Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy's brother and member of legilative council YS Vivekananda Reddy today began an indefinite hunger strike here in support of a united state.

Vivekananda Reddy began his fast after paying homage to Potti Sriramulu, who laid down his life for the formation of a special state for the Telugu-speaking people, in front of the the State secretariat itself.

Police, however, told him to shift to the stadium at Gosha Mahal where he continued his fast.

"I will continue my indefinite fast in support of the demand for protecting the unity of Andhra Pradesh," Vivekananda Reddy said.

Several other Congress legislators also paid homage to Potti Sriramulu, at his statue near the secretariat, on the occasion of his death anniversary.

Congress MP from Vijayawada L Rajagopal also began an indefinite hunger strike in the coastal city today in protest against the Centre's decision to form separate Telangana state.