By IANS,
Hyderabad : The Independence Day was celebrated in Andhra Pradesh with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour amid tight security.
Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy led the celebrations by unfurling the national flag at the main official function at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad here. He took salute and reviewed the colourful parade by contingents of police forces.
The main function passed off peacefully as the police made unprecedented security arrangements in view of threats from terrorist groups and the bomb blasts in Bangalore and Ahmedabad in July that claimed over 50 lives.
About 600 policemen including 100 officers were deployed at the venue. Bomb disposal squads, sniffer dogs and anti-sabotage teams contributed to the tight vigil.
The city was on high alert in view of threatening calls and e-mail from terrorist groups warning of bomb blasts on Independence Day.
Security was beefed up at vital installations including the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad, defence establishments and public places.
Assembly speaker K. R. Suresh Reddy unfurled the tricolour in assembly premises.
The ruling Congress party celebrated the occasion in traditional style with party chief D. Srinivas hoisting the flag at Gandhi Bhavan, the party headquarters in the presence of the chief minister.
Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, who is set to launch a new political party this month, hoisted the national flag at the party office in upmarket Jubliee Hills here. However, there was some embarrassment for the actor as the flag got entangled and one his supporters climbed a ladder to set it right.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president and former chief minister N. Chandrababu hoisted the tricolour at Anantapur. The celebrations were also held at the office of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS).
The common man joined the celebrations by hoisting the national flag on streets and residential areas across the state. Patriotic songs were played on public address systems as people paid floral tributes to the portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and freedom fighters.
Enthusiasm among school children marked the occasion. Holding small flags, the children took part in celebrations at hundreds of schools.