TDP MP stages novel protest over demonetisation

Tirupati: Telugu Desam Party MP N. Sivaprasad staged a novel protest in this temple town on Monday over the difficulties faced by people due to demonetisation of high value currency notes. The Lok Sabha member from Chittoor, who is known for his antics, dressed as a folk performer and staged the protest outside the State Bank of India (SBI) branch on Tilak Road. Holding a 'veena', the TDP leader performed 'Burrakatha' to highlight the problems faced by people in the wake of demonetisation of the Rs 1,000 and 500 notes. 'Burrakatha' is an oral storytelling technique performed in the countryside of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for sharing mythological stories or to highlight a contemporary social issue. Sivaprasad, along with a couple of co-performers, narrated how people were suffering by standing in long queues for cash and how the situation had affected marriages and treatment of the sick. He told reporters that while the move to spike high value currency notes was aimed at curbing black money, the failure to take alternate measures had hit hard the common man. Sivaprasad lamented that the move was not achieving the desired results. He wondered if 'acche din' promised by the government were for hoarders of black money or for common man. The MP, who has acted in a few Telugu films, made it clear that as an artist he was highlighting the sufferings of the people. The TDP is a partner in the BJP-led government at the Centre. Party president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had long been demanding demonetisation of major currency notes. He, however, expressed displeasure over lack of proper arrangements to mitigate the problems faced by people.