The founder of the Vishalandhra Maha Sabha, Mr Parakala Prabhakar, was attacked by members of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti in Jubilee Hills on Sunday, as he was leaving the studio of a Telugu news channel after taking part in a televised debate. The debate was about remarks he had made on Saturday against the Telangana movement and TRS ideologue, the late Prof. Jayashankar. Mr Prabhakar had said that he was ready for a debate on ‘United Andhra’ if T-supporters allowed him to speak on the issue in any part of Telangana. He said that there was no Telangana sentiment among people and whatever Prof. Jayashankar claimed about injustice meted out to Telangana was false propaganda and he was ready to prove his point given a chance.

Participating in Sunday’s TV debate, TRS leader and former minister A. Chandrashekar offered to provide a platform for Mr Prabhakar at Vikarabad as he wanted. He challenged Mr Prabhakar that if he convinces even one person in Vikarabad in favour of ‘United Andhra’, he will stay away from the T-movement for ever. Mr Prabhakar accepted the challenge and it was as he came out of the TV studio to go to Vikarabad along with his supporters that TRS activists waiting outside the studio attacked him. He and his supporters tried to run back into the studio but the activists cha-sed them, caught hold of Mr Prabhakar by the scruff of his collar and slapped him on the shoulder.

While fleeing, Mr Prabhakar fell down and sustained minor injures. The police rushed to the spot and arrested Mr Chandrashekar as well as Mr Prabhakar. Both men were later released on bail.
After the incident, Mr Prabhakar said that he had every right to express his views in a democracy; but the TRS is trying to suppress his voice. He reiterated his challenge that he would prove there was no “Telangana sentiment” among the people. Mr Chandrashekar said that he will not tolerate anyone insulting the T-movement and will teach them a fitting lesson.