EC Appoints District Collector, 3 SPs in AP

Vijayawada : The Election Commission of India appointed district collector for Palnadu and three SPs for Palnadu, Tirupati and Anantapur. They are: Lathkar Srikesh Balaji as district collector for Palnadu, Mallika Garg as SP of Palnadu, Harshavardhan as SP of Tirupati and Gautami Shalini as SP of Anantapur.

Vizag Police Bust SE Asia Slave Job Racket

Visakhapatnam Police (Photo: Twitter) Visakhapatnam Police (Photo: Twitter) Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam police have busted a gang that offered jobs to unemployed men and women in southeast Asia promising lucrative salaries. However, they ended up working for Chinese companies that forced them to commit cybercrimes. Briefing media here on Saturday, Vizag police commissioner Ravi Shankar Ayyanar said the recruiters attracted men and women from Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Rajahmundry, Anantapur, Palasa, Tuni, Anakapalli and Kolkata, promising them jobs abroad as data entry operators with lucrative salaries and good living conditions. Once they agreed, the men and women ended up being sent to countries like Cambodia, Myanmar and Bangkok. There they ended up working for Chinese companies, which trained them for 710 days and forced them into engaging in cybercrimes at an average salary of $600 per month. Any resistance invited severe punishment, including torture and deprivation of food and water. Ayyanar disclosed that approximately 5,000 people from Andhra Pradesh had fallen victim to this scam over the past two years. The illegal racket came to light after Botcha Sankar, an ex-Navy employee, filed a complaint through the 1930 cybercrimes helpline. Sankar's complaint had been based on the account of a victim, who had managed to escape. Following the complaint, Visakhapatnam police arrested Chukka Rajesh, the ringleader, and his associates Sabbavarapu Kondala Rao and Mannena Gnaneshwar Rao, both from Gajuwaka area. Police investigation revealed a complex network of agents, including Santosh, Arya, Umamahesh and Habib, who facilitated the trafficking. The victims went to Cambodia on tourist visas. These got converted into business visas once they joined Chinese companies.

Four Killed in Lorry- Car Collission in Anantapur

Anantapur : Four people were killed and two were severely injured after a car rammed into a truck on National Highway 44 in Anantapur district on Saturday. The victims, all residents of Raninagar in Anantapur, were identified as the casualties of the tragic accident. The authorities rushed to the scene and promptly transferred the injured to a nearby hospital for medical assistance. The police registered case and probe is underway.

AP: 4 killed, 2 injured in car-truck collision on highway in Anantapur

Anantapur: Four people were killed and two were critically injured after a car rammed into a truck on National Highway 44 in Andhra Pradeshs Anantapur district on Saturday, police said. Police officials said that the accident took place near Bachupalli village in Gunti mandal of the district. The car en route from Hyderabad to Anantapur 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: Four killed, two injured in car-truck collision on highway

Andhra Pradesh: Four killed, two injured in car-truck collision on highway Four people were killed and two were critically injured after a car rammed into a truck on National Highway 44 in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district on Saturday, police said. Police official said that the accident took place near Bachupalli village in Gunti mandal of the district. The car en route from Hyderabad to Anantapur lost control and collided with a truck. The deceased and the injured individuals are from the same family from Anantapur's Rani Nagar, police said. The authorities are investigating the cause of the accident, the official said. Further information is awaited. (ANI)

SIT starts probe into post-poll violence in AP

Vijayawada: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe into post-poll violence in several parts of Andhra Pradesh started its investigation on Saturday. The SIT led by IG Vineet Brijlal will inspect the violence-hit areas and collect field-level information to know the factors that contributed to violence. The SIT is expected to submit its report to the Election Commission of India (ECI) either on May 19 or 20. Following instructions from ECI, Andhra Pradesh set up SIT to probe into the violence after completion of voting on May 13. After many deliberations, the State government constituted SIT headed by Brijlal. To avoid unnecessary criticism from political parties, the government selected non-controversial officers posted in Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) and included them in SIT for a comprehensive probe. The SIT members would be interacting with investigating officers (IOs) in the trouble prone areas in Palnadu, Narsaraopet, Chandragiri in Tirupati and Tadipatri in Anantapur district to gather information on the status of cases that were booked after violence. They might also ask the IOs to include more Sections in addition to the existing provisions of Indian Penal Code (IPC) invoked against those involved in the violence. Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy and Director-General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta appeared before the ECI in New Delhi on Thursday after getting summons to them seeking an explanation on violence. The ECI then asked them to set up SIT to probe into the violence incidents in the State.

Moderate rains, thunderstorms likely in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) forecasted light to moderate rains accompanied by thunderstorms in the State for the next four days due to formation of gyration over Rayalaseema and adjoining North Tamil Nadu regions, with trough extending from South Chattisgarh and Comorin regions. In a release on Friday, APSDMA managing director Ronanki Kurmanath stated that light to moderate rains with scattered thundershowers are likely in Alluri Sitarama Raju, Prakasam, Nellore, Kurnool, Nandyal, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, YSR, Annamaiah, Chittoor, and Tirupati districts in the coming four days. Isolated parts of Parvathipuram Manyam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, Guntur, Palnadu, and Bapatla districts are likely to experience light rain with thundershowers. He further advised the people to be alert during thunderstorms and urged farmers working in fields, agricultural labourers and cattle rearers to not to stay under trees and in open places. Meanwhile, several parts of Andhra Pradesh have experienced light to moderate rainfall on Friday. Highest rainfall of 131.2 mm was recorded in Amruthalur mandal of Bapatla district, followed by 96.4 mm in T Sunduru, and 67 mm in Chebrolu of Guntur district, 78 mm in Bethamcherla of Nandyal district, 60 mm in Gandlapenta of Annamayya district, 50.7 mm in Madakasira of Chittoor district, 50.7 mm in Pamuru of Prakasam district, and 43.7 mm in Tanakallu of Sri Sathya Sai district. The average rainfall of 28 mm in Bapatla district, 21.5 mm in Guntur district, 18.9 mm in Krishna district, 13 mm in Kurnool district, and 9.3 mm in Prakasam district were recorded. APSDMA also reported that no heatwave-like conditions were reported across Andhra Pradesh on Friday. It predicted that six mandala and 21 mandals across the State will reel under heatwave on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

Andhra Pradesh: DGP constitutes SIT to probe poll violence

VIJAYAWADA: On the directions of the Election Commission of India (ECI), Director General of Police (DGP) Harish Kumar Gupta on Friday issued orders to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which will be headed by Inspector General of Police (IG) Vineet Brijlal. The 13-member SIT will investigate cases pertaining to the incidents of poll-related violence reported in parts of the State, affecting the law and order situation particularly in Palnadu, Anantapur, and Tirupati districts. Officers who will be a part of the SIT are: ACB SP Rama Devi, ACB additional SP Sowmyalatha, Srikakulam ACB DSP Ramana Murthy, CID DSP P Srinivasulu, Ongole ACB DSP Valluri Srinivasa Rao, Tirupati ACB DSP Ravi Manohara Chary, inspectors V Bhushanam, K Venkat Rao, Rama Krishna, Srinivas, Moin, N Prabhakar and Siva Prasad. The order stated that the SIT chief can co-opt any officer or legal adviser as per the situation. It further mentioned that the SIT will supervise the investigation being conducted by jurisdictional investigation officers concerned in the cases and will recommend additional appropriate sections of law in each case to be updated wherever needed. It will also make recommendations to get fresh FIRs registered. Vineet Brijlal was asked to submit the compliance report to the Election Commission in two days.

Kadiri segment never represented by heirs of former legislators

ANANTAPUR: Sons and daughters treading in the footsteps of their politician parents is quite common in Indian or Andhra Pradesh politics. From an MP to a sarpanch, every peoples representative wants to see his son or daughter as his political heir. At least one or two Assembly or Lok Sabha constituencies in every district of the State are represented by the heirs of former MLAs and MPs. In the just concluded elections too, several heirs of former MLAs and MPs are in the fray. But, there is an Assembly constituency, probably the only one in the State, which has not been represented by heirs of former MLAs since its inception. It is Kadiri Assembly segment in Hindupur Lok Sabha constituency, which falls in Sri Sathya Sai district. The constituency went to polls for the first time in 1952. KV Vema Reddy of Congress won the election. Leaders of all major political parties, including the Congress, TDP, BJP and YSRC and an independent, have won from Kadiri segment, but none of them is a political heir of former MLA. Vema Reddy went on to win the seat in 1955 and 1967. The Congress has won the seat six times, TDP thrice, YSRC twice, BJP once and Independent once. None of the elected MLAs are sons or daughters of the former MLA, revealed a senior politician. Apart from Vema Reddy, it was Mohammed Shakir who won the seat twice, once on Congress ticket and the second time as the TDP candidate. No other MLA could win the seat for the second time. The YSRC, which won the seat in 2014 and 2019, aims for a hat-trick. Attar Chand Basha was elected from Kadiri in 2014, while P Venkata Sidda Reddy won the seat in 2019. Denying him a possible consecutive win for the second time, the YSRC leadership had fielded BS Maqbool Ahmed from Kadiri this time. It is confident of winning the seat for the third consecutive time, making Kadiri a YSRC bastion, a political analyst observed.

Central intelligence dept asks Andhra Pradesh government to step up vigil for a fortnight from June 4

VIJAYAWADA: In the wake of the post-poll violence that rocked parts of the State, the Central intelligence department has reportedly asked the State government to be on high alert as it apprehends disruption of law and order in the State on the day of counting (June 4). The intelligence agencies reportedly asked the government to remain alert at least for two weeks after the counting and step up security in all problematic locations in the State. Following the post-poll violence reported at various places in the State, the Central intelligence wing reportedly collected crucial information pertaining to the law and order situation in the State and apprised the government. According to sources, personnel of the Central intelligence department have been stationed at various places in the State for the past two months to monitor the law and order situation. In a report, the officials mentioned the clashes in Palnadu, Jammalamadugu and Anantapur. The officials further reported that more than 20 Assembly constituencies and two Parliament segments are most prone to violence on the day of counting and the following few days, sources said. They added the intelligence agency has asked the State official machinery to observe the trends that emerge after counting starts and act accordingly. After the alert was issued, Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy and DGP Harish Kumar Gupta convened a meeting and directed all district collectors and SPs to step up vigil in their respective regions with the help of Central Armed Police Forces and by making additional deployments. The officials were instructed to identify other problematic locations immediately and keep a tab on suspected trouble-mongers to prevent untoward incidents. Jawahar Reddy warned of stringent action against errant officials if they fail to comply with the ECI and Central intelligence guidelines.

ECI finally releases APs poll percentage

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. (PTI File Image) Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. (PTI File Image) Vijayawada: Election Commission of India has finally released details of poll percentage recorded in Andhra Pradesh, which witnessed polling in its 175 assembly and 25 parliamentary constituencies on May 13. According to the figures released by ECI on Friday, AP has registered the highest poll percentage of 81.86 in the country, 80.66 per cent through EVMs and 1.2 per cent through postal ballots. This is the highest poll percentage recorded in a state during the last four phases of polling. The poll percentages released Lok Sabha constituency-wise are Amalapuram (SC) 83.85, Anakapalle 82.03, Anantapur 80.51, Araku (ST) 73.68, Bapatla (SC)- 85.48, Chittoor (SC) 85.77, Eluru 83.68, Guntur 78.81, Hindupur 84.79, Kadapa 79.57, Kakinada 80.30, Kurnool 76.80, Machilipatnam 84.05, Nandyal 80.61, Narasapur 82.59, Narasaraopet 85.65, Nellore 79.05, Ongole 87.06, Rajahmundry 80.93, Rajampet 79.09, Srikakulam 74.43, Tirupati 79.10, Vijayawada 79.37, Visakhapatnam 71.11 and Vizianagaram 81.05. Thus, among all the parliamentary constituencies of Andhra Pradesh, Ongole recorded the highest 87.06 per cent polling, while Visakhapatnam registered the lowest polling percentage of 71.11.

Andhra Pradesh govt. constitutes Special Investigation Team to probe election violence in State

A 13-member team headed by IGP Vineet Brijlal will probe violent incidents in Palnadu, Tirupati and Anantapur districts and submit a report in two days

YSRC Complains to EC, Seeks Transfer and Suspension of Police Officials

VIJAYAWADA: The YSRC has lodged two complaints with the Election Commission, seeking transfer of the Guntur range IG and suspension of Anantapur DIG and Anantapur ASP with immediate effect. These officials colluded with the Telugu Desam, the YSRC alleged, and said this was necessary to restore normalcy in the respective regions that faced post-poll clashes. YSRC leaders led by MLA Malladi Vishnu, MLC Lella Appi Reddy, former minister Kishore Babu etc submitted their complaints to CEO, Mukesh Kumar Meena here on Friday. They expressed grave concern over the deterioration in the law and order situation during the polls in Palnadu region. Despite the significant steps already taken by the EC, including the suspension and transfer of several key officials, the role and responsibility of the Guntur Range IG, Sarvashresth Tripathi, in these events cannot be overlooked, they stressed. They added, In view of the escalation in violence and an apparent failure to maintain law and order, we request the immediate transfer of IG Sarvashresth Tripathi and the appointment of an efficient officer to restore public confidence. This is especially important as we approach the counting date of June 4. The YSRC leaders alleged that Tripathi failed to control law and order and supported TD. They said there was brutal treatment of YSRC activists including women and forcible arrests from their homes. They were beaten up and tortured at police stations, it was alleged. The leaders cited the violence in the Palnadu region. Especially in constituencies like Macherla, Sattenapalli, Narasaraopet and Gurajala, TD supporters engaged in violence and booth capturing, despite these areas falling within a 25km distance from the IG's range. These incidents showed the failure of Tripathi. They demanded the transfer of the IG, along with the deployment of additional forces, saying that these would help in preventing further violence and ensuring a fair counting process on June 4. In the second complaint, the YSRC leaders sought ECs attention and decisive action in response to the recent events that undermined the democratic process in the Tadipatri region during the polls. They cited the incident in which Kethireddy Pedda Reddy, the MLA of Tadipatri and a YSRC candidate, was attacked on the day of polling. His convoy was halted, forcing him to proceed on foot. He and his supporters were pelted with stones by goons affiliated to the Telugu Desam and JC Diwakar Reddy. They said that election-day violence, post-election day attacks, police misconduct, and destruction of CCTV footage were done at the behest of the Anantapur ASP, Ramakrishna. The YSRC leaders demanded that EC suspend the ASP and the deputy IG of police of Anantapur Range immediately. Appointment of efficient officers is essential to restore public confidence and uphold the sanctity of our democratic process, the complaint stated.

Andhra post-poll violence: Fresh row as videos of police vandalising property at Tadipatri MLA's house surfaces

ANANTAPUR: Videos of police personnel destroying CCTV cameras and furniture at the residence of YSRC party's Tadipatri MLA Ketireddy Pedda Reddy has surfaced on Friday, creating a fresh row as a sequel to the election-related violence in Andhra Pradesh. As soon as the videos emerged, the YSRC held the police responsible for the post-poll violence that erupted in the politically sensitive Tadipatri. The videos were dated May 15, two days after the state went to polls on May 13. According to police, a YSRC activist, identified as Sanjeev, sustained injuries during a minor altercation at a polling booth in Tadipatri on May 13 and was subsequently shifted to a hospital for treatment. Kethireddy visited the victim at a hospital. Later, upon learning that a TDP leader, Suryamuni, was responsible for the attack on the activist, the MLA and his followers went to the TDP leader's house and assaulted him. As news spread, former MLA and Tadipatri Municipal Chairperson JC Prabhakar Reddy visited Suryamuni at his house and consoled him. Subsequently, Prabhakar Reddy, Suryamuni and other party members launched a protest at the local police station circle. They then marched towards the MLA's residence resulting in a clash between the two groups. Supporters of bother parties were engaged in a pitched battle for over three hours, forcing the police to lob tear gas to disperse the mob. As the situation remained tense, police asked Kethireddy, Prabhakar Reddy and their family members to leave the town. Around 3.26 am on May 15, police forces entered Kethireddy's residence and dispersed the YSRC activists present there. The large posse of policemen thrashed the party workers even as they tried to run away. Later, police allegedly broke into the MLA's house and vandalised the furniture. When they noticed the surveillance cameras in the house they smashed them with lathis. Similarly, police also entered the house of Prabhakar Reddy and thrashed Dasari Kiran, the social media in-charge of the JC brothers. Later, police went to the residences of leaders of both the parties and picked up several of them, blaming them for the clashes in the town. On Friday, Anantapur MLA and senior leader Ananta Venkatarami Reddy alleged that the indiscriminate transfer of IAS and IPS officers ahead of elections at the behest of TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu has led to the violence in the State. Kethireddy's convoy was attacked in the presence of Superintendent of Police Amit Bardar. Police attacked the residences of the MLA and several YSRC leaders in Tadipatri, he claimed. Incidentally, the Election Commission of India had suspended Amit Bardar on Thursday for alleged failure to contain post-poll violence in Tadipatri.

Man kills mother after she voted for YSRCP in Anantapur

Hyderabad: A tragic incident unfolded in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh when a son allegedly murdered his mother following a heated argument over her choice of political allegiance. The distressing event occurred in Eguvapalli village, shocking the local community. The victim, Sangamma, a 45-year-old resident of Eguvapally, found herself at odds with her son, Venkatesh, 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 .

Mid-summer showers bring relief from heat in Andhra Pradesh

VISAKHAPATNAM: Heavy rain swept through isolated areas of South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) and Rayalaseema, along with a few spots in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalle on Thursday. The downpour brought a significant drop in temperature, offering much-needed relief from the hot and humid weather conditions. Among the notable rainfall figures, Ongole district recorded the highest precipitation with 50.5 mm, followed by Nandikotkur in Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district at 48.5 mm, and Konidela in Nandyal district at 47.25 mm. Payakaraopeta in Anakapalle district received 33.5 mm of rainfall, while Ainavilli in Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district saw 21.5 mm, and Pedagantyada in Visakhapatnam district received 10.75 mm. Visakhapatnam experienced cool climatic conditions throughout the day, with light rainfall persisting until 10 am. Temperatures on Thursday remained below 40 degrees Celsius, with Kurnool recording 39.1Celsius, Anantapur at 38.6Celsius, Nandyala at 38Celsius, and Kadapa at 37.2Celsius. Notably, no mandal in the State reported a heatwave on Thursday. However, the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority cautioned that 28 mandals, including 18 in Srikakulam district, six in Vizianagaram district, and four in Parvathipuram Manyam district, are likely to experience a heatwave on Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted the continuation of lower tropospheric south-easterly winds over Andhra Pradesh and Yanam, leading to thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong gusty winds of 40-50 kmph at isolated places over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP), Yanam, SCAP, and Rayalaseema. This weather pattern is expected to persist for another four days until May 20. The mid-summer showers provided a welcome reprieve from the scorching heat in some parts of the southern State. Additionally, the IMD noted that the southwest monsoon is highly likely to advance into the South Andaman Sea, parts of the southeast Bay of Bengal, and the Nicobar Islands around May 19. Heatwave conditions likely in 28 mandals today The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority cautioned that 28 mandals, including 18 in Srikakulam district, six in Vizianagaram district, and four in Parvathipuram Manyam district, are likely to experience a heatwave on Friday

Andhra post poll violence: EC suspends police chiefs of Palnadu, Anantapur

Amaravati: Taking serious note of post-poll violence in Andhra Pradesh, the Election Commission of India on Thursday suspended the Superintendents of Police of Palnadu and Anantapur districts and transferred the District Collector of Palnadu and the Superintendent of Police of Tirupati. The Commission, which summoned the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to New 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 parties should douse fires they lit

The post-poll violence in Andhra Pradesh appears to have caught the police off-guard. Though security arrangements were made keeping in view the highly inflammable political environment, the fact that violence erupted in several places not only on polling day but also continued the next day points at a clear failure. Thus far, at least 300 people have been detained and dozens arrested in connection with the ugly incidents that unfolded in the Palnadu region, Tirupati, Tadipatri and other places. The confrontation between activists of the opposition TDP and the ruling YSRC was waiting to happen. We have earlier highlighted how leaders from both the sides have been using provocative language and warned it could lead to fights. Take the series of incidents in Palnadu. It is well-known that the region has a history of factional feuds. With warring leaders fighting for political power, the elections served as a flashpoint. It is obvious the factions were well-prepared, going by how they fought pitched battles with Molotov cocktails. The police unearthed knives, petrol bombs and country-made bombs in Macherla mandal, indicating that everything was pre-planned. The assault on the TDP candidate in Tirupati also does not look like a spur-of-the-moment act. Fortunately, no one has died. One wonders how mobs could gain control of areas in the presence of police personnel. The Election Commission of India has rightly taken a serious view of the incidents and summoned the state chief secretary and the DGP to personally explain the situation. After hearing their versions, it suspended the SPs of Palnadu and Anantapur, and transferred the district collectors of Palnadu and Tirupati. Besides ordering departmental enquires, it directed that a special investigation team probe the violence and submit a report. On the states request, the commission further instructed the home ministry to retain 25 Central Armed Police Force companies in the state for a fortnight after the counting of votes. It is a welcome intervention. Political parties, on their part, need to appeal to their followers to exercise restraint. It is tragic that they have not yet come forward to actively douse the fires, and instead seem busy pointing fingers at each other. Stringent action must be taken against the perpetrators, not just the officials, and an example be made of them.

Candidates Concerned About Safety of EVMs

Vijayawada: Several candidates from both the YSRC and the three-party alliance in AP are apprehensive about safety of EVMs, which were secured and placed in the strongrooms. This fear is mainly in relation to Rayalaseema in view of the series of incidents in the region during and after Mondays polling. These contestants felt the state administration failed to control the poll-related violence. The post-poll scenario was worse in areas like Anantapur, Annamaiah, Tadipatri, Chandragiri, Macherla, Narasaraopeta etc, they noted. Even as we were delighted that there was a huge turnout of voters - 81.86 per cent polling in the state - the violent incidents were very unfortunate. BJP nominee from Dharmavaram Y. Satya Kumar said, We are very much concerned about the safety of EVMs in view of the violence. I am keeping a trusted man at the strong room on behalf of me at Lepakshi to keep a close watch on the sealed EVMs. Earlier, Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena announced that the EVMs were secured in 350 strongrooms in 33 locations across the state. These have been provided with a three-tier security cover including the deployment of central forces alongside the local police especially at the entry level. There is also electronic surveillance, he said, and sounded confident there would be no safety lapse. There was an assault on Chandragiri Assembly segment TD nominee Pulaparthi Venkata Mani Prasad when he was trying to visit the strongroom at the Sri Padmavathi Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam in Tirupati on May 14. The culprits were arrested. Rajahmundry Rural YSRC nominee and minister Srinviasa Venugopal Krishna said, We are fortunate that we dont have such issues in this region. The EVMs are secured in the strongrooms at Adikavi Nannaya University and no one here encourages violence. Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu, in a statement on Thursday, sought an inquiry to find out how some police officers failed to maintain law and order in several areas. They failed to control the YSRC rowdies, he said and expressed concern over the way the violence even reached Visakhapatnam. Rajahmundry Rural Assembly segment nominee from Telugu Desam, Gorantla Butchaiah Choudhary said, The YSRC leaders and supporters are acting in frustration. They are causing violence in several parts of the state. Kaikaluru Assembly segment BJP nominee Kamineni Srinvasa Rao said, Poll-related violence should be condemned by all. Fortunately we are not having any issues on safety of EVMs at the strongrooms in our area.

Four injured due to fire mishap at car components mfg unit in Anantapur

Kurnool : Four workers injured and property worth Rs. 15 crores was damaged due to a fire mishap at the Gudipalli industrial area in Somandepalli mandal on Wednesday evening. The fire occurred at the car components manufacturing unit which specializes in making car headlights and glass components. It all started when the workers were busy conducting welding operations when the sparks ignited the nearby materials, causing the flames to spread rapidly. Amidst the chaos, four workers sustained injuries due to smoke inhalation as they attempted to contain the blaze. Despite efforts from workers and employees, the fire continued to rage, engulfing machinery and production equipment. The intensity of the fire shattered glass panes and posed a threat to nearby structures. Sub-inspector Vijaykumar and assistant sub-inspector Murali Mohan arrived at the spot with their teams to assess the situation. Firefighters from Penukonda, Hindupuram, Puttaparthi, and surrounding areas mobilized to extinguish the flames.

EC directs MHA to retain 25 CAPF companies in Andhra Pradesh after counting

EC directs MHA to retain 25 CAPF companies in Andhra Pradesh after counting In a stern meeting held today at Nirvachan Sadan with the Chief Secretary and DGP of Andhra Pradesh, the Election Commission (EC) led by CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar and ECs Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu expressed deep concern over the post-poll violence in the state. Pulling no punches, the Commission directed the Chief Secretary and DGP to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and instructed all Superintendents of Police (SPs) to take preemptive measures to prevent such situations in the future. The Commission conducted a thorough review of the cases and instructed the Chief Secretary and DGP to supervise strictly, ensuring prompt filing of chargesheets against the perpetrators, preferably within the model code of conduct period. During the briefing, the Chief Secretary and DGP highlighted instances of negligence and lack of supervision by officials in the violence-affected districts. The Commission approved several proposals put forward by the State Government: Transfer of the District Collector of Palnadu and initiation of a departmental enquiry. Suspension of the SPs of Palnadu and Ananthapuramu districts and initiation of a departmental enquiry. Transfer of the SP of Tirupati and initiation of a departmental enquiry. Suspension of 12 subordinate police officials in the aforementioned districts (Palnadu, Anathapuramu, and Tirupati) and initiation of departmental enquiries. Formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter and submit an action taken report to the Commission within two days for each case. FIRs are to be updated with additional appropriate IPC sections and other relevant statutory provisions. Additionally, the State requested the retention of 25 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) companies for 15 days after the counting to control any potential violence post-result declaration. The Commission decided to direct the Ministry of Home Affairs to retain the 25 CAPF companies in Andhra Pradesh for the specified duration to manage any violence following the announcement of results. It is worth noting that the Election Commission had summoned the Chief Secretary and DGP of Andhra Pradesh to New Delhi to personally elucidate the reasons behind the administration's failure to contain the post-poll violence. Several incidents of violence, including assaults, arson, threats, and vandalism, were reported in Ananthapuramu, Palnadu, and Tirupati districts on and after polling day. Similar incidents occurred before the polls, particularly in districts such as Annamaya, Chittoor, and Palnadu, as well as in Guntur, Anantapur, and Nandyal.

TD leader JC Prabhakar Reddy falls sick

Anantapur : Municipal chairman and Telugu Desam leader J.C. Prabhakar Reddy fell sick under the impact of police-fired tear gas shells during a clash between YSRC and TD cadres at Tadipatri on Tuesday. The police action came after a circle inspector and a constable were injured in stone-pelting by rival groups in the college ground area in Tadipatri town. Police said Prabhakar Reddy tried to stage a protest against YSRC candidate K. Pedda Reddy over an attack on TD leader Muni. This led to clashes and firing of teargas shells. Prabhakar Reddy complained of breathing problems and was shifted to a private hospital in Hyderabad. He has a lung infection, the hospital said. Meanwhile, Kiran, a computer operator at Prabhakar Reddys office, was beaten up by the police. He suffered serious injuries. Kiran, a physically challenged, said he was hauled by cops from Reddys office and produced before the DSP. The DSP and his team allegedly beat him up even as he had difficulty getting into the police vehicle. He was shifted to a hospital in Anantapur. In view of violence due to provocation from YSRC candidate Pedda Reddy, TD leader J.C. Prabhakar Reddy and their close aides, the police ordered these leaders to stay away from Tadipathri. Cases were registered against MLA Pedda Reddy and municipal chairman Prabhakar Reddy based on a statement from circle inspector Murali Krishna who suffered injuries during the stone pelting by rival groups. Both groups used crackers, not crude bombs, to create panic. Police said the situation was under control and additional security units including central forces have been posted at all sensitive areas in Tadipatri. Meanwhile, high tension continued in the Jammalamadugu, a faction-hit constituency in Kadapa district since Tuesday after YSRC and TD gangs tried to confront each other. At least 500 cops were deputed in Jammalamadugu. Kadapa TD LS candidate Bhupesh Reddy has been arrested. So was C. Adinarayana Reddy at Devagudi village in Jammalamadugu mandal. YSRC candidate Sudhir Reddy was kept under house arrest at his native village Neetichupi in Jammalamadugu mandal to prevent clashes in the faction hit villages. Police imposed a ban under 144 Section in the Jammalamadugu Assembly segment. Kadapa SP, Siddarth Kausal, who rushed to Jammalamadugu supervised the preventive steps. He asked the leaders to remain in their homes. YSRC candidate and sitting MLA Sudhir Reddy, TD Kadapa LS candidate Bhupesh Reddy and Jammalamadugu BJP candidate Ca Adinarayana Reddy were allotted 3+3 gunmen security cover in view of the tense situation and they were asked by the police to remain confined to their houses.

BJD, BJP workers clash at police station, 10 hurt

CUTTACK: Khuntuni police station in Cuttack district turned into a battle zone following a clash between workers of BJD and BJD of Athagarh Assembly constituency on Tuesday night prompting senior police officials to intervene and resort to lathicharge to bring the situation under control. Sources said while over 10 workers from both political parties were injured, five motorcycles were vandalised in the clash that took place at around 10 pm. As per reports, while BJP candidate Abhay Barik and his supporters were campaigning in Anantapur gram panchayat at 12 noon, local sarpanch, a supporter of BJD candidate and Agriculture Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain and his associates opposed them and attacked a saffron party worker identified as Sudarsan Sahu. Sources said, Sahu had filed an FIR against BJD workers at Khuntuni police station. But, Khuntuni IIC Bhabani Shankar Khuntia allegedly influenced by BJD had instead registered a case against BJP workers. On being informed, Abhay and his hundreds of supporters gheraoed the police station demanding transfer of Khuntia and arrest of BJD-backed Anantapur gram panchayat sarpanch Sashikant Sahu. Following the incident, additional SP Debadatta Baral rushed to the spot and held discussions with the agitating saffron party workers. Sahu also rushed to the police station along with more than 300 of his supporters and started pelting stones at BJP workers. The situation worsened and the police station turned into a battlefield when the BJP workers retaliated and attacked their BJD counterparts by pelting stones and broken bricks while police personnel remained mute spectators to the incident. Later, police resorted to lathicharge to bring the situation under control.

Day after polling in Andhra, violence rages on

TIRUPATI/GUNTUR/ANANTAPUR: Even as polling ended, tension prevailed in parts of the State, particularly in Tirupati, Palnadu and Tadipatri of Sri Sathya Sai district, keeping the police on tenterhooks. While alleged YSRC activists attacked a TDP candidate in Tirupati, prompting the gunman of the leader to open fire, supporters of the two parties pelted stones on each other in Tadipatri, forcing police to resort to lathicharge and fire teargas to quell the mob. In Tirupati, TDPs Chandragiri Assembly candidate Pulivarthi Nani sustained injuries following an attack by miscreants, suspected to be supporters of the YSRC, on the premises of Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam. According to eyewitnesses, the clash erupted after Nani inspected the strong room located on the university campus and encountered a group of YSRC activists. What began as a verbal altercation, swiftly escalated into physical violence, with the YSRC workers reportedly wielding hammers, beer bottles, and stones in the assault. Nanis gunman Dharani fired two warning shots into the air, dispersing the attackers. Subsequently, a video featuring Nanis spouse, Sudha, detailing the attack and implicating YSRC activists and followers of YSRC MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, circulated widely on social media platforms. As news spread, Nanis supporters gathered to protest against the unprovoked attack on their leader. The protest intensified as Nanis supporters occupied the universitys main thoroughfare, impeding vehicular movement. The situation deteriorated as enraged demonstrators vandalised a car displaying YSRC flags and setting several motorcycles on fire. To quell the escalating violence, a force of security personnel was dispatched to the area, who caned the unruly crowds. The TDP cadres resisted police action and retaliated by vandalising police vehicles. They accused police of being biased towards Bhaskar Reddy. District authorities, including Collector Pravin Kumar and Superintendent of Police Krishna Kant Patil, rushed to the scene and asserted that appropriate action will be taken against the perpetrators. While speaking to media, Nani questioned the authorities competence in safeguarding the election process, given the brazen attack within the premises of the strong room. Nani also raised concerns over the safety of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). They vandalised cars and set several motorbikes on fire in Tirupati city on Tuesday In faction-ridden Tadipatri constituency, sitting MLA Kethireddy Pedda Reddy visited a private hospital where a party supporter who was injured in Mondays violence was being treated. Later, the MLA went to local TDP leader Suryamunis residence and assaulted the leader. Soon, former MLA and Tadipatri municipal chairperson JC Prabhakar Reddy reached Suryamunis residence and consoled the leader. Prabhakar Reddy and others went to the local police station circle and staged a dharna demanding action. Later, they allegedly proceeded towards Pedda Reddys residence, but were obstructed by the police. The YSRC supporters also gathered in huge numbers and both sides pelted stones on each other. An additional SP, circle inspector and a constable were injured while trying to control the mob. The situation was brought under control after the police lobbed tear gas. But the warring groups regrouped and attacked each other. Additional forces were rushed, following which the situation came under control after three hours. Violence continues in Palnadu region Violent incidents mar polling at a few places in Andhra Pradesh Tension prevailed at various places in the Palnadu region, including Macherla, Gurazala and Narasaraopet Assembly segments for the second consecutive day. Multiple instances of violence and disruptions were reported, involving members of the TDP and YSRC. The atmosphere was particularly tense in Karampudi village in Macherla as clashes broke out between TDP and YSRC members when MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy visited the village. The local TDP office was destroyed and a car was set afire. Additional forces were rushed to restore normalcy. Following the attack of TDP members on Narasaraopet MLA Dr Gopireddy Srinivasa Reddy, police imposed Section 144 and additional forces were deployed in the town. The officials conducted a flag march in the town to prevent any untoward incidents. During the clash, YSRC activists reportedly wielded hammers, beer bottles and stones Panic gripped the villagers of Pedda Ganeshunipadu village in Gurazala mandal as TDP activists gathered in huge numbers after local MLA Kasu Mahesh Reddy and MP candidate Anil Kumar Yadav visited the village to console the families of YSRC members who got injured in Mondays clashes. Speaking to media, Anil Kumar said though they informed the SP and DIG about the chances of clashes in the village in advance, they did not respond swiftly. The police department has failed to conduct the elections peacefully in Palnadu and demanded ECI to take necessary action against the concerned officials. Narasaraopet MLA Srinivasa Reddy alleged that while the TDP leaders were left to freely roam on streets and threaten the public, he was detained by police. Naidu seeks action against violence TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu strongly condemned the attack on Pulavarthi Nani by YSRC activists and also denounced the violence in Macherla and Tadipatri Assembly constituencies. He sought the Election Commission of India to intervene and take immediate action conduct re-polling in 6 booths: ambati Minister for Water Resources Ambati Rambabu complained to the Election Commission of India about the violent incidents that took place in Palnadu region and demanded re-polling in six polling booths under the Sattenapalli segment. He claimed that rigging took place in two polling booths Police firing tear gas shells to control the mob in Tadipatri

Post-Poll Violence Create Tension in Several Areas in AP

VIJAYAWADA: Post-poll violence continued in various areas of Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday, which created tension in areas like faction-prone Palnadu region and the temple city of Tirupati. The violence erupted in the Palnadu region with the vandalising of houses of YSRC supporters in Kota Ganesunipadu by Telugu Desam supporters. The clashes erupted in the district on the polling day. Local TD workers first provoked the YSRC workers and later started attacking them, the ruling party alleged. The clash occurred at Velpur of Achampet mandal. A few TD leaders vandalised the houses of the BC community voters as they supported the YSRC in Kotha Ganesunipadu of Piduguralla mandal, Palnadu district. TD workers attacked the houses of YSRC leaders. As a result, the women of the respective families hid inside the temple all night, a report said. On Tuesday, MLAs Kasu Mahesh Reddy and Anil Kumar Yadav went to the village to support the victims. Knowing that the MLAs were coming, the TD workers surrounded the village. The convoy of Mahesh and Anil was attacked with stones and sticks. As the situation got out of control, the police opened fire in the air. The convoy of MLAs moved further with the help of central forces. Mahesh Reddy said, When members of the BC community supported the YSRC in the village, TD resorted to attacks at midnight. I have written letters to the election commission and sought increased police security. They have deployed only 2-3 constables in the village. I repeatedly urged the SP to employ force, foreseeing potential conflicts in the village. The request remained unanswered: Why didn't the SP utilise force? Where was the SP when women sought refuge by hiding behind the trees at night? Given the turmoil caused by Telugu Desam leaders, why didn't the SP conduct a check in the area? I urge the SP and IG to take action and arrest those TD leaders within 24 hours, he said. Tensions ran high in Velpur of Acchampeta mandal of Palnadu district. At night, a conflict started following a dispute between the two parties. As rival sides started trading blows against each other, the police intervened and brought the situation under control. Tirupati city turned into a battlefield following an attack on Telugu Desam candidate Pulivarthi Nani by miscreants, allegedly from the YSRC, The incident took place on the premises of the Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam, where Nani had gone to inspect a strong room containing EVMs. Nani confronted a group of YSRC activists loitering near the area, leading to a heated exchange that soon escalated into physical violence. The ruckus continued for long and the police and district collector Pravin Kumar intervened to restore order. Stone pelting took place between TD and YSRC leaders in Tadipatri of Anantapur district. Reports said police inspector Muralikrishna was injured. YSRC cadres pelted stones at TD leader Surya's house. Municipal chairman Prabhakar Reddy sat on a dharna in the police station circle in protest against the attack. In Nandyal district too, a clash occurred between TD and YSRC when YSRC leader Ramesh Naidu went to TD leader Hari's house and confronted him. In a separate incident, there was tension near Ravichettu centre of Atreyapuram mandal in Konaseema district. A clash took place between YSRC-TD workers on Monday night. On Tuesday, both sides challenged each other on WhatsApp groups. Local MLA Chirla Jaggireddy and alliance candidate Bandaru Satyananda Rao entered the scene. As the situation worsened, the police stepped in and took preventive steps

Cross Voting Fear Grips Candidates in Rayalaseema

ANANTAPUR: Cross-voting fear is evident among major political party candidates in Rayalaseema and this is likely to impact the outcome in a few assembly segments. This time, several voters opted for cross-voting and avoided casting both their parties to one political party. Their decisions were based on consideration of their liking for a candidate as also cast preferences. Also, many slum and rural voters, who received cash from both parties, tried to do justice by casting their votes to those parties, separately, vis-a-vis the LS and assembly polls. Unlike the previous elections, the YSRC and TD opted to field a majority of the Lok Sabha candidates based on caste equations in Anantapur, Hindupur and Kurnool constituencies, targeting BC votes -- mainly the Boya and Kurbua sections. The YSRC fielded Penukonda MLA Shankara Naryayana of Kuruba as LS candidate from Anantapur while TD fielded Hindupur-based leader Ambika Lakshmi Narayana of Boya community. Also, the YSRC fielded Karnatakas former MP, J Santha, a Boya, from Hindupur LS, while the TD fielded BK Parthasarthi of the Kuruba community. There were less such changes vis-a-vis assembly candidates in many segments. TD fielded Kamma candidates from Kalyandurg and Anantapur urban segments, who were new to those areas. Similarly, YSRC fielded sitting MP Talari Rangaiah of the Boya community from Kalyandurg assembly segment. YSRC did an experiment by fielding Kuruba community woman Deepika from Hindupur assembly segment against film star Nandamuri Balakrishna. Analysts say a large number of voters opted for cross-voting -- either voting for the YSRC in the assembly and the TD candidate for Lok Sabha, or vice versa, but they were confused in several polling stations as to whom they should vote for. The Congress had fielded Kuruba leader Mallikarjuna from Anantapur LS, and this had an impact on the Anantapur urban segment where a section of people voted for Congress candidate. Meanwhile, large-scale cross-voting was reported from the Kadapa Lok Sabha segment where APCC chief YS Sharmila is the Congress nominee. A video of her mother YS Vijayamma seeking support for Sharmila impacted voters across the Kadapa area. Many voters from Pulivendula did cross voting for assembly candidate Jagan Mohan Reddy and LS candidate Sharmila. A group of TD activists too reportedly voted for Sharmila as they were unhappy with the TD leadership and the YSRC.

Attacks in Tadipatri Continue After Election Day Violence

Anantapur: Tadipatri town remained tense on Tuesday after YSRC and TD groups pelted stones and attempted attacks on houses of leaders belonging to their rival party on Tuesday. Police opened tear gas after an ASP and a circle inspector suffered injuries when stones hit them. Tension in Tadipatri town started on Monday after TD and YSRC groups hurled stones at each other in Om Santhi Nagar Colony. Security forces intervened to disperse the groups in which a BSF jawan got injured and two cars suffered damage. A similar situation repeated on Tuesday when YSRC men reportedly attacked the residence of TD leader Muni in Sunkulamma Colony of Tadipatri town. In retaliation, TD leader and Tadipatri municipal chairman J.C. Prabhakar Reddy, along with his aides, tried to protest at YSRC candidate K. Pedda Reddy residence. This led to followers of both leaders pelting stones at each other. This led to TD cadres attacking J.C. Prabhakar Reddys residence. Police forces led by ASP Ramakrishna and circle inspector Murali Krishna rushed to the spot and dispersed the mobs using teargas shells and laticharge. Both the ASP and CI suffered injuries. District superintendent of police said additional forces have been posted in Tadipatri to maintain law and order. Similarly, tension prevailed in Jammalamadugu area after police put BJP candidate Adinarayana Reddy and TD MP candidate Bhupesh Reddy under house arrest when they tried to reach Muddanur.

SW Monsoons Setting in over AP around June 6

Visakhapatnam: The Southwest Monsoon is likely to set in over Andhra Pradesh on time this year, between June 4 and June 6, if conditions are favourable. Last year, it was delayed by over a week and set in over Rayalaseema on June 11. IMD Amaravati said the southwest monsoon will advance into the south Andaman Sea, southeast Bay of Bengal and Nicobar Islands, on May 19 and Kerala on June 1 as per normal schedule, and to Rayalaseema around June 6. Last year also, the monsoon entered the south Andaman Sea on May 19. An IMD report in April said the monsoon showers between June and September in Andhra Pradesh are likely to be above normal at 106 per cent of the long-period average (LPA). The state received 13 per cent deficient rainfall during the southwest monsoon in 2023. It recorded a total of 454.6 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 30 in 2023, which was 13 per cent deficient against the normal of 521.6 mm. Senior scientist at IMD-Amaravati, S. Karuna Sagar, said this year, the annual southwest monsoon was expected to arrive in AP on its scheduled time between June 4 and June 6 and is expected to pick up strength from the third week of June. Coastal Andhra Pradesh will experience extreme hot and humid weather conditions before the arrival of the monsoon, he said. Andhra Pradesh recorded above-normal rainfall for seven times in the past 10 years (from 2013 to 2022) during the southwest monsoon period from June to September. The forecast comes as a relief for the agriculture sector, which heavily relies on SW monsoon for crop production. About the current weather conditions, the IMD report on Tuesday said thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) are likely over isolated places in coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema from May 15 to May 18. During the last 24 hours, Nellore received a rainfall of 12 cm, Anantapur 11 cm, and Bapatla 7 cm.

Violent incidents mar polling at a few places in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: Scattered incidents of violence were reported across the State on Monday as polling to elect legislators for 175 Assembly seats and 25 members of the Lok Sabha took place.YSRC and TDP workers were involved in clashes, verbal duels and attacks with deadly weapons in a few parts of the State. At several polling stations, the voting process had to be halted due to the disruption caused by the clashes. Police, deployed in large numbers, swung into action and brought the situation under control. Polling began on a smooth note at 7 am. In the afternoon, supporters of both TDP and YSRC began accusing each other of instigating violence at multiple locations throughout the State. The election-related clashes were most intense in Palnadu, NTR, Krishna and Guntur districts. Cadres of the political parties suffered injuries in Pithapuram, Nellore, Anantapur, Tirupathi, Srikakulam, Annamaya, Kadapa, Kurnool districts as they attacked each other with stones and sickles, and vandalised cars and electronic voting machines (EVMs). According to sources, more than 20 persons were injured in the violence that erupted in around 12 places in faction-ridden Palnadu district. Some of these regions include: Macherla, Cheemalamarri, Tangeda, Narasaraopet and Dachepalli. Despite the Election Commission of India (ECI) taking elaborate security measures, multiple instances of violence and disruptions were reported. The atmosphere was particularly tense in Narasaraopet, where a number of TDP cadres attacked YSRC candidate Dr Gopireddy Srinivasa Reddy at his residence after clashes between supporters of the TDP and ruling YSRC raged. Miscreants damaged EVMs at Pullampet TDP leaders destroyed several cars on their way to his home after they were stopped from entering a polling centre by YSRC agents, resulting in violence. In a fit of rage, they carried out a protest against him and vandalised his car and other vehicles by pelting stones. Though police officials tried to stop them, the mob became very aggressive and even attacked the police by pelting stones at them. As the situation went out of control with people running helter-skelter for safety, police fired rubber bullets first and then opened fire to disperse the mob. After one hour, the situation improved. Armed forces were posted at all problematic locations to prevent further break down of law and order. In Tangeda village of Dachepalli mandal under Gurazala constituency, unidentified miscreants hurled molotov cocktails at shops and thatched houses around 6 pm following a clash at a nearby polling station. Though no one got injured, this triggered a panic in the village. However, the police confirmed that no petrol bomb was set off, but a dilapidated thatched house in the village was set on fire by some miscreants to express their angst at the police and their rival political party. On learning about the incident, Guntur range IG Ch Srikanth, Palnadu SP Bindu Madhav, Macherla constituency Returning Officer and district joint collector A Shyam Prasad rushed to the spot and inspected the situation. The officials immediately set up other EVMs and restarted the polling process within a few hours. TDP leaders were attacked in Rentala by YSRC cadres even before polling commenced in the morning, when both groups came across each other. Macherla TDP candidate Julakanti Brahmanandaiahs car was set on fire. In another incident, Macherla YSRC candidate Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy was attacked by TDP members and clashes broke out between two groups. Additionally, clashes were reported in Guntur, Ponnur, Tadikonda, and Nizampatnam in Bapatla district. In Veldurthi, Sattenapalli, Muppalla, Thondepi, Madala, Dammalapadu, Loyapalli, Mokkapadu and Acchampeta incidents of attacks were reported outside polling stations. YSRC cadre allegedly also ransacked the vehicles of Narasaraopet TDP MP candidate Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu in Dondaparru village. In Krishna district, supporters of Gannavaram Assembly candidates clashed in Mustabada village with slippers and stones. Similarly, in Penamaluru TDP contender Bode Prasad and his supporters created a flutter when they were prevented from entering a polling station. In Mandi Krishnapuram village in Chittoor district, a YSRC polling agent was allegedly stabbed by a TDP supporter in broad daylight. In Annamaya district, YSRC and TDP leaders attacked one another and damaged their vehicles in a fit of rage. Also, TDP polling booth agent Subash in Papakkagaripalle lost his eye in the clash with YSRC leaders.

Kerala police rescue AP girl kidnapped from Kumari district

KANNIYAKUMARI: A seven-year-old girl from Andhra Pradesh, who was allegedly kidnapped from Kanniyakumari on Sunday, was traced and rescued by the Kerala police from Neyyattinkara in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday. According to police sources, the incident took place when the girl along with her aunt, a resident of Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh, were selling ornaments to tourists on the Kanniyakumari coast on Sunday. After the girl went missing, the woman searched the region, but in vain. Following this, she lodged a missing complaint with the Kanniyakumari police, and the officials began a search operation. Further, an examination of CCTV footage revealed that the girl was last seen talking to a young boy on the coast, sources said. On Monday, the girl was found roaming in a temple premises in Neyyattinkara and locals, out of suspicion, alerted the Kerala police, who rescued her and informed the Kanniyakumari police, sources added. It is learnt that the youngster had allegedly taken the child to Neyyattinkara bus depot and abandoned her there. The girl will be handed over to Kanniyakumari District Child Welfare Committee, who will inquire about how she went missing and ended up in Kerala, police sources said. A search is on to find the youth.

Lok Sabha polls: Four rounds done, three more to go to elect the next government

After elections to 96 constituencies spread across 10 states and Union Territories in the 4th phase, polling to 381 seats is over. West Bengal recorded a turnout at 75.94%, the highest among states/UTs in this phase. This newspaper takes a look... Madhya pradesh Eight Lok Sabha seats on Monday clocked around 72% polling, 3.5% less than that of 2019 elections, marking the conclusion of voting for the 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh. Male voters (75.01%) outnumbered the female voters (68.45%) by more than 6.5%. In seven seats in Malwa-Nimar region, maximum 75.79% voting was reported in Khargone (ST), followed by 74.86% in Dewas (SC), 74.50% in Mandsaur, 73.03% in Ujjain (SC), 72.86% in Ratlam (ST), 71.50% in Dhar (ST) and 70.72% in Khandwa, according to turnout figures till 6 pm. Indore constituency reported lowest 60.53% voting against 69.31% in 2019. With the battle for Indore ending up as a contest between BJP MP Shankar Lalwani and NOTA (after withdrawal of papers by Congress nominee Akshay Kanti Bam), the voting percentage dropped, particularly in all five urban assembly segments. Lowest 56.54% voting was reported in Indore-3, 57.19% in Indore-5, 58.03% in Indore-2, 59.84% in Indore-1 and 61.89% in Indore-4. Bihar The fourth phase of polling for five Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar concluded peacefully on Monday under tight security. The overall voter turnout was 56.85% across the constituencies of Darbhanga, Ujiarpur, Samastipur (SC), Begusarai, and Munger. Begusarai recorded the highest turnout at 58.40%, followed by Samastipur at 58.10%, Darbhanga at 56.63%, Ujiarpur at 56%, and Munger at 55%. In comparison, the 2019 Lok Sabha polls saw a 59.20% voter turnout. The electoral fate of 55 candidates, including two Union MinistersGiriraj Singh from Begusarai and Nityanand Rai from Ujiarpurhas been sealed in the EVMs. JD(U)s former president, Rajiv Rajan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, is contesting from Munger. The CEOs office received 62 complaints, all of which were resolved promptly. Tragically, a polling officer named Onkar Kumar Choudhary passed away at a polling station in Munger before the mock poll began. No other untoward incidents were reported. Jharkhand As the polling for the first round of elections in Jharkhand concluded on Monday, Singhbhum recorded the highest voting percentage at 63.14 per cent, followed by Khunti with 65.82 per cent, Lohardaga with 62.60 per cent, and Palamu with 59.99 per cent. Interestingly, three villages Tirilposi, Rengdahatu, and Boroi under the Singhbhm Lok Sabha seat witnessed polling for the first time in the last 20 years. Notably, since the region was Maoist-infested for the last 20 years, the district administration in Singhbhum used to relocate the polling booths of these villages to safer zones. But, after the police launched an intensive campaign against the Maoists by setting up CRPF camps in the area, the red rebels were compelled to go on the back foot. According to the police, Singhbhum had a maximum of 524 vulnerable booths, and hence adequate deployment of security personnel was made during the polling on Monday. Andhra pradesh A ruling YSRCP MLA on Monday slapped a man waiting to cast his vote at a polling booth Amaravati only to receive it back himself. The MLA had hit the man who questioned him for jumping the queue. Not pleased at the MLA being slapped, his supporters vented out their anger on the man. Further, Tenali police in Guntur district registered a case under relevant sections in connection with a scuffle that broke between YSRCP MLA A Siva Kumar and a voter at Tenali in Guntur district. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena took serious note of clashes reported between ruling YSRCP and opposition parties in Tenali, Macherla and Anantapur, and directed officials to enforce house arrests wherever required, including registering cases. The TDP and YSRCP traded violence allegations against each others supporters and cadres at multiple locations in the state, especially in Palnadu, Kadapa and Annamayya districts Uttar pradesh Uttar Pradesh, politically the most crucial and population-wise the largest state of the country, recorded a voter turnout of nearly 58% during phase 4 voting across 13 Lok Sabha constituencies on Monday. The polling in this phase in 2019 was close to 58.9%. Lakhimpur Kheri, Dhaurahra, and Sitapur were among the seats with the highest turnout with 63.07%, 63.19%, and 61.17% polling, respectively. Kanpur remained at the bottom with 52.49%. Union minister Ajay Mishra Teni, whose son is an accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, is eyeing a hat-trick from Kheri. Moreover, the high-profile seat of Kannauj, from where Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav trying his luck, recorded nearly 59% polling till 5 pm. Akbarpur recorded 57.28% polling, Bahraich 57.57%, Etawah 56.19%, Farrukhabad 58.90%, Hardoi 57.51%, Misrikh 55.65%, Shahjahanpur 53.08%, and Unnao 55.32%, according to EC data. Kanpur remained at the bottom of tally with lowest turnout. The SP, a key member of the opposition INDIA bloc, has fielded candidates on 11 Lok Sabha seats in this phase, and the Congress on two seats. In the previous election, the SP-BSP-RLD grand alliance had failed to win a single seat in this phase. Maharashtra In the fourth phase of Maharashtras Lok Sabha elections, eleven seats were up for contention, with an overall voter turnout of approximately 52.63%. Nandurbar saw the highest participation at 60.60%, while Pune, a metro and IT hub, had the lowest turnout at 44%. The INDIA alliance, representing the Opposition, released several purported videos on Monday, alleging that the ruling BJP engaged in vote-buying during the Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections. Rohit Pawar, an NCP (SP) MLA, shared a series of videos on social media, accusing the ruling coalition of splurging money to secure victory against Opposition candidates in constituencies like Ahmednagar, Shirur, Beed, and Jalna.Pawar remarked, Envelopes containing cash were offered in exchange for votes in the Ahmednagar Lok Sabha constituency. However, individuals with self-respect not only rejected the cash and associated materials but also returned them. Voting and self-respect go hand in hand. Pawar drew attention to a video where CCTV footage from the EVM strong room in Baramati mysteriously became blurry, fueling suspicions of deliberate tampering. In response, BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, whose son contested the Ahmednagar seat against NCP (SP)s Nilesh Lanke, dismissed the accusations as unfounded. Telangana The Collector of Hyderabad district said on X that a case is registered in Malakpet Police Station against BJP candidate Madhavi Latha under different sections of the IPC and the Representation of the People Act. This follows an allegation that she checked the identity of burqa-clad women voters by asking them to show their faces. In Telanganas Kodangal, a polling officer welcomed people with roses at a wedding-themed poll station. Women-managed pink booths were seen across all constituencies. Prominent faces also stepped out to vote; former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, film actors Chiranjeevi, Allu Arjun and Junior NTR were among the prominent persons who voted. Polling was also held at the Secunderabad Cantonment assembly constituency. The bypoll was necessitated due to the death of sitting BRS MLA G Lasya Nanditha in a road accident few months ago. Odisha Lok Sabha and assembly elections are being held simultaneously in Odisha. Official said Dabugam assembly segment in Nabarangpur district reported the highest turnout of 71.30 per cent while only 47.90 per cent of electors cast their votes in Berhampur assembly seat in Ganjam district. Chief Electoral Officer N K Dhal said EVM glitches were detected in several places and the machines were replaced within 30 minutes. Dhal said there was brisk voting in Swabhiman Anchal, once a Maoist hotbed in Malkangiri district. The CEO said the Election Commission received reports of poll boycott from some places over local issues. A report from Ganjam district said at least two persons were injured in a clash between rival groups during polling in Chikiti assembly segment. Meanwhile, the EC suspended three polling officials and directed police to arrest two of them for serious dereliction of duty. So far, five polling officials have been suspended for misconduct during the election.

Book Culprits in Poll Violence: CEO to Police

Vijayawada: Chief electoral officer Mukesh Kumar Meena directed the district election officers and the police to file cases against those who are involved in poll-related violence at Tenali, Macherla and Anantapur and asked them to subject the culprits to house arrest. The CEO took a serious view on several incidents of violence during the conduct of general elections in the state on Monday. With regard to violence at Punganur, he directed the top brass of the police to suspend the SI for releasing the culprits involved in the violence.

Heavy Turnout for Rayalaseema Elections

Anantapur: A heavy turnout was reported even from the urban areas of Rayalaseema region for the general elections on Monday. Unlike the poll violence that blended with faction politics in previous polls, the polling was peaceful in most parts of Rayalaseema region, but for the few incidents of violence this time. Long queues were witnessed from the first hour of polling and this continued till 6pm in tens of hundreds of polling stations. For instance, the long queue continued from 7am to 6pm at a polling station in Vijayanagar Law College. It was complained that a congested room was allotted for both women and men voters. Further, the voters, after casting their votes, had to exit from the same way, which led to delay in the polling process. Software engineer R Reddy from Mumbai came to cast his vote in the queue line and observed that it took more than one and a half hour for him to cast his votes. Kadapa district witnessed a huge turnout. The Jammalamadugu assembly segment recorded 78.55 per cent polling by 5pm while it was 78.19 per cent in Mydukur assembly segment, 75.8 per cent in Pulivendula, 75.16 per cent in Kamalapuram and 73.25 per cent in Badvel assembly segment. The queue lines continued till 6pm. Huge crowds, mostly women, waited in the long queues to cast their votes. In Hindupur Lok Sabha constituency, an average of 74.70 per cent polling was recorded at 6pm whereas the Penukonda Assembly segment recorded a 78.77 per cent polling, followed by Dharmvaram with 76.10 per cent, Puttaparthi with 75.23, Hindupur with 73.32 and Madakasira with 74.25 per cent polling. Uravakonda assembly segment recorded a maximum polling of 75 per cent by 6pm. Long queues were observed at many village polling booths and officials permitted people in queues to cast their votes even after 6pm. The Anantapur urban segment witnessed a larger turnout of voters compared to the previous elections. Interestingly, in Kalyandurg assembly segment, only 55.04 polling was recorded by 4pm but it improved to 67.05 per cent by evening. Sources said the polling per cent was very poor since the morning. At Jammanipalle polling station in Madakasira mandal, 94 per cent of women (460 voters) cast their votes.

Stone Pelting Mars Polling in Tadipatri

Anantapur: Tension prevailed in Tadipatri town after TD and YSRC groups hurled stones at each other in Om Santhi Nagar Colony. Security forces intervened and dispersed the groups. A BSF jawan got injured and two cars damaged. Polling went on peacefully in the town till the afternoon when YSRC candidate K. Pedda Reddy and TD leader J.C. Prabhakar Reddy came across each other at a polling station in Om Santhi Nagar Colony. Police forces intervened at the midpoint and dispersed the two groups at both the ends. However, a BSF Jawan suffered injuries and two vehicles got damaged. Collector Vinod Kumar said polling otherwise went on peacefully. They extended time of polling till 6 p.m., so that voters standing in queues could exercise their franchise. As per reports from other areas in Rayalaseema, Jana Sena activists damaged two EVMs at Dalavai village in Railway Kodur assembly constituency after YSRC men kidnapped their party agent Raja Reddy from the polling station. Polling resumed after additional forces reached the place. Police registered attempt to murder and SC / ST atrocity cases against Mydukur MLA Raghurami Reddys close aide for attacking TD agents at the ZP High School in Guravalur village under Chaapadu mandal of Kadapa district. SP Siddarth Kausal, who rushed to the spot, said cases have been registered against the attackers. Kurnool range DIG Vijaya Rao said polling had been peaceful except for a few incidents. In Chilamathur mandal of Hindupur assembly segment in Satya Sai district, TD activists attacked a YSRC leader and damaged two cars belonging to Chilamathur MPP Purushotham Reddy. Naveen Kumar, a YSRC party worker, suffered injuries in the attack.

Andhra Pradesh Witnesses Impressive Voter Turnout of 68% in Simultaneous Polls

Andhra Pradesh Witnesses Impressive Voter Turnout of 68% in Simultaneous Polls Andhra Pradesh registered a voter turnout of approximately 68 per cent in 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly constituencies till 5 pm on Monday, the Election Commission said. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena took serious note of clashes reported between ruling YSRCP and opposition parties in Tenali, Macherla and Anantapur, and directed officials to enforce house arrests wherever required, including registering cases. The CEO ordered the suspension of the police official who facilitated the escape of accused persons involved in the abduction of TDP agents in Punganur, a press release from his office said. Further, Tenali police in Guntur district registered a case under relevant sections in connection with a scuffle that broke between YSRCP MLA A Siva Kumar and a voter at Tenali in Guntur district. The incident occurred when Siva Kumar attempted to jump the queue and was questioned by one of the voters. In a fit of rage, the legislator slapped the man, who did not hold himself back and returned the favour Polling began at 7 am and ended at 6 pm. Governor S Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu along with their respective family members were among the early voters. Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y S Sharmila cast her vote at Idupulupaya, preceded by a visit to her father and former chief minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy's grave. The YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state.

Andhra Pradesh records approximately 68 per cent voter turnout in LS, Assembly polls till 5 pm

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh registered a voter turnout of approximately 68 per cent in 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly constituencies till 5 pm on Monday, the Election Commission said.Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena took serious note of clashes reported between ruling YSRCP and opposition parties in Tenali, Macherla and Anantapur, and directed officials to enforce house arrests wherever required, including registering cases. The CEO ordered the suspension of the police official who facilitated the escape of accused persons involved in the abduction of TDP agents in Punganur, a press release from his office said. Further, Tenali police in Guntur district registered a case under relevant sections in connection with a scuffle that broke between YSRCP MLA A Siva Kumar and a voter at Tenali in Guntur district. The incident occurred when Siva Kumar attempted to jump the queue and was questioned by one of the voters. In a fit of rage, the legislator slapped the man, who did not hold himself back and returned the favour Polling began at 7 am and ended at 6 pm. Governor S Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu along with their respective family members were among the early voters. Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y S Sharmila cast her vote at Idupulupaya, preceded by a visit to her father and former chief minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy's grave. The YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state.

Tear gas sells fired as mob try to attack YSRCP candidates house in Narsaraopet

Guntur: Tension gripped in Narsaraopet in Guntur district on Monday after supporters of TDP tried to attack the house of YSRCP candidate Gopi Reddy during violence that broke out in connection with polling. Sources said the TDP supporters allegedly damaged the car of Gopi Reddy. On coming to about the incident, the police rushed to the spot and fired tear gas shells to disperse the mob. Holding sticks, the TDP supporters allegedly headed to Gopi Reddys house but on seeing the police patrolling vehicle they returned but en route their burnt scrap papers. After assessing the situation, the police rushed additional police forces to bring the situation under control. Violent incidents continued to take place in parts of Andhra Pradesh especially in Guntur, Palnadu, Anantapuram and other areas in connection with polling.

TDP, YSRCP workers clash at a polling booth in Anantapur, five cars damaged

The incident occurred when the sitting MLA and YSRC partys candidate Kethireddi Peddareddy and TDP candidate J.C. Prabhakar Reddy arrived at the booth at the same time to cast their votes

AP registers 40.32% poll percentage by 1 pm

Vijayawada: A large number of voters including the aged and also specially abled braving the sweltering heat to reach the poling stations to cast thier vote across AP on Monday. As the poll percentage registered at 40.25 at 1.00 pm, it indicates that the voters are showing a lot of interest to exercise their franchise in favour of the political parties they support. Voters are being seen waiting in long queues at several polling booths for their turn to cast vote while the election authorities have made elaborate arrangements like setting up pandals and arranging fans and chairs for the benefit of voters to ensure that they do not fall victim to the sun stroke. The election authorities are keeping the polling booths under electronics surveillance to monitor any issues of electoral malpractices and poll-related violence. Poll violence reported from several parts of AP including Chittoor, Kadapa, Kurnool, Anantapur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Prakasam and others involving mainly clashes between the supporters of both the YSRC and Telugu Desam. Moreover, the voters who cast their vote at several polling booths are hinting at their preference for the incumbent YSR Congress stating that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy wold continue the welfare schemes if elected to power while those supporting the NDA claim that TD chief Chandrababu Naidu would build capital city Amaravati and create jobs for the benefit of especially the youth and the manifestos of both the YSRC and NDA are also having their impact on the voting trends.

AP to Have Cool Weather, Rain on Polling Day

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh expects cool weather on Monday, the day of polling for the assembly and Lok Sabha elections. There would not be any heat wave or hot and humid weather in Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra Pradesh, the weatherman has said. IMD said it is likely that there is rain in north coastal Andhra Pradesh while the rest of the state might have thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speed reaching 30 to 40 kmph. There will be no heat wave or hot humid weather in any part of the state on Monday, particularly the Rayalaseema region seen as the hotbed of the country, Karunasagar said. Nandyal recorded the nations highest temperature for three consecutive days last week, registering a temperature of 46.3 degrees Celsius. Such weather would have bearing on the voting, it was feared. Senior scientist at IMD Amaravathi, S Karunasagar, said a cyclonic circulation lay over south interior Karnataka and its neighbourhood at 1.5km above mean sea level. Lower tropospheric southerly and south-westerly winds were prevailing over Andhra Pradesh and Yanam. Under its influence, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speed reaching 30-40 kmph are likely at isolated places over north coastal, south coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema till May 16. On Sunday, Nandyal recorded the highest temperature of 41.0 degrees Celsius, followed by Tirupathi 40.8, Anantapur 40.6 and Kurnool 40.4 degrees Celsius. Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam recorded the lowest temperature of 32.9 and Visakhapatnam 33.4. Meanwhile, the State election commission has suggested to the officials of all districts to keep water, ORS packets and medical facilities ready as a precaution against heat conditions.

EC Transfers Police Officers from Tirupati District Ahead of Polling

Election Commission told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it would derecognise those political parties which use children in election campaign or poll-related work. (Photo: PTI/File) Election Commission told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it would derecognise those political parties which use children in election campaign or poll-related work. (Photo: PTI/File) Tirupati: The Election Commission has transferred five police officers from Tirupati district on Sunday, a day ahead of the polling in Andhra Pradesh. This was in continuation of the actions taken against several senior officials in the state who were accused of violating the code of conduct or acted in favour of the ruling party. Such complaints were made by the Telugu Desam and its allies. On Sunday, EC ordered the transfer of five Circle Inspectors from Tirupati to Anantapur district. TD had alleged that the five CIs - Jaganmohan Reddy, Anju Yadav, Amarnath Reddy, Srinivasulu, and Vinod Kumar - were acting in favour of the YSRC. Hence, these officers were assigned election duties in the Anantapur district, instead of Tirupati. The transferred officers will be under close watch in their new postings.

Anantapur SP urges public to exercise their franchise freely and fearlessly

He informs that flag marches were conducted in sensitive villages by CAPF personnel, followed by strict surveillance along the Karnataka State border

Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur Lok Sabha Election 2024: Date of voting, result, candidates, main parties, schedule

Anantapur Lok Sabha constituency in Andhra Pradesh, India, to vote on 13th May 2024. Election Commission results on 4th June, as per March 16 announcement.

Bharat Jodo Was Inspired By YSR padayatra: Rahul Gandhi

ANANTAPUR: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi praised slain chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy as an inspiration and role model for him, and that the inspiration for the Bharat Jodo Yatra came from the YSR Padayatra. YSRs padayatra was aimed at understanding the problems of the people first-hand at all levels. That was my aim too. Rajasekhar Reddy and my father Rajiv Gandhi shared brotherly feelings between them. YSR showed the way not only for AP but the entire country during his rule, Rahul Gandhi recalled at an election meeting. As part of the Congress campaign for APCC chief Y.S. Sharmila, contesting from Kadapa LS, Rahul Gandhi arrived at Idupulapaya in Pulivendula assembly segment on Saturday and offered tributes at the Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy Ghat. He was accompanied by Sharmila and K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao. Rahul Gandhi later shared the video of him offering tributes to YS Rajasekhar Reddy at Idupulapaya on social media platform X and recalled the attachment between his father and Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy. Later, Rahul Gandhi reached Kadapa district headquarters and addressed a public meeting. He took a swipe at Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, TD chief Chandrababu Naidu and JS leader Pawan Kalyan, branding them the B team of the BJP. Rahul Gandhi said, The People of AP are clear that the YSR ideology was never to stand by the BJP's side. But Jagan Mohan Reddy is unable to utter a single word against the BJP because of the corruption cases he is facing, he alleged. For all these three parties, the remote control is in the hands of Narendra Modi. Because Narendra Modi has CBI, ED, Income Tax department in his hands, he keeps browbeating them. Reacting to the inclusion of Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddys name in a charge sheet, Rahul Gandhi made it clear that the Congress had no role in including the name in the list of the corrupt. Some others did it, he said. He reiterated that the Congress is committed to complete Polavaram, the steel plant initiative and grant special category status for AP.

Thunderstorms likely in parts of Andhra Pradesh for four days

VISAKHAPATNAM : The India Meteorological Department Amaravati Centre has forecasted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 km/h at isolated places over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Rayalaseema on Saturday. This weather pattern is expected to persist until May 14. The AP State Disaster Management Authority has issued alerts for Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram-Manyam, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East and West Godavari, Eluru, Krishna, NTR, and Guntur districts, which are likely to experience light to moderate rains with isolated thunderstorms on Saturday. Kurnool, Anantapur, Annamayya, Chittoor, and Tirupati districts are also expected to record light rains with scattered thunder. Authorities advise people to be cautious during thunderstorms. On Friday, several places in the State received rainfall, bringing relief from the scorching heat. Tirupati recorded the highest temperature of 40.5 degrees Celsius on Friday, closely followed by Anantapur at 40.1 degrees Celsius.

Kadapa LS: YSRC candidate Avinash Reddy says he banks on his good image in public life

Anantapur : Many leaders of Rayalaseema are rough in their dealings and have the legacy of the Palegar culture, but Kadapa MP, YS Avinash Reddy, is made of a different mettle. His soft nature and affable manners with those who meet him with grievances are his plus points in public life. He calls everyone Anna (brother), to cement this personal bond. Despite facing a series of attacks from his sister and APCC chief YS Sharmila, who accused him of a role in the YS Vivekananda Reddy murder, Avinash Reddy remains cool. Many see this as a winning strategy in successive polls. Avinash Reddy, even as he initiated steps to solve many issues including the Kadapa district head quarter issues and issues of other assembly segments, he has given importance to the local MLAs in their respective constituencies without trying to spread his weight around. As the LS candidate of the YSRC in Kadapa, Avinash Reddy is facing a triangular contest involving TD candidate C Bhupesh Reddy and Congress candidate and his sister YS Sharmila. Asserted Avinash Reddy, I have not indulged in any criminal activity and never spoke ill of my political rivals. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, he said he has been involved in solving the grievances of the people of Kadapa LS constituency and Pulivendula assembly segment, as their incharge for the past five years. On the exclusive development of Kadapa airport, Avinash Reddy said the decades-old airport has been the air-link for the people of Rayalaseema region. The airport is designed to accommodate 700 passengers along with night landing facilities. The airport terminal is designed on lines similar to the Gandikota fort, the grand canyon of South, to resemble the historic notes of 1153, he said. Referring to Kadapas development, Avinash Reddy said that about `2400 crore of state and central funds were spent on massive development of the district headquarters, with erection of the ring road, flyovers and amusement parks in the past five years. Kadapa district got a boost as the major irrigation source of GNSS project is connected to Gandikota and Chitravati reservoirs, supplementary lift irrigation channels have improved ground water sources and dry lands have turned into orchards in remote areas. Being incharge of Pulivendula assembly segment, Avinash Reddy claimed there was huge development in all sectors through the Pulivendula Urban Development Authority. Pulivendula now stood as a model for the state, he said. As for the pending Railway line between Kadapa and Bengaluru, which could be helpful to thousands of people including software techies and other professionals, the YSRC candidate said he has submitted a representation to the railway minister to sanction a new railway line with modifications so as to reduce distance between the two cities, and stressed that it would lessen the burden on both states vis-a-vis the cost of land acquisition. We ensured a boost to the tourism sector by concentrating on Gandikota, he said. Reacting to the verbal attack on him by APCC chief YS Sharmila vis--vis the Viveka murder case, Avinash made it clear that he had no role in it and the people of Kadapa knew him well. I had explained the facts of the case to the people of Kadapa who see me as a representative of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, he said. Avinash Reddy said he had never encouraged quarrels, faction-related crimes and, instead, directed police stations to solve issues on merit, irrespective of who are involved in those.

Andhra Pradesh farmers harvest carbon credits through agricultural practices | ABP News

Farmers in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh have embarked on a path of innovation, harnessing the power of carbon credits to revolutionise their agricultural practices. Under the guidance of Rabo Bank and the AF Ecology Centre,

Dr Shemushi Appointed Anantapur DIG

Following Election Commissions directive, Dr. Shemushi has been appointed as DIG of the Anantapur range on Wednesday. The 2008 batch IPS officer comes in as the DIG after the Election Commission transferred DIG Ammi Reddy on Monday following complaints by TD and its allied parties. They accused Ammi Reddy of being partisan and supportive of YSRC. In support of their charge, the opposition parties mentioned the recent instances in Tirupati district. Dr Shemushi is expected to take charge on Thursday.

Andhra Pradesh: Educationists in poll fray

Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao, YSRC The sitting YSRC MLA, who is popular as Avanthi Srinivas, is the founder of Avanthi Educational Society, which runs several educational institutions, including Avanthi Degree & PG College and Avanthi Institute of Engineering & Technology. He is contesting from Bheemili against his mentor Ganta Srinivasa Rao of TDP. Ponguru Narayana, TDP The former MLC is the founder of Narayana Group of Educational Institutions. He unsuccessfully contested from Nellore City Assembly constituency on TDP ticket in the last election against P Anil Kumar Yadav of YSRC. He is contesting again from the same constituency against Mohammad Khaleel Ahmed of YSRC. Mathukumilli Sribharat, TDP The president of GITAM (Deemed to be University) and the founder of Kautilya School of Public Policy is contesting from Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency. In the last election, the TDP nominee suffered defeat by a narrow margin. Now, Botcha Jhansi of YSRC is his rival in the election. Mathukumilli Sribharat Palle Sindhura Reddy, TDP She is the treasurer of PVKK Educational Institutions in Anantapur district, while her husband Palle Venkata Krishna Kishore Reddy is its chairman. Daughter-in-law of Palle Raghunatha Reddy, she is in the election fray from Putthaparthi against D Sreedhar Reddy of YSRC Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, TDP The sitting Narasaraopet MP is the vice-chairman of Vignan Group of Institutions. He quit the YSRC and joined the TDP after being denied ticket for the same Lok Sabha segment. For the second time, he is contesting from Narasaraopet Lok Sabha constituency on TDP ticket against P Anil Kumar Yadav of YSRC Annabathuni Siva Kumar, YSRC The sitting YSRC MLA is the chairman of ASN Educational Institutions, which runs ASN Degree & PG College, ASN Womens Engineering College and ASN Pharmacy College. For the second consecutive time, he is contesting from Tenali Assembly constituency against JSP Political Affairs Committee chairperson Nadendla Manohar Annabathuni Siva Kumar

CM Jagan to do election campaign in 3 places today

VIJAYAWADA : Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy took a break on Wednesday from the election campaign and reviewed the partys electoral possibilities with core leaders about YSRC election campaigns. The CM would resume the election campaign on Thursday by addressing public meetings in three places - Kurnool city, Kalyanadurgam and Rajampet. YSRC general secretary Thalasila Raghuram said Jagan Mohan Reddy would conduct election campaigns in three constituencies on May 9. At 10 am, Jagan Mohan Reddy will participate in the election campaign at SV Complex Road, YSR Circle, Kurnool City under Kurnool LS constituency. Later, at 12.30 pm, he will participate in a meeting at Kalyanadurgam constituency, Kollapuramma Temple Road, in Anantapur LS constituency. Later, at 3 pm, Jagan Mohan Reddy will participate in the election meeting held at Koduru Road in Rajampet constituency under Rajampet LS. According to sources, Jagan Mohan Reddy reviewed the present political situation and the partys prospects in Assembly and LS constituencies across the state. Cautioning the leaders that only three days were left for the election campaign, he asked the partys rank and file, including coordinators, to intensify the campaign by mingling more with the masses. Regarding the YSRCs Navaratnalu Plus manifesto, the CM said only the YSRC is daringly distributing party manifesto by stressing that its government has fulfilled 99 per cent of the promises of the 2019 and more is promised under the new Navaratnalu manifesto. On Chandrababu Naidus conspiracy to stop the welfare schemes and hinder the volunteer services, Jagan Mohan Reddy said the Opposition can stop the state governments welfare schemes but not the YSRCs success in the elections. Addressing a public meeting in Ichchapuram town of Srikakulam district on Wednesday, Jagan Mohan Reddy said that, after coming to power, the YSRC government would set up a tribal university in Salur town of Parvathipuram Manyam district. He said that the cellphone connectivity is being expanded to more tribal areas in the region. Explaining the initiatives of his government, Jagan Mohan Reddy said, We deposited a whopping `2.70 lakh crore into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries without any corruption or discrimination during the last five years. We provided 2.31 lakh government jobs during this period, for the first time in the history of the state and this should be explained to the masses.

AP: Election Commission transfers Chittoor DSP, SI ahead of polls

Tirupati: Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday ordered transfer of Maheshwar Reddy, deputy superintendent of police, Palamaner sub-division; and Maruti, sub-inspector of Sadum, both of Chittoor district. The commission directed the DSP and SI to hand over their responsibilities to lower-level officers immediately. This action of EC has come following the recent attack on B. Ramachandra Yadav, president of the Bharatiya Communist Party (BCI), in Punganur constituency. EC had recently ordered transfers of high-ranking police officials in Andhra Pradesh, including Rajendranath Reddy, Director General of Police (DGP), and R.N. Ammi Reddy, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Anantapur Range. State government has appointed Harish Kumar Gupta as the new DGP following these transfers. Political analysts, who are closely monitoring the developments, anticipate more transfers in connection with the attack on the BCY party chief.

Pawan Kalyan faces tough battle despite his cult following among youth

PITHAPURAM : Puruhutika Puram, which later became Peetikapuram, and now called as Pithapuram, located in the heart of East Godavari district, finds itself a prominent place on the pilgrim map of Andhra Pradesh as well the country. The Kukkuteswara Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Puruhutika Devi temple, one of Ashta Dasa Shakti Peethas, and the Sripada Srivallabha temple attract devotees in good numbers. Andhra Pradesh LS polls: Pawan Kalyan to sound poll bugle from Pithapuram It, however, was not a big name on the political map of AP. A small Assembly constituency with less than 2.3 lakh electorate, the ballot battle of Pithapuram has now grabbed the entire nations attention. The 2024 election scheduled in less than a week now, is a different one. Now, Pithapuram has joined the likes of big battle constituencies of Kuppam, Pulivendula and Mangalagiri thanks to Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan contesting from the segment. Having lost the last elections from two places, the actor-politician with a cult following is focussing on making it to the State Assembly from Pithapuram, while the ruling YSRC wants to stop the vitriolic leader from being a thorn in their flesh in the legislative body. Here, the factor that decides the winnability of a candidate is caste rather than development. Among the several segments where the Kapu community holds a sway, Pithapuram is one. Consisting of more than 60% of the total population, a leader from the Kapu community has won the seat 12 of the total 16 times that it went to elections. In 2014, SVSN Varma, who belongs to Kshatriya community, won the election. As candidates of both the YSRC and the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance belong to the Kapu community, there is a possibility of split in votes of the community making the votes of other communities equally important for win. The YSRC has fielded sitting Kakinada MP Vanga Geetha from Pithapuram. Incidentally, Geetha won from the same segment in the 2009 elections from Praja Rajyam Party floated by Pawan Kalyans brother Konidela Chiranjeevi. Though a popular film star is in the fray, the contest is unlikely to be a one-sided one. It is not going to be an easy win for Pawan Kalyan. Unlike other communities, Kapus stand divided on political affiliation and this may turn the tide in favour of Geetha, opined S Satyanarayana, a rickshaw puller of Indira Nagar. TNIE visited the constituency and interacted with the local people to solicit views on who stands a good chance to win. Apart from local issues, the fishermen community have their own set of problems, and is likely to rally behind the alliance. Though we have been receiving Matsyakara Bharosa, the State government has not come forward to pay ex gratia for the fishermen who die at sea. They want the body as a proof to pay ex gratia, but how can we get it when people drown at sea? questioned a fisherman. While people choose to talk about the issues, there is a section, particularly youngsters, who have no other choice than their favourite star. When TNIE visited Uppada in U Kothapalli mandal on Sunday, groups of JSP activists from Anantapur and Machilipatnam visited the fishermens village to campaign for the JSP. We (the entire village) have decided to vote for Glass Tumbler. It is better for you to go and campaign in other places. Come back when our leader wins and we will celebrate, Patri Durga Rao, a young fisherman, to the JSP activists. This scenario, however, may not give an edge to the JSP. The working class and those who have benefited still vouch for the YSRC. We are living in the house, which was constructed with the government aid during the YS Rajasekhara Reddy government. After that, no government had helped the poor until YS Jagan Mohan Reddy became the Chief Minister. We are getting all the social welfare benefits now, said Srimanthula Sattibabu, a rickshaw puller. When pointed out that the tripartite alliance has promised more benefits and financial aid apart from development and employment opportunities, his fellow worker Raju was quick to add, We dont believe its promise. The TDP had promised much more doles in 2019, but it failed to fulfil them. When it comes to resolving the peoples problems, Raju said the major issue was lack of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) over the railway track that traverses through Pithapuram. Being a busy line connecting Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, a good number of trains pass through and the vehicular traffic comes to a standstill whenever the railway gate is closed. It is sitting MP Geetha who has taken the initiative to resolve the problem as Pithapuram come under the purview of Kakinada. She has got funds sanctioned for the flyover. The land has also been acquired for it. If elections are not there, the flyover works would have started by now, Raju added. Another interesting factor on which Pawan Kalyans victory depends is the support being given by former MLA Varma, who at one stage revolted against the TDP leadership for allotting the seat to the JSP as part of alliance. Varma is campaigning for Pawan Kalyan, but how serious is he in extension of support is still doubtful. Will any leader hand over his constituency to another? questioned another local when asked about the former MLAs support to the JSP. For the JSP, the candidature of Pawan Kalyan from Pithapuram itself is an asset. Our leader suffered defeat at two places in the last elections. We wont let him down this time and he is set to enter the State Assembly, asserted a youth. N Krishnaveni of Chitti Karnala Street in Pithapuram, who works in a library, is different when it comes to casting her vote. She has nothing to do with whom she is voting, and which party it is. My two sons and my husband are supporters of Pawan Kalyan, and I will follow them, she said with a smile. Tummala Ramaswamy (Babu), JSP president of the erstwhile undivided East Godavari district, exuded confidence of Pawan Kalyans victory. Every section of people has suffered in Jagans regime. They are not going to vote for the YSRC in the elections, he asserted Not just Pawan Kalyan, our joint manifesto will ensure that NDA wins not less than five Assembly seats each in Kakinada, East Godavari and Konaseema districts. Lack of ROB causes traffic problem The major issue in Pithapuram Assembly constituency is lack of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) on the railway track that traverses through it. Being a busy railway line connecting Vijayawada and Vizag, a good number of trains pass through the town and the vehicular traffic comes to a standstill whenever the railway gate is closed

Balakrishna Faces Tough Fight in Hindupur

Anantapur : Hindupur assembly constituency is the long-held fortress of the Telugu Desam. Film star Nandamuri Balakrishna of the TD is trying for a hattrick victory in the present polls there, but his going is getting tough in many areas. While Muslim voters and BCs are the deciding factors in Hindupur, the YSRC is focusing attention on these sections. Balakrishna, on his part, is campaigning even in streets and small villages in the segment to outwit the YSRC. Along with Balakrishna, his wife Vasundhara and daughter are campaigning in the assembly segment. Even the Congress, apart from the YSRC, had tried seriously to break the stronghold of the TD in Hindupur, where party founder NT Rama Rao won the seat thrice and his elder son Nandamuri Harikrishna once. At present, Nandamuri Balakrishna is the MLA for the second term from the constituency. He is in the race for a third time. As Hindupur remained a strong base for the TD, every experiment made by the Congress and the YSRC failed in all the elections since 1985. NT Rama Rao chose this segment for his first electoral fight and he won the seat thrice, became chief minister twice and he functioned as leader of opposition too from the Hindupur seat. People continued to support the Telugu Desam and NTRs sons - Nandamuri Hari Krishna and Nandamuri Balakrishna and some other TD candidates won from Hindupur in successive polls. The Congress had tried to grab Hindupur by fielding JC Prabhakar Reddy against NT Rama Rao, but NTR had the last laugh. The YSRC did an experiment by fielding former IG Md Iqbal against Nandamuri Balakrishna in the hope that minority votes would be the deciding factor in the 2019 general polls. But Balakrishna had a cake walk for the second time. Interestingly, Md Iqbal later quit the YSRC even though he was, alternatively, given an opportunity to be an MLC. YSRC Rayalaseema regional coordinator and minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, who was given the responsibility of Anantapur district, has introduced K Deepika, a BC candidate and a new face, as the party incharge a few months ago and the party later announced her candidature. Ramachandra Reddy toured Hindupur assembly segment along with the partys assembly candidate Deepika, and met voters at every gram panchayat a month ago. He was trying to garner support from BCs and Muslims. He said the people of Hindupur are with the YSRC due to the rolling out of welfare programmes by Jagan Mohan Reddy during the last five years. The presence of an independent candidate from the Muslim community might have a negative impact on Balayya, who depended on their votes during the previous polls. YSRC sources say only rural parts were favourable for the TD in the past few polls, but a majority of the people of Hindupur town favoured Jagan Reddy.

Gajamala Trend Catching Up To Felicitate Candidates

Anantapur: Unlike the previous elections, this time, Gajamala felicitation has become a new trend among major political parties. This is evident at events to honour candidates at every village. Along with the Gajamala (huge garlands), showering of flowers and drumbeats are also seen at every campaign meeting of the candidates in the villages. Previously there were only small garlands as a present to the candidate during each event in the villages. Gajamala was being offered to only the top leaders like party president, youth leaders, during their visits. Despite the heavy expenses, party leaders in the villages and even urban wards are felicitating their candidate with Gajamala during the present election campaigns. They also arrange a crane at every event to lift the huge Gajamala and place it around the candidates neck. A party leader from Atmakur in Rapthadu assembly segment observed, For Gajamala felicitation alone, one has to spend a minimum of Rs 20,000, which is for the garland and the crane. Special effects like keelu gurralu are also employed in the campaign. Further, flowers worth at least `8,000 are arranged to shower and honour the candidate at each campaign. The trend was introduced a year ago to felicitate chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, TD leader Chandrababu Naidu, Nara Lokesh and such top leaders during their special tours and yatras. The concept spread to rural areas and urban wards during the present campaign in Rayalaseema region.

Rains Lash AP, Lightning Kills 3

Visakhapatnam: Moderate to heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lightning struck parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema districts in Andhra Pradesh during the last 24 hours claiming three lives. However, the rains provided the much-needed reprieve from the searing heat wave that had engulfed the state since the last two weeks. Nandyal, Kurnool, Kadapa and Anantapur recorded average temperature of 42 degrees Celsius. A 41-year-old Parasa Rama Rao died on the spot when lightning struck him at Yadavalli village under Lingapalem mandal in Eluru district. Rama Rao was grazing cattle near a field when the incident took place. In another incident, lightning killed a woman Bondala Nagendramma (52) and her 25 year old daughter Y Nagarani when they were returning from a farm field at Vutukuru under Krosuru mandal of Palnadu district. A trough running from east Vidarbha to south Tamil Nadu brought rains and thunderstorms in the state on Tuesday. The system is set to bring more rains on Wednesday Normal life was thrown out of gear and more than six places reported mild water logging, with trees and power poles uprooted at few localities as heavy rain accompanied with gusty winds lashed at Rajahmundry town in East Godavari district on Tuesday. An unexpected hailstorm brought cheers to the people in a few villages under Chintapalli and Paderu mandals in ASR district. Though the rains have brought down the mercury levels by 2 to 6 degree Celsius on Tuesday, the summer rain caused damage to chili, maize, and mango crops in parts of the state. The IMD said Vemagiri in Rajahmundry recorded 12.4 cm rain, Palasa (Srikakulam district) and Palamaner (Chittoor district) recorded 6 cm rainfall each between Monday night and Tuesday morning, followed by 5 cm each in Tekkali (Srikakulam), Atmakur (Nandyal) and 4 cm in Arogyavaram (Annamayya). Parvathipuram (Manyam), Madanapalle (Annamayya), Atlur (Kadapa) and some places in the state recorded rainfall between 1 cm and 3 cm. The IMD has predicted moderate rainfall and thundershowers at few places across the state on May 8 (Wednesday) which include Chittoor, Annamayya and Tirupati districts of Rayalaseema region and Nellore. ASR and Srikakulam district of CAP will receive heavy rainfall.

ECI appoints Harish Kumar Gupta as Andhra Pradesh police chief

VIJAYAWADA: A day after Director General of Police (DGP) Kasireddy Rajendranath Reddy was transferred, the Election Commission of India (ECI) appointed the 1992 batch IPS officer Harish Kumar Gupta as the new State police chief on Monday. In an official communication to Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy, the poll panel directed the new DGP to take charge immediately and send a compliance report to the ECI. The Commission has acceded to the posting of Harish Kumar Gupta as DGP of Andhra Pradesh. The officer will take charge immediately and a compliance report will be submitted to the Commission, the letter to the Chief Secretary read. Acting on the instructions of the ECI, Jawahar Reddy had sent a panel of three IPS officers - APSRTC MD Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao, Madireddy Pratap and Principal secretary Harish Kumar Gupta on Monday. After reviewing the recommendations, the election commission selected Harish Kumar Gupta as the DGP. Later in the day, Gupta assumed office and took charge from ADGP (Law and Order) Shankha Bratha Bagchi. Meanwhile, the Election Commission issued orders to transfer Anantapur range deputy inspector general of police (DIG) RN Ammi Reddy and instructed the Chief Secretary not to allot him any election-related duties.

Heatwave conditions likely in 21 mandals of Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA : As many as 21 mandals in the State are likely to experience heatwave on Tuesday and chances of mercury levels dropping in the next couple of days are high. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday forecasted a hot, humid, and discomfort weather likely in isolated places across the State on Tuesday. The Met Department predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of speeds 40-50 kmph are likely at isolated places across the State for the same period. On Monday, AP experienced hot and humid conditions with daytime temperatures above 40 degrees C at most places. APSDMA on Monday stated that 12 mandals experienced severe heatwave, and 112 mandals reported heatwave. Banaganapalle in the Nandyal and Manga Nellore in the Tirupati have recorded the highest daytime temperature of 45.5 degrees C, followed by Panchalingala in the Kurnool, Vallur in the YSR at 45.1 degrees C, Tarlapadu in Prakasam district at 44.9 degrees C, Ravipadu n Palnadu district at 44.6 degrees C, Gonupalle in Nellore district at 44.4 degrees C, Tarimella of Anantapur district at 44.3 degrees Celsius.

Poll panel transfers Anantapur range DIG

Election Commission told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it would derecognise those political parties which use children in election campaign or poll-related work. (Photo: PTI/File) Election Commission told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it would derecognise those political parties which use children in election campaign or poll-related work. (Photo: PTI/File) Anantapur: In the ongoing shifting of top-level officials, the Election Commission on Monday transferred Anantapur range DIG Ammi Reddy and directed the authorities to keep him away from election-related duties. This is the fourth top-level official from Anantapur to be transferred in recent weeks following complaints from the TD and its allies, which accused them of favouring the YSRC in the electoral process. In the first shifting process, collector Gowthami was transferred from Anantapur and posted as JEO of Tirumala after a complaint to EC from the TD and its allies. These parties alleged that a huge number of bogus voters have been enrolled in Uravakonda and other parts of the district. Gowthami got posted as JEO to Tirumala. Vinod Kumar was posted to Anantapur as the collector. Similarly, KKN Anburajan, former SP of Anantapur, was also transferred following complaints by the opposition parties. Anburajan had worked earlier as SP of Kadapa and as ASP of Pulivendula and hence the TD targeted him. He was transferred a few weeks ago. On Sunday, Anantapur urban DSP Veera Raghava Reddy was transferred from Anantapur over his suspected support to the YSRC. Raghava Reddy, who earlier worked as DSP of Anantapur, had also worked in loop line post and again got posting to Anantapur subdivision. The TD targeted him by blaming one-sided support to YSRC. Prathap Kumar was posted as SDPO of Anantapur on Monday. On Monday, Anantapur range DIG Ammi Reddy who was in charge of Anantapur, Satyasai, Tirupati and Chittoor districts received transfer orders as EC directed the concerned department to choose three names for the post.

Cops Thrash Each Other at Pilligundla Check Post

Anantapur: Two constables posted at the border check post in Pilligundla of Rolla mandal in Satya Sai district attacked each other over delay in joining duty on Sunday evening. A video of the two thrashing each other went viral on social media. Sources said district administration set up additional check posts to control flow of illicit liquor, cash and other valuables by political parties. One of the constables on duty at the check post reported late in the evening on Sunday. This angered the constable who had to be relieved by the other constable. Soon, the constables Narayana Swamy and K. Shiva got into an argument and started hitting each other on the main road of Pilligundla village. A villager captured the entire quarrel and fighting on his smartphone. The video went viral on Monday. Satya Sai district police authorities have ordered a probe into the issue, as it has tarnished the image of police.

AP: EC Transfers Anantapur DIG Ammi Reddy

Anantapur: The Election Commission of India on Monday transferred Anantapur DIG RN Ammi Reddy. The commission has also directed that the officer should handover the charge to the officer immediate below in rank and the officer should not be assigned to any election related works till completion of simultaneous elections to the Legislative Assembly. It also further requested that a panel of three eligible police officers against the incumbent post.

Campaigning in Heatwave a challenge for AP Leaders

Anantapur: Heat waves are impacting party leaders and cadres on day-long election campaign in the region. Singanamala TD candidate Bandaru Shravani fell sick due to sun stroke while she was on a campaign trip on Sunday. Bandaru Shravani was advised to take rest and to stay away from sunlight as mercury levels were touching high. The Singanamala assembly segment has been recording maximum temperatures in the district for the past few days. Similarly, YSRC worker Hanumanthappa died of sun stroke while taking part in the road show in Palavenkatapuram village in Kalyandurg segment in the district on Sunday. Hanumanthappa was accompanying the road show of YSRC candidate T Rangaiah in Palo Venkatapuram village and he collapsed while taking part in the road show. Though he was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, he was declared dead, sources said.

CM Jagan Woos Muslims, Says He Firmly Backs 4 Per Cent Reservations for Them

Vijayawada: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as president of the YSR Congress is concentrating his attention on minority votes in 62 assembly constituencies where they are the deciding factor in the present assembly and LS polls in the state. These constituencies, out of the total 175, have the highest and moderate voting percentages supporting 4 per cent Muslim reservations. Jagan Reddy pushed Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu into a quandary by daring the TD chief to raise the Muslim reservation issue in front of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the three-party alliances election meetings in AP. Jagan Reddy said, On one hand, Chandrababu Naidu joined hands with the BJP, which promised to remove the 4 per cent reservation for Muslims. Conversely, in an attempt to secure votes from the minority community, Naidu resorts to a deceitful act of false affection, further betraying Muslims. I boldly assert this today: The 4 per cent reservation for Muslims must remain intact. This is my firm stance! Will Chandrababu dare to voice this in front of Modi? Will he disassociate himself from the NDA? What is the purpose of this alliance, Chandrababu? Why the pretence of affection? Why align with the NDA, which opposes Muslim reservation, while perpetuating such deceit in your gatherings? Jagan Reddy, in a bid to get the support of minorities, further asserted, The 4 per cent reservation given to minority brothers is not given based on religion. These reservations are not applied to upper castes among the Muslims. This 4 per cent reservation is on a backward class basis. Im questioning the BJP and other opposition parties on this. All religions have BCs and OCs, these are reservations given on a backward class basis, subject to the provisions of the Constitution. Is it moral to play politics on such reservations and mess with their lives? He added, We will support minorities on issues like 4 per cent reservation, NRC, CAA, and any such minority-related issue, Minority sentiments will be secured and supported by Jagan and his party. Political analysts say that the bold statement of Jagan Reddy, of the YSRC protecting the minorities, will turn as lethal as the BJPs firmness on the cancellation of Muslim reservations. If the TD supports it, then this would be a big disadvantage to Naidu in the present elections, they aver. They said the YSRC has already started a negative campaign against Naidu and TD, which would be intensified in the next couple of days. This posed a threat to TD and is an advantage to YSRC, as it had allocated 7 assembly seats to minorities out of 175. The Muslim voters are the deciding factor in Kadapa, Kurnool, Rajampeta, Nandyala, Guntur East, Kadiri, Nellore, Srisailam, Hindupur, Proddatur, Pileru, Anantapur, Adoni, Allagadda, Nandikokuru, Madanapalli, Guntakal, Punganur, Vijayawada West, Tadikonda, Chilakaluripet, Panyam, Palamaneru, Banaganapally, Narasaraopeta, Tirupati, Nellore (Rural), Guntur (West), Rajampet, Gurzala, Kodumuru, Ponnur, Sattenapalli, Atmakuru, Emiganuru, Kamalapuram. Giddalur, Penamalur, Pedakurapadu, Pulivendula, Tamballapally, Dhone, Maidukuru, Vijayawada Central, Nandigama, Kovvur, Mangalagiri, Jammalamadugu, Ongole, Machilipatnam, Eluru, Parchur, Visakhapatnam, Penukonda, Rayadurgam, Chandragiri, Dharmavaram, Udayagiri, Rayachoti, Gannavaram and Gudivada assembly segments. The analysts say that the Muslim minorities carry at least 25,000 to one lakh voted in these sixty assembly constituencies. Hence, Jagan Reddy is wooing these minorities to sweep the elections with the help of 4 per cent Muslim reservations in the present elections. Kurnool MLA Hafiz Khan said Jagan Reddy will definitely protect the 4 per cent reservation for Muslims and he will oppose laws like NRC and CAA. Muslims will not allow cancellation of the 4 per cent reservations at any cost and this issue will play an important role in the elections.

Rajnath says law and order in Kadapa in bad shape

Anantapur: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday alleged that the law and order situation remained bad in Kadapa, the home district of Chief Minister YS Jagn Mohan Reddy. Rajnath Singh arrived in the region to campaign for BJP assembly segment candidate of Jammalamadugu, C Adinarayana Reddy, and TDs Lok Sabha candidate Bhupesh Reddy of Kadapa. While addressing the BJP workers meeting in Yerraguntla in Kadapa district, Rajanath Singh came down heavily on the YSRC government over its massive failures even in utilising the funds and schemes from the Centre during the past five years. The Union minister observed that the Central government had sanctioned 25 lakh pakka houses for the poor in AP but the chief minister failed to construct these houses and instead gave house sites in remote places for the beneficiaries. Rajnath Singh recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modis initiative to honour former premier PV Narasimha Rao with the Bharat Ratna award. He claimed that a double engine government will be formed in AP to ensure overall development, and called on the party cadres to work hard for victory of the candidates of the three-party alliance. Rajnath Singh underscored the urgent need for development of Andhra Pradesh during a road show in Adoni in Kurnool district, pointing out the state's slow progress under the YSR Congress rule despite assistance from the Centre. He emphasized that Andhra Pradesh, once economically prosperous, has now fallen into financial distress. The defence minister highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to address housing shortages and cited the earmarking of funds for 21 lakh houses for Andhra Pradesh by the central government. However, the state government built only 2 lakh houses, he said. Moreover, he questioned the utilization of funds allocated for essential projects like the Amrit Mission and pointed out the discrepancies in spending. He pledged the Modi-led government's commitment to ensuring efficient allocation and utilization of resources for the state's development. On the economic front, Rajnath Singh expressed confidence in India's growth trajectory, predicting its ascent to the third-largest economic power globally by 2027. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures to propel the state and the nation towards prosperity. Lok Sabha candidate B Nagaraju and assembly candidate Dr V Partha Sarathi joined the defence minister at the roadshow, highlighting their support for the development agenda.

Severe heatwave likely in 30 AP mandals on May 5

VIJAYAWADA: A severe heatwave is likely to prevail in 30 mandals, and 247 mandals are likely to experience heatwave-like conditions on Sunday. The IMD forecasted a heatwave at isolated places across the State on Sunday and Monday. IMD predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of speeds 30-50 kmph are likely at isolated places across the State for the same period. On Saturday, AP largely experienced hot and humid conditions with daytime temperatures above 400 C at most places. APSDMA, in its daily bulletin on Saturday, stated that as many as 28 mandals experienced severe heatwave, and 187 mandals reported heatwave. Darimadugui of Prakasam district recorded the highest daytime temperature of 47.50 C, followed by Kalasapadu in the YSR district at 46.40 C, Kovelakuntla of Nandyal district at 46.20 C , and Veinapi Akkamambapuram in Nellore district at 46.10 C. Meanwhile, Vagaruru of Kurnool recorded daytime temperatures at 45.70 C, Vijayapuri South of Palnadu district at 45.40 C, Hussain Puram of Anantapur at 44.80 C.

Anantapur selections - The Times of India

Anantapur selections The Times of India

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.

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.

Andhras updated electorate stands at 4.14 crore

VIJAYAWADA: As per the updated electoral roll on April 25, the total electorate of Andhra Pradesh is 4.14 crore, State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena said on Thursday. The qualifying date for updation was April 1. The State will go for simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and Assembly on May 13. The number of female voters is more than seven lakh compared to the number of male voters. While the number of female voters is 2.10 crore, the number of male voters is 2.03 crore. The number of polling stations in the State, including 224 auxiliary polling stations, is 46,389. The value of the seizures is Rs 203 crore since March 16. Of the total 26 districts, Anantapur district, comprising eight Assembly constituencies, stood top with 20.20 lakh voters. With 7.71 lakh voters Alluri Sitharama Raju district is at the bottom. Speaking to mediapersons at the State Secretariat on Thursday, the CEO said there is a net increase of 5,94,631 electors, when compared to the 4,08,07,356 electors in the final electoral roll published under SSR, 2024 on January 22. In polling stations, where the upper limit of electors has exceeded 1,500, 224 auxiliary polling stations have been created in the same location of the main polling station. As a result, the polling stations number has gone up to 46,389 from the earlier 46,165 polling stations. With regard to the Home voting, the CEO said that the facility was provided to persons aged above 85 years and Persons With Benchmark Disability (PWBD). Of the total 2,11,257 eligible (aged above 85) electors, 14,577 opted for the vote from home option. Similarly, under PWBD category, of the total 5,17,227 eligible electors, only 14,014 opted for the facility, which commenced in some districts from Thursday, he said. Under the Home voting concept, a team of officials will reach the houses of the voters, hand over ballot papers to them. They will then drop it in the ballot box after exercising their franchise. He said that the Home voting process will be completed by May 8. Stating that as many as 16,345 complaints were received through C-Vigil app, the CEO said 10,403 complaints which were ascertained as genuine were resolved. Similarly, 864 FIRs were filed with regard to the violation of Model Code of Conduct, he added. In the election related violence, two persons died and 156 others were injured. Electors were requested to check their names and their polling stations on https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/ website and in Voter Helpline App / voters.eci.gov.in after registering with their mobile number.

Jagan failed to do minimum development for Kadapa: Chandrababu Naidu

ANANTAPUR : Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday said that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had failed to do minimum development of Kadapa area and confined the long-pending steel plant project to foundation stones. Naidu cautioned land owners over possible pledging of their lands in future if Jagan Mohan Reddy is returned to power. Objecting to the use of Jagan Mohan Reddy photos on the passbooks of lands, Chandrababu Naidu recalled that neither himself nor the Rajampet LS candidate N. Kiran Kumar Reddy had ever used their photos on passbooks. Whether these lands belonged to the grandfather of Jagan Mohan Reddy or were acquired by ancestors of these families, Naidu wanted to know. He reiterated that Jagan Mohan Reddy was guarding Kadapa MP, Y.S. Avinash Reddy, and again was allotted the LS seat for contest though he was accused in the murder of Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy.

Anantapur: Elderly Man Collapses Outside Bank Premises in Rayachoti

Anantapur: An old man died in front of a bank premises after going to withdraw his old age pension at Rayachoti in Annamayya district on Thursday. The deceased was Mudragada Subbanna, 80 of Kakulapuram in Lakkireddypalli mandal who reportedly suffered sun stroke and collapsed on the spot. Sources said the 80-year-old Subbanna had SB account at Canara Bank branch in Rayachoti town and went to withdraw his pension. After enquiring at his gram sachivalayam, he came to know that the pension amount was transferred to his account and then he went to the bank to withdraw amount. Energy minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy accused the opposition Telugu Desam and its chief Chandrababu Naidu of interfering with the distribution of pensions to the elderly by invoking the election code rules. The minister claimed that Naidu, through his close aide Nimmagadda Ramesh approached the election commission to exclude volunteers from the home delivery of pensions.

TS HC Confirms Life Imprisonment of Suris Killer

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Thursday upheld the sentence of life imprisonment of Malisetty Bhanu Kiran, alias Bhanu, in the killing of Gangula Suryanarayana Reddy, alias Maddilacheruvu Suri, a faction leader from Anantapur district, who had played a key role in the 2005 killing of the then MLA Paritala Ravi. Kiran was a close aide of Suri, whom he gunned down in January 2011. The Nampally court had in 2018 found Kiran guilty in the murder of Suri and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Challenging the same, Kiran approached the High Court. The bench of Justice K. Lakshman and Justice P. Sree Sudha heard the petition and on Thursday confirmed the trial courts order. Kirans contention was that there was no direct evidence to prove that he had killed Suri and that most of the witnesses had given contradictory statements, with many them turning hostile. Public prosecutor Palle Nageswara Rao said that Bhanu planned the murder and executed it when travelling with Suri in Hyderabad. Suri was sitting next to the driver and the only person in the rear seat was Kiran. He shot Suri from behind. The injuries on the right lower side of Suris head and the neck conclusively proved that it was Kiran who had pulled the trigger. After the offence, Bhanu fled to Madhya Pradesh where he changed his name to Mukesh Kunjam and secured an Aadhaar card on that name. The Madhya Pradesh police had booked Kiran for leading a dubious life with a fake identity. The gun that kiran used in the crime belonged to his private security person Man Mohan Singh Bhadauria, who was awarded five years jail in the same case, the public prosecutor said.

Anantapur's Farmers Pin Hopes on 'Resilient Agriculture' Promises

Anantapur's Farmers Pin Hopes on 'Resilient Agriculture' Promises In the drought-prone areas of the Anantapur Parliamentary constituency in Andhra Pradesh, resentment is brewing among farmers who are determined to cast their votes for parties that offer tangible solutions to their long-standing water woes and agrarian challenges. The drought-stricken cultivators, who have battled nature's wrath year after year, now find themselves at the crossroads of political reckoning. Disillusioned by empty promises and inadequate measures, they are rallying behind a clarion call for change. The Anantapur parliamentary constituency comprises seven assembly segments, where drinking and irrigation water is a major concern for farmers. Most of them rely on borewells dug as deep as 900 feet in this region due to poor rainfall and lack of irrigation facilities. Groundnut, the main crop of this area, has seen a significant decline in cultivation due to lack of rainfall, forcing farmers to give up farming and migrate to cities for their livelihood. T Rajendra (44), a farmer from Itukapalli village of Anantapur mandal, said, ''There has been insufficient rainfall in the last eight years, and the water table has dropped sharply. Even borewells are not working properly. I have dug 40 borewells, but only four were successful.'' The subsidy on drip irrigation, which farmers received during the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) tenure until 2019, was altogether stopped by the incumbent YSR Congress government, exacerbating the farmers' problems, he told PTI. ''Had the state government continued the subsidy on drip irrigation, the situation would have been different. I will vote for change this time,'' he said. Raitha Sangha District Secretary Chandrashekar said for nearly two decades, farmers in drought prone Anantapur believed groundnut was the sole crop resilient enough to withstand erratic rainfall patterns. This ingrained belief led to a massive surge in groundnut cultivation area - from 1,94,840 hectares in 1961-62 to a staggering 8,11,156 hectares by 2005-06. By 2006-07, Anantapur district alone accounted for a whopping 50 per cent of the total groundnut cultivation area in the entire state of Andhra Pradesh, he said. ''However, this crop cultivation brought immense misery to the district's farmers. After 1998, more than 10,000 groundnut farmers committed suicide,'' he claimed. At least one lakh agricultural laborers have been migrating every year, he added. The main reasons for this situation were lack of timely rains leading to crop failure, getting trapped in debt due to excessive borrowing for crop protection through bore wells, lack of remunerative prices from the government despite increased input costs, new pests, and reduced yields. To rescue the farming community of the district, governments appointed several committees. The experts in those committees made valuable recommendations to the governments, but none of them were implemented, he said and hoped the next government whichever party forms will take serious note of this. As per the official data, irrigation facilities in Anantapur district are available for only 3.04 per cent of the total cultivated area of 14.85 lakh acres. The 1972 National Irrigation Commission had suggested providing irrigation facilities to at least 30 per cent of the land area for agriculture to sustain in this district. Commissions like Jaitely Ghosh in 2004, Swaminathan Foundation report in 2009 and the New Delhi committee report in 2012 all recommended diverting river waters to overcome droughts in Anantapur district. ''While expert recommendations gathered dust, works on projects initiated decades ago are still incomplete,'' Chandrashekar said, adding that farmers are not able to go for expensive drip irrigation as the YSR Congress government has scrapped the subsidy on it,'' the Raithu Sangha leader said. Many farmers are upset with the YSR Congress government for not addressing their issues. The state government has announced only one scheme Raithu Barosa, under which Rs 5,500 per annum was given to the farmers, which has allegedly not been implemented properly. ''I am getting Rs 6,000 per annum under the central scheme PM-KISAN and not the state government's 'Raithu Barosa' scheme benefits,'' farmer Balu Bojjaiah (50) from the same village said. Farming has become difficult due to increased cost of production. For instance, the labour cost has increased to Rs 350-500 for six hours of work compared to eight hours a day earlier. The tractor cost has risen from Rs 500 per hour to Rs 1,500 per hour, excluding diesel expenses, he said. Lakshmi Narayana (64), a farmer who also works as a battery vehicle operator at Sri Krishnadevaraya University, lamented that farming has become a loss-making business. ''I invest my entire salary in maintaining my farm, yet I get nothing substantial in return.'' Narayana, who grows groundnut, cotton, and paddy on 10 acres of land, said. ''Suppose if I spend Rs 2,000 on my farm, I get only half of it in return. I have a debt of Rs 40 lakh.'' In the Anantapur Parliamentary constituency, 33 candidates are contesting, with a straight fight between TDP's G Lakshminarayana and YSR Congress's M Sankara Narayana, although Congress' Mallikarjuna Vajjala is also in the fray. TDP candidate Lakshminarayana blamed the incumbent government for neglecting Anantapur and promised to develop the region if voted to power. ''The main problem is water. There are several reservoirs and irrigation projects which are either neglected or remained non-starter -- all these will be taken up if voted to power.''

AP Records Highest Temperature of 46.2 C

Visakhapatnam : in Palnadu district and Rentachintala in Guntur district became hottest places in the country by registering a temperature of 46.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. This was 4.5 notches above the maximum normal temperature. According to an IMD report, the maximum temperature has breached 46 degree Celsius for the first time in AP on Wednesday. The report said Tirupati recorded the second hottest temperature in the state at 45.6C (5.2 notches above normal), followed by Nandyal 45.4C, Nandigama 44.6C, Kurnool 44.5C, Kadapa 44.2C, Anantapur 43.4C, Amaravati 43.2C, Kavali 43.1C and Tuni 41.4C. The minimum temperature also hovered around 28 degrees in many parts of the state, intensifying the heat conditions. Lowest temperatures of 34.4 degrees Celsius and 34.9 Degrees Celsius were recorded in Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam district and Visakhapatnam. Weathermen said Tirupati, Jangamaheswarapuram, Kavali, Tuni, Nandyal and Argoyavaram experienced heatwave conditions on Wednesday while the remaining parts of the state experienced hot and humid weather conditions. Severe heatwaves will sweep across Rayalaseema till May 5 while the remaining parts of the state will experience heatwave conditions till May 5. Referring to the current extreme heatwave conditions in the state, IMD Amaravati scientist Karuna Sagar attributed the extreme heat to a combination of weather patterns that included a lack of low pressure in April and an anticyclonic flow. The absence of sea breeze entering eastern and peninsular India due to anticyclonic flow is the major reason for the heatwave conditions, he added. Tuni town in Kakinada district recorded the highest temperature of 46.4C on June 17, 2023 and Vijayawada recorded the highest temperature of 46C on May 22, 2020 as per the IMD data between 2018 and 2024 (April).

Anantapur tense following attack on YSRC leader

Anantapur : A tense situation has been prevailing in Anantapur since Tuesday night after a group of men attacked YSRC leader Nagesh on outskirts of the city. Nagesh has been admitted to the Government General Hospital in Anantapur with serious injuries Police have arrested a Telugu Desam corporator Jayaram Naidu and his close aides for attempting to murder the YSRC leader. TD Anantapur Urban candidate Daggubati Venkateswara Prasad and other leaders staged a protest at the Three Town police station on Wednesday against the arrest of their leaders. Sitting MLA and YSRC candidate from the constituency Ananta Venkatrami Reddy rushed to the hospital to inquire about the health of Nagesh. He directed hospital authorities to provide proper medical care to the YSRC leader. Venkatrami Reddy met Anantapur SP and demanded that serious action be taken against those resorting to violence ahead of the polls.

Heat Wave Sweeps Five Places

Visakhapatnam: Jangamaheswarapuram in Palnadu district and Rentachintala in Guntur district became hottest places in India registering a temperature of 46.2 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. This was 4.5 notches above the maximum normal temperature. According to IMD report, the maximum temperature has breached 46 degree Celsius for the first time in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. The report said Tirupati recorded the second hottest in the state at 45.6C (5.2 notches above normal), followed by Nandyal 45.4C, Nandigama 44.6C, Kurnool 44.5C, Kadapa 44.2C, Anantapur 43.4C, Amaravati 43.2C, Kavali 43.1C and Tuni 41.4C. The minimum temperature also hovered around 28 degrees in many parts of the state intensifying the heat conditions. Lowest temperatures of 34.4 degrees Celsius and 34.9 Degrees Celsius were recorded in Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam district and Visakhapatnam. The weathermen said Tirupati, Jangamaheswarapuram, Kavali, Tuni, Nandyal and Argoyavaram experienced heat wave conditions on Wednesday while the remaining parts of the state experienced hot and humid weather conditions. Severe heat waves will sweep across Rayalaseema till May 5 while the remaining parts of the state will experience heat wave conditions till May 5. Referring to the current extreme heat wave conditions in the state, IMD Amaravathi scientist Dr S Karuna Sagar attributed that the extreme heat to a combination of weather patterns which include lack of low pressure in April and anticyclonic flow. The absence of sea breeze entering eastern and peninsular India due to anticyclonic flow is the major reason for the heat wave conditions, he added. Tuni town in Kakinada district in Andhra Pradesh had recorded the highest temperature of 46.4C on June 17, 2023 and Vijayawada recorded the highest temperature of 46C on May 22, 2020 as per the IMD data between 2018 and 2024 (April).

Andhra Pradesh: Weavers of Dharmavaram still await leaders attention

ANANTAPUR: Famous for its weavers skills of making a saree, that can be packed in a matchbox, Dharmavaram Assembly Constituency in Sri Satya Sai district, today looks for the policy makers attention to help the handloom weavers, who are being taken advantage of. Nimmalakunta village, which falls under Dharmavaram constituency limits and known for leather puppetry worldwide, is also seeking the leaders attention to conserve the ancient craft. Formed in 1951, the Dharmavaram Assembly constituency in the Hindupur Parliamentary segment went for the elections for the first time in 1952. To date, the constituency has gone for elections 15 times. While Congress won six times, TDP emerged victorious six times and the YSRC party, Independent, and Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party won one time each. In none of these elections, weavers, who are the deciding factor for the victory in the election, were made contesting candidates by any political party. However, irrespective of whether it is a seasoned politician or a newcomer, they were equally supported by the weavers community. Unfortunately, their problems remained unresolved for decades. While the YSRC has fielded incumbent Kethireddy Venkatarami Reddy to retain the seat, the BJP has fielded its national secretary Y Satya Kumar, who belongs to the Yadav community. The constituency has TDP split into two factions and Satya Kumars election result will depend on to what extent these factions will help him in the elections. Dharmavaram is synonymous with handloom silk sarees. The skills of the weavers here are such that a weaver from the city presented a silk saree weaved with motifs of the important episodes of the epic Ramayana and presented the same to Goddess Sita, wife of Lord Rama, during the Ayodhya temple consecration ceremony. Some of the well-acclaimed sarees of Dharmavaram include Sampani, Mayura, and Padaravindam. However, weavers opine that sticking to the traditional ways of weaving to conserve the skills passed down from generation to generation might have become a curse to the handloom. Irrespective of who is getting elected, the problems of handloom weavers remain the same. We face a threat of power looms. This has not only affected the traditional craft but also rendered weavers as mere workers. There is no respect for the skilled handloom weaver in the power loom industry. All we urge policymakers is to come out with measures to safeguard the hoary tradition of handloom weaving in Dharmavaram, said Venkatesh, who runs a handloom showroom. Besides weaving, agriculture is the mainstay of the economy in the Assembly constituency, but the needs of the farmers in the constituency are ignored. Not just irrigation water, but even drinking water has become a big problem for the mandals in the constituency. Rage Yellappa, a resident of Kunukuntla village in Tadimarri mandal, lamented that people have to travel long distances to borewells for irrigation and drinking water needs. This is not limited to my village, but all villages in the constituency. With a lack of work, people are migrating to other places, he said and added that there is a strong incumbency factor in the constituency. The incumbent MLA is accused of encroaching on lands belonging to people. The constituency is spread across 1,33,361 hectares and has a 3,04,706 population. It was represented by Srinivasalu Kasetty of the Kisan Mazdoor Praja Party (KMPP) as its first MLA. In subsequent elections held in 1955, Congress bagged the seat and held sway over the constituency till 1983, when TDP emerged on the political scene of the State. In between, an independent, represented the constituency in the Assembly once. In 1983, political equations changed and TDP represented the constituency till 2004. G Nagireddy was the first TDP MLA from the constituency and he won thrice consecutively. He was also a minister in the TDP government. In 2009, there was a break to the dominance of TDP, with Kethireddy Venkatarami Reddy winning the election from Dhamavaram on the Congress ticket. In the 2014 elections, he unsuccessfully contested on the YSRC ticket. However, he was elected again in 2019.

Collector, observers inspect counting centres, strong rooms in Anantapur

Travel tips: These popular temples of Andhra Pradesh attract foreigners also, show magnificent architecture

Every part of India has its unique characteristics, some of which are also known for their religious places. One such state is Andhra Pradesh of South India where you will get to see one or the other temple at every nook and corner. Here you will find temples of all the revered gods and goddesses of Hindu religion. Along with religious faith, the temples here are also known for their architecture. These temples built centuries ago are now known for tourism and even foreigners come here to see them. Today in this episode, we are going to tell you about some popular temples of Andhra Pradesh, which are visited by lakhs of devotees from almost every corner of the country and you should also visit once. Let us know about these temples... Kanaka Durga Temple Indrakeeladri is a very beautiful hill in Vijayawada city of Andhra Pradesh. The holy Krishna river flows along this hill and the Kanaka Durga temple of Maa Durga is built on its banks. Special worship is done here during Navratri. People have great faith in this temple of Goddess Durga. There is a large gathering of devotees here. There is a huge celebration here on the day of Dussehra and on this day pilgrims take a holy dip in the Krishna river. Kanak Durga Temple in Andhra Pradesh is one of the many Shaktipeeths located in the country. The goddess is installed here in her Mahishasuramardini form, along with the idol of the slain demon king Mahishasura is also present here. People believe in this temple that the wishes of every devotee who comes here are fulfilled. That's why thousands of devotees come here every year to have darshan. Venkateswara Temple Tirupati Tirupati Balaji Temple, located on the Tirumala hill in Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the major temples and religious places of Andhra Pradesh where lakhs of devotees come every year to have darshan of Venkateshwara and fulfill their wishes. Tirupati Balaji Temple is highly recognized among the people of Hindu religion. The glory of this temple is immense. It is said that by visiting Tirupati once in life, life becomes successful. Built at a height of 853 feet above Sumrdi level, this temple is also called the Temple of Seven Hills because of the seven peaks on the hill. This is the richest temple in the country in terms of charity and religion. Every year crores of rupees are donated to this temple. Every day 50 thousand to 1 lakh devotees reach the temple to have darshan of Venkateswara, while on special occasions the number of pilgrims goes up to 5 lakh. Lepakshi Temple Lepakshi Temple is a major tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh. Lepakshi Temple, located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, is also known as Veerabhadra Temple and Hanging Temple. Lepakshi Temple is famous for its mysterious stories as well as the Hanging Pillars. It is said that a glimpse of the history of the Vijayanagara Empire can also be seen in this temple. Here you will also see the footprints of Mother Sita. Apart from architectural importance, the temple is also an important pilgrimage site of Lord Shiva as per Skanda Purana. Lepakshi is a temple which attracts not only pilgrims but also art lovers. Srikalahasti Temple Srikalahasti Temple is located in Chittoor district of Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. The temple of Srikalahasti is extremely popular among the devotees who visit this temple along with the Tirupati temple. This temple is 36 km from Tirupati. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva which holds immense religious importance for Hindus and was built in the year 1516 by King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire. The entrance to the temple offers stunning views and has intricate carvings of many mythological paintings. This magnificent temple is often referred to as Kailasa and Kashi of the South. The temple represents one of the five elements and that is air. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is built on the Nallamala hills of Srisailam in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. These huge hills are considered to be the abode of God. It is said that Shiva is everywhere here. This temple is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, hence this place has special significance. Lord Rama himself had established the Sahasralinga here, while the Pandavas had established the Panchapandava Linga in the courtyard of the temple. Ranganath Temple Situated on the banks of Pennar River in Nellore, Ranganatha Temple is one of the most revered temples of Andhra Pradesh. Ranganatha Temple, dedicated to Ranganathaswami Swami, is considered to be the oldest temple in the area and attracts a large number of devotees. Let us tell you that along with its religious activities, this temple is also known for its beautiful architecture and exquisite carvings, which make it a very special place for devotees as well as art lovers and tourists. Whenever you come here, you will be able to see the idol of Lord Sri Ranganathaswamy, the presiding deity of the temple, as well as a hall decorated with intricate carvings in which seven gold vessels are kept. Kolanu Bharati Temple Kolanu Bharati Temple in Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and is a very sacred pilgrimage site. An ancient Shivalinga is also present in this temple complex, for whose darshan thousands of tourists come every day. Apart from this, there is a statue of Kaal Bhairav in this temple complex which is considered a very sacred statue. The age-old tradition of Aksharashim is still followed in this ancient temple. The temple complex also has a Shivalinga, known as Sapta Linga Kshetra, and an idol of Kaal Bhairava that guards the area. (PC: Lifeberrys)

Heat Wave Sweeps Rayalaseema, Rains Lash ASR District

Commuters cover themselves with scarves to escape the heat wave in Nellore (Photo: Deccan Chronicle) Visakhapatnam : Some parts in Rayalaseema region of AP suffered searing heat conditions for the second time in the season on Sunday. ASR district, however, witnessed thunderstorms, which lashed Paderu and Chintapalli for the second day. Visakhapatnam region remained cool as the sky remained overcast for the entire day. Visakhapatnam registered a temperature of 35.4 degrees Celsius while Kalingapatnam recorded 35.1 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest place in the state for the day. A report from IMD Amaravati said two places in AP recorded more than 45 degree Celsius temperatures on Sunday, the first time in April this year. People across the state felt the pinch of the rise in mercury levels, compelling many people to remain indoors for the entire day. On Sunday (April 28), Nandyal was the hottest in the state with 45.6C, followed by Kurnool (45.2C), Anantapur (44.1C), Jangamaheswarapuram (44C), Kadapa (43.6C), Nandigama (43C), Tirupati (42.9C) and Amaravati (42.2C). The remaining parts of the state recorded maximum temperatures between 39C and 41C. On Saturday (April 27), Nandyal was the hottest in the state with 44.9C, followed by Kurnool (44.5C), Anantapur (43.7C), Kadapa (43.4C), Jangamaheswarapuram (43.2C) and Tirupati (42.9C). Mercury levels are likely to rise above 45C at many places in Rayalaseema region and in some parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh during the first week of May, said Dr. S. Karuna Sagar, scientist at IMD Amaravati. Many political leaders rescheduled their campaign timing from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. However, in north coastal Andhra, the campaign went on for the entire day, as the temperature remained moderate.

Jagan will secure bigger majority in Pulivendula: Bharathi

Anantapur: Y.S. Bharathi, the spouse of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, exuded confidence on Sunday, stating that Jagan's upcoming victory in Pulivendula would surpass previous election results. Amidst a fervent campaign in Kadapa district, Bharathi engaged with diverse segments of the populace, witnessing overwhelming support for Jagan across the constituency. She emphasized Jagan's commitment to delivering on manifesto pledges, contrasting his approach with Chandrababu Naidu's history of unfulfilled promises. Bharathi reaffirmed her unwavering support for Jagan, continuing a tradition established by her late father-in-law, Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy and reiterated her dedication to serving the electorate.

Andhra Pradesh Sizzles As Temperatures Spike

There is a severe water crisis. She had gone to fetch water, where she felt giddy and collapsed, said the deceased's uncle, as quoted in a report. (Representational image) There is a severe water crisis. She had gone to fetch water, where she felt giddy and collapsed, said the deceased's uncle, as quoted in a report. (Representational image) Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh witnessed a scorching Saturday as Nandyal became the first location in the state to record a scorching 45C. This intense heat forced many residents across the state to seek refuge indoors.The India Meteorological Departments (IMD) Amaravati branch reported that other cities and towns were not far behind, with Kurnool reaching 44.5C, Anantapur at 43.7C, Kadapa at 43.4C, Jangamaheswarapuram at 43.2C, and Tirupati at 42.9C. The rest of the state experienced highs ranging from 39C to 41C. Theres a possibility of mercury levels exceeding 45C in many Rayalaseema areas and some coastal Andhra Pradesh (CAP) locations during the first week of May, warned Dr S. Karuna Sagar, a scientist at IMD-Amaravati. More locations in Rayalaseema and CAP are expected to be gripped by heat waves starting today due to persistent dry winds, Karunasagar added. The intense heat and humidity resulted in deserted streets in several parts of Rayalaseema and CAP, particularly in Nandyal, Kurnool, and a few other Rayalaseema towns.The IMD forecasts a continuation of heat wave conditions in Rayalaseema from April 28th to May 1st. Meanwhile, CAP can expect hot and humid weather with a slight chance of evening thunderstorms during the same period. With scorching temperatures and high humidity prevailing across most of the state, the IMD advises residents to avoid venturing outdoors between 11 am and 3 pm.

YS Jagans Siddham 3.0 campaign starts today from Tadipatri

Anantapur: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy will launch the next phase of his election campaign Siddham 3.0 with a public meeting at Tadipatri in Anantapur district on Sunday. YSRC leaders of Tadipatri are making elaborate arrangements for the public meeting in the faction-hit area, where two families have fought each other for an upper hand in the area. This time, sitting MLA Kethineni Pedda Reddy is contesting for the second time as YSRC candidate, while JC Asmith Reddy, son of former MLA and present municipal chairman of Tadipatri J.C. Prabhakar Reddy is fighting against Pedda Reddy on the TDP ticket. YSRC sources said CM Jagan will arrive at Tadipatri around 10 a.m. on Sunday and address a public meeting at the NTR Circle. District police have made elaborate security arrangements.

B. Tech Ravi says he is poorer than Jagan DC

Anantapur: Telugu Desam candidate from Pulivendula assembly constituency B. Tech Ravi has objected to Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and YSRC candidate from Pulivendula repeatedly claiming that the present polls are a fight between the poor and the rich sections. The TD candidate pointed out that Jagan Mohan Reddys assets are about 750 crore as per his election affidavit. How can he repeatedly claim at every public meeting that he is poor, Ravi asked. The TD candidate claimed that comparatively, he is very poor, as his total assets are worth about 80 lakh. He called on voters to decide who is poor and rich before voting.

Andhra Pradesh: Six Lok Sabha Seats Never Saw Female Contestant

Visakhapatnam: Since independence, no major political party in Andhra Pradesh has fielded women candidates for the Lok Sabha seats of Anantapur, Guntur, Hindupur, Machilipatnam, Nandyala and Ongole. No woman candidate ever won the polls from these constituencies. From Narasapur and Ongole, two women from lesser-known parties tried for the seats, but failed. Andhra Pradesh has 25 Lok Sabha seats. Four of these are reserved for SC (Scheduled Caste) and one for ST (Scheduled Tribe) candidates. The remaining 20 seats are unreserved. The Election Commissions data shows AP has an electorate of 3,99,84,868, with female voters outnumbering males at 2,02,21,455 and 1,97,59,489 respectively. Women voters have a significant presence in each constituency. However, this presence is not reflected in the Lok Sabha. No woman from Anantapur, Guntur, Hindupur, Machilipatnam, Nandyala and Ongole has ever been elected. Parliament represents the aspirations and concerns of its citizens. However, there have been instances of women candidates entering the fray in other constituencies. In Rajampet and Tirupati, the BJP and TD fielded women candidates, albeit only once. In 2014, Rajampet YSRC contestant PV Midhun Reddy was challenged by Daggupati Purandeswari, representing BJP. She secured 426990 votes but lost the battle. In 1996, TD gave Tirupatis Lok Sabha ticket to Gali Rajasree, who secured 292406 votes but was defeated by Nelavala Subrahmanyam of the Congress. In Narasapur, no major political party has given ticket to women since independence. However, Ganji Purnima, representing the Republican Party Of India (A), contested the polls there, got 865 votes and stood as the 14th runner-up. Similarly, for the Ongole Lok Sabha seat, Gogineni Bharati Devi, representing the SWA party, contested and secured 104703 votes but was defeated by P Ankineedu Prasada Rao of the Congress, who secured 284597 votes. Andhra Pradesh still faces challenges in ensuring adequate representation of women candidates in Lok Sabha elections. Efforts to promote gender equality and encourage womens participation remain crucial for a more balanced political landscape.

Foolproof System of Delivering Schemes Helps Jagan Big Time

Anantapur : It is not just the direct benefit transfer (DBT) schemes paid out welfare money but also developing a foolproof system for their effective delivery at the beneficiaries doorstep, besides offering numerous other services through the village and ward secretariats, that has endeared Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to the people. However, the narrowing down of the YSRC voter base to these beneficiaries is a cause of concern to the ruling party contestants from the two erstwhile Rayalaseema districts of Anantapur and Kurnool, which have a combined strength of 26 Assembly segments and four Lok Sabha seats. In the absence of any wave for or against the government, a keen contest is on cards in many of these seats. My mother waited for five years during Telugu Desam rule and never got pension. She used to make the rounds of government offices. After the change of government in 2019, she was granted pension within three months and availed it for a few months before she died with a sense of satisfaction, said Padma, owner of a roadside hotel. This summed up the success of saturation mode adopted by the YSRC government for the disbursal of old age pensions. This was against restricted release of pensions by the previous government, Padma added. While the men gathered at her hotel spoke ill of the taste of liquor they get these days, that too at an exorbitant price, and some of whom even condemned the arrest of Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu at such an old age, another woman, a shopkeeper adjacent to the hotel, extended her wholehearted support to Jagananna. The reason, she said, pointing to her school-going daughter, was the payment of Rs 15,000 under Amma Vodi a scheme to discourage school drop-outs. The beneficiaries were happy over the volunteers delivering the pension amount at their doorstep which they said was helpful to the elderly and the differently-abled. Last month, old people suffered because they had to walk all the way to the offices to collect their pension, complained Kondappagari Krishna Reddy, resident of Bondireddypalli, once a faction-ridden village near Raptadu in Anantapur district. The village secretariats helped the ruling party enhance its image by seamlessly offering a whopping 545 state-related services and another 200 of the Central government. Earlier, we had to go all the way to mandal office and wait for days or months to get caste certificates or land records. Now if we apply through Mee Seva, volunteers are delivering even adangal and 1B certificates at the doorstep, said Obulayya, a farmer. But, the ruling party contestants were also wary of the party heavily depending on the beneficiaries and distancing itself from the others. We lost sections that solidly stood behind us, for instance, government employees. We no longer enjoy strong support among the OCs. We also could have more effectively countered the narrative built by the Opposition that Jagan did nothing except pressing the button to pass on the DBT amounts, said a contestant on condition of anonymity. Echoing the fears of the ruling party leaders, Sanjeevappa, a resident of Bukkarayasamudram near Anantapur, says he and his wife would definitely vote for Jagan Mohan Reddy but his daughter and son-in-law, private company employees, were unhappy over the state government ignoring development and in particular not succeeding in getting industries.

Six RTC passengers injured seriously

Anantapur: At least six passengers of an APSRTC bus belonging to the Kalyandurg depot suffered serious injuries when the bus overturned near Mallikarjunapalli in Kalyandurg mandal of the district on Friday evening. Kalyandurg circle inspector Harinath said the bus with 50 passengers had been coming from Bellary district headquarters of Karnataka to Kalyandurg. When the bus reached Mallikarjunapalle. the driver noticed a buffalo suddenly crossing the road. While trying to avoid the animal, the driver lost control, leading to the bus falling on the left side of the road. Six passengers suffered serious injuries and have been shifted to the Kalyandurg hospital.

TD, YSRC Supporters Try to Storm Tadipatri ROs Office

ANANTAPUR: The TD and YSRC cadres tried to storm the Tadipatri returning officer (RO)s premises during the scrutiny of nominations on Friday. YSRCs team objected to spelling of the TD candidates name in the B. form vis-a-vis the one filed at the time of filing nominations. The ruling party team demanded that the candidature of JC Asmith Reddy be rejected. TD leader and Tadipatri municipal chairman J.C. Prabhakar Reddy raised objection over the nomination of the YSRC candidate, contending that the constituencys name has been spelt wrong. As the two groups started getting restive, police forces drove them away using lathis. The returning officer accepted the nominations of both the TD and YSRC. Devinenis nomination rejected Kadapa Lok Sabha returning officer has rejected the nomination of Devineni Shivashankar Reddy, an accused in former MP Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy murder case. Shivashankar Reddy had filed nomination as an independent candidate from Kadapa parliamentary constituency. The RO said Shivashankar Reddys nomination has been rejected as his affidavit is not as per norms of the Election Commission.

Jagan has 30,000 cash in hand for family

ANANTAPUR : Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has in his affidavit filed along with his nomination papers mentioned that his family, including him, wife and two daughters have 30,000 in cash with them. The CM filed his nomination papers with the returning officer of the Pulivendula Assembly constituency in Kadapa district on Thursday. Jagan Mohan Reddy has mentioned that he has 7,000 cash, while wife Bharathi has 10,022 and elder daughter Harshini has 9,000 and second daughter Varsha Reddy has 6,987 with them. As per the affidavit, the family does not own vehicles on their name, except a bulletproof vehicle registered in the name of Jagan Mohan Reddy following the directive of the home ministry. Though the bullet-proof vehicle is on his name, it is not owned by him, the Chief Minister clarified. Among other details are Jagan Mohan Reddy not owning any gold or diamond jewellery. His wife Bharathi has 6,427.79 grams of gold and diamonds worth 5.29 crore, elder daughter has 4,187.19 grams of gold and diamonds worth of 4.43 crore and younger daughter has 3,457 grams of gold and diamonds worth of 4.46 crore, as per the market value. The CM has paid income tax of 4.65 crore, while Bharathi has under protest paid IT of 1.56 crore. His daughters have paid 10.85 lakh and 10.39 lakh as advance tax. Movable assets of Jagan Mohan Reddy are worth 483.08 crore, while those of Bharathi are 119.38 crore. Harshini has movable assets of 22.94 crore and offshore assets worth 1.31 crore. Varsha has movable assets of 22.39 crore and offshore assets of 1.54 crore. The Idupulapaya land owned by the family is 39.52 acres, whose present worth is 1.54 crore.

Cash, Items of Rs 165.91 Crore Seized in AP After Release of Election Schedule

Vijayawada: Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Meena has said cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, free bees and other items worth more than Rs 165.91 crore have been seized since the announcement of the election schedule in AP. He said that as the general elections are slated for May 13 in the state, a strong vigil has been kept on the illegal transportation of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals etc that might be distributed by candidates or parties to attract voters. Through inter-state as well as other check posts in the state, more than 20 enforcement agencies such as police, excise, income tax, forest, ED, NCB, RPF, customs etc are on constant vigil against illegal transportation of cash and goods for election-related canvassing. Illegally transported assets worth Rs 8.65 crore have been seized in the last 24 hours alone. The highest amount of Rs 30.66 crore was seized in Anantapur LS constituency and the lowest amount of Rs 1.15 crore in Narsapuram LS. The total amount seized till date was Rs 36.89 crore in cash, 6,62,402.65 litres of liquor worth Rs 20.32 crore, 52,28,218.94 grams of drugs worth Rs 2.78 crore, 14,73,734.46 grams of precious metals worth Rs 91.26 crore, 4,88,557 items worth Rs 2.90 crore, Freebies (freebies) and other items worth Rs 11.74 crore were seized, he said. In Tirupati (SC), Rs 19.37 crore was seized; Kakinada Rs 18.18 crore, Elur Rs 13.77 crore, Visakhapatnam Rs 12.50 crore, Rajampet Rs 6.96 crore, Vijayawada Rs 6.75 crore, Nandyala Rs 5.63 crore, Kadapa Rs 5.62 crore, Narasaraopet Rs 4.61 crore, Vizianagaram Rs 4.18 crore, Bapatla (SC) Rs 3.99 crore, Anakapalli Rs 3.72 crore, Rajahmundry Rs 3.62 crore, Srikakulam Rs 3.61 crore, Araku (ST) Rs 3.37 crore, Nellore Rs 3 crore, Machilipatnam Rs 2.87 crore, Guntur Rs 2.75 crore, Kurnool Rs 2.45 crore, Chittoor (SC) Rs 1.94 crore, Ongole Rs 1.93 crore, Hindupur Rs 1.63 crore and in Amalapuram (SC) Rs 1.52 crore.

Palegars Faction Feud Turning Old Story in Seema Politics

Anantapur: The centuries-old faction rivalry in Palegar is largely a thing of the past today, with attempts being made by some leaders for compromises and deals with their enemies, so as to eschew violence at various levels in Rayalaseema region. They are following the footsteps of the leaders from faction-hit families, who kept their children away from such practices. Thousands of children with faction backgrounds have changed course, abhorred violence and are now employed as software engineers or are handling white collar jobs in respectable professions. This has prompted the elders too to keep themselves away from faction rivalry during the past decade. Even top leaders like Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, Kethineni Suryaprathap Reddy, Paritala, Maddelacheruvu Suri, Ramsubba Reddy, Adinarayana Reddy, and the Katasani family shunned faction rivalry and succeeded in persuading their followers to not get involved in faction feud. This changed for the better the lives of hundreds of faction-hit families. Faction violence had its roots in medieval history after the chieftains (palegars) of various villages and forts became independent rulers since 1565. This was after the Talikota battle, when faction rivalries had polluted the political system in the region. Faction leaders turned themselves into political leaders to outwit their rivals. Compromise deals and an urge on the part of some faction leaders to work in the same party along with rival leaders eventually led to a decline in faction feud even in the villages where the rivalries were often hard-edged. Top-level leaders realised that faction feud must be stopped at some level through compromise and this also involved, say, pardoning a rival who killed ones family members. For instance, former chief minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy never encouraged his aides to target those who had brutally killed his father, YS Raja Reddy, two decades ago. Recently, Sathish Reddy, TD leader from Pulivendula, who faced allegations in the case, joined the YSRC in the presence of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy at Pulivendula. The wheel has turned full circle. Jammalamadugu, a hard-core faction-hit area in Kadapa district, is an example of a compromise deal between rival faction leaders. The two and half decades-long rivalry between the families of former minister P Siva Reddy and his adversary Devagudi Sankar Reddy had spawned many violent incidents. P Ramasubba Reddy, a TD leader, had been convicted in a double-murder case during the Congress rule. He was an active leader of the YSRC. Former minister Adinaryana Reddy joined the TD but he is now contesting as the BJP candidate in Jammalamadugu. Kapatralla, a prominent faction village in Kurnool district, was adopted by the police some time ago. It yielded results and faction groups were being weaned away from rivalries. They are now concentrating their energies on the regions development. Dharmavaram MLA, K Venkatrami Reddy, an engineering graduate, had entered politics after his father Sureedu was hacked by rivals at Tadipathri. His uncle K Pedda Reddy, sitting MLA from Tadipathri, who was also maintaining a distance from faction rivalry, said the family had suffered a lot with faction feud in the past, and we will not encourage anyone to continue with such a mindset. The faction feuds in the region had led to the introduction of land mines, TV bombs, car bombs, ice cream bombs and high-end weapons like Ak-47 along with the traditional hunting sickles and crude bombs in the past four decades after such rivalries took on a political colour. The political links were flimsy in a majority of the cases. Factionists developed themselves as constituency level leaders and were elected as MLAs and MPs in course of time. Records say that at least 2000 men from the Congress, TD and other parties had been killed in the last four decades in Rayalaseema region. Analysts say faction culture was majorly suppressed for a decade and such instances are confined to only a few areas now. The elders, mostly Reddys, Kammas and Boyas, woke up to the consequences of faction rivalry and succeeded in providing quality education to their children. Most of them completed engineering graduation and settled in the software industry in Bengaluru or Hyderabad during the past decade. The victims are voluntarily engaging in the spread of awareness against faction fued in the villages. We are conducting such campaigns at all faction-hit villages, stated Appireddy Harinath Reddy, writer. Four children from Tagarakunta Prabhakars faction-hit family from Kanganipalle, completed education and got employment as software engineers. They are away from such activities of the past.