Congress names Jay Narayan Patnaik from Puri Lok Sabha after Sucharita Mohanty pulls out of race

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Candidates at loggerheads over parties stand on Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

While the YSRCP nominee demands Prime Minister Narendra Modis clear statement at the May 6 election campaign in Anakapalli, the TDP candidate demands Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddys position on it

Jay Narayan Patnaik Replaces Sucharita Mohanty as Congress Candidate for Puri LS Seat

Puri: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has named Jay Narayan Patnaik as their new candidate from the Puri parliamentary constituency in Odisha, replacing Sucharita Mohanty who returned her Lok Sabha ticket. The decision was made by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and announced by party general secretary KC Venugopal in a press statement released late [] The post Jay Narayan Patnaik Replaces Sucharita Mohanty as Congress Candidate for Puri LS Seat appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Puri Congress candidate Sucharita Mohanty withdraws amid funding concerns, Jay Narayan Patnaik chosen as replacement

Puri Congress candidate Sucharita Mohanty withdraws amid funding concerns, Jay Narayan Patnaik chosen as replacement Congress on Saturday night named Jay Narayan Patnaik as its candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha seat in Odisha after Sucharita Mohanty pulled out of the race, claiming that the party denied her funds for her campaign. In a statement issued by Congress general secretary KC Venugopal, the party said its president Mallikarjun Kharge approved the candidature of Patnaik in place of Mohanty. Sucharita Mohanty, the daughter of former Congress MP Brajamohan Mohanty, in a mail to Venugopal on Friday claimed that her campaign was hit hard because the party denied her funding. She alleged that Congress in-charge of the state Ajoy Kumar ''categorically'' asked her to fight from her own resources. ''I was a salaried professional journalist who entered electoral politics 10 years ago. I have given all I have into my campaign in Puri. I tried a public donation drive to support my campaign for progressive politics without much success so far. I also tried to cut down the projected campaign spending to the minimum,'' she said. Mohanty said that she approached all senior leaders of the party for funds. ''It is clear that only fund crunch is holding us back from a winning campaign in Puri. I regret that without party funding, it won't be possible to carry out the campaign in Puri. I, therefore, return the party ticket for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency herewith,'' she said in her mail. However, Mohanty said she will remain a loyal Congress worker. Later, she told reporters that in assembly segments under the Puri Lok Sabha constituency, weak candidates were given tickets by the Congress. ''BJP and BJD are sitting on mountains of money. Vulgar displays of wealth are everywhere. It was difficult for me to fight the election,'' she said. Reacting to her claims, Kumar said, ''Funds will be provided to a candidate when the candidate launches the campaign and seriously fights at the ground.'' The BJP has fielded its national spokesperson Sambit Patra in Puri, while the BJD candidate is ex-IPS Arup Patnaik, a former Mumbai Police commissioner. Puri will vote on May 25.

Budi, CM Ramesh followers come close to a clash

Visakhapatnam: Two groups of people one led by Deputy Chief Minister Budi Mutyala Naidu and the other by BJPs C.M. Ramesh came close to a clash in Taruva village under Madugula mandal in Anakapalli district on Saturday afternoon. Both these leaders are contesting from the Anakapalli Lok Sabha constituency. Trouble began when BJP workers led by Mutyala Naidus brother-in-law Gangadhar, a local BJP leader, took videos of their party flags using a drone in several villages, including Taruva, as a part of their campaign. A group of YSRC workers objected to the flying of the drone and smashed the equipment. They also attacked Gangadhar and three BJP workers who used the drone. Budi Mutyala Naidu, who came to the spot, allegedly hit his brother-in-law with chappals when questioned about the attack. Following this, C.M. Ramesh went to Devarapalli police station and staged a dharna, demanding action against the attackers led by Mutyala Naidu. Later, Ramesh left for Taruva to meet Gangadhar. Police stopped him on the outskirts of the village. Tension built up as Mutyala Naidu was present in the village. YSRC workers smashed a car belonging to Ramesh and hurled abuses at BJP leaders. Around this time, a large number of police personnel led by a DSP reached the village to take stock of the situation. Mutyala Naidu told reporters that the opposition is planning to attack him by keeping a watch on him through drone cameras. Talking to reporters, CM Ramesh came down heavily on police for not deploying enough personnel in the village and obstructing him from visiting Gangadhar. Anakapalli SP K.V. Muralikrishna said they had prevented a major clash in Taruva involving the followers of Deputy Chief Minister Mutyala Naidu and his opponent C.M. Ramesh. Both the groups, each comprising 200 to 300 workers, entered into a standoff. But we dispersed them, the SP said. He did not name persons against whom cases will be booked.

Sunitha Reddy Promises Metro Expansion for Malkajgiri

Hyderabad: Congress candidate for Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency, Patnam Sunitha Mahender Reddy, appealed to voters to elect her as MP to speed up Metro Rail expansion in Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Sunitha Reddy on Saturday undertook campaigning in the constituency and addressed street corner meetings. Sunitha Reddy said that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had taken a decision to expand Hyderabad Metro Rail services to Medchal-Malkajgiri district. If the people elected her MP in the upcoming elections, she would ensure completion of Metro Rail works at the earliest. Suneetha said that people in Medchal-Malkajgiri district were facing frequent traffic jams due to negligence of the BRS and BJP governments in the state and Centre in the last ten years in the completion of flyover works. She said the flyover works in the constituency had moved at a snail's pace in the past decade and that she would ensure early completion of these pending works if elected as MP.

Transgender contesting from Kurupam for first time

VISAKHAPATNAM : Geetha Rani, a transgender person from Jatapu tribe, is contesting the forthcoming assembly elections from the Kurupam constituency in the combined Vizianagaram district. Geetha believes that the major political parties in the area, TD, YSRC and CPM, have not done enough to address the issues that Kurupam has been facing since generations. Kurupam constituency is home to hilltop villages that lack road facilities. Tribal people, who live in these villages, still carry their sick inmates or pregnant women in dolis a makeshift bed for hours before the patient can reach a hospital. Geetha says many MLAs have promised to solve this issue during their election campaigns. They do not bother once they win. Adivasi living in these villages also do not have access to drinking water. Geetha says she is entering politics and contesting as an independent candidate from Kurupam for many reasons, which have deeply affected her. She says there are around 500 transgender people in the area. They face an identity crisis and other challenges, including lack of employment opportunities. To deal with them, I founded an organisation named 'Giri Nestham', Geetha stated. She has developed robust connections with people of Kurupam through this organisation. She has executed service programmes in every village where transgender live. They have been trained in sewing. Those not interested in sewing have been encouraged to rear sheep. These initiatives have enabled transgender in Kurupam to become self-reliant, she remarked. Geetha says when she announced her candidacy, people from all walks of life supported her. Mainstream YSRC, TD and CPM are useless. Problems in Kurupam have remained as they are. I will solve the problem in the constituency I have been living in, Geetha remarked.

Anakapalli LS Emerges as Political Hotspot Ahead of 2024 Elections

VISHAKHAPATNAM: The Anakapalli Lok Sabha constituency in Andhra Pradesh has transformed into a cauldron of political fervor as the 2024 elections process is currently under way. With prominent leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari actively campaigning for their respective candidates, the political landscape is seeing hectic activity. Nitin Gadkari has already rallied supporters in Anakapalli, setting the stage for further political showdowns. Notable figures like Pawan Kalyan, Chandrababu Naidu and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy have also thrown their weight behind their candidates, adding to the intensity of the electoral battle. The allure of the elections has attracted celebrities like Jabardasth actors and heroine Khushbu, who are lending their support to CM Ramesh, amplifying the excitement surrounding the constituency. This parliamentary constituency, comprising seven assembly segments, has had a significant voter turnout and has historically been a battleground between the Congress, TD and YSRC. In the 2019 elections, Beesetti Venkata Satyavathi from the YSRC won the parliamentary seat with a winning margin of 7.2 per cent over Adari Anand Kumar from the TD. The YSRC secured 47.33 per cent of the vote share, while the TD garnered 40.13 per cent. For the present 2024 elections, the alliance has fielded BJPs Chintakunta Munuswamy Ramesh, who has been a prominent figure in the state's political landscape. Ramesh, who won his second consecutive Rajya Sabha term in 2018, filed his nomination amid much fanfare and in the presence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The ruling YSRC has chosen Budi Mutyala Naidu as its candidate. Naidu is the current MLA of Madugula constituency, he having won the 2019 elections for the YSRC with 78,830 votes against the TD leader Gavireddy Ramanaidu. He had begun his political journey with the Congress Party, but later aligned with the YSRC and is serving as MLA in Madugula, Visakhapatnam from 2014. Additionally, for the first time, local and non-local concerns have surfaced in the constituency. According to sources, there's speculation that leveraging this non-local issue could potentially bolster Budi's chances. The constituency has historically been a battleground between the Congress, TD and YSRC, with the Congress winning it nine times, the TDP five times and the YSRC once -- since 1962.

Prakash Karat to campaign in AP from May 8

Vijayawada: CPM Politburo member Prakash Karat will be campaigning for the I.N.D.I.A. Bloc candidates in Krishna, NTR, and Guntur districts from May 8 to 10, according to a party release on Saturday. On May 8, he will arrive at Gannavaram airport from New Delhi and take part in a public meeting at Gannavaram in support of CPM Gannavaram assembly constituency candidate Kallam Venkateswara Rao, and Gollu Krishna, the Congress party candidate for the Machilipatnam MP seat. Prakash will participate in another public meeting to support Jonna Siva Sankar, the CPM candidate for Mangalagiri, and Jangala Ajay Kumar, the CPI candidate for the Guntur MP seat. On May 9, Prakash Karat will be attending a meeting in Guntur, the party sources said. On May 10, Prakash Karat will address a public meeting at the Gymkhana grounds in Vijayawada in support of the Vijayawada Lok Sabha and Vijayawada assembly I.N.D.I.A. Bloc candidates. For that meeting, the left parties, Congress and Aam Admi parties are planning to gather people in a large numbers. CPM state secretariat member Ch Babu Rao and CPI candidate G Koteswara Rao are contesting from Vijayawada Central and Vijayawada West respectively. Congress candidates B Nancharaiah is contesting from Vijayawada East and Valluru Bhargav is in fray for the Vijayawada Parliamentary Constituency.

Congress Candidate Sri Ganesh Vows Development for Secunderabad Cantonment

Hyderabad: Sri Ganesh Congress candidate for the Secunderabad Cantonment Assembly bypoll on May 13, assured that he would put development of the constituency after his victory. He was speaking at an election meeting in Ward 5, Valmikinagar, Gandhinagar on Saturday. He was accompanied by Congress Malkajgiri Lok Sabha candidate Patnam Sunitha Mahender Reddy, which covers the Secunderabad Cantonment segment. Addressing a street corner meeting, Sunitha Reddy said that the previous BRS government had cheated the poor by not giving them double bedroom houses. She promised to work towards the merger of the Secundeabad Cantonment Board with the GHMC, if the people elected Congress candidates in election. Sri Ganesh promised that he would be in the midst of the people to solve their problems. He said Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had special plans for the development of SCB area which would be unveiled after the election code ended in June.

TD Rebel Pyla Joins YSRC in Anakapalli

VISHAKHAPATNAM: Pyla Prasad, a significant leader of the Telugu Desam (TD) in the Anakapalli district, has joined the YSRC in the presence of deputy chief minister Budi Mutyala Naidu in Taruva village under the Madugula mandal on Saturday. Initially, the Telugu Desam leadership had named Pyla Prasad as their candidate for the Madugula Assembly constituency, ignoring former MLA Rama Naidu, to contest against Erle Anuradha, the daughter of Budi Mutyala Naidu. However, at the last minute, the party decided to accommodate former minister Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy in Madugula by dropping Pyla Prasad. This decision was made after the Pendurthi constituency, where Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy was keen on contesting, was allotted to the Jana Sena as part of the alliance. Sources within the party revealed that it was C.M. Ramesh who took the initiative to bring back Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy to contest in Madugula to improve his prospects in Madugula, Pendurthi and surrounding areas. The sudden change in the partys decision upset Pyla Prasad, who then filed his nomination as an independent candidate. However, Chandrababu Naidu managed to convince Prasad and Rama Naidu to support Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy in his crucial election. As a result, Prasad, along with his close followers Korli Trinadh, TD social media activist Manku Ravi, and 20 other families, joined the YSRC. Prasad, an IT professional who had returned to his home village after leaving a $400 million company in the US, had contributed Rs 1 crore to the TD party fund during the Mahanadu held in Rajamahendravaram last year. He was also actively involved in social work in Madugula and surrounding villages, spending crores of rupees on these endeavours.

Visakhapatnam Citizens Forum releases election manifesto

Modi Attacks Opposition, Recalls Godhra in Bihar Rally

NEW DELHI: In one of his fiercest election speeches in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday raked up the 2002 Godhra train arson, an issue that he rarely mentions even at such events, to attack the Congress-led UPA and the then railways minister and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav for practicing appeasement politics at a rally in Bihars Darbhanga. Earlier in the day, the PM addressed two rallies in Jharkhands Palamu and Lohardaga and later in the evening, he held a roadshow in Uttar Pradeshs Kanpur, where he continued his attack on the Opposition over corruption, votebank politics and attempts to change the Constitution for providing reservations to Muslims. Addressing his third rally of the day in Bihars Darbhanga, Modi raked up the 2002 Godhra train arson issue and accused Lalu Prasad of trying to save those responsible for burning alive more than 60 kar sevaks. It is because of this appeasement politics that the father of Bihar's shehzada (allusion to Tejashwi Yadav) had tried to save those who were responsible for the Godhra train burning incident, said Modi, adding that after all, it was the rule of Sonia madam. He (Lalu Prasad Yadav), who has himself been convicted (in fodder scam cases), was railway minister. He set up an inquiry committee and got a report, which exonerated those guilty of the horrendous crime. But the court threw the report away, said Modi. Kicking off his gruelling campaign schedule for the day from Palamu, Jharkhand, the PM took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi without naming him and said Pakistan wanted him as the Prime Minister, but India wants a strong country with a strong government. Maa Bharati's disrespect won't be tolerated anymore. New India's surgical and air strikes shook Pakistan, which was known for supporting terror attacks on India during the Congress regime The new India knows how to enter enemy territory and strike... Shaken by the surgical and air strikes, leaders in Pakistan are now praying that the Congress' shehzada' becomes PM of India... But our strong nation wants a strong government and leader, Modi said at the rally to campaign for the BJP candidate from Palamu, V.D. Ram. The Prime Minister said that earlier, after any terror attack on the country, the Congress-led governments were helpless. But that has changed under the strong BJP-led government at the Centre. Now, Pakistan is seeking help from the world to save the nation. He told the audience that their one vote had contributed to the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya after generations struggled for 500 years, as well as the scrapping of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress and the INDI alliance want to usurp your land. They want to snatch SC, ST and OBCs' quotas to provide reservations to Muslims by altering the Constitution. Till I am alive, I will not now allow any such design of the Congress to succeed, he asserted. In his address, the Prime Minister claimed that over 25-crore people came out of poverty in the last 10 years of the NDA government. He said: The Congress never bothered for the welfare of people. The party's shehzada was born with a silver spoon and poses for the camera when he visits the house of the poor. But it is my commitment to transform IndiaThere has been no blot of corruption on me in the past 25 years as Chief Minister and Prime Minister. I don't own a home or even a bicycle... The corrupt JMM and the Congress leaders have amassed huge wealth for their children. In Sisai, Lohardaga, Modi said the NDA government has unmasked corrupt forces and all those who indulged in corruption will face action under law in the next five years. Hitting out at jailed former Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren without taking his name, Modi said: The former Jharkhand CM is behind bars for corruption... Modi is committed to wipe out the menace of corruption. In the next five years, all those who indulged in corruption will face legal action, he said. The INDI alliance leaders, neck-deep in corruption, hold rallies, including in Delhi and Ranchi, voicing support for corrupt people, which reveals their true character, the PM said. Modi also blamed the Congress for the backwardness of tribal districts, alleging that food grains used to rot in godowns during the UPA regime from 2004 to 2014, while tribal children died due to starvation. Modi said the NDA government ensured that the poor got access to the internet unlike the Congress, which was against it. Today's youths are the heroes of social media. The Congress had made the internet a thing for the rich, but Modi ensured it became available for the poor. We made mobile data affordable for all, he said. The PM also slammed the Congress for not taking any action against Maoists to preserve the party's votebank. He said: But, as long as Modi is alive, no one will be allowed to put tribal lives at risk. Modi also accused the Opposition parties of trying to rob SC, ST, OBC and tribals of reservations because of the disillusionment these deprived sections feel towards the INDIA bloc. The INDI alliance is trying to divert reservations to Muslims. They are going against the views of Babasaheb Ambedkar and first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, neither of whom was in favour of reservations on religious lines, Modi claimed. He also slammed Tejashwi Yadav for bringing up the Hindu Muslim narrative at rallies while talking about the Agnipath scheme and said, When we talk about the martyrdom of Captain Hameed, do we think of him as a Muslim? Without referring to Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav by their names, he said, There is a shehzada in Delhi and one in Patna, both of whom think of the country as their jaagir (fiefdom). He added: Their mindset was exposed when they raised questions about the surgical strikes and spoke ill of the armed forces. A large crowd cheered for the Prime Minister at the Kanpur roadshow in Uttar Pradesh. Mr Modi visited the Gumati Gurdwara before starting his roadshow in support of the BJP's candidates for the Kanpur and Akbarpur Lok Sabha seats.

Bureaucrats running BJD, 'outsiders' in CMO trying to capture Odisha: BJP leader Dharmendra Pradhan

BJD faces unprecedented public revolt under Naveen Patnaik as outsiders led by V K Pandian threaten Odia identity and state power. Dharmendra Pradhan warns of challenges in 2024 elections.

If CM has age and health issues, he should give responsibility to one of Odishas citizens, rather than an employee: Pradhan

Pradhan emphasizes trust in PM Modi for India's growth. Criticizes Naveen Patnaik's governance failures and lack of democratic principles. Advocates for Odisha's development and restoration of Odia pride under BJP leadership, rejecting electoral alliances.

Hyderabad: Railway police arrest man with 7 kg silver ornaments

Hyderabad: The Government Railway Police Secunderabad apprehended a man who was carrying 7 kg silver ornaments from Secunderabad to Miryalaguda. Pogula Vasanth, 63, a resident of Machilipatnam, Krishna district Andhra Pradesh was carrying silver ornaments to Miryalaguda from Hyderabad by Janmabhoomi Express train, but he didnt show any valid documents. The ornaments were handed over Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Nandyal Records 46C, Emerges India's Hottest for Third Straight Day

Visakhapatnam: Nandyal registered a temperature of 46 degrees Celsius on Saturday and became the hottest place in India for the third consecutive day while five cities reeled under heat wave in the day. Intense heat conditions prevailed in parts of Rayalaseema districts and few parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh in the state with maximum temperatures recording in the range of 42-46 degree Celsius. The mercury on Saturday settled at 45.9C at Kurnool, 45.4C in YSR Kadapa, 44.8C at Jangamaheswarapuram, 44.7C at Anantapur and 44.1C at Tirupati. The IMD-Amaravati said the ongoing heat wave spell in the state will continue until May 5 and abate thereafter. Andhra Pradesh witnessed two spells of heat waves in April. S Karuna Sagar, scientist at IMD-Amaravati said Anantapur, Kurnool, Nandyal, Kadapa and Arogyavaram experienced heat wave conditions on Saturday while the other parts of the state experienced hot and humid weather conditions. The scientist said the state would have a respite from heat waves from May 6 onwards and receive heavy rain at isolated places over CAP and Rayalaseema on May 7.

Hyderabad: Railway police arrest 2 for transporting 34 kg ganja from Vizag

Hyderabad: The Government Railway Police (GRP) Secunderabad apprehended two persons who were transporting ganja from Visakhapatnam and seized 34 kilograms of dry ganja worth about Rs. 8.50 lakh. The accused Vikesh, 25, and Akash Kumar, 19, were transporting the dry ganja in two trolley suitcases and transporting it to Delhi by Rajdhani Express train via Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

New Vande Bharat: This state will get new Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains, check route and other details

New Vande Bharat trains will be run from Muzaffarpur, Patna, Jaynagar to Delhi, in which there will also be a sleeper version on one route. New Amrit Bharat will also run from Raxaul to Delhi and Vande Bharat will run from Saharsa to Howrah route. New Vande Bharat: Bihar is soon going to get Vande [] The post New Vande Bharat: This state will get new Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains, check route and other details first appeared on informalnewz .

PM Modi to visit Odisha twice in a gap of 4 days to hold poll rallies, road shows

Bhubaneswar: Keen to wrest power from the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is making its last ditch effort to see that the party gets an absolute majority in the forthcoming polls for the Odisha Legislative Assembly. The saffron party has lined up almost all the top guns, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, to add further momentum to the party's ongoing high-decibel campaign. The party is also eying to win at least 16 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The polls for Lok Sabha and Odisha Legislative Assembly will be held simultaneously in four phases - on May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Odisha twice in a gap of four days to campaign for the party candidates. He will have two poll rallies in Berhampur and Nabarangpur on May 6 and a road show in Bhubaneswar on May 10. In Berhampur, the BJP has fielded Pradeep Panigrahy, a one-time close aide of Odisha CM and BJD president Naveen Pantaik, who quit the party recently and joined the saffron party. In Nabarangpur, the party has landed former Lok Sabha member Balabhadra Majhi. According to political observers, the PMs visits to the state in a short interval of four days shows the BJPs seriousness to fight the Lok Sabha and Odisha Legislative Assembly elections. The BJP has been desperately trying since 2009 to form its government in the state by unseating the 24-year-old BJD government. However, it has not succeeded in its attempt as it lacked orgnisational bases. The party has lined up a battery of its central leaders this time to canvas for the party candidates. It clearly indicates, it wants to leave no stone unturned to capture power in the state, said Prasanna Mohanty, a political analyst. Sources said the PM will have at least six election rallies in Odisha by May 30.

'There is shehzada in Patna just like one in Delhi': PM Modi takes jibe at RJD's Tejashwi Yadav

Ganja smugglers nabbed at Secunderabad

Hyderabad: Government Railway Police during surprise checks arrested two persons at the Secunderabad station for transporting 34 kg ganja worth Rs 8.4 lakh to New Delhi from Visakhapatnam. Shaik Saleema, superintendent of railway police, identified the accused as South Delhi residents Vikesh Roop Lal, 25, and Akash Kumar Thakur, 19.

Station Master dozes off on duty, makes Patna-Kota Express wait for half an hour near UP's Etawah

The Patna-Kota Express train waited for a green signal for about half an hour at Udi Mor Road station near Etawah in Uttar Pradesh on May 3 as the station master fell asleep on duty. Taking serious note of the incident, the Agra Division, under which the station falls, has asked the station master to explain the reason for negligence which could have resulted in an untoward incident.

Station Master Dozes Off On Duty, Delays Patna-Kota Express Train Near UP

The Patna-Kota Express train waited for a green signal for about half an hour at Udi Mor Road station near Etawah in Uttar Pradesh on May 3 as the station master fell asleep on duty.

At Bihar rally, Modi slams Lalu over Godhra, blasts oppn parties for quotas

At Bihar rally, Modi slams Lalu over Godhra, blasts oppn parties for quotas Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday charged RJD president Lalu Prasad, the BJPs principal opponent in Bihar, with having tried to ''shield'' those guilty in two-decade-old Godhra train burning incident and put blame on kar sevaks. Addressing an election rally at Darbhanga, Modi, who was then the chief minister of Gujarat where riots had erupted after the incident, also alleged that the RJD supremo had acted in connivance with the Congress, which headed the UPA, in power at the Centre. This is probably the first time Modi raised the Godhra issue during the ongoing elections. Without mentioning Prasad by name, Modi described the RJD supremo, who was the Railway minister in the first UPA government, as one serving sentences, out on bail (in fodder scam cases)''. He had tried to shield those who were responsible for the Godhra train burning incident in which more than 60 kar sevaks were burnt alive. Was it not the reign of Sonia (Gandhi) madam, remarked PM, referring to the former Congress president and UPA chairperson. Modi recalled that the Banerjee Commission, although headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court, was often called ben raazi (the sister is willing), and ''under pressure'' from Prasad it submitted a ''bogus'' report that ''tried to exonerate those who were guilty and put the blame on kar sevaks themselves''. ''But the court consigned the report to the dustbin. Those who were guilty got punished, some of them even getting death sentences,'' said the prime minister. Modi alleged that all constituents of the opposition bloc INDIA had a propensity towards appeasement and lambasted the RJD for ''counting Muslims among armed forces''. The remark seemed an oblique reference to Tejashwi Yadav, the RJD presidents son and heir apparent who has spoken of all the three armed forces being headed by Hindus while slamming the ruling BJP at the Centre for repeatedly claiming that the faith of the majority community was in danger. In his speech which lasted for more than 30 minutes, Modi also took potshots at Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, mentioning neither by name but observing ''there is a 'shehzada' (crown prince) in Delhi. Likewise there is a 'shehzada' in Patna. Both have had a dismal track record''. ''Their tendency for appeasement makes them behave in this fashion. Earlier, they had insulted the armed forces by raising questions on surgical strikes. We never think in terms of Hindus and Muslims while talking about our armed forces and our martyrs,'' the prime minister said. Modi also alleged that in 2007, when Prasad was the railway minister, ''he had advocated reservations for Muslims'' and that the RJD supremo and Congress ''want to divert quotas for SCs, STs and OBCs, who feel disillusionment towards them''. ''These parties are going against Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar and even Jawaharlal Nehru, both of whom were opposed to reservations along religious lines but let me assure you, as long as Modi is alive, nobody can snatch away reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs,'' said the PM at the rally here. Slamming the INDIA bloc for ''spreading lies that I want to change the Constitution, which I worship'', Modi said, ''I have been challenging them for 12 days to give in writing that they will not snatch away quotas meant for deprived people and provide these along religious lines. They are yet to do so''. The prime minister also noted that the Mithila region, named after an ancient kingdom of which Darbhanga was the capital, was the land of Goddess Sita, and therefore, had special sentiments for Ram temple at Ayodhya. ''India was first attacked on its western boundary about 1,000 years ago. It led to a millennium of enslavement. When we freed Ayodhya after a nearly-500-year-long fight, I had said that for the next 1,000 years, India will script a new history,'' said Modi who also asserted that the country had begun to get its rightful place in the comity of nations. ''When bad days fell on the nation, Bihar was among the worst sufferers. We must not allow the state to return to the era of the lantern'', said Modi, referring to the RJDs poll symbol. He also made an indirect reference to the land-for-jobs scam under investigation by the Enforcement Directorate in which Lalu Prasad and Tejashwi Yadav have been named, saying the people of Bihar have been made to do away with their land to get jobs. The people of Bihar must also not forgive constituents of the INDIA bloc, which ruled Delhi and Maharashtra when mass exodus of labourers took place during the COVID pandemic, asserted the prime minister. He also lauded ally Nitish Kumar, the Bihar chief minister who heads the JD(U), for his governance track record. Modi added, We had been occupying the 11th spot among economies of the world. Now we are the fifth largest economy. Referring to the inheritance tax controversy, the prime minister alleged that the Congress wants to bring in a law by which one will be deprived of 55 per cent of whatever one's parents have earned and saved. They wish to place a fatwa on one's inheritance. In keeping with his penchant for connecting with locals wherever he goes, the prime minister addressed the rally wearing the traditional headgear Mithila paag, on which the lotus, the BJPs poll symbol, was printed. He also took note of an enthusiastic supporter who brought a cut-out of the PM to the venue. ''I appreciate that you have made Modi dance. Now you please hand it over to the SPG people'', said the PM.

Election 2024: Political Campaigns and Early Votes

Youngsters click a selfie with a towering replica of an EVM placed outside Shivaji Park in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, to raise public awareness for the impending general election. Youngsters click a selfie with a towering replica of an EVM placed outside Shivaji Park in Visakhapatnam on Saturday, to raise public awareness for the impending general election.

Loco Pilot Killed After Being Hit by Rajdhani Express in Bihar's Gaya District

Patna: P ankaj Kumar Singh, a loco pilot, tragically lost his life after being hit by the Rajdhani Express in Bihar's Gaya district. The accident occurred as Singh was crossing the tracks after parking the light engine in the loco buffer of Ghazhandi. The impact of the collision caused his immediate death. The incident took place between Gurpa and Gajandi stations. RPF Inspector Jawaharlal reached the spot upon receiving information and reported the incident to the GRP. The body of the deceased has been sent for post-mortem examination. The accident occurred around 3:30 in the morning when Pankaj Singh was struck by the New Delhi-Ranchi Rajdhani Express. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined. Whether the loco pilot failed to notice the approaching Rajdhani Express or if there were other factors involved remains uncertain and will only be revealed through a police investigation. Nepal Decides to Print New Rs 100 Currency Note with Controversial Map Yogi Adityanath Accuses Congress of Planning to Implement Jizya Tax Crorepati Candidates Dominate Odisha Lok Sabha Polls: A Detailed Analysis of Wealth Distribution

Opposition parties spreading lies, shedding crocodile tears: Naveen Patnaik

Koraput/ Nabarangpur: Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik Saturday alleged that the opposition parties are spreading lies and shedding crocodile tears. Addressing election rallies in tribal-dominated Koraput and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituencies Patnaik asked the people whether they are happy with his government. Patnaik also asked the people whether Naveen Patnaik is a []

There is shehzada in Patna just like one in Delhi: PM Modi takes jibe at RJDs Tejashwi Yadav

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Opposition parties spreading lies, shedding crocodile tears: Patnaik

Opposition parties spreading lies, shedding crocodile tears: Patnaik Odisha Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Saturday alleged that the opposition parties are spreading lies and shedding crocodile tears. Addressing election rallies in tribal dominated Koraput and Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituencies Patnaik asked the people whether they are happy with his government. Patnaik also asked the people whether Naveen Patnaik is a good person and whether welfare schemes beneficial for the poor and tribal people of the region are reaching them. The people responded by saying 'Yes' and shouted Naveen Patnaik Zindabad slogans. ''If Naveen Patnaik is good, then bless him and vote in conch symbol,'' Patnaik told the gathering. ''The opposition parties are spreading lies and shedding crocodile tears for the people,'' Patnaik said. Patnaik's close aide V K Pandian, BJD's Nabarngpur Lok Sabha candidate Pradeep Majhi, Koraput LS candidate Kausalya Hikaka and nominees of different assembly seats were present at the meeting. Both Pandian and Majhi came down heavily on the opposition and alleged that BJP leaders were opposing several welfare schemes and also Shree Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor project. The BJD leaders told the people about the state government's flagship schemes like school transformation, Mission Shakti, Kalia Yojana for farmers, Mamata Yojana for pregnant women, renovation of temples, mosques, churches and improvement of place of worships of tribal people.

At Bihar rally, Modi highlights Godhra incident to emphasize opposition's alleged appeasement policies

At Bihar rally, Modi highlights Godhra incident to emphasize opposition's alleged appeasement policies Raking up the 2002 Godhra train arson, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday charged RJD president Lalu Prasad with having tried to save those responsible for burning alive more than 60 kar sevaks during the rule of Sonia madam. Modi, who addressed an election rally at Darbhanga in north Bihar, recalled the incident that took place while he was the chief minister of Gujarat, alleging that the opposition parties always practice politics of ''appeasement''. It is because of this appeasement politics that the father of Bihar's 'shehzada' (allusion to Tejashwi Yadav) had tried to save those who were responsible for the Godhra train burning incident, said Modi, adding after all, it was the rule of Sonia madam, referring to the UPA chairperson who was also the president of the ruling Congress. He (Lalu Prasad), who has himself been convicted (in fodder scam cases), was then the Railway minister. He set up an inquiry committee and got a report made which exonerated those guilty of the horrendous crime. But the court threw the report away, said Modi. Modi accused the opposition parties of trying to rob SCs, STs and tribals of reservations because of the disillusionment these deprived sections felt towards the INDIA bloc. The INDIA bloc is trying to divert reservations to Muslims. They are going against the views of Babasaheb Ambedkar and first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, neither of whom was in favour of reservations on religious lines, Modi claimed. He also slammed Tejashwi Yadav for bringing up the ''Hindu Muslim narrative'' at rallies while talking about Agnipath scheme and said when we talk about the martyrdom of Captain Hameed, do we think of him as a Muslim? Without naming Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav by name, he said, ''There is a shehzada in Delhi and one in Patna, both of whom think of the country as their fiefdom (jaagir).'' Their mindset was exposed when they raised questions about the surgical strikes and spoke ill of the armed forces, said Modi.

Puri LS candidate Sucharita Mohanty returns BJP ticket after being denied party funds

Puri LS candidate Sucharita Mohanty returns BJP ticket after being denied party funds Congress candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency Sucharita Mohanty has declined to contest the elections and returned the party ticket alleging lack of funding from the party. Mohanty, daughter of former Congress MP Brajamohan Mohanty in a mail to AICC general secretary (organization) K C Venugopal on Friday claimed that her campaign in the Puri Lok Sabha constituency has been hit hard because the party has denied funding. She alleged that AICC Odisha in-charge Ajoy Kumar ''categorically'' asked her to fight from her own resources. ''I was a salaried professional journalist who entered electoral politics 10 years ago. I have given all I have into my campaign in Puri. I tried a public donation drive to support my campaign for progressive politics without much success so far. I also tried to cut down the projected campaign spending to the minimum,'' she said. As she was not able to raise funds on her own, the Congress leader had approached all senior leaders including the party's central leadership for funds for an impactful campaign in the Puri Lok Sabha constituency. ''It is clear that only fund crunch is holding us back from a winning campaign in Puri. I regret that without party funding, it won't be possible to carry out the campaign in Puri. I, therefore, return the party ticket for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency herewith,'' she said in her mail to the AICC. However, Mohanty said she will remain a loyal Congress worker and her leader is Rahul Gandhi. Speaking to media persons, Mohanty said ''I was denied funds from the party. In Assembly segments under the Puri LS constituency, weak candidates were given tickets. BJP and BJD are sitting on mountains of money. Vulgar displays of wealth are everywhere. It was difficult for me to fight the election.'' The Congress leader said she wanted a people-oriented campaign but that was also not possible with the lack of funds. The party is also not responsible for that as the BJP government has crippled the party. There are a lot of curbs on expenditure and many bank accounts have been frozen, she added. AICC in-charge of Odisha, Ajoy Kumar said ''Mohanty is saying that no fund provided and weak MLA candidates have been fielded. The party has nominated its best candidate for the MLA seats and funds will be provided to a candidate when the candidate launches the campaign and seriously fights at the ground.'' Before coming to the ground, she (Mohanty) has alleged that no funds were given. But, at the time when she was requesting a party ticket, Mohanty had said that she would seriously fight the election, Kumar said. The party has already decided to change the Puri LS candidate and a proposal was submitted to the Congress high command. The name of the new candidate will be announced very soon, he said. Sucharita has been fielded by the Congress from the Puri Lok Sabha seat against BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra and BJD candidate Arup Patnaik, a former Mumbai Police Commissioner.

Its Jhansi vs Sribharat in high-profile Visakhapatnam

Its Jhansi vs Sribharat in high-profile Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam: A direct close fight is on the cards between two highly-educated leaders from prominent political families in the high-profile Visakhapatnam constituency. Botcha Jhansi Lakshmi of the ruling YSR Congress Party (YRSCP) will take on Sribharat Mathukumilli of the TDP who finished runner-up with the loss by [] The post Its Jhansi vs Sribharat in high-profile Visakhapatnam appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Srikakulam: Collector Denies Reports of Employees Casting Vote Openly

Visakhapatnam: The concept of secret ballot seems to have been given a go bye in Narasannapeta assembly constituency in Srikakulam district on Saturday where government employees used postal ballots. As per reports, groups of employees entered the compartment and cast their ballots openly consulting each other. Video clips of the open ballot went viral in north coastal Andhra Pradesh. Polling had to begin at 7 pm but due to delay in arrival of poll officials, the polling station was opened at 9.30 am. After the opening of the station, there was a rush of employees which led to confusion among the officials and voters. There were also reports of YSRC activists hovering around the polling station and there were no police. Denying the reports of open casting of votes, Srikakulam collector Dr Manazir Jeelani Samoon said the returning officer confirmed him that the ballots were used in secrecy. There was a galata and confusion in the early hours but everything went off smoothly, the collector said.

Modi Likens Tejashwi Yadav to 'Shehzada', Draws Parallel to Delhi

Modi Likens Tejashwi Yadav to 'Shehzada', Draws Parallel to Delhi There is a 'shehzada' in Patna just like one in Delhi: PM Modi in dig at RJD's Tejashwi Yadav.

LS polls: Jhansi vs Sribharat in high-profile Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: A direct close fight is on the cards between two highly-educated leaders from prominent political families in the high-profile Visakhapatnam constituency. Botcha Jhansi Lakshmi of the ruling YSR Congress Party (YRSCP) will take on Sribharat Mathukumilli of the TDP who finished runner-up with the loss by a narrow margin in 2019. Jhansi is the Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Epic Bhutan road trip on my BMW R 1200 GS: Covered 5500 km in 16 days

BHPian cjt2012 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. This trip was on my mind for a couple of years, after having planned the trip last year, we dropped the plan a few days before the trip due to the extreme heat in May. This year, however, we decided to venture on the trip towards the end of March. A road trip is always about the adventure and thrill of the journey and not just about the destination. As a group of four (Parvez Patel Age 70 - 2022 BMW R1250GSA, Khodaram Zandbaf Age 62 - 2017 BMW R1200GS, Darayus Dastoor Age 61 - 2022 Kawasaki Versys 1000 and myself Clement Thomas Age 48 - 2017 BMW R1200GS); we started planning for the trip at the beginning of January 2024, a WhatsApp group was made and that was about it. It was not until 14 days before the trip that we really sat down and did some groundwork on the possible routes and arrangements in Bhutan. One of the group members had his sister undertake the journey by air last year, so we decided to employ the services of the same travel company, to arrange our Hotel bookings, bike clearances and meet us at the Indo-Bhutan border. Odometer Reading the day before the trip Loading the Base attachment of the Moskomoto Reckless 80 setup Initially, inside Bhutan we were contemplating renting Bhutan-registered RE Himalayan, however, thankfully better sense prevailed once we reached Bhutan. Some arrangements inside Bhutan are mandatory a brief list of requirements as listed below:A Bhutanese tourism department-approved guide is mandatory to accompany tourists along with a Taxi and driver for the guide.Passports or Voter ID is required to enter Bhutan. We used our Passports which were duly stamped upon entry. Tourist must pay a sustainability fee at Immigration of Rs1200/- head/ night of stay in Bhutan (For Indians, Srilankans and Maldivians). For all other nationalities, USD 250/- night must be paid as sustainability fees.The tour operator has to present Proof of hotel reservations. All hotels for tourists have to be three-star and above. Travel insurance is also required which is set at Rs700/- per person for the duration of the stay.Original RC of the bike, Valid insurance, PUC, Original Valid Indian Driving license card, are the necessary documents for any Motor vehicle including Motorcycles.It is preferable to have the motorcycle in your name otherwise you may need an authorization letter from the owner permitting you to ride in Bhutan.Rs 4500/- per Night of Stay in Bhutan for Motorcycle/Motorcar is to be paid in cash at the Regional Transport office in Phuentsholing.These documents have to be submitted to the RTO in Bhutan who will then issue the Route Permit.Indian Currency is accepted, and the exchange rate is 1:1One very important point - Make sure you have your bank cards cleared for transactions in Bhutan (generally on most Indian bank-issued cards - it's written in the small print that the cards cannot be used in Nepal and Bhutan). You will be required to call your Bank helpline number and ask them to allow usage of the cards in Bhutan.Please also ensure that you have sufficient INR currency at hand, as everything has to be managed by cash inside Bhutan.My bike is generally well-kitted for long trips, but I did a small service at home only wherein I, changed the Oil, cleaned the K&N air filter, Cardan shaft removed and greased, Cardan Oil changed, Checked torque values on all crucial nuts and bolts and Tyre pressure checked. I have both Aluminium Panniers and Soft Luggage and for this trip, I decided to go with the soft luggage basically to manage the weight (Panniers tend to be heavier) Some very essential generic requirements on the motorcycle are as below:USB Charging port 12V (My bike has 3 USB ports)Aux LightsHeadlight guards / protectorsThe Connected cradle to accommodate the phone is a very essential requirement when using a Phone for Google map Navigation.In hindsight, I should have probably used a Tail bag instead of the dry bag in my Moskomoto Reckless 80 set up along with the two dry bags on the side. Pack one bag with all necessary travel essentials (preferably the tail bag) which should contain everything that you may require for the night stay at the hotel and your next day's morning routine, The other bags can be left secure on the Motorcycle itself, this saves you time and effort to get back on the road the next morning.Ensure you have a good set of riding gear, this is non-negotiable - I was using Klim Adventure Rally Pro Jacket, Klim Badland Pants, Rynox Gloves, Scorpion AT950 modular helmet, Rynox Dry Innerwear (Not a big fan of this product- I found it to be a little uncomfortable as it sticks to your body after sweating, I rather prefer a cotton t-shirt inside in this heat).All four of us were using the Parani intercom, but the pairing was not as seamless as they claimed and the four of us could never get connected with each other. Only two of us could always remain paired. I am not entirely sure if we were pairing it the correct way, but it was very frustrating after having invested in a new intercom only to see it unable to connect all four of us.Other equipment carried were: Sony Action cam with loop recording charged by the bikes 12v USB port, essential tools, a Puncture repair kit, a compact air compressor (12V supply from the bike), a jump starter, Cable ties (very important), straps, bungee chords, Essential first aid and medicines, Spare Brake pads front and rear, Spark Plug set, key fob spare battery, Emergency key. Throughout the trip, only regular fuel was used on my bike, however, my friends used 95 octane wherever possible, but as we realized on the highways it was not easily available. The only thing unanimously decided was that we would not be riding late into the night, and that, we should find a decent hotel with safe parking by sunset.Day 1: 24.03.24 Mumbai (MH)- Akola (MH) (583Km)As usual, group members were not exactly on time. By the time we congregated and started the trip, it was 6:15, getting out of Mumbai in the early hours of the morning was easy, however, roads after Thane for about 30-35 km are under repairs and have a lot of diversions. Lack of route planning meant that we were just following Google and it did take us through some villages. Not a very smart idea, and we decided that the route needed to be better thought out, We all decided that, we would stick to National Highways only, and if they were not available, only then take a State Highway. For the most part, the roads were good. We stayed at the Grand Jalsa resort off the highway at Akola.Day 2: 25.03.24 Akola (MH) - Rewa (MP) (780km)After the previous day's experience, we decided to only stick to NH, and the route took us via Nagpur, Seoni, Jabalpur, Katni to Rewa. By far, the best National Highway in the entire trip, first NH53 until Nagpur (absolutely brilliant roads ) then NH 44 and NH 30 towards Rewa, The roads were so good that I could engage Cruise control at 100kmph and leave it for up to 15min on some stretches. The motorcycle being absolutely planted and stable, it just gobbles up distances effortlessly. We stayed at Hotel Chandralok, the hotel is owned by a Sikh gentleman and he is a bike enthusiast. Nice hotel and good food. The festival of Holi was around and this meant that traffic on the road was not as bad, but this would impact us the next day. Near Pench Tiger Reserve - Hydration stop At Hotel Chandralok Rewa - Brilliant Hospitality specially for Bikers Day 3: 26.03.24 Rewa (MP) - Muzaffarpur (BR) (530km)Started late from Rewa due to the good hospitality, Again sticking to NH as planned we made rapid progress, However, soon we realized a serious problem, It was Holi and it was a very big festival in Bihar. So big in fact, that everything, and I mean every damn thing is closed in the entire state of Bihar. This meant that Petrol would become an issue, and sure enough, three of the bikes were down to one line on the fuel gauges (The GSA with 31ltr fuel tank was very comfortable / not concerned) and no petrol pumps were open, we had already started riding very conservatively but we were very concerned with our fuel situation. Towards late afternoon, we found a petrol pump which was closed, however, there was a pushcart next to the pump and they were selling petrol in Black, Selling 750ml whiskey bottles filled with petrol (say about 700ml per bottle) at Rs150/-. We bargained and were able to strike a deal for one bottle of petrol at Rs110/- . We bought 6ltrs each, enough to propel us until Patna. This entire fuel fiasco meant that we wasted a lot of time trying to find a petrol station. Contrary to popular belief, Roads were very good initially via Hanumana, Mirzapur, Mughalsarai, Mohania, Arrah, Patna towards Muzaffarpur, NH30, NH135, NH35, AH1, NH319, NH922, NH22. We got some traffic on the outskirts of Patna. As dusk set in we stopped for the night at Hotel The Premier in Muzaffarpur (BR). Don't even ask how rubbish that hotel was, but nonetheless a place to stay the night. Near Mirzapur - road side eatery Highway services after a Toll plaza Day 4 27.03.24 Muzaffarpur (BR) - Bagdogra (WB) (438km)Started later than planned, got very heavy traffic to exit the town, following NH only as planned, The roads were, for the most part, good. Towards evening, we were tired and decided to stop for the night at Bagdogra. Route taken was Darbhanga, Phulparas, Forbesganj, Araria, Purnia, Dalkhola, Kishanganj, Islampur, to Bagdogra. That is NH27 all the way. The section of road after Dalkhola until Kishanganj was no so good with some potholes. The night was spent at Orbit Hotel, which had decent facilities with food. Near Purunia - The best and simple Dhaba food experience during the trip Day 5 :28.03.24 Bagdogra (WB) - Jaigaon (WB) (158km)We had a leisurely breakfast and left the hotel late since this was the last leg to Bhutan, we took the most scenic and stunning northern route, surprisingly the roads were excellent and through some densely forested areas with tall trees on both sides, after which started the tea gardens, we crossed the famous Coronation Bridge on the Teesta river, which is a sight to behold, towards evening we reached Jaigaon. At Jaigaon, as we were approaching the border the roads were very bad with chaotic traffic. We have a friend who is a businessman and an avid motorcycle rider at Jaigaon, so we had a good evening tea and snacks while we waited for our Guide to take us into Bhutan. After the immigration process, we proceeded to Hotel Gardhen, Since Parvez was tired and exhausted, he decided that he would not be riding the motorcycle inside Bhutan and instead sit in the car with the Guide and Driver, and to give him company, Khodaram also decided that he will also not ride inside Bhutan. Both the bikes were left at Jaigaon with our friend and only Darayus and I got our bikes into Bhutan. As mentioned in the beginning, we were contemplating renting Bhutan-registered RE Himalayan, but when we saw the bikes on offer, we quickly changed our mind and decided to use our own bikes. The difference between Jaigaon and Phuentsholing is stark and you will be amazed at how clean and quiet Bhutan is. Tea Gardens in West Bengal Jaigaon/Phuentsholing Border Entry gate to Bhutan Day 6 : 29.03.24 Phuentsholing - Thimpu (150km)We checked out of the hotel at 9:00 am and went to clear immigration which was a time-consuming process, Indians make up the bulk of the tourists who visit Bhutan, and Immigration clearance took about 1.5hrs. Then we went to file the route plan and clear the paperwork for the two motorcycles which we intended to ride, it was also a slightly lengthy procedure which took about an Hour to complete, we paid Rs22500/- per bike for the 5 nights route plan inside Bhutan. Formalities completed, and we started our trip to Thimpu. The quality of the roads is excellent and they are completely built and maintained by the Border Roads Organisation, the roads are totally winding in nature and are a real pleasure and fun experience. On the way we stopped at Takthikoti canteen operated by BRO on the invitation by Chief Engineer of Project Dantak, towards evening we reached Thimpu and checked into Hotel Nordenma. One of the fellow riders knew Kelly Dorji (Actor and Model), he invited us to his Restobar in Thimpu called Grey Area, we had some great food with impeccable hospitality from Kelly. A huge thanks to him for inviting us. Enroute to Thimpu - Kawasaki Versys 1000 and the BMW R1200GS Day 7: 30.03.24 Thimpu Local SightseeingStarted the day visiting the Buddha Dordenma, Simply Bhutan, Royal Takin Pzeserve (Takin is the national animal of Bhutan), Bhutanese Cuisine at an authentic restaurant, and some local shopping. Buddha Dordenma at Thimpu- Angels look mesmerizing Day 8: 31.03.24 Thimpu - Punakha (73km)Again a day on the motorcycle, with excellent roads and breathtaking scenery, The two of us on the motorcycles would take off using Google maps and reach the pre-determined meeting point. as discussed with the guide, driver and our two other friends. We stopped at Dochula Pass which is a monument with 108 stupas in memory of the fallen soldiers. The bikes always generate a lot of interest among the public wherever we stop, At Dochula, we saw a lot of tourists, specially a group of Ladies only tourists group from various parts of India, we ended up meeting the same group a few times more along the trip in the next couple of days. We also met a group of three German riders who rented RE bikes locally and were exploring Bhutan. Onwards we rode to Chime Lhakhang The Divine Madman temple, whilst there, we witnessed a freak accident, burning down and gutting the Monastery which was being newly constructed for the Monks, we chipped in to help in any way we could to remove combustible material from the immediate vicinity. This put us behind schedule to visit a few more places in Punakha, We later went to our Hotel and called it a day. We stayed at Hotel Lobesa, it had a beautiful view outside the windows, a good balcony and big rooms, by far the best hotel we stayed at in Bhutan. Punakha Fort Entry - Note the large honeybee comb Day 9: 01.04.24 Punakha - Paro (115km)Started after breakfast, since we missed a few sightseeing locations the previous day due to the fire at the Monastery, we went to the Punakha Fort. This is an impressive structure with unmistakable Bhutanese architecture, a sight not to miss is the school of Trout fish which you can see from the bridge leading to the fort, after spending some time at the fort we were on the road again back along the same road for most of the way. Stopping again at Dochula Pass, the cafe is very good and since the sky was a bit more clear than the previous visit, we were able to see a few of the tall Himalayan mountain peaks at a distance. The highlight of the day was our invitation from the Chief Engineer of Project Dantak to visit the headquarters. We were deeply honored and thrilled to have received his Invitation, we had a very good interactive dialogue with the Chief Engineer, who was kind enough to explain the various aspects of the BRO's mandate in Bhutan, the history behind the entire project and the Museum. We were presented with a coffee table book consisting of the entire history of Project Dantak. Deeply honored and Salute to our soldiers who work in such extreme terrains. We then took to the road leading to Paro, as usual, the roads were brilliant with swooping curves at every turn. Paro is a beautiful town located in the Valley, this is also the town with the International Airport. Towards evening we reached our Hotel. We stayed at Hotel Ratna Vara, a decent hotel, However, the food could have been better. We retired early as the next day was the big trek to Tiger's Nest.Day 10: 02.04.24 Paro Local sight seeingWe left the Hotel early to the Tiger's Nest base, but before that, we stopped and had a refreshing breakfast at a local diner. Tiger's nest by far symbolizes Bhutan, it's a must-do trek for tourists arriving in Bhutan. It's by no means easy, and definitely not for the faint-hearted, and you need to be relatively fit to attempt such a Trek. The base camp is at 7300ft and the Nest is at 10500ft, the trek itself is about 5.5km, Parvez, the oldest among us chose to sit this one out, We started climbing at about 8:40 am and finally reached the summit at about 12:00, spent about an hour in the temples on top, the view of tiger's nest from any direction is breathtaking and beautiful. The trek consists of trails and steps both paved and stone steps. The cafe midway is a good place to rest your legs and re-energise. The trek down was also quite daunting, by the time we reached the base it was about 2:30pm, and we were all tired and decided to head back to the hotel. In the evening, we went out for a bit of souvenir shopping. Tiger's Nest - A Bhutan trip - must do trek Day 11: 03.04.24 Paro - PhuentsholingWe had a leisurely breakfast and then headed back on the road to the border town of Phuentsholing. We again had the same invitation to refresh and recharge at the Takthikoti GREF canteen which we accepted. Reached Phuentsholing towards evening, and headed to the same Hotel (Hotel Gardhen). Parked the bikes and came out to Jaigaon to have tea at our friend's place. After that, we headed back to the Hotel in Phuentsholing and retired early since we planned an early start for the return road trip.Day 12: 04.04.24 Phuentsholing - Darbhanga (BR) (530km)The previous night's food did not seem to go down well with my gut. I felt sick in the stomach and threw up a few times in the night. My friends did not think I was fit enough to ride, but, that was not a choice. The friend in Jaigaon was also riding with us for a few hundred kms on his Triumph Tiger 800, he offered to take me to a hospital on the way. By 10:00am my condition had worsened, I had thrown up about 5 times and was feeling severely dehydrated, I spoke to a doctor's friend, and she prescribed Tab Ondem and an Antibiotic to fight the food poisoning. The tab immediately helped and I was feeling a lot better, thus decided to continue as much as possible, and took the same roads back so we knew that the roads were good. By nightfall we were in the town of Darbhanga and decided to stop for the day at Hotel Garcia International, It was a very nice hotel and we had a nice peaceful night.Day 13: 05.04.24 Darbhanga (BR) - Hanumana (MP) (500km)I felt a lot better in the morning, starting at about 8:30 am roads were good as we were taking the same road back, the afternoon heat was too much and we were stopping often to hydrate and stretch our legs as we were having cramps. Passed UP in the evening, it was very sad to see the lack of any hotels after Mirzapur, by nightfall we had passed Mirzapur but could not find any hotels, so we kept pressing ahead, it was only after entering MP we saw a newly built hotel, we took the rooms even though it did not have any AC, it was about 9:30 pm by the time we reached the hotel, had dinner and retired for the day. We stayed at the Highway Treat Hotel.Day 14: 06.04.24 Hanumana (MP) - Nagpur (MH) (598km)Road were as good as they could be, made rapid progress. These bikes on such wonderful roads are really a treat and a dream ride. The skies were overcast and that also meant that the heat was a little lesser than usual. Reached Nagpur by sunset and called it for the day.Day 15: 07.04.24 Nagpur (MH) - Wadner (MH) (370km)Since we were not in a tearing hurry to reach, we took it easy with the riding, the day time heat had again started to rise, the roads were excellent and by early evening we decided to stop for tea at a roadside hotel which had just newly launched, since rooms were available with AC we decided to stay put there. Stayed at Hotel Gurukripa.Day 16: 08.04.24 Wadner (MH) - Mumbai (MH) (520km)Started around 7:30am and took a slightly different route than when we had left from Mumbai, using NH53 passing through Bhusawal, Jalgaon, Dhule then onto NH60 towards Malegaon, Nashik, Igatpuri, Thane and Mumbai. NH60 was good but every intersection has multiple speed breakers and as such has to slow down. The real agony was the poor condition of roads leading to Thane which starts about 30km before Thane and the afternoon traffic with the scorching heat was really unbearable. Finally reaching home by 6:00 pm. The epic round trip was about 5500km, In hindsight, we could have accomplished this trip in 2 weeks, but with a group of riders, we have to cater to the pace at which everyone is comfortable. The bikes which accomplished this trip were the real gems, each of the motorcycles did not miss a beat or give us any kind of mechanical trouble. The benefit of shaft drive was amply apparent as the Versys chain needed to be lubed before the return trip. The superior comfort of the GS/GSA is also something I wish to highlight, the suspension is truly an engineering marvel. Without a doubt, the BMW GS/GSA is one of the best motorcycles ever made. I wish here to thank my fellow riders for such a great trip, a memory etched forever in my mind. Before I conclude, I have to say that our Highway systems have seen a remarkable improvement, they were simply fantastic. One takeaway for anyone planning a road trip - stick to the National highways for as long as you can before you consider altering to SH or any other roads. Few more photos for your viewing pleasure Enroute to Thimpu - On Arguably the best purpose-built motorcycle At Takthikoti GREF Canteen Enroute to Thimpu One of the Few waterfalls on the route to Thimpu With Mr Anil, Road trip back to Mumbai somewhere in the forest of Jalpaiguri All the bikes in formation, a nice photo opportunity William Tell is aiming for the Apple on the head of Mr Parvez Finally After an Epic trip - Odometer on arrival back home A small Bhutan sticker to highlight the achievement Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Oppositions are lying, says CM Naveen Patnaik while addressing public in Koraput

Bhubaneswar: BJD supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik kicked off political campaign for the party in Koraput on Saturday. He attended a public meeting at the OMP Ground in Koraput where thousands of people welcomed him. Naveen thanked the people for coming and attending the meeting in huge numbers despite the scorching heat. [] The post Oppositions are lying, says CM Naveen Patnaik while addressing public in Koraput appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Denied funding, Congress' Puri LS seat candidate returns ticket, says state party chief asked to 'fend for self'

BHUBANESWAR: In a major setback to Congress ahead of polls, party's Puri Lok Sabha candidate Sucharita Mohanty has announced her withdrawal from the electoral race, returning her ticket for the parliamentary constituency, Mohanty attributed her decision to a lack of funds and what she perceives as nomination of weaker candidates in some seats across the seven Assembly segments. I have returned the ticket because the party was not able to fund me. Another reason is that in some of the seats in 7 Assembly segments, winnable candidates have not been given the ticket. Instead, some weak candidates got the ticket. I couldn't contest, she said. In a letter addressed to AICC general secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, Mohanty expressed her greivance over the denial of funding from the party, stating that it severely hampered the Congress's campaign efforts in Puri. Despite launching a crowdfunding campaign and attempting to minimize campaign expenses, Mohanty failed to secure sufficient funds, leading her to seek support from the party's central leadership, which she claims was not forthcoming. #WATCH | Congress candidate from Puri parliamentary constituency Sucharita Mohanty says, I have returned the ticket because the party was not able to fund me. Another reason is that in some of the seats in 7 Assembly segments, winnable candidates have not been given the ticket. pic.twitter.com/xNpQslvDQy ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2024 I also tried to cut down the projected campaign spending to the minimum. Since I couldn't raise funds on my own, I knocked at your's and all other doors of our Party's Central Leadership, urging them to commit the necessary Party funds for an impactful campaign in Puri Parliament Seat. The AICC Odisha in-charge Dr Ajoy Kumar Ji, however, categorically asked me to fend for myself, she wrote and added that without Party funding, it won't be possible for her to carry out the campaign in Puri. It is clear that only fund crunch is holding us back from a winning campaign in Puri. I, therefore, return the INC ticket for the Puri Parliamentary Constituency herewith, Mohanty stated. Worth noting is that voting for the Puri Lok Sabha seat and its seven assembly segments is scheduled for May 25, with the nomination deadline set for May 6. BJD candidate Arup Patnaik and BJP nominee Sambit Patra have already submitted their nomination papers.

Denied party funding, Congress Puri Lok Sabha candidate Sucharita Mohanty returns ticket

Congress candidate Sucharita Mohanty withdrew from Puri contest, citing lack of party funding. Despite difficulties, she remains loyal to Rahul Gandhi. The constituency includes BJP's Sambit Patra and BJD's Arup Patnaik as opponents.

CM Naveens Marathon Campaign In Four Southern Districts From Today

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal Supremo Naveen Patnaik will go for a marathon campaign in four southern districts of the state today. As per the schedule, Naveen is set to visit Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada and Gajapati districts. He will seek votes for the partys Lok Sabha and Assembly candidates from these [] The post CM Naveens Marathon Campaign In Four Southern Districts From Today appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Denied party funds, Congress denies ticket to Puri LS candidate Sucharita Mohanty

Denied party funds, Congress denies ticket to Puri LS candidate Sucharita Mohanty Congress candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency Sucharita Mohanty has declined to contest the elections and returned the party ticket alleging lack of funding from the party. Mohanty, daughter of former Congress MP Brajamohan Mohanty in a mail to AICC general secretary (organization) K C Venugopal on Friday claimed that her campaign in the Puri Lok Sabha constituency has been hit hard because the party has denied funding. She alleged that AICC Odisha in-charge Ajoy Kumar ''categorically'' asked her to fight from her own resources. ''I was a salaried professional journalist who entered electoral politics 10 years ago. I have given all I have into my campaign in Puri. I tried a public donation drive to support my campaign for progressive politics without much success so far. I also tried to cut down the projected campaign spending to the minimum,'' she mentioned. As she was not able to raise funds on her own, the Congress leader had approached all senior leaders including the party's central leadership for funds for an impactful campaign in the Puri Lok Sabha constituency. ''It is clear that only fund crunch is holding us back from a winning campaign in Puri. I regret that without party funding, it won't be possible to carry out the campaign in Puri. I, therefore, return the party ticket for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency herewith,'' she said in her mail to the AICC. However, Mohanty said she will remain a loyal Congress worker and her leader is Rahul Gandhi. Sucharita has been fielded for the Puri LS seat against BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra and BJD candidate Arup Patnaik, a former Mumbai Police Commissioner.

Heat waves forecast for 227 mandals in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday

Motorists cover Scarf their heads due to heat waves on Bandar Road in Vijayawada on Tuesday. Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) managing director R Kurmanadh said 227 mandals in the state are expected to experience heat waves on Saturday. Of the 227 mandals, 58 of them would experience severe heat waves, while 169 are expected to witness heat waves, he said. Severe heat waves have been forecast for 12 mandals in Srikakulam district, Vizianagaram (23 mandals), Parvatipuram Manyam (14), Visakhapatnam (one) and Anakapalli (eight), he said in a press release on Friday. Heat waves are predicted in 13 mandals in Srikakulam district, Vizianagaram (three mandals) and one each in Parvatipuram Manyam, Nellore, Sri Satyasai, West Godavari and Annamayya. Similarly, Alluri Sitaramaraju and Krishna (nine each), Visakhapatnam (two), Anakapalli (10), Konaseema and Tirupati (five each), Kakinada (17), East Godavari (four), Eluru (11), NTR (six), Guntur (14) and Palnadu (22) are to witness heat waves. Heat waves have also been forecast for three mandals in Bapatla district, Prakasam (14), Kadapa (four) and Tirupati (five). On Friday, Gospadu and Bandi Atmakuru in Nandyala district logged a maximum temperature of 47.7 degrees celsius each, followed by Ardhaveedu in Prakasam (47.3 C) and Chinnacheppali in Kadapa (47.2 C). Likewise, Veepinapi Akkamambapuram in Nellore (47.1 C), Peddakannali in Tirupati (46.9 C) and Panchalingala in Kurnool (46.8 C), among others. Kurmanadh advised people to stay indoors as much as possible between 11 am and 4 pm, and take precautions.

Rainfall Alert: There is a possibility of heavy rain in this state for 4 days from tomorrow, know the latest update of IMD

Bihar Weather Report: SK Patel, scientist of Meteorological Center based in Patna, said that there has been snowfall in the mountains. North-westerly wind is coming to Bihar from the mountainous areas. Because of this, the weather is pleasant in the morning and evening but no significant change will be seen in the day temperature. Weather [] The post Rainfall Alert: There is a possibility of heavy rain in this state for 4 days from tomorrow, know the latest update of IMD first appeared on informalnewz .

Andhra Pradesh polls: Politics not 'five-minute noodles', needs patience, says Pawan Kalyan

Pawan Kalyan stresses trust in politics in Visakhapatnam, advocating for NDA in Andhra Pradesh. He urges support for TDP and BJP in the upcoming elections, criticizing YSR Congress and Congress's past decisions.

Politics not five-minute noodles, needs patience: Pawan Kalyan

Visakhapatnam: Politics is not a five-minute noodles and one can not expect quick results as leaders have to earn the trust of people by withstanding turbulence and setbacks, Janasena founder and actor Pawan Kalyan has said. Janasena, TDP and BJP are NDA partners in Andhra Pradesh for the May 13 polls. Comparing the vision of Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Andhra Pradesh: Perni Nanis son and five others booked

VIJAYAWADA: Machilipatnam police registered a case of attempt to murder against YSRCs Machilipatnam MLA candidate Perni Krishna Murthy alias Kittu and five others following a complaint lodged by Jana Sena leader Karri Mahesh on Friday. It may be noted that Kittu is the son of sitting Machilipatnam MLA Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani). Police said Kittu and five others Chilakalapudi Gandhi, Chilamkurthi Vinay, Seenayya, Dhana Babu and Lanka Ramesh allegedly created ruckus at Maheshs house during the election campaign and injured his wife and mother on Thursday. Mahesh alleged that Kittu and his supporters held a ra y in the eighth division and burst crackers in front of Maheshs house. His wife Hemalatha and mother Gnanaprasunamba asked YSRC leaders not to create any commotion. In a fit of rage, the cadre reportedly entered the house and damaged furniture. They also injured Maheshs family members. Of the six accused, five were taken into custody for questioning, police said.

Andhra Pradesh: IMD issues severe heatwave alert in 58 mandals today

VISAKHAPATNAM : As many as 58 mandals, including 12 in Srikakulam, 23 in Vizianagaram, and 14 in Parvathipuram Manyam, one in Visakhapatnam and eight in Anakapalli, are likely to experience severe heatwave conditions on Saturday. Additionally, 169 mandals are expected to record heatwave conditions, as per the forecast by the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA). According to the India Meteorological Departments Amaravati Centres forecast, isolated places in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP), Yanam, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP), and Rayalaseema regions will experience heatwave conditions on Saturday and Sunday. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are also expected in these areas. However, there is a slight relief in sight as heavy rain is expected in isolated places over NCAP, Yanam, and SCAP on May 7. On Friday, 63 mandals recorded severe heatwave, with Nandyal registering the highest maximum temperature at 46.3 degrees Celsius closely followed by Kadapa at 46.2 degrees Celsius, Kurnool at 45.9 degrees Celsius, Jangamaheswarapuram was 45.2 degrees Celsius, and Anantapur at 44.4 degrees Celsius. While 208 mandals recorded heatwave. Areas on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram received rainfall on Friday evening, providing some respite from the heat.

Modi to address election meetings, hold roadshow in Andhra Pradesh on May 6, 8

VIJAYAWADA : Prime Minister Narendra Modis second phase of electioneering in the State has been finalised. Earlier, Modi addressed a public meeting, along with TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan, at Boppudi in Chilakaluripet on March 1. Announcing the PMs second phase campaign schedule, BJP official spokesperson Lanka Dinakar said Modi will address three public meetings and hold a roadshow along with Naidu and Pawan Kalyan on May 6 and 8. On May 6, Modi will arrive at Rajahmundry airport at 3 pm, and address a public meeting at Vemagiri in Rajahmundry Rural Assembly segment. State BJP chief D Purandeswari is contesting from Rajahmundry Lok Sabha constituency. Modi will campaign for the BJP Lok Sabha candidate and the MLA nominees of the tripartite alliance. From there, he will go to Visakhapatnam, and address an election meeting at Kasimkota in Anakapalle Lok Sabha constituency in support of the partys MP candidate CM Ramesh and the MLA candidates of NDA. On May 8, Modi will arrive at Tirupati airport at 2 am, and address an election meeting at Kalikiri in Pileru Assembly constituency, in support of BJP Rajampet MP candidate N Kiran Kumar Reddy, and other MLA nominees of the tripartite alliance. From there, the Prime Minister will arrive at Gannavaram airport at 4 pm, and participate in a roadshow from Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium to Benz Circle in Vijayawada at 5 pm.

Tribals seek transportation facility to exercise franchise in ASR district

VISAKHAPATNAM: Tribal people of Kalyan Gummi village in Gumma Panchayat of Ananthagiri mandal in Alluri Sitarama Raju district find themselves at a crossroads as the general elections are just 10 days away. Amidst the fervour of political campaign and promises, the tribal community of the remote village is grappling with a pressing concern, which is the daunting task of reaching the polling booth to cast their votes. Hindered by geographical isolation and inadequate transportation infrastructure, the tribals are voicing their demand for essential facilities to ensure their participation in the democratic process. The village, comprising 22 families with a total of 40 eligible voters, is situated in a remote location. The primary issue stems from the lack of proper transportation infrastructure connecting Kalyan Gummi to the nearby Cherukubidda polling station, located in the same Ananthagiri mandal. To cast their votes, the tribals are compelled to embark on an arduous journey spanning approximately 70 km, traversing through hilly terrain and across two districts. The route entails a series of challenges, beginning with a 15 km trek through the hills of Anakapalle district to reach the starting point at Maddigaruvu. From there, the journey involves taking an auto via Kothuru and continuing through Gangapudi in Vizianagaram district before finally arriving at Cherukubidda via Srungavarapukota to cast their votes. Faced with these obstacles, the tribals are seeking provision of transportation facility by the district authorities and the Election Commission to facilitate their participation in the electoral process. Kondababu of Kalyan Gummi emphasised the importance of voting as a fundamental right of all citizens. The journey to the polling station includes covering a distance of 70 km round trip, consuming nearly six hours of travel time. As casting vote is a fundamental right of all citizens, we urge the Election Commission and district authorities to provide transportation facility for us, which would alleviate the financial strain we face, given our modest financial circumstances, he said. He also urged the government to provide job cards and support initiatives aimed at fostering financial independence among the tribals.

Vijayawadas growth is my only agenda: Nani

VIJAYAWADA : Asserting that development of Vijayawada Lok Sabha constituency is his only agenda, sitting MP Kesineni Srinivas (Nani) has said he is contesting the election on YSRC ticket to save the city and people from his brother Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni), who is the TDP candidate. Speaking to TNIE, the two-time MP said the personal and family differences between him and his brother Sivanath have been there for the past two decades. The differences suddenly took a political turn soon after he raised objections to TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidus decision to hand over the party reins to Lokesh. Nani also opined that some TDP leaders were behind the political rise of his brother. It really surprises me the way the TDP and its supported media channels and dailies are portraying Sivanath as a man of service and integrity. While the affidavit submitted by him along with his nomination papers shows the list of his properties and debts, some dailies are portraying him as a businessman and spending crores of rupees for the development of Vijayawada, he said. Sivanath is a criminal and no less than notorious Charles Sobhraj. I urge the people of Vijayawada not to vote for Sivanath. He has committed many financial irregularities, including trademark violation and forgery during the company registration and many others, Nani alleged. Nani further revealed that the Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) had imposed fine on Kesineni Developers and Sahithi Infra for collecting money through launching offers. Explaining the development works implemented during his tenure as an MP, Nani said he played a crucial role in the greenfield express highway project from Vijayawada to Nagpur. With the contacts I have in the Central government, I presented the idea of a separate highway connecting Machilipatnam port and Nagpur. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari was impressed with the idea of connecting the city, which is located in the middle of the country and to the port in Andhra Pradesh. The road project will be completed in two years. The project is my brainchild and it gives me a immense satisfaction, he claimed.

No funding from Congress, Puri Lok Sabha nominee returns ticket

Sucharita Mohanty withdrew from contesting the Puri Lok Sabha seat due to inadequate financial support from Congress. BJD's Arup Patnaik and BJP's Sambit Patra have filed nominations for the upcoming election.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan conspired to stall Parikrama project: BJD

BHUBANESWAR: The BJD came down on Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for raking up Odia Asmita just before elections accusing him of trying his best to stall the Srimandir Parikrama project. Countering Pradhans attack on BJD shortly after his media conference, senior BJD leader and candidate for Satyabadi Assembly constituency Sanjay Das Burma said the union minister has no right to talk about Odia identity and pride as he did not accept the invitation to attend the inauguration of the Srimandir heritage corridor project. It is due to the untiring efforts of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik that Odia received classical language status which is a matter of pride for all Odias. The Centre has contributed significantly to the development and growth of Sanskrit, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. Will Pradhan tell how much did the Central government sanction for Odia language, he asked. Pradhan has been a central minister holding important portfolios including education. Let him tell the people of the state about his contribution to education and development of Odia language in the state, Sanjay said. Describing former chief minister and veteran leader Biju Patnaik as the symbol of Odia Asmita, Sanjay said the formers contribution to the state and the country is unparalleled. There has been a demand for granting Bharat Ratna to Biju Babu for a long time. The BJP government at Centre never thought it fit to give him the highest civilian award of the country when leaders of other states were considered. The people of the state know well who stands on the way of selecting Biju Patnaik for the highest award. The BJD leader said BJP is trying to divert the attention of people from core issues like inflation, rising prices of essential commodities, ballooning unemployment and Centres negligence to Odisha by raising non-issues.

Lok Sabha candidates rise by 42% compared to 2019 elections in Andhra Pradesh | Visakhapatnam News - The Times of India

Lok Sabha candidates rise by 42% compared to 2019 elections in Andhra Pradesh | Visakhapatnam News The Times of India

CM chose non-Odia officer to lead BJD, says Dharmendra Pradhan

BHUBANESWAR: Union Minister and BJP candidate for Sambalpur parliamentary constituency Dharmendra Pradhan lashed out at Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik for choosing a non-Odia bureaucrat to lead the party. Addressing mediapersons here on Friday in the midst of a gruelling election campaign, Pradhan said BJP decided to make Odia Asmita a major poll plank to caution people of the state that unethical, undemocratic and unconstitutional attempts are being made to promote a bureaucrat-turned-politician from outside Odisha to be the power centre and decide the fate of people. I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for setting Odia Asmita as the agenda for the 2024 elections and requesting people of the state to give BJP a chance as the BJD government has kept Odisha underdeveloped despite being abundant in natural resources, he added. Replying to a query on why Odia identity and Odia pride has suddenly come into play before the 2024 elections when such issues were not part of the poll agenda in 2009 and 2014, he said, the chief minister was then in full command of the state government and his party. He had not made an attempt for back door entry of a non-Odia bureaucrat to lead the state, Pradhan said. Without naming VK Pandian, Pradhan said the former bureaucrat has everything under his command to assault the rich cultural and religious heritage of the state. A coterie of non-Odia bureaucrats is running the BJD government. They had made an attempt to stop the Rath Yatra but their wish was not fulfilled due to stiff resistance from people. Centuries-old mutts and mandirs within the precinct of Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri and Lingaraj temple, Bhubaneswar were demolished in the name of heritage corridor projects. Who gave them the permission to tamper with the heritage of the state, asked Pradhan. He alleged a conspiracy has been hatched by the state government to stall the Paika rebellion memorial park project at the foothill of Barunei in Khurda district even after its foundation stone was laid by former President Ram Nath Kovind in 2019. The project was initiated in 2017 and union government had made a provision in its budget for it the same year. The Culture Ministry is ready to accept all conditions of the state government to extend financial assistance. Indian Oil Corporation had given `80 crore for the project which remains unutilised due to non-cooperation of the ruling party, Pradhan said. Asserting BJP will win all the 21 Lok Sabha seats in the state, Pradhan said people love Modi and BJD has nothing to its credit. The state government has failed on all fronts be it drinking water supply, irrigation, unemployment, huge migration of labour force, falling standards of education and health services, etc. He said the prime minister will visit the state for campaign after May 6. He will campaign for the party in all four phases of the elections.

Odisha MLA Nayak to fight as Independent from Bari Assembly seat

JAJPUR: BJP leader and former MLA Debasis Nayak on Friday announced to fight the upcoming Assembly elections as an Independent candidate from Bari Assembly seat. The four-time legislator from Bari announced his decision on social media platforms a day after the BJP denied him ticket from the Assembly seat. On Thursday, BJP nominated Umesh Chandra Jena as its candidate from Bari. Umesh had unsuccessfully contested from the seat on a Congress ticket in 2019 election. However, he later quit the grand old party and joined BJP last year. In a post on social media, Nayak said, People of Bari are my strength. Party is not paramount for me. I will contest the election to serve the people. Once a close aide of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Nayak was successfully elected as a BJD candidate in 2000, 2004, 2009 and 2014. He also served as the minister of Sports and Youth Services.

Opposition does not want states progress: Odisha 5T chairman Pandian

BERHAMPUR: BJD leader and 5T chairman VK Pandian on Friday tore into the Opposition political parties and said they are conspiring to derail the development process of Odisha for their narrow interests. Pandian was addressing an election campaign at Bhanjanagar Assembly segment which though comes under Ganjam district but is part of Kandhamal Lok Sabha constituency. Accompanied by Kandhamal MP Achyuta Samanta and Bhanjanagar MLA Bikram Keshari Arukh, the BJD star campaigner urged the voters to hand huge margins of victory to the BJD candidates in the ensuing polls. While Samanta is seeking re-election from Kandhamal Parliamentary seat, Arukh has been representing Bhanjanagar Assembly constituency (AC) since 1995. Criticising the Opposition, Pandian said the parties are hatching a conspiracy to stop Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, Mission Shakti programmes and even prevented the women members of SHGs to go to Dubai. The BJD believes in work, and not in rhetoric. But Opposition is conspiring to stop all development work in Odisha. The Opposition parties are fundamentally anti-development, said Pandian adding Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is keen to make Odisha prosperous. I call the Opposition to come and see the unwavering support and love people have for Naveen Babu. The huge gathering despite the scorching heat will give them a sense of the peoples affection for the chief minister, said Pandian. Recalling his attachment with Ganjam as its former collector, he said all the transformation programmes of Odisha started from the district. My daughter was also born at Chhatrapur, recalled the bureaucrat-turned-politician. He said development projects worth Rs 60 crore are under implementation in Bhanjanagar AC. A sum of Rs 1.80 crore was sanctioned for development of Jagannath Temple and Maa Byaghradevi temple, Rs 1.10 crore for Dhabaleswar temple and Rs 5.50 crore for development of 120 temples, mosques and community centres, he said listing out the works. Similarly, the Rs 50 crore worth of projects in Polasara Assembly segment and development works valued at Rs 45 crore are underway at Sorada segment, he added. Along with Bhanjanagar, Pandian addressed election meetings at Sorada, Polosara, Sanakhemundi in Ganjam and G Udayagiri in Kandhamal district. He also went to Bhawanipatna to oversee campaigning of BJD in Kalahandi, particularly in Bhawanipatna Assembly segment. Pandian participated in a massive road show in the evening from Kalahandi University chowk to Women college chowk accompanied by BJDs Bhawanipatna candidate Lalita Naik. After the rally Pandian interacted with party workers, giving them tips for success.

Poll fever grips Cuttack as bigwigs file nominations

CUTTACK: Several rallies were taken out in the city on Friday several heavyweight candidates including BJPs Bhartruhari Mahtab, BJDs Santrupt Misra and Samrudha Odishas Minati Patnaik, known for giving away her property worth Rs 1 crore to a rickshaw puller, filing their nominations for Cuttack Parliamentary constituency. Mahtab, rode pillion on a bike and arrived at the returning officer and district collector Arindam Dakuas office along with a handful of supporters. This election will certainly be a fight for Odia Asmita. The BJP has already announced and promised financial assistance to women through welfare schemes and pensions. Along with development, there is Prime Minister Narendra Modis guarantee. The problems of Cuttack district like lack of industries, cold storages and defunct sugar mills, will be addressed. The fight is for a double-engine government and to protect Odia Asmita, Mahtab told mediapersons after filing his nomination. Santrupt, however, arrived at the office in a huge workers rally from Biju Patnaik Park and filed his nomination in the presence of Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain, Rajya Sabha MP Debasish Samantaray, CMC Mayor Subhas Singh, Barabati-Cuttack MLA candidate Prakash Behera. Development and transformation work undertaken by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his popularity are reflected in each household of Cuttack. It will help me winning the election with a huge margin, said Misra to mediapersons after filing his nomination. Minati of Sutahat locality, who moved by love and affection shown by a rickshaw puller and his family had adopted him and gifted him all her jewellery, land and residential building worth Rs 1 crore in 2021, has also filed her nomination for contesting as a candidate of Samruddha Odisha. BJPs Bhartruhari Mahtab filing nomination on Friday | Express I have been serving the poor and distressed after the death of my daughter and husband. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who has been governing Odisha for the last 25 years does not like Odia people. I dont know why Pandian, a non-Odia stands by his side. Similarly six-time MP Bhartruhari Mahtab keeps harping about receiving the best parliamentarian award. What did the people of Cuttack get from his award. I have also received several awards after media highlighted my story of donating my property to a rickshaw puller. Samruddha Odisha political party has given me ticket and I am going to contest the election. I assure to serve people and develop villages. If people express discontentment, then I shall resign within a year, said Minati. Apart from nomination of three MP candidates, Congress nominee for Barabati-Cuttack Assembly segment Sofia Firdous accompanied by her father Mohammad Moquim and a few of her supporters filed her nomination paper before returning officer-cum-sub-collector Jyoti Sankar Roy. In view of scorching heat, I did not want to trouble my workers. Hence instead of a rally, I came with my father and a few supporters to file my nomination, said Sofia. Similarly BJDs nominee for Choudwar-Cuttack Assembly segment Souvic Biswal, BJPs Nayan Kishore Mohanty and Congress candidate Meera Mallik arrived in rallies to file their nominations on Thursday. BJDs candidate for Cuttack Sadar seat Chandra Sarathi Behera and BJP candidate Prakash Chandra Sethi filed their nomination before ADM (Election) Siba Toppo on the day.

BJD announces star campaigners list for last phases of LS polls

BHUBANESWAR: BJD on Friday announced its star campaigners for the last two rounds of elections in the state. Twelve Lok Sabha constituencies and 84 Assembly segments will go to polls during the two phases. While BJD supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will spearhead the campaign, 5T chairman VK Pandian and the partys organisational secretary Pranab Prakash Das are among the top three campaigners. The 40-member campaigners list included six ministers, eight former ministers and a host of MLAs. The party had announced a list of 40 star campaigners for the first two phases of elections. Pandian has been campaigning extensively for the party candidates in the fray for the first round of elections on May 13.

Odisha MLA Soumya finally makes up his mind, to contest from Ghasipura as Independent candidate

BHUBANESWAR: Khandapada MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik on Friday said he will fight the Assembly election from Ghasipura as an Independent candidate. While many wondered why Soumya did not join BJP, he announced his next move after a public meeting in Ghasipura, one of the Assembly constituencies of Keonjhar district. I took the decision to contest from Ghasipura following requests from people of the constituency, Soumya said. He had hinted on April 30 of getting an offer from the BJP to contest from the seat. Soumya had previously shared with media that several people pressured him to contest the election. However, the BJP on Thursday nominated Shambhunath Rout from the seat. Senior BJP leader and three-time MP from Balasore Kharabela Swain also announced to contest from the parliamentary constituency as an Independent after his request for nomination from the seat was turned down by the party. Asserting he will win as the official candidate of BJP is quite unpopular in the constituency, Swain said he is confident that the party will take him under its fold after the elections. Earlier, Swain had suggested the party to field him from Balasore Lok Sabha seat and nominate sitting MP Pratap Sarangi from Nilagiri. The former MP took the decision to fight as an Independent after the BJP named Santosh Khatua from Nilagiri seat. Khatua contested the 2019 election from Nilagiri on a BJD ticket and came second after losing to Sukanta Nayak of BJP. Nayak quit the BJP to join BJD and got nomination from the regional party. Similarly, four-time Bari MLA and former minister Debasis Nayak who joined BJP recently with the hope to get nomination from the saffron party also announced to contest the upcoming Assembly polls from the constituency as an Independent candidate. Nayak announced his decision on social media after the BJP fielded Umesh Jena as its candidate for Bari. Former BJD MLA from Khandapada Anubhav Patnaik filed his nomination papers as Independent on Friday after the party denied him a ticket.

Naidu, PK envious of Jagans popularity: MLC Kalyani

Visakhapatnam: YSRC MLC Varudu Kalyani criticised TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan for being envious of the growing support for Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's preparatory meetings across the state. Addressing a press conference in Visakhapatnam, she accused Pawan Kalyan's party of resorting to personal insults against Jagan due to their failing manifesto. She suggested that it would be more beneficial for Pawan Kalyan to discuss his contributions during his time in the government from 2014-19 and ask for votes based on those achievements. Kalyani reminded Pawan Kalyan that Jagan Mohan Reddy is the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and should be respected for his achievements. Under Jagan's leadership, the YSRC has won 151 Assembly and 22 MP seats by focusing on the welfare of the people. In contrast, Pawan Kalyan's party has not even been able to contest in elections since its inception. She highlighted Jagan's accomplishments, such as making Andhra Pradesh the number one state in terms of ease of doing business and growth rate. She mentioned that Jagan is not a criminal but a history creator. Kalyani questioned when Pawan Kalyan would hold those responsible for land grabbing and mistreating women accountable. Kalyani further urged Pawan Kalyan to address the Land Titling Act issue and clarify his stance on it. She also asked why Pawan has not spoken about critical matters like railway zone and steel plant privatisation.

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Man takes donkey ride to file papers for Gopalganj LS seat

Andhra Pradesh: Six arrested for duping people with fake gold and currency in Visakhapatnam

The News Mill

651 Maoist-Sensitive Polling Stations in Agency 2 Choppers To Fly Poll Officials

Picture used for representation purpose. Photo: PTI Picture used for representation purpose. Photo: PTI Visakhapatnam: The police in Alluri Sitarama Raju and Parvathipuram districts are focusing on Maoist-influenced polling stations for conducting the elections in a smooth manner on May 13. Cops in the two districts have identified 651 LWE sensitive and 238 law and order problem polling stations. A police official in ASR district said that they have identified 610 Left Wing Extremist sensitive and 85 law and order sensitive stations out of the total 1021 polling stations. The district election officer has arranged two helicopters to fly the polling officials to Gruttedu under Y Ramavaram mandal of Rampachodavaram assembly constituency. Funds have been sanctioned early to install cell towers and improve roads to several polling stations in the district. We have set up check posts and are frisking suspicious persons at various locations in the district, said a police officer. Araku Lok Sabha seat (ST), which consists of LWE affected assembly segments like Paderu, Araku Valley, Rampachodavaram, Parvathipuram and Saluru, will go to polls on May 13. The official said 30 polling booths in Chintoor and Munchingput mandals have been shifted due to the Maoist threat perception. The special police launched an area-domination exercise in the bordering areas of Odisha and Chhattisgarh after a large number of Maoists were neutralized in Chhattisgarh, to ensure they do not cross over to AP via the Odisha border, he added. The outlawed Maoists recently released a pamphlet in Munchingput and other areas close to the Odisha border, appealing to the people to boycott the elections. Maoists had shot down Araku MLA Kidari Sarveswara Rao and his predecessor Siveri Soma in Livitput village near Araku Valley on September 23, 2018, some 10 months before the 2019 elections. In Parvathipuram Manyam district, out of the total 981 polling stations, 41 have been identified as Maoist-sensitive and 153 law and order problem stations.

Chirag threatens legal action against Tejashwi

PATNA, May 3: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan on Friday threatened legal action against RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for making false statements about the formers stand on reservations. At rallies, especially in the Lok Sabha constituency of Hajipur which Paswan is contesting, Yadav has been claiming that the LJP (R) chief has []

After ECI Intervention Sujata Karthikeyan IAS Shunted Out of Mission Shakti Dept

Hours after the Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered for shifting of Odisha Mission Shakti secretary Sujata Pandian to a non-people department, the state government on Friday transferred her to the finance department as special secretary. The ECI order to transfer came late on Thursday night following the Bharatiya Janata Partys allegations of misuse of public office. The ECI had Thursday night asked the state government for transfer of Sujata Pandian who is the wife of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks most trusted aide V Karthikeyan Pandian. The BJP alleged in its complaint that Sujata is working like an agent of BJD. Besides, she is intimidating members of women self-help-groups (SHGs) to cast their votes for the BJD. She is also using the Mission Shakti department to persuade around 70 lakh women voters, the party alleged. The saffron party, in the complaint, had demanded that the official be relieved from the post of secretary and not be assigned any public dealing till the conclusion of the parliamentary and assembly elections in Odisha. Women empowerment is not the real motive of the BJD. Rather, it uses women SHGs for its own during election time. There is evidence that Sujata Pandian has been threatening SHGs to work for the BJD and not to vote for the BJP. It has been proved that BJD wants to use SHGs for its own gain, said BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal.

Three capitals is not an important issue for Vizagites, but development is, says TDP MP candidate M. Sribharat

Visakhapatnam city, which is called the City of Destiny, is destined to grow, and making it the capital city really does not appeal to the people or will have an impact, he says

Complaint against Naidu and Pawan for abusing Jagan

Vijayawada: The YSRC leaders, led by MLA Malladi Vishnu, lodged three complaints with the Election Commission on Friday against Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena founder Pawan Kalyan for abusing Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy personally by using objectionable words like psycho, among others. Vishnu stated that Naidu used the objectionable words against Jagan Mohan Reddy at a public meeting in Rayachoti on Thursday. He further said that Pawan Kalyan made inappropriate comments and baseless accusations against the CM in Visakhapatnam South and Palakonda public meetings on May 2. The MLA said that they have lodged another complaint against TD-friendly vernacular dailies for publishing articles against the CM and YSRC leaders and asked the Election Commission to treat them as paid articles.

Jana Sena leader's PA beats up TD worker in Elamanchili

Visakhapatnam: There are reports of Jana Sena MLA candidate Sundavarapu Vijaya Kumars personal assistant allegedly attacking a Telugu Desam Party activist in a lodge room at Elamanchili in Anakapalli district. The incident occurred after the NDA alliance organised a meeting of Yadava community at a lodge in Atchutapuram on Friday. Apparently, while having lunch, there had been a minor altercation between TD youth leader Golagani Naidu and a Jana Sena party worker. This led to Vijaya Kumar's PA punching Naidu, dragging the latter into the PAs room and beating Naidu till he bled. Somehow, panic-stricken Naidu escaped and approached the police. He alleged that capturing, torturing and injuring people in lodge rooms is nothing new to Sundavarapu Vijay Kumar of Jana Sena Party. It is part of Vijay Kumars rowdy politics, the TD worker stated.

To convey big message, Bihar man takes donkey ride to file papers

DC Report Makes Officials Visit Hilltop Village

Visakhapatnam: Following a report published in Deccan Chronicle on May 1, revenue inspector M. Laxmikant and revenue officer T. Kondababu of Anantagiri mandal walked five kilometres and visited the remote hilltop village of Kalyan Gummi. The officials made detailed inquiries about the villagers demands and took stock of the situation. Kalyan Gummi villagers have to leave their homes two days before the voting day. They take up an arduous journey of 70 kilometres across two districts, including walking through the hills, to reach their polling centre in Cherikibidda of Anantagiri mandal, where they finally exercise their franchise. The villagers' journey to the polling centre is a testament of their determination to cast their vote. The demand of Kalyan Gummi villagers is that the government connect their village with transport facilities.

Hajipur villagers wash Ambedkar statue with milk after Chirag garlands it

Paswan community washes Baba Bhim Rao Ambedkar's statue with milk after Chirag Paswan offers flowers en route to filing Hajipur Lok Sabha nomination, sparking protests. Chirag accused of defiling the statue, leading to a viral video of the incident.

We Will Ban Liquor After 15 Years: Botsa

VISHAKHAPATNAM: Botsa Satyanarayana, a key figure in the YSRC cabinet, holds significant sway in North Andhra. He spoke about the current election management, government policies and the party manifesto in an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle. The state education minister spoke about many issues and, in special, said a ban on liquor can be effected after 15 years. He expressed confidence in the YSRC winning the present polls and retaining power. Excerpts from the interview: Q. How confident are you about the YSRCs chances as the polling day is fast approaching? A. My confidence is unwavering. Jagan Mohan Reddy has created a narrative in which he urges voters to support YSRC if they have benefitted from his five-year tenure. This election is a litmus test of credibility, and the people are captivated by Jagans trajectory. I am convinced that the people will rally behind him. Q. You are confident that `2.7 lakh crore in DBTs will see you through, but your opponents say the AP government incurred huge debts. How are you going to deal with this? A. It is true that the loans were taken, but this was done by keeping in mind the states Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act. Chandrababu Naidu had borrowed more than what the FRBM rules allowed. He borrowed in excess of Rs 28,000 crore; more than what we have borrowed. Q. What is your take on the propaganda that the state is in debt like Sri Lanka. A. Chandrababu is indulging in baseless propaganda against us. He alleges that we have plunged the state into debt due to the welfare schemes that we've implemented. However, his own manifesto is replete with promises of similar welfare schemes termed Super Six or Super Ten. Now, he must elucidate us as to how he intends to fulfill these promises. Where would he organize as much money from? The people are beginning to question his capacity to deliver on his commitments. Q. What are your sources to implement the YSRCs 2024 Manifesto? A. We have introduced some improvements in the new manifesto because we know that we have to fulfill everything that was promised in it. We have taken some financial steps to increase the state's revenue. We are confident that we will implement the 2024 manifesto without undue resort to loans. This time, the main point of our manifesto is action for development. Q. The main charge of the Opposition is that the YSRC government can't create wealth. How do you respond? A. Compared to Chandrababu's administration, Jagan Reddy's administration ensured a far better growth rate. It becomes apparent who is likely to generate more wealth. Based on official records, the growth rate during Jaganmohan Reddy's administration was higher. Q. You have compared the YSRC Manifesto to Bhagavad Gita, Quran and Bible, and how can you be dishonest in implementing total prohibition of alcohol? A. Liquor prohibition will be done in a phased manner. We will ban liquor after 15 years. What is wrong with this? We have not promised to ban liquor overnight. Secondly we have been reducing liquour sales by 33 per cent annually, which has reduced its consumption. Q. Employees have turned hostile to your government. Will they vote for you? A. After Independence, which government cleared employee dues? Dues clearance is a routine process with new dues accumulating regularly. It's unnecessary to scrutinize the matter too closely. Q. The Opposition is alleging that Visakhapatnam is being made capital because there is a real estate interest behind it. A. CM Jagan wants to make Vizag the executive capital so that this region will develop. Because sea, air and land connectivity are good here, Vizag would become a world-class city. Building a gated community in Amaravati and concentrating all the wealth there would benefit a particular community involved in the real estate business. Q. What are your efforts to stop the privatization of VSP? A. During a public meeting addressed by Prime Minister Modi, Jagan raised his voice for VSP and opposed its privatization. The CM had written several letters asking the PM to stop the privatization. The assembly also passed a resolution opposing privatization. Q. The alliance has been using the Land Titling Act as its main campaign tool, explaining that the Act would impact landholders. How would you counter this? A. The Opposition is spreading lies to mislead the public. This framework has not yet come into force. The matter is in the court. We will hold meetings. Arguments will be made before the District Authority on the objections received. After this work is completed, a public hearing will be held. If there are any problems, the High Court can be approached. In this way, the opinions of all the communities will be collected and then the decisions will be made. The process of making a decision will take two years. The aim of this Act is to resolve the years-old disputes and to ensure that individuals ownership is protected. As per data, 80 per cent of the current civil disputes are related to land. We want to resolve these disputes. Q. The opposition's big campaign is that Jagan has not been able to create jobs, and if Chandrababu comes to power, more jobs will be created. How many jobs could be created by the YSRC government? A. Even in 2014, TD's campaign was that Babu would bring jobs and the unemployed would get `2,000 as stipend. What happened to this promise? Chandrababu is telling the same story again. We are building four seaports on a large scale. We are also building hospitals, developing industry which would create jobs. We have also introduced the secretariat system, announced Group-1 recruitment, and released the DSC notification. We have released the notification for about 3000 jobs in universities. Q. You were not on screen when Vijayasai Reddy was the North Andhra Regional Coordinator but you shined after he left. What is the reason for this? A. Vijayasai Reddy was the regional coordinator, but elections were not held then. If elections were held now, I would definitely be the one who appear on the screen. I am used to carrying out the responsibilities given by the party, and now I am doing the same thing. Q. You shifted to Vizag because Jhansi is facing a tough time. A. The situation is strong in Vizianagaram district because we are all on our own. We are going to win 9 seats in Vizianagaram, but given the fact that there are two TD sitting MLAs in Vizag, there is a need to take care of the affairs here. Q. Bharat is among those contesting for Vizag MP. Is he more local compared to Botsa Jhansi? Don't you think it is a tough competition? A. We are doing our best and we believe that the people will bless us. Although there will be competition in Vizag, we are confident of winning the present polls.

Soumya Ranjan Patnaik to Fight from Ghasipura Seat as Independent Candidate

Bhubaneswar: Ending all speculations, Khandapada MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik confirmed on Friday that he will run as an Independent candidate in the upcoming elections from the Ghasipura Assembly constituency in Odisha. Patnaik made this declaration following a public meeting in Ghasipura, Keonjhar district. The MLS stated that he took the decision respecting the wishes of [] The post Soumya Ranjan Patnaik to Fight from Ghasipura Seat as Independent Candidate appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

BJP sharpens attack against Naveen Patnaik as party leadership heads to Odisha

Odisha is ten days away from the first of its four phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha election even as the BJP tries to build momentum in its favour

BJP sharpens attack against Naveen Patnaik as party leadership heads to Odisha

Odisha is ten days away from the first of its four phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha election even as the BJP tries to build momentum in its favour

Kaikalur will be upgraded into a municipality, promises JSP president Pawan Kalyan

Avanigadda, Kaikaluru, Machilipatnam and Pedana will be developed as an urban agglomeration if the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance is voted to power, he says