Eight killed after falling into drain at Andhra Pradesh political rally

Eight people, including a woman, have been killed in a near-stampede in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, during a roadshow by the state's former chief minister Chandrababu Naidu.

Naidu, who is now the leader of the opposition in the state assembly, was expected to address a meeting a Kandukur town as a part of his "Idemi Kharma Mana Rashtraniki (Why is our state facing this fate?)" campaign, reports NDTV.

The rush started as Naidu's convoy was to reach the area on Wednesday evening. The huge crowd, which had gathered, pressed forward for a glimpse of the leader.

Local authorities said in the rush, a cement railing broke and many fell into an open drainage canal which passed alongside and eight people died.

Some, who were injured, were undergoing treatment in the local hospital, according to the report.

Naidu, who immediately cancelled the meeting, announced a compensation of 10 lakh rupee to the families who have lost their loved ones.

He also said he would support the education of the children if any of those who died, and asked his party leaders to ensure better medical care to the injured.

The chief of Telugu Desam Party has been holding a series of meetings across the state, where assembly elections are due in 2024.

The party, which was routed by Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress in 2019, is seen as enjoying a resurgence, with a huge success of Naidu's Mahanadu — the annual party conclave.

In January, Naidu's son, Nara Lokesh, will start a 4,000km foot march that is likely to be a youth platform. Titled "Yuva Galam," it will encourage young people of the state to raise their voices and fight for what they deserve. 

Coining the "Quit Jagan, save AP" slogan, Naidu said the 2024 elections would be his last if people did not elect his party back to power.