V Hanumantha Rao calls off 'silent protest'

HYDERABAD: In less than four hours after starting a silent indefinite protest demanding a brainstorming session to discuss the party's declining prospects, Rajya Sabha member V Hanumantha Rao on Saturday called off his protest following an appeal from deputy chief minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha. Rao has been demanding a brainstorming session with grass root level leaders to accommodate their views in strengthening the party.Among other things, Rao also demanded immediate filling of nominated posts, which have been lying vacant for years, with party workers.