The Naxals have met with some success in their purported objective of striking terror in the hearts and minds of TDP and BJP workers in Andhra Pradesh. Particularly in the coal belts of northern Telangana, where local leaders are quitting party posts for fear of being targeted. Almost a dozen TDP leaders and sympathisers have been killed by the PW this year. In certain districts, the extremists have released hit lists too. All this was responsible for the absence of several TDP leaders from the party’s recent bicycle rallies in villages. An alarmed Chandrababu Naidu is reportedly ready to arm villagers and TDP workers. In Naidu’s suggestion, the Opposition sees an admission that the state can longer protect its people.