of the state to put pressure on the Centre over SCS issue even as Opposition parties including BJP, attacked the CM over corruption in the execution of Polavaram dam construction.

It was due to ongoing board exams for class X students that the protests were held at every highway crossing between 10-12 pm after examinees had reached the centres but traffic was badly hit between Kolkata-Chennai, Vizag-Raipur, Hyderabad- Vijayawada and Hyderabad-Bangalore.

The call was given by Pratyek Hoda Sadhana Samithi, a joint platform of students, employees and those from other walks of life demanding SCS and fulfilment of other commitments.

It is supported by various political parties including YSRCP, Left parties and Jana Sena. TDP extended its support at the last minute but TDP state president asked their cadres to support the protest separately as YSRCP may create provocation or other mischiefs.

With the government and police looking the other way protesters gathered at key intersections and sat under huge temporary sheds created to fend off the hot sun.

The police, however, tried to clear the choked highways by diverting vehicles to alternate routes. Naidu had also asked protesting employees to wear black badges and work extra hours to make up for the hours spent in protest.

Hurt by the allegations of corruption over Polavaram dam constructions, Naidu said there was a “conspiracy” to stall Polavaram works and wondered whether the Centre was serious about the construction of the dam. He has labelled such attempts by Opposition parties as anti-farmer measure.

After a BJP legislator cited CAG report on Polavaram dam to level corruption charges of Rs 371 crore, Naidu asked how the BJP which was so long part of his government could raise such questions and ask for CBI inquiry.

The chief minister’s reaction during his address to the Legislative Council came after YSRCP’s Rajya Sabha MP Vijai Sai Reddy said he would continue to make rounds of PMO till Mr Naidu is dragged to court for corruption.

He wondered how can the PM meet such person who is an accused in criminal cases. and “what is the message that is being sent when he entertains a person threatening to put me behind bars?”