NEW DELHI, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- A complete shutdown was observed Friday in southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, officials said.
The shutdown was called by various organizations including the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), asking the federal government to immediately accord Special Category Status to the state.
"Special Category Status should be rightfully granted to Andhra Pradesh, as promised in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014," Chief Minister and head of TDP Chandrababu Naidu said in a statement.
"With dignity, we will fight for justice until our demands are met."
The Special Category Status is granted to some regions that have historically been at a disadvantage compared with the rest of the country. The TDP wants the status so that the state will get special benefits and will be able to attract more investment.
Reports said the shutdown partially affected normal life and transport services in the state.
According to officials, no untoward incident was reported during the shutdown and the protests were held peacefully.
Chief Minister Naidu attended the state lawmaking body wearing a black shirt Friday as a mark of protest against New Delhi's alleged apathy. The TDP lawmakers too were seen wearing black shirts as a mark of protest.
The schools in major towns were closed in wake of the shutdown.
