Hyderabad: Andhra Pradesh Minister for Information Technology B Gopalakrishna Reddy, who was injured in the October 1 landmine blast at Tirupati, said on October 2 that the naxalites should shun violence and join mainstream for a 'meaningful existence'.

"Violence is madness which should be condemned by all people who believe in democratic principles," Reddy, who is recovering from initial shock, said from the hospital bed at Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS).

Recalling the ghastly incident, Reddy said: "There was a powerful explosion and deafening sound and the bullet proof car took the full impact of the blast."

"Thereafter, I don't remember what happened and when I recovered I was in the hospital," he said adding, the ultras chose to strike at the Chief Minister, who has been winning laurels from one and all for carrying out good governance.

"They (naxals) should think over and correct their mistakes and win the hearts of people through democratic forms," Reddy, who suffered minor injuries, said.

While admitting that naxal presence is not felt in the calm and peaceful Chittoor district, Reddy said: "They might have come from other places but it is unfortunate that they struck at Tirumala."

NIMS had a steady stream of visitors who enquired about Reddy's health. State Home Minister T Devender Goud, T Seetharam and a score of party MLAs and cadre also called on Reddy.

PTI