Ananthapuram (Andhra Pradesh) [India], January 3 (ANI): Criticising the Andhra Pradesh government for its "strange" decision of banning public meetings on roads, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday said the political parties have the right to hold rallies.

The YSR Congress Party government has prohibited public meetings and rallies from being held on roads, including national highways, citing public safety.

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"Government of Andhra Pradesh took a strange decision to ban any opposition party from coming to the roads against the government. It had issued a GO to ban public meetings. Regardless of the facts and politics, it would be better if YSRCP recognises that it is the right of political parties to hold meetings. Take action against the erring persons and party," BJP General Secretary S Vishnuvardhan Reddy said.

The Government Order (GO) comes in the wake of a stampede at a rally held by the main opposition Telugu Desam Party at Kandukuru last week in which eight people were killed. The prohibitory order was issued late on Monday night under the provisions of the Police Act, 1861. (ANI)

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(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)