29,543 appear for EAPCET engg stream

Kakinada: The AP EAPCET-2024 engineering stream online examination, conducted by Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTU-K), commenced on Saturday in the state. The APEAPCET-2024 chairman and the JNTUK vice-chancellor G.V.R. Prasada Raju, reported that the examination was held in only one session on Saturday. Out of 31,386 registered candidates, 29,543 appeared for the exam, marking an attendance rate of 94.13 per cent. In Kakinada district, 1,060 students attended the exam out of 1,113 registered, registering a 95.24 per cent attendance rate. Visakhapatnam district recorded the highest number of attendees, with 3,576 candidates appearing. In NTR district, 3,513 students attended, followed by 2,268 students in Tirupati and 2,157 candidates in Guntur districts. Anakapalli district had the lowest number of registered candidates, with only 95 students appearing for the exam.

Darshan at Tirumala Temple Takes More Than 24 Hours

File photo of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams File photo of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Tirupati: Tirumala Temple of Lord Venkateswara witnessed massive crowds on Saturday due to a weekend coming during the summer vacation. The Vaikuntam queue complex and Narayanagiri sheds remained packed with devotees seeking Sarva Darshan. The queue lines extended to about 2 km from Ring Road to Sila Thoranam. Crowds of devotees built up further despite authorities of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) alerting the devotees that free darshan will take more than 24 hours. Seeing the unprecedented crowds, TTD stopped permitting devotees into the queue lines from Saturday afternoon. TTD announced that devotees will be allowed for Sarva Darshan only from 6 a.m. on Sunday. On Friday, 71,510 devotees had darshan of Lord Venkateswara Swamy. 43,199 devotees got tonsured. The Hundi offerings came to Rs 3.63 crore. Devasthanams JEO Veera Brahmam and deputy EO Harindranath remained busy monitoring the situation and providing food, water and milk to devotees in the queue lines.

Vizag police bust human trafficking racket being operated from Cambodia, arrest three local agents

Over 150 youngsters from the city stuck in that country, total count from other parts of A.P. and Kolkata could go up to 5,000; victims lured by promising data entry operators and forced to commit cyber crimes in India, says city police chief

AP students among toppers in Telangana EAPCET 2024

Visakhapatnam : Telangana announced its Engineering, Agriculture and Pharmacy Common Entrance Test (EAPCET) 2024 results on Saturday.A distinct feature of the results is that students of Andhra Pradesh are among toppers in both the engineering as well as agriculture and pharmacy categories. In the engineering stream, S. Jyotiraditya of Srikakulam-Palakonda secured the first rank, Harsha of Kurnool second, Sai Yashwant Reddy of Kurnool fifth, and Dhanukonda Srinidhi of Vizianagaram the 10th rank. In agriculture and pharmacy stream too, AP students remained stellar. Praneetha from Madanapalle claimed the first tank, Radhakrishna from Vizianagaram second, Saket Raghav from Chittoor fourth, Vadlapudi Mukesh Chaudhary from Tirupati-Vengamambapuram seventh, and Divya Teja from Sri Satyasai District-Balijapet the 10th rank. Telangana EAPCET 2024 witnessed a significant turnout with 99,890 candidates registering for the agriculture and pharmacy exam, and 2,06,472 for the engineering exam. Girls performed better than boys in both the streams with a qualifying percentage of 90.18 in agriculture and pharmacy, and 75.85 in engineering, compared to boys percentage of 88.25 and 74.38 respectively.

Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner denies political angle in family attack case at Kancharapalem

Anybody spreading misinformation without seeking clarification from the police will have to face the law, he warns

Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner denies political angle in family attack case at Kancharapalem - The Hindu

Visakhapatnam Police Commissioner denies political angle in family attack case at Kancharapalem The Hindu

Tirupati Gangamma Jatara: This Annual Festival Follows Unique Rituals Like Cross-dressing

The week-long fest is generally celebrated between the first and second weeks of May.

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.

Two more equal seats have a striking common ground in Odisha

A distance of 335 km between two places can change many things. Two different geographies could mean different lives, livelihood, dialects, climate, cultural practices, food and a lot more. But, between Hinjili and Kantabanji, there are dissimilarities and equally, a common ground. Hinjili, for all the attention it garnered over the last two decades and a half, is like a reluctant celebrity. A quaint little semi-urban place, it has grown over the years into a municipal area with modern amenities. But life moves at its own pace and no one seems to be in a hurry. The cacophony of the modern day poll campaign is absent too, so muted is the election buzz in the Assembly constituency that has elected Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik five times since 2000. It has never been loud in Hinjili, says Dibya Ranjan Sahu, a banker who has lived there all his life. Sahu believes Naveens quiet dignity captures Hinjilis spirit. His constituency and constituents have reciprocated that sentiment. As you head into Sheragada block, driving past the sun-dried farm fields on the serpentine road, shepherds in the far horizon catch your eye. Vegetable farms and poultry rearing units do appear but they are few and far between. At Brahmanchhai gram panchayat, a small, dilapidated shop greets you right at the entry to the village. Shop-owner Krushna Pradhan is 70 and an affable man. Of his two sons, the younger one lives here and drives an auto-rickshaw for a living. The elder one works in Surat. Brahmanchhai has about 1,000 families. Many households have a member or two who have migrated to Surat, Bengaluru and Mumbai in search of work and livelihood. Twenty-nine-year-old Bauri Mallick belongs to one such family. He works in Bengaluru where he makes a decent Rs 25,000 as a loader. There is no shortage of work there. I came home for Dandakaali Jatra but stayed back for the elections. During these times, the employer offers higher wages to retain us, he says. Krushna is happy with the BJD government schemes, allowances and has no qualms about family members migrating outside the state for work. Our children will go where they find good opportunities. What matters to me is Naveen Babu is a good man, he says. Bauri likes it in Bengaluru though. He can bargain up to Rs 30,000 from his employer when demand for work is higher. Someswar Sahu studies MBA and works part-time. He was born in Hinjili around the time Naveen first came to contest from the Assembly seat and has since grown up with the tales of the BJD supremo. He adores the chief minister but wants better prospects in commensurate with his qualifications and generational aspirations. Only Bhubaneswar has grown and bears potential while the rest of Odisha does not. That must change, he says pointing at the global IT and consulting firms which have set up shop in the state capital. Over 330 km away, Banmali Palace is a plush hotel property on the edge of Kantabanji town of Balangir district. Over the last couple of years, it has acquired some reputation for playing host to destination weddings and attracts affluent families from across western Odisha. It represents Kantabanjis paradox. A 20-minute drive from the hotel takes you to Karuanmunda, a small village in Turekela block. Once there, knock on any door and you find a son, husband or brother away in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh or Telangana, working to provide for his family. Four months back, Tapan Chhura and his wife Tura left three of their teenage children back in the village and headed to Tirupati. Their eldest son, Khira (16) and youngest daughter Ria, all of six, have accompanied them to the brick kiln. Tapan wants to come back for the elections but cannot get away from his employer. Seven of us are in Tirupati. Could you help take us back home for the elections? he called over the phone one morning a few days back. He seems desperate but its unlikely he can come home to exercise his franchise. Thousands like him - some records put the total migrant's figure at 2.5 lakh in the western region - may not get to take part in the biggest democratic festival of the world this time. For all their geo-sociological dissimilarities, both Hinjili and Kantabanji are bound by the migration problem. In some parts of Ganjam, it might have been aspirational in nature but across the arid western belt, it is distress migration. Now these two Assembly constituencies have one more thing to share - Naveen Patnaik. After the BJD boss chose Kantabanji to be his second Assembly seat, his decision triggered a wave of speculations, political and otherwise. Opposition parties like BJP and Congress, have been using migration as a political weapon against Naveen and the BJD, and the CMs Kantabanji decision came at an opportune time. For voters like Tapan Chhura, Naveen brings some hope of deliverance from the vicious cycle of distress migration. Elderly villagers in Karuanmunda expect change to happen under Naveens watch. However, opponents want answers. Santosh Singh Saluja, who as Congress MLA has represented Kantabanji four times since 1995, says the BJD must explain what it has done for the region. Kantabanji has one of the highest BPL rates while the Turekela block embodies distress migration. Look at the irrigation coverage. The BJD is answerable for this regions prolonged impoverishment, he says before heading out for campaigning under the blistering sun. Kantabanji has long been a Congress bastion. Of the last 10 Assembly polls, it has gone to the grand old party six times, including the 2019 election which Saluja had won by just 128 votes, beating BJPs Laxman Bag. Bag, who has risen from a very modest background, appears confident about crossing the bridge this time. For him, the prime issue of unemployment and livelihood resonates with the voters of Kantabanji. There are no industries in this region, educated and skilled youth are forced to migrate. In absence of irrigation, farmers head out in search of livelihood in other states, he says. In a region which enjoys BJPs sway, Bag remains optimistic. However, Naveens entry might upset the whole electoral balance. In fact, the BJD decision to field him from Kantabanji is seen as a strategy to leverage the BJD supremos popularity in western Odisha. The Assembly constituency is almost the mid-point from Kalahandi, Nuapada, Balangir and Bargarh. If he can do an encore of Bijepur in 2019, the BJD would stand to gain from a stronghold of both BJP and Congress. Karuanmundas Tapan Chhura would be happy to know if it turns out to be much more than an electoral strategy. Siba Mohanty Resident Editor, Odisha sibamohanty@newindianexpress.com

Celestial Padmavathi Parinayotsavam commences at Tirumala's Narayanagiri gardens

Tirupati: The annual three-day Padmavathi Parinayotsavam festival, marking the celestial wedding of Lord Venkateswara and His consorts, started in a grand fashion at the Narayanagiri Gardens on Friday evening. Thousands of pilgrims congregated there to witness the festivities. The auspicious event commenced with the processional deity of Lord Malayappa Swamy being carried on the Gaja Vahana (elephant carrier) to the beautifully decorated Narayanagiri Gardens. His two consorts, adorned in exquisite ornaments, followed soon after, placed as they were on separate palanquins. Traditional Hindu wedding rituals like Edurkolu, Poobantata and Varanam Ayiram were performed, treating the devotees to a spiritual spectacle. The Parinayotsavam mandapam itself was decorated to befit the divine occasion, with an ornate lotus flower design formed out of thousands of blossoms at the Unjal Mandapam. Artwork depicting scenes from the Lord's life further enhanced the charm of the venue, with Worli art paintings of Sri Krishna, sun bond themes, and the Kora art portrayal of Srinivasa Padmavati's wedding serving as special attractions. Brilliant lighting added to the evening's celestial grandeur. TTD officials including executive officer AV Dharma Reddy, deputy executive officer S Lokanatham, garden deputy director Srinivasulu, SVETA director Subramanyam Reddy and others were present. The Padmavathi Parinayotsavam is scheduled to continue over the next two days.

Anam accuses officials of bias in Atmakur polls

Tirupati: Former minister and Telugu Desam candidate from Atmakur assembly constituency Anam Ramanarayana Reddy accused government officials of acting on diktats of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and his advisor Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy during the May 13 general elections. Addressing media in Nellore on Friday, he pointed out that the Election Commission of India had transferred a large number of IAS, IPS and other officials for acting in favour of the ruling party during the election period. It is for the first time in country's history that such a thing has happened, the former minister remarked. With regard to his Atmakur constituency, he accused the district administration of failing to make proper security arrangements at booth numbers 1 to 10 in Marripadu mandal, which is known for its omb culture. This led to YSRC cadres and Mekapati family indulging in several election irregularities, he charged. However, Ramanarayana Reddy exuded confidence about his victory in Atmakur as well as the NDA alliances victory in the state. The yellow flag will fly all across the state on June 4 when results are announced, he declared.

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.

Raghu Rama Mocks YSRC's 150-Seat Claim

TIRUPATI: Kanumuri Raghu Rama Krishna Raju, NDAs MLA candidate from Undi constituency, ridiculed ruling YSR Congress Partys claim that it will win more than 150 seats in AP and form the government after votes are counted on June 4. Speaking to media after visiting the Tirumala temple on Friday, Raghu Rama maintained that the YSRCP tally will be limited to just 2540 seats. On the contrary, the Undi candidate claimed that the Telugu Desam-Jana Sena-BJP alliance would secure 130 to 135 seats, replicating their performance in the 1994 elections. June 4 results will reveal whether my words or Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddys claims come true, declared Raghu Rama Krishna Raju, who had been the rebel MP of YSR Congress from Narsapuram Lok Sabha constituency before joining the Telugu Desam and contesting the 2024 elections on its ticket from the Undi assembly constituency.

Post-Poll Pilgrim Rush Stretches Tirumala's Resources to Brink

TIRUPATI: Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirumala is having an unprecedented influx of devotees. This posed a challenge to the authorities in matters like crowd management. On Thursday, nearly 76,369 devotees had darshan. With the conclusion of the polling in AP on May 13, both regular pilgrims and VIPs have been flocking to the shrine in droves, leading to congestion and long queues. Since Thursday evening, the main temple complex and other vital areas saw huge presence of devotees, causing delays and resultant chaos. Pilgrims waited for hours in serpentine queues to secure accommodation and darshan. The rush was particularly high in the Kalyanakattas. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) strugged hard to cope with the increased footfall. Its executive officer AV Dharma Reddy and officials have been working round-the-clock to extend facilities, monitor queue lines and ensure uninterrupted supply of free food and drinking water to the devotees. TTD announced through public address systems that free darshan was now exceeding 24 hours, as compartments in Vaikuntam Queue Complexes and sheds in Narayanagiri Gardens were full. By 6pm on Friday, over 50,000 pilgrims had darshan and many more waiting in lines outside the queue complex and on the outer ring road. The TTD administration faced backlash for closing a gate near the moving bridge on the south mada street, disrupting the traditional pradakshina routes around the temple complex. Devotees who couldn't secure darshan typically perform pradakshina around the mada streets and break coconuts at the Akhilandam. However, the gates closure prevented the devotees from completing the full circumambulation. Traffic restrictions sans scientific basis, inadequate signage and guidance have worsened the issues, causing frustration and delays. The rise in the number of private taxis, though convenient, led to traffic problems due to insufficient traffic police presence. Accommodation and amenities were strained due to a surge in pilgrim numbers, surpassing available resources. The demand for accommodation far exceeded supply and many pilgrims took rest on footpaths and other areas.

Ensure law & order and adequate security at strongrooms where EVMs are kept, TDP urges A.P. Chief Electoral Officer

Attack on TDP leader in Tirupati, gala night organised by YSRCP close to the strongroom at Acharya Nagarjuna University, and opening of strongrooms in Vizianagaram with information only to the ruling party leaders are proof of the volatile situation, says Devineni Umamaheswara Rao in letter to Mukesh Kumar Meena

Vaisakha Maasa Brahmotsavams at Dwaraka Tirumala from May 18

The eight-day festivities at the Chinna Tirupati temple to begin on Saturday with Lord Venkateswara and His consort, Ammavaru, adorned as the groom and bride respectively

Indian Railway: Travel to South India on EMI of Rs 1089, know fare and booking details

Indian Railway: During this trip to South India, tourists will be taken to visit Mallikarjuna Jyotirlinga, Tirupati Balaji Temple, Tirupati Meenakshi Temple, Madurai Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Rameshwaram and Kanyakumari. Besides, a tour of local tourist places will also be organized. If you are planning to visit South India during summer holidays, then IRCTC is launching [] The post Indian Railway: Travel to South India on EMI of Rs 1089, know fare and booking details first appeared on informalnewz .

Process of setting up SIT to probe poll violence in AP initiated

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh government is in the process of setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe into the violence that took place in several parts of the State after completion of voting on May 13. Following instructions given to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy and Director-General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta after they appeared before the Election Commission of India (ECI) in New Delhi on Thursday, the process of setting up SIT has been initiated. Both the Chief Secretary and Director-General of Police, who appeared before the ECI in response to summons issued to them, started the process. They in consultation with other senior officials are identifying the officers to be included in the SIT for conducting a detailed probe into the violent incidents. The ECI, which initiated action against several officers on charge of dereliction of duties during elections, asked the Chief Secretary and Director-General of Police to submit a report on the violence incidents in two days. The ECI took a serious notice of the violent incidents in Narasaraopet, Palnadu, Chandragiri in Tirupati, Tadipatri and other areas during and after polling in Andhra Pradesh from May 13. Tense situation continued to prevail in several parts of violence affected areas in the State though the police department deployed additional police forces to prevent any untoward incident. Since May 13, the leaders from YSRCP and TDP have been trading charges against each other, holding responsible for these incidents. The police department has decided to enhance security not only in trouble-prone areas but also other sensitive places during counting of votes on June 4, based on intelligence reports.

Andhra Pradesh: 13 arrested for attack on Pulivarthi Pulivarthi Nani

TIRUPATI: SVU Campus Police have arrested 13 persons for their alleged involvement in the attack on Pulivarthi Venkata Mani Prasad (Nani), TDP candidate of Chandragiri Assembly constituency. Nani was attacked on the premises of Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam on Tuesday when he went to inspect the strong room on the university campus. According to police, Nani was confronted and attacked by a group led by V Bhanu Kumar Reddy and N Ganapati Reddy at the main gate of the university. They assaulted Nani, his wife Pulivarthi Sudha Reddy, and their supporters. Nanis gunman Dharani fired two warning shots into the air, dispersing the attackers. The CCTV footage revealed that the assailants were armed with sticks, rods, cricket bats, stones and beer bottles. Based on a complaint lodged by Nani, SVU Campus police registered a case and set up special teams under the supervision of Tirupati District SP Krishna Kant Patel to nab the assailants. The arrested included Bhanu Kumar Reddy (43), Ganapati (46), M Janaki Reddy (33) and 10 others. They were remanded to judicial custody. The SP commended DSP Surendra Reddy, CCS DSP Ravi Kumar, SVU Campus CI Murali Mohan Rao and SIs Ramanjaneyulu and Anjanappa for apprehending the accused in the attack within a few days. He promised to take stringent action against all those involved in the attack. Stern action will be taken against those who create a law and order problem in Tirupati city, he warned. Meanwhile, Nani was discharged from SVIMS Hospital after being treated for the injuries sustained in the attack. He accused sitting YSRC MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy of masterminding the attack.

Andhra Post-Poll Violence: 25 CAPF Companies to Camp in State for 15 Days After Counting to Prevent Redux

Several incidents of violence were reported in Ananthapuramu, Palnadu and Tirupati districts on polling day and the day after

Palnadu remains tense, bombs seized in searches

VIJAYAWADA: Tense situation continued to prevail in Palnadu region on Thursday. Prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC are in force to thwart any untoward incidents. Police carried out cordon and search operations at various problematic places in the district. Uneasy calm prevails in Palnadu and Tirupati As violence that broke out on the polling day continued on Tuesday and Wednesday, special forces were deployed in the district to prevent clashes between TDP and YSRC cadres. Shops and business establishments were closed to prevent damage to property by unruly mobs. Palnadu police and special forces carried out cordon and search operation at Pinelli village in Machavaram mandal. Country-made bombs were found in the houses of five villagers. Addressing mediapersons, Palnadu district Superintendent of Police Bindu Madhav said 55 petrol bombs and broken glass bottles were seized from the houses of Chintapalli Pedda Saida, Chintapalli Nanne, Allabakshu, Chintapalli Jani Basha and Thanda Pedda Nanne. Dachepalli police registered cases against them. A probe is on to find out how the quintet procured petrol bombs and other explosive materials. Searches will continue in all identified problematic villages in the district. Strict instructions have been given to police and special forces to take stringent action against those violating the prohibitory orders, the SP said. In Madala village, 29 petrol bombs were seized from a political leaders house. As many as 20 persons were arrested in connection with violence in Karempudi village. On the other hand, the police imposed restrictions in Macherla and put TDP leaders Nakka Anand Babu, Yarapathineni Srinivasa Rao and Julakanti Brahmananda Reddy under house arrest to prevent any untoward incidents in the constituency.

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.

AP fire-hit Foxlink back on track with a new Tamil Nadu plant

Apple supplier, Foxlink of Taiwan, is setting up a new factory in Oragadam, close to Chennai. This move comes as part of a fresh expansion plan following a destructive fire at their facility in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, last year.

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.

Spirituality Returns to Tirupati as Festivals Overshadow Politics - Deccan Chronicle

Spirituality Returns to Tirupati as Festivals Overshadow Politics Deccan Chronicle

Spirituality Returns to Tirupati as Festivals Overshadow Politics

Tirupati: As Tirupati is witnessing Thataiahagunta Gangamma Jatara and Sri Govindaraja Swamy Brahmotsavam, political rivalries that had gripped the city in recent weeks have given way to peace and devotion. Thataiahagunta Gangamma Jatara, a local folk festival now recognised as a state festival, began on Tuesday and will go on until May 21, culminating in the Viswaroopa Darshan on May 22. The jatara is in honour of Goddess Gangamma, the younger sister of Lord Venkateswara. On the occasion, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) presented a Sare to the Goddess blessings from the elder brother. As is the tradition, TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy carried the Pattu vastrams for Goddess Gangamma. Thousands of devotees joined the procession led by Karunakar Reddy from his residence to Thataiahagunta Gangamma Temple. On the other hand, Govindaraja Swamy Brahmotsavam began on Thursday with the auspicious hoisting of the Garuda Dhwaja Patam amidst Vedic chants. Earlier, priests paraded the Govindaraja, Dhwajapatam, Chakrattalwar and Parivara deities through the four Mada streets on Tiruchi. The evening featured a lively procession of Lord Govindaraja on Pedda Sesha vahanam, attracting thousands of devotees who offered Harathi to the deities. As per the Thataiahagunta Gangamma Temple's lore dating back to the era of local Tirupati chieftains, Gangamma rose to protect women from harassment and defeated the tyrants. In her remembrance, residents don disguises for seven days during the Jatara, symbolising the Goddess's tactics to lure out the tyrant. During the festival, households offer refreshing drinks like buttermilk and Ambali to the devotees, apart from Pongal.

Narrow escape for devotees as car catches fire near Alipiri

File image of officials inspecting the Alipiri footpath route by trekking down the Soapana Margam from Tirumala on Wednesday. (DC File Image) File image of officials inspecting the Alipiri footpath route by trekking down the Soapana Margam from Tirumala on Wednesday. (DC File Image) Tirupati: A few devotees had a narrow escape on their way from Tirumala to Tirupati when the car they were travelling caught fire near the Alipiri Garuda Circle on Thursday. According to eyewitnesses, the car suddenly burst into flames without any warning. The driver, quick on his feet, immediately pulled over the car to the side of the road and brought the vehicle to a halt. He and all the passengers swiftly evacuated the car before the fire could engulf them. Within minutes, thick plumes of smoke billowed from the car as the flames intensified, eventually reducing the car to a charred wreck. The local fire department was alerted, and firefighters arrived at the scene and doused the flames. Investigators suspect that a short circuit in the car's electrical system could have caused the fire.

Rebel MLC Janga Krishna Murthy disqualified by Legislative Council chairman

Vijayawada : YSRC rebel MLC Janga Krishna Murthy, who joined the Telugu Desam last month, has been disqualified under the anti-defection law. Legislative Council Chairman Koyye Moshenu Raju issued a notification to this effect on Thursday. Notably, the Chairman's action came three days after simultaneous elections to the state Assembly and Parliament. Krishna Murthy, who was also president of YSRC's Backward Class (BC) wing, resigned from the post and from the primary membership of the party after the party denied him the candidature for the Assembly or Lok Sabha elections. He wanted to contest the polls from the Gurazala Assembly constituency in Palnadu district. He had been elected as MLA in 1999 and 2004 from Gurazala on a Congress ticket. He later switched his loyalties to the YSRC. Murthy, a two-time MLA, joined the TD at a public meeting in Sattenapalli on April 6. After his defeat from the same constituency as YSRC candidate in 2014, the party did not field him in the 2019 polls. But Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as president of the YSRC had nominated him to the state Legislative Council. This time, Murthy put huge pressure on the party to get the ticket for Gurazala, but the YSRC re-nominated sitting MLA Kasu Mahesh Reddy. Murthy was bitter after his claim was rejected for the Narasaraopet Lok Sabha seat too. The YSRC, instead, fielded another BC leader and former minister, P. Anil Kumar Yadav. Earlier, Murthy was a contender for the chairman post of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), but the party chose Tirupati MLA Bhumana Karunakara Reddy. On Thursday, Krishna Murthy objected to the decision to disqualify him and said the Chairman did not seek his version before issuing the disqualification decision.

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.

AP CS, DGP appear before ECI in New Delhi; Explains law & order situation

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy and Director- General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta on Thursday appeared before the Election Commission of India (ECI) in New Delhi and explained in detail the reasons behind the violence that took place in parts of Andhra Pradesh after polling on May 13. Both Reddy and Gupta came to the national capital in response to summons issued to them by the ECI in connection with post poll violence in the State asking them to appear before it on Thursday. The summons were issued after the ECI took a serious notice of the violent incidents in Narasaraopet, Palnadu, Chandragiri in Tirupati, Tadipatri and other areas during and after polling in Andhra Pradesh from May 13. Tense situation continued to prevail in several parts of violence affected areas in the State even though the police department deployed additional police forces to prevent any untoward incident. Since May 13, the leaders from YSRCP and TDP have been trading charges against each other, holding responsible for these incidents. The police department has decided to enhance security not only in trouble-prone areas but also other sensitive places during counting of votes on June 4.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to release Arjitha Seva Tickets online for August on May 18 - CNBCTV18

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams to release Arjitha Seva Tickets online for August on May 18 CNBCTV18

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams told to allow Vastram seva or pay Rs 10 Lakh to devotee

HYDERABAD: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Mahabubnagar, has ordered the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to either provide the Melchat Vastram seva to a consumer or pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh. In 2007, the complainant, Sumithra Setty, booked an Arjitha seva and paid Rs 12,250 for the same. She was allotted a date in September 2021 to avail the service. However, she wrote a letter in August 2021, requesting the TTD to allot a fresh date for the seva in 2022-23 and paid Rs 3,065 through a DD as per the instructions of the Devasthanams. However, the TTD initiated the refund of the amount and denied her the service due to prevalence of COVID-19. Furthermore, they did not allot a date in the future despite her request. In its defence, denying any ill intention, the TTD contended that it is impossible to provide another date as the sevas were booked till 2040. In its order, the Commission noted that while the TTD exercised its power to cancel the seva, it did not provide a remedy or any other opportunity to the pilgrims. Observing the deficiency of service on the part of TTD, the bench added that it might be difficult for the complainant to attend the service in the future as she is already a senior citizen aged about 60. Suggesting that the Devasthanams stop the online booking of the seva until all the devotees who booked Arjitha Seva completed their visit to the temple, including Setty, and comply with the order within 45 days from May 8.

Gangamma Jatara commences on a grand note in Tirupati - The New Indian Express

Gangamma Jatara commences on a grand note in Tirupati The New Indian Express

Andhra Pradesh records highest turnout of 80.66 per cent

VIJAYAWADA: Andhra Pradesh has recorded 80.66% polling, which is the highest than any other State that went to polling in the first four phases of elections in the country. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena said when 1.1% of the postal ballot is added, the total polling in the State comes to 81.86%. The highest polling in the Assembly constituencies happened in Darsi at 90.91%, while the lowest voter turnout was reported in Tirupati at 63.32%. In the Lok Sabha constituencies, the highest polling of 87.06% was reported in Ongole, and the lowest of 71.11% in Visakhapatnam. In 2014, the polling percentage in the State was 78.41%, which increased to 79.77% in 2019, and now in 2024, it rose to 80.66%, 1.1% through postal ballot and the total voting of 81.86% that is almost 82%, which has been the target the Election Commission of India (ECI) has been working for before the elections through various voter awareness programmes. Large turnout of voters on May 13 is a welcome sign of the democracy. We took every measure that every voter arriving at the polling station was able to exercise their franchise. There was a good turnout in the morning and it decreased a bit in the afternoon, but after 4 pm, a large number of voters turned up at the polling centres. At 6 pm., in as many as 3,500 polling stations, voters were in queues in large numbers to cast their votes. It took midnight at some places and the last polling station to complete the polling process was at 2 am on the next day, he explained. The CEO said the delay in voting was due to weather conditions, as heavy rains disrupted the polling for some time in Udayagiri, Konaseema, and some places in Uttarndhra. Under the supervision of election observers, all the EVMs were sealed and shifted to strong rooms. A total of 175 strong rooms for the Assembly segments were set up, he said. A total of 4.97 lakh people availed of the postal ballot, which includes those who opted for home voting (85 plus aged and persons with disabilities), government employees on election duty, and essential service personnel. On the occasion, he explained how the election officials had ensured that 2,000 voters belonging to Visakhapatnam came from Maharashtra region by train, but were delayed. The election officials coordinated with railway officials and ensured a green channel for the train they were travelling in and the train reached Vizag by 5.27 pm. This shows that the Election Commission of India is making every effort to ensure the voters can exercise their right to vote, he added. He also explained how the election commission has allowed the police officials from the State on duty in Maharashtra to avail their vote by giving special casual leave amending the existing rules.

Uneasy calm prevails in Palnadu and Tirupati

GUNTUR/TIRUPATI: An uneasy calm prevailed in Palnadu district after clashes between YSRC and TDP workers were reported in several places, including Narasaraopet, Gurazala, Macherla, and Sattenapalli Assembly constituencies, on Monday and Tuesday. Normal life was affected as CrPC Section 144 was still in place and police took complete control of the district by deploying additional forces. As a precautionary measure, influential leaders of both parties in all constituencies were put under house arrest. Shops and offices were shut, while local transport services were suspended due to the curfew. In Palnadu, security was beefed up in sensitive areas and police conducted vehicular inspections to monitor any suspicious activity. Speaking to mediapersons, Palnadu SP Bindu Madhav, who is camping in Macherla since Tuesday night, maintained that the situation is totally under control as no violent incident was reported in the district on Wednesday. Further, he said persons, who were involved in incidents of violence in Macherla and Narasaraopet on May 13 and 14, were identified and booked under relevant sections. He added that Section 144 will be in place for the next few days to ensure peace in the district. In Tirupati, police have reportedly taken some people into custody for questioning in connection with the attack on TDP Chandragiri MLA contender Pulivarthi Nani at Sri Padmavati Mahila Visva Vidyalayam campus on Tuesday. The attempted murder of Nani has sparked controversy, with his wife Sudha Reddy accusing the SP of reneging on promises to swiftly apprehend the culprits. Voicing her grievances while staging a dharna in front of the Tiruchanoor police station, Sudha criticised the polices handling of the situation. Despite providing evidence, they failed to arrest those who attacked Nani. Instead they have arrested our people under preventive detention, she rued. In Tadipatri after the face-off between JC Prabhakar Reddys men and YSRC candidate Kethireddy Pedda Reddy, both the leaders were reportedly sent away from the town. Prabhakar Reddy was admitted to a private hospital in Hyderabad, as he fell ill reportedly after inhaling tear gas. Additional forces were deployed to prevent any untoward incidents. Meanwhile, in Kadapa district, Jammalamadugu DSP Yashwant said they have identified the person who attacked YSRC candidate Dr M Sudheer Reddy on May 13. He said Gona Krishna Reddy from Goriginuru village hurled a stone at Sudheer Reddy during the polling process. A case was registered against Krishna Reddy and sent to remand. It may be noted that Krishna Reddy was also booked for a similar attack on the MLA during the 2019 elections. Three gunmen were allocated to Sudheer Reddy and BJP MLA candidate C Adinarayana Reddy to ensure their safety. Furthermore, special police forces have been deployed at party offices within Jammalamadugu Municipality limits, and in rural areas, besides setting up of police pickets to prevent untoward incidents. Section 144 has been implemented. In Mydukuru, police have apprehended eight individuals on Wednesday for attacking Kuchhupapa Vinod Kumar and his brother Ugra Narasimhudu, serving as agents for the Telugu Desam Party, at Polling Booth No. 168 in Chinna Guravaluru village, Chapadu mandal. According to Mydukuru DSP T Venkateswarlu, the brothers were physically assaulted, subjected to verbal abuse with casteist slurs and removed from the polling booth.

4 Killed in Chittoor District Road Accident

Tirupati : Four people died and four others suffered serious injuries in a road accident on Moghali Ghat in Bangarupalem mandal of Chittoor district on Wednesday night. According to reports, the deaths occurred in a collision involving a tractor and two lorries travelling in opposite directions on the ghat road of the busy Bengaluru-Tirupati highway. The injured have been rushed to the hospital, where they are said to be serious. Police have registered a case. Authorities are trying to ascertain the identities of the victims.

Leopard Spotted on Tirumala's Second Ghat Road

Tirupati : Sighting of a leopard on the second ghat road leading from Tirupati to Tirumala has led to fears among devotees on Wednesday. Pilgrims travelling in a bus spotted the leopard crossing the ghat road. The wild animals picture has also been captured on the dash board camera of the vehicle. The spotting has rekindled memories from last year. A boy suffered serious injuries after being attacked by the wild beast, while a girl child tragically lost her life due to a leopard attack. Following that forest department and the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trapped and relocated six leopards. Following the latest sighting of the leopard, the TTD has imposed strict regulations. Children below the age of 15 years have been barred from the footpaths. Two-wheeler traffic on ghat roads has been restricted after 10 pm. Devotees have been advised to move in groups. Forest officials tried to assuage fears of devotees. They say sighting of the wild cats is normal, given abundant availability of prey along the ghat roads and footpaths. They emphasised that there is no immediate threat, as the movement of leopards is restricted to the forest area. There is no indication of them trespassing onto the pedestrian routes.

Elders show way as urban apathy mars polling day in Tirupati

Senior citizens coming out of polling both, show their inked finger after casting their vote in the Assembly elections in Mumbai on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI) Senior citizens coming out of polling both, show their inked finger after casting their vote in the Assembly elections in Mumbai on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI) Tirupati: Voters in Tirupati, a prominent urban centre, continued to remain indifferent during the general assembly and parliament elections on Monday. Despite Election Commission of Indias extensive efforts to enthuse the electorate into exercising their franchise, voter turnout in Tirupati assembly constituency remained a mere 63.22 per cent, notably lagging behind the district's average of 76.83 per cent. Apathy among urban voters in Tirupati city is a recurring issue. Of the 3,02,503 voters, including 1,49,846 males, 1,52,622 females and 35 transgender individuals, only 1,89,557 exercised their franchise. We put in tremendous efforts to educate voters. It is discouraging to see such a low turnout, especially in the urban areas of Tirupati, said an election official. Tirupati has historically struggled with low voter turnout, with figures of 66.61 per cent in 2019 general elections, 59.51 per cent in 2014, 50.58 per cent in April 2021 Tirupati parliamentary by-election and 50.78 per cent in 2015 by-election for the Tirupati assembly seat. General elections in 2004 and 2009 in Tirupati witnessed turnout of 50.94 per cent and 51.64 per cent respectively. However, amidst this apathy, numerous senior citizens and individuals with disabilities turned up, demonstrating the essence of democracy. They promptly arrived at polling stations to exercise their voting rights. Despite the harsh weather conditions, they stood in queues and cast their votes. It is inspiring to witness many seniors, some with disabilities, braving the scorching heat to vote. However, it was disheartening that the able-bodied are neglecting their fundamental right, remarked Anita Royal, a Tirupati resident. Senior citizen P. Janaki underlined the necessity for a shift in perspective. She says voting is a fundamental task, as each ballot carries the potential of influencing our destiny.

Ramakrishna Missions summer camp Samskara Sibiram concludes in Tirupati

The camp helped children trace their roots and follow Indias rich culture and tradition, says SPMVV Vice-Chancellor Depuru Bharathi

Japanese delegates visit Sri City in Tirupati

Japanese delegates visit Sri City in Tirupati - The Hindu

Japanese delegates visit Sri City in Tirupati The Hindu

Live Chennai: Partial Cancellation of Express Trains Due to Engineering Works in Tirupati Yard!,Tirupati Yard ... - livechennai.com

Live Chennai: Partial Cancellation of Express Trains Due to Engineering Works in Tirupati Yard!,Tirupati Yard ... livechennai.com

AP Registers Overall 81.86 % Voter Turnout: CEO Mukesh Kumar Meena

Amaravati: The total voting percentage for both the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh is 81.86 per cent, as announced by Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena on Wednesday. This includes 80.66 per cent through EVMs and 1.2 per cent through postal ballots. Speaking to media persons, the CEO stated that polling continued after 6 PM in 3,500 polling stations and extended until midnight at one polling station in the state. The EVMs have been secured in 350 strong rooms across the state. The CEO further mentioned that the polling percentage has increased by 2.90% compared to the last elections, which recorded 79.77 per cent in 2019, while the 2014 elections had a turnout of 78.41 per cent. Darshi Assembly constituency recorded the highest poll percentage at 90.91%, whereas Tirupati Assembly constituency registered the lowest at 63.32%. Among the Lok Sabha constituencies, Ongole recorded the highest poll percentage at 87.06 per cent, while Visakhapatnam recorded the lowest at 71.11 per cent.

After violence, EVMs preserved safely in Sri Padmavati Mahila University

Tirupati: A fter witnessing violence incidents at Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam in Tirupati on Tuesday, the district administration preserved Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the engineering college on the campus premises in the presence of representatives of political parties and election returning officers and observers. District Collector Pravin Kumar said the EVMs were preserved in the college after putting seal. These EVMs were collected from the polling booths in seven Assembly constituencies under Tirupati Parliament constituency limits. Surveillance cameras were also installed to keep constant vigil on the strong room in the college premises. This is in addition to three layer security arrangements being provided at the strong room apart from deploying central paramilitary forces for round-the-clock security. On Tuesday, tension prevailed when the alleged supporters of YSRCP attacked TDP Chandragiri Assembly constituency candidate P Nani and his gunmen. The gunmen opened fire into the air to protect him and Nani as a mob came to the university premises with cricket bats to attack them. Stones were also pelted on each other on the university premises. Strewn glass pieces, broken cricket bats and damaged pots showed that a major violence broke out in the university. The incident occurred when Nani went to visit the strong room in the university. In view of the tense situation, the police rushed additional forces to prevent any untoward incident.

Vibhu Agarwal Announces India's First Mythology OTT Platform 'Hari Om'

Business Wire India Hari Om, India's first groundbreaking mythological OTT platform designed to revolutionize the digital landscape is announced today. Spearheaded by the visionary media mogul Vibhu Agarwal, Hari Om is poised to become the ultimate destination for experiencing Indian heritage and religious content. In a pioneering move, this app breaks through the clutter, offering a comprehensive repository of Indian mythology and traditional contenta concept never explored before. With an increasing global interest amongst younger audiences, Hari Om emerges as the much-needed bridge, providing a singular platform to delve into the rich tapestry of Indian culture, and spirituality. This platform will be launched in June 2024 with an incredible line-up of more than 20 epic mythological shows, featuring a stellar cast and crew. This unique one-of-a-kind OTT platform will feature long format and short format U rated series, created for senior citizens, children and young adults. The OTT platform will also offer bhajans in both video and audio formats. For the first time ever, children will be able to experience curated animated content on mythology. This is the only OTT platform to exclusively host 'U' rated content, making it suitable for people across all age groups. Vibhu Agarwal has consistently been synonymous with innovation, introducing unique content platforms that have transformed the digital landscape in India. He led the OTT revolution with game changing platforms Ullu and Atrangii. His latest venture, 'Hari Om' OTT, introduces Indias first dedicated mythological platform, a concept never explored previously anywhere across the globe. Vibhu Agarwal, on the announcement of Hari Om shared, As Indians, it is essential for us to know our roots, culture, tradition, and heritage to develop a sense of pride and respect for it. This app is one of its kind by any OTT platform in the world to feature only mythological and religious content which can be consumed by the entire family together. Recognizing the demand amongst the senior citizens and younger audiences to explore our Indian mythology, we are delighted to announce this unique, clutter-breaking destination, bridging the existing gap. Hari Om is designed for family audiences worldwide, with the belief that it will be embraced by viewers and serve as a source of enlightenment to various nationalities across the world. The app will showcase an eclectic and massive line-up of more than 20 epic untold stories and many more, including, Shri Tirupati Balaji, Mata Saraswati, Chaya Grah Rahu Ketu, Jai Jagannath, Kaikeyi Ke Ram, Maa Lakshmi and Navgrah. The app will be available on Play Store and App store, Google TV and Fire TV. Religious shows will feature large-budget productions with sets that transport viewers back to the golden age. Renowned actors such as Sharad Malhotra, Rati Pandey, Yuktii Kapoor, Mrunal Jain, Vishal Karwal and many more will headline these shows in titular roles. Nivedita Basu, Senior Vice President Group, added, It is an enriching experience to work with a visionary mind like Vibhu Agarwal and bring to reality such innovative and unique ideas. At Hari Om, our focus is on producing inspiring and visually spectacular shows that bring our untold mythological stories to life. These shows feature exceptional casts, immersive storytelling, and informative yet entertaining content, aiming to showcase to the world our rich religious and cultural heritage. Hari Om is poised to become a one-stop destination for mythological content enthusiasts, promising a blend of entertainment, education, and cultural knowledge.

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

Chandrababu Naidu denounces attacks on TDP leaders

VIJAYAWADA: TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu strongly condemned the attack on the party candidate for the Chandragiri Assembly constituency 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. Naidu, who is in Varanasi to accompany Prime Minister Narendra Modi in filing a nomination for the Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday, called on DGP Harish Gupta and expressed his dismay over the violence in Macherla, Chandragiri, and Tadipatri. He requested the police chief to take action against the perpetrators and instigators of the violence against TDP men and their properties. He said that YSRC MLA Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy, in a pre-planned manner, resorted to violence against TDP leaders in Macherla, and requested the DGP to deploy additional forces to maintain law and order. He stressed the need for setting up police pickets in rural areas where instances of post-poll violence were reported. Later, taking to social media platform X, the TDP chief condemned the YSRC activists attack on TDP men in Tirupati. Describing YSRC leaders as cowards, he said that the YSRC was afraid of defeat and resorted to violence. He claimed that as many as 150 men armed with knives and rods attacked his party candidate, who was returning after visiting the strong room in Sri Padmavati Womens University in Tirupati, where EVMs were stored. Meanwhile, TDP state president K Atchannaidu and others condemned the incident. TDP politburo member Varla Ramaiah wrote a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer appealing to the Election Commission to deploy sufficient central forces in Chandragiri, Macherla and Tadipatri where the police department failed to maintain law and order situation. He also demanded the arrest of the culprit leaders who were responsible for the dastardly attacks. Unless these leaders are arrested, there is every danger that the situation will go out of control and lawlessness will spread to other constituencies. Kindly monitor the law and order closely and ensure that post-poll attacks of YSRC leaders are controlled effectively protecting the lives and properties of common citizens, he urged the CEO. On the other hand, Home Minister Taneti Vanitha called DGP Harish Gupta over the phone and brought to his notice that TDP activists are resorting to violence in Chandragiri, Macherla, Tadipatri, and Gurazala. She told the DGP that TDP activists attacked women, people from BC, SC and ST communities for not voting in favour of their party. Vanitha complained that though the attacks were brought to the notice of the police officials locally, no action was taken. She requested for the arrest of those responsible for violence against YSRC members and also sought an action against them. Stating that the police observer appointed by the ECI is acting unilaterally, the Minister held the attitude of the police observer responsible for the violence during and after elections. She observed that ECI transfers of police officials by ECI just based on the complaint of TDP led to the current situation. Police observer acting unilaterally: Vanitha Stating that the police observer appointed by the ECI is acting unilaterally, Home Minister Taneti Vanitha held the attitude of the police observer responsible for the violence during elections and after elections. She observed that transfers of police officials by ECI just based on the complaint of TDP led to the situation

Andhra Pradesh: Rural areas record high voting, urban engagement sees slight rise

GUNTUR: While many urban constituencies in the State showed apathy, their voter turnout remained steady compared to the last elections. Although polling percentages in urban areas were lower than in rural areas, they still saw an increase compared to the 2019 elections. The zeal shown by the voters was quite noticeable this time in major urban areas including Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Tirupati, and Nellore. The voters arrived at their respective polling stations even before 6.30 am and the rush was continued till the midnight in most of the segments. According to the poll percentage announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Voter Turnout App, 64.35 polling percentage was recorded in Guntur West. The constituency, comprising 26 divisions of Guntur city recorded only 65.84 in 2019. With various awareness programmes organised by the ECI and Guntur district administration, the poll per cent increased to 66.24%. However, the constituency recorded the lowest poll percentage out of the seven segments under the Guntur Lok Sabha constituency. On the other hand, the poll per cent in Guntur East constituency reported 70.20% in the present elections while it recorded 70.25% in the last polls. In Vijayawada Central constituency, the poll percentage surpassed the 2019 record of 65.95%, with reporting 72.88% in 2024 polls. Vijayawada West stood last in the LS segment with 68.55%, which is higher than 63.41% in 2019, Vijayawada East recorded 71.32%. Despite of the better participation in Vijayawada city constituencies, the three segments reported below 80 poll percentage in Vijayawada Lok Sabha constituency. Nellore Urban constituency also out performed with 70.20% which is way higher than 61% in 2019 elections. The constituency also comparatively performed well than the rural constituency which recorded only 66.18 poll per cent. Tirupati recorded only 59.95 poll per centage, the least in the district. Visakhapatnam East constituency reported 68.50 poll per cent which is higher than total poll percent of 64.73 in 2019. While Visakhapatnam South reported 58.9 per cent, the least in the district, 65.06 poll percentage is recorded in Visakhapatnam West, Visakhapatnam North recorded 61.52%.

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

Ramaiah slams YSRC for violent attacks on TD leaders

Telugu Desam logo. Telugu Desam logo. Vijayawada: TD politburo member Varla Ramaiah on Tuesday hit out at the YSRC chief and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and his party leaders for violent attacks against the TD party workers. He said that the YSRC leaders were resorting to violent attacks against the TD leaders as they were suspecting a possible defeat in the assembly and parliament elections following a huge voter turnout on the polling day. Condemning the attack on Chandragiri MLA candidate and TD leader Pulavarthi Nani at the Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam (SPMVV) by the YSRC activists on Tuesday, the TDP politburo member demanded the police to book an attempt to murder case against Chandragiri YSRC MLA candidate Chevireddy Mohith Reddy and his father Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy and arrest them to restore normalcy in the Chandragiri constituency. Through an SMS sent to Tirupati Superintendent of Police (SP), Varla Ramaiah demanded the police book an attempt to murder case against Mohith Reddy and Bhaskar Reddy for disturbing law and order situation and attacking Nani and book them under The Arms Act and Representation of the People Act for preventing a public servant from performing his duties.

Violence Flares After Voting in Chittoor, Pregnant Woman Attacked

There are 21 pregnant women in the US territory with Zika. (Representational Image, Photo: AP) There are 21 pregnant women in the US territory with Zika. (Representational Image, Photo: AP) Tirupati: Post-poll clashes erupted between major political parties across the Chittoor region, police said on Tuesday. Cases of attacks, arson and property damage have been registered in several areas. In Tellakuru village under Srikalahasti constituency, a pregnant woman named Aruna was allegedly attacked by a gang, believed to be the supporters of District Cooperative Bank chairman Satyanarayana Reddy of the YSR Congress. Aruna claims she voted for the Telugu Desam. She was admitted to the local government hospital. In Bapalannattam, TD agents Babu and Nandagopal were attacked with knives and stones allegedly by a group of YSRC activists. A bystander, Keshavulu, was severely injured while he tried to intervene. He was taken in a critical condition to a hospital here. suspected YSRC supporters set afire the drip irrigation systems of farmer Rame Gowda in Boorugumakulapalle and Venkatachalam in Balli village, under Ramakuppam mandal of Chittoor district. Both victims had worked as TD polling agents. One of the most serious clashes occurred in Ramireddipalle, where YSRC and TD groups engaged in stone-pelting after the polls closed on Monday night. Eight villagers suffered head injuries and were hospitalized. A car was set on fire and another vandalised amid the flare-up. YSRC candidate Chevireddy Mohith Reddy and his brother were briefly prevented from leaving the village by angry residents, who later filed police complaints against them. Police said they have registered cases and deployed additional forces to maintain law and order across the volatile region. The cycle of retaliatory violence between party workers showed no sign of abating in the aftermath of the hotly contested election.

Gunman opens fire after TD candidate is attacked in Tirupati

Tirupati: Chaos prevailed in the temple city of Tirupati on Tuesday afternoon when a group of YSRC activists attacked Pulivarthi Nani, Telugu Desam party candidate from Chandragiri assembly constituency. The attack took place on the premises of Sri Padmavati Mahila Viswa Vidyalayam, where Nani had gone to inspect the strong room, where electronic voting machines (EVMs) and voter-verified paper audit trails (VVPATs) used to record polling in Chandragiri constituency had been stored. Eyewitnesses said Nani confronted a group of YSRC activists in the area, leading to a heated exchange that quickly escalated into physical violence. According to information, a mob of around 150 YSRC workers allegedly led by Ramachandrapuram's ZPTC member Bhanu Prakash launched an assault on Nani and those accompanying him with hammers, stones and beer bottles. When Nani and his gunman Dharani sustained injuries in the attack, Dharani fired two shots into the air in self-defence, which scattered the assailants. Concurrently, Nani's wife Sudha informed TD cadres about the attack. TD supporters quickly converged onto the university and started protesting on the main road in front of the university, obstructing traffic. Around that time, a car sporting YSRC flags arrived at the place. TD workers set it afire, along with several motorcycles in the vicinity. Police started a lathi-charge, which led to TD cadres vandalising police vehicles. Collector Pravin Kumar and superintendent of police Krishna Kant Patil rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. They assured that appropriate legal action will be taken against those involved. Nani questioned how YSRC activists, armed with weapons, could breach the security within the university premises, where EVMs had been secured in a strong room. He alleged that the attack on him had been meticulously planned by YSRC MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy. Accusing police and election officials of colluding with Bhaskar Reddy, Nani raised concerns about the safety of EVMs, given the nature of the attack on him at the strong room premises. TD president Nara Chandrababu Naidu condemned the violence, accusing YSRC of orchestrating the attack out of fear of an impending defeat. If 150 YSRC rowdies can run amok with knives and rods at Padmavati Women's University, which has the strong room, what protection is there for the voters' verdict, Naidu asked. He lambasted the police for failing to maintain law and order.

Andhra post-poll violence: TDP candidate attacked in Tirupati - ap7am

Andhra post-poll violence: TDP candidate attacked in Tirupati ap7am

Post-poll violence erupts in Andhra Pradesh: Tensions escalate in Tirupati, Tadipatri, and Palnadu

VIJAYAWADA: Post-poll violence broke out in several parts of Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday keeping the police on their toes. Clashes between supporters of rival political parties have been reported in places including Tirupati, Tadipatri and the politically sensitive Palnadu region. In Tirupati's Chandragiri constituency, TDP MLA Pulivarthi Nani was inspecting the strongroom at Sri Padmavathi Mahila University when assailants, allegedly YSRC supporters, intercepted his vehicle and hurled empty beer bottles and stones at him. He was also attacked with iron rods. In retaliation, Nani's gunman, who was also injured in the attack, fired two warning shots to disperse the mob. TDP supporters staged protests, demanding action against the attackers, leading to further tension. Hundreds of TDP supporters from Chandragiri and other parts reached Tirupati and staged a protest demanding action against the attackers. Nani was shifted to a hospital for treatment. The situation seemed to worsen when the TDP supporters set fire to two motorcycles belonging to YSRC leaders. Meanwhile, supporters of both parties engaged in stone pelting in Tadipatri, compelling the police to resort to lathicharge and fire tear gas to disperse the unruly crowd. Additional police and paramilitary forces were rushed to the spot in a bid to restore order. In the sensitive Tadipatri constituency in Sathya Sai district, clashes erupted between supporters of TDP strongman JC Prabhakar Reddy and sitting MLA from YSRC Kethireddy Pedda Reddy. As news of the clashes spread, supporters from both two sides reached the town from neighbouring villages and fought a pitched battle for nearly an hour pelting stones at each other. In the Palnadu region, which experienced turbulent clashes during Monday's polling, tension gripped Pedda Ganeshunipadu village in Gurazala mandal on Tuesday. TDP members gathered in large numbers after hearing that local YSRC MLA Kasu Mahesh Reddy and MP candidate Anil Kumar Yadav was visiting the village to console the families of YSRC members injured in clashes the previous day. Mahesh Reddy alleged that though they informed the SP and DIG about the chances of potential clashes in the village, the officials did not respond swiftly. He criticized the police department for its failure to ensure peaceful elections in Palnadu and called upon the Election Commission of India to take appropriate action against the responsible officials.

Situation tense in Tirupati as Chandragiri TDP candidate comes under attack

Gunman fires a round in the air to disperse the unruly mob; Pulivarthi Nani suffers an injury to his chest

Alert cadre kept fake voters at bay, say TDP-BJP-JSP alliance candidates in Tirupati

Arani Srinivasulu recalls instances of the cadre reporting suspicious elements with fake identity cards to the police on polling day

Tirupati CID cyber team helps nab accused in online job fraud case

The accused, along with his wife, was involved in ten similar cases

Tirupati CID cyber team helps nab accused in online job fraud case - The Hindu

Tirupati CID cyber team helps nab accused in online job fraud case The Hindu

Tension grips Sri Padmavati University as violence breaks out during TDP candidates visit

Tirupati: Tension gripped Sri Padmavati Mahila Visvavidyalayam in Tirupati on Tuesday when the alleged supporters of YSRCP attacked TDP Chandragiri Assembly constituency candidate P Nani and his gunmen. The gunmen opened fire into air to protect him and Nani as a mob came to the university premises with cricket bats to attack them. Stones were also pelted on each other on the university premises. In a video that was circulated on social media showed that a few individuals attacking a person with a huge boulder in spite of requesting them not to cause harm to him. The individuals, however, did not relent resulting in injuries to him. The mob also damaged an SUVs side window glasses with a boulder and cricket bat. Strewn glass pieces, broken cricket bats and damaged pots showed that a major violence broke out in the university. The incident occurred when Nani went to visit the strong room in the university. On seeing the police, the mob ran away from the premises. In view of the tense situation, the police rushed additional forces to prevent any untoward incident.

First-time voters queue up with enthusiasm across Rayalaseema region in Andhra Pradesh

TIRUPATI: Across the Rayalaseema region and Nellore district, a wave of enthusiasm was observed as several first-time voters participated in the electoral process on Monday, exercising their constitutional right with fervour. For many of these young citizens, casting their vote for the first time marked a moment of pride and responsibility. However, alongside the excitement, there was a palpable sense of urgency and expectation. Many first-time voters voiced their demands for accountable governance and concrete action on pressing issues affecting society. I feel very excited to exercise my franchise for the first time, shared Sathwika, a first-time voter from Tirupati city. We need policies that prioritise job creation, women's safety, and reforms across various sectors. We expect leaders to fulfil the promises made during their campaign, she expressed. In addition to their calls for responsive governance, they emphasised the importance of transparency and integrity in the electoral process. I want to elect a visionary leader who will address the issues faced by residents, stated K Sriram, a first-time voter from the Atmakur segment of Nellore district. He opined that leaders must devise comprehensive development plans and the young voters must make informed decisions before casting their ballots. S Saraswati, another first-time voter from Tirupati city, underscored her independent approach to voting, stating that she made her decision without seeking advice from family or friends. Voting is not just a right, but a profound responsibility, she affirmed and added, As first-time voters, we have the authority to influence the trajectory of our nation. My choice was made independently, devoid of any external influence. Throughout the day, the majority of first-time voters patiently waited in queues at polling stations, particularly in urban areas like Tirupati, Nellore, Atmakur, Kavali, and Sullurpeta. Among the first-time voters was Anshu Mallika, daughter of YSRC Nagari contender RK Roja, who expressed her gratitude for the democratic right to participate in the electoral process. I feel privileged to have this democratic right and to contribute to the process of electing our representatives, she remarked. Similarly, In Chittoor district, first-time voters joined the electoral process with eagerness, sharing their experiences as they exercised their franchise. Amidst the bustling polling stations, the enthusiasm of first-time voters was palpable as they cast their ballots for the first time. Many expressed their excitement at participating in the democratic process and emphasised the importance of their vote in shaping the future of the nation. Voters of all ages took advantage of selfie stands set up at polling stations, capturing moments of civic engagement and sharing them on social media.

Karnataka: Woman dies alighting from moving train, kin get relief from Railways

BENGALURU: Death or injury caused while boarding or deboarding trains is an untoward incident, said Karnataka High Court, awarding a compensation of Rs 8 lakh to the legal heirs of an elderly woman. Justice HP Sandesh passed the order, allowing a petition filed by the legal heirs of victim Jayamma, who died at the Channapatna railway station in Ramanagara district on February 22, 2014. The court said it was an untoward incident as defined under Section 123 of the Indian Railways Act, and the Railways is liable to pay the compensation under Section 124A of the Act. Jayamma was getting down from a train after realising that she had boarded the wrong one when the incident occurred. Jayamma, accompanied by her sister Rathnamma, had purchased tickets to go to Mysuru in the Tirupati passenger train. But they board the Tuticorin Express by mistake. As they were getting down from the train, Jayamma fell on the platform and died on the spot, while Rathnamma managed to alight safely. Jayammas legal heirs moved the high court after the Railway Claims Tribunal rejected their claim in 2016, holding that the cause for the death was due to self-inflicted injuries under Section 124A of the Indian Railways Act, though it had accepted that Jayamma was a bonafide passenger. The Tribunal also held that the incident occurred due to Jayammas deliberate act of jumping from a moving train instead of adopting safe options of either getting down at the next stop or pulling the chain meant for an emergency stop. The counsel for the family argued that the sisters alighted from the train after realising that they had boarded a wrong train. The deceased accidentally fell from the train, resulting in her death, as she lost balance as the train might have just started. The high court noted that the Tribunal erroneously concluded that it was a deliberate act of jumping from the moving train and causing self-inflicted injuries. This was after taking note of the fact that the sister of the deceased had safely alighted from the train.

Enthusiastic Voters, Sporadic Unrest Mark Polls in Chittoor and Nellore Regions

Tirupati: The simultaneous assembly and parliament elections in the erstwhile Chittoor and Nellore districts on Monday witnessed sporadic incidents of violence and disruptions, despite a good voter turnout. The elections turned into an arena of intense political rivalry, with numerous clashes erupting between supporters of the YSRC and the Telugu Desam (TD)-Jana Sena-BJP alliance. Tensions ran high throughout the day, with physical altercations and heated confrontations reported from multiple constituencies. In Mandi Krishnapuram village under the Gudipala mandal of Chittoor assembly constituency, YSRC polling agent Suresh Reddy and TD agent Chandra clashed outside a polling station. Chandra attacked Suresh with a knife, causing a bleeding wound, police said. Tension escalated in Brahmana Kaluva under Chandragiri constituency. Central forces fired shots into the air to disperse rival groups. Supporters of TD allegedly attacked a YSRC agent at Naravaripalle, the native village of TD chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu, within the Chandragiri constituency. In Karveti Nagaram, tension flared as TD activists blocked YSRC's GD Nellore assembly candidate K Krupa Lakshmi from accessing a polling booth, resulting in heated exchanges. Krupa Lakshmi's brandishing of her footwear escalated the conflict. Similarly, in Chittoor city's Mittur area, the simultaneous arrival of former MLA and TD's general agent CK Babu and YSRC's candidate Vijayananda Reddy at a polling booth ignited a dispute. Joint collector and returning officer Srinivasulu intervened to restore calm. Gudur YSRC candidate Meruga Murali was blocked from entering a booth by TD leaders in Chillakuru mandal, sparking clashes and TD candidate Pasam Sunil Kumar rallied his supporters. With a significant presence of TD supporters, the situation turned tense, prompting the need for heightened security measures. In Chejerla mandal of Nellore district, cadres of TD and YSRC fought near a polling booth, prompting a mild lathicharge. Sudden rains in Timmareddypalli and Udayagiri disrupted voting as voters scattered and polling materials were reportedly drenched. Despite these incidents, the polling process were overall peaceful, with enthusiastic voters turning up in large numbers from the morning to cast their votes. Tirupati district's voter turnout stood at 73.76 per cent by 8pm. However, the Tirupati assembly segment's percentage was rather disappointing, at 61.33. Its neighboring constituency Srikalahasti reported 76.44, followed by Chandragiri 75.70, Gudur 73.11, Satyavedu 80.69, Sullurpeta 75.98 and Venkatagiri 75.25 per cent by 8pm. Chittoor district witnessed a 75.67 per cent voter turnout by 5pm. The seven assembly constituencies under the district recorded voter percentages as follows - Punganur 74.09, Nagari 76.81, G.D. Nellore 79.90, Chittoor 74.75, Puthalapattu 77.17, Palamaner 72.33, and Kuppam 75.79. Nellore district recorded a 69.95 per cent polling by 5pm. The constituency-wise breakdown is as follows: Kandukur 74.68, Kavali 67.12, Atmakur 67.21, Kovur 73.59, Nellore City 67.60, Nellore Rural 64.35, Udayagiri 72.69, Sarvepalli 72.90.

Elderly Defy Odds to Vote in AP Elections

Visakhapatnam, Tirupati: Despite the sweltering heat and humidity, senior citizens in Andhra Pradesh turned out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights during the recent state elections. The polling day witnessed a surge of seasoned voters who were determined to make their voices heard, even in the face of challenging weather conditions and obstacles. In Visakhapatnam division, where temperatures reached a high of 36.6 degrees Celsius, still the polling day witnessed a surge of seasoned voters braving the elements and obstacles to cast their votes for the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls on Monday. Despite scorching temperatures and serpentine queues, the elderly turned out in droves, inspiring the youth. The atmosphere at the polling stations was one of enthusiasm and determination, as senior citizens were majorly present in long queues before polling booths since morning. Among them was Laxman Reddy, a 92-year-old, who emphasized the importance of each vote in shaping the peoples future. A single vote can make a difference, he stated firmly. M Rama Rao, 87, a retired bank AGM, and his wife traveled from Chennai to the city to cast their vote. However, several challenges marred their voting process. Lilymargareddy, 75, lamented the lack of separate queues for the elderly and the absence of assistance from officials. I have been standing in the queue for over an hour, and the heat is making it difficult for me, she lamented. Similarly, Pita Era Amma, an 89-year-old physically handicapped voter, reached a polling booth as she had no knowledge about the home voting facility this time. Despite these challenges, the determination of elderly voters like Parvati Devi, 89, was commendable. I don't know if I'll be alive for the next elections, so I wanted to experience this once again, she shared, emphasizing the emotional significance she attached to her vote. Numerous senior citizens and individuals with disabilities in Tirupati city exemplified the spirit of democracy by promptly arriving at polling stations to exercise their right to vote, determining the course of governance for the ensuing five years. Undeterred by the scorching heat, they queued up and cast their ballots, conveying a powerful message to those abstaining from voting about the significance of each and every vote in the democratic mechanism. A. Rajeswari, a 71-year-old woman, articulated her motivation, stating, As uncertain as the future may be for me, I am driven by the desire to elect a government that will safeguard a brighter future for my two granddaughters. While the Election Commission has introduced home-voting, many elderly citizens remain unaware of this. The absence of dedicated assistance and facilities at polling stations added to the plight of the elderly. In the Visakhapatnam district alone, there are around 8,900 elderly voters, including 4,252 males and 4,658 females, along with 16,665 disabled persons. They deserved better care in the matter of exercising their franchise. Some elderly voters, like 71-year-old Mohan Reddy, said they had a hassle-free voting experience. The Meteorological Centre in Amaravati, Guntur District, has issued a weather advisory predicting heavy rainfall and thunderstorms over the next five days. The Southwest Monsoon is expected to advance into the South Andaman Sea, some parts of the Southeast Bay of Bengal, and the Nicobar Islands by May 19, 2024. The advisory highlights the likelihood of heavy rain at isolated places over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP) and Yanam, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong gusty winds ranging from 40-50 kmph over NCAP, Yanam, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP), and Rayalaseema.

15 TD workers kidnapped in Punganur

Tirupati: Telugu Desam (TD) filed a police complaint, alleging individuals affiliated to the YSR Congress had kidnapped 15 party activists in Sadum mandal of Punganur Assembly constituency in Chittoor district in the early hours of Monday before voting began. Later, three of the TD men were traced and were said to be safe. According to reports, three TD polling agents and twelve party activists were on their way to the polling booth at Booragamanda village when they were allegedly intercepted by YSRC cadres. The TD activists were forced into private vehicles and taken towards Pileru in Annamayya district. TD district in-charge Jagan Mohan Raju alleged that the abducted party members were abandoned on the outskirts of Pileru, around 25 km away from Sadum, with the warning to stay away from the polling station until afternoon. Later, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena said three of the allegedly kidnapped TD polling agents were traced and were safe. The CEO noted that election and police officials responded swiftly and rescued the agents. The TD district in-charge had complained about the abduction of TD agents from polling stations 188, 189, and 199, the CEO's office said. An investigation is currently underway to identify the alleged kidnappers.

First-time Voters Show More Enthusiasm in AP State Elections

Visakhapatnam/Vijayawada/Kakinada: The debutants of democracy have stolen the spotlight in the Andhra Pradesh polls. With a staggering 9 lakh voters aged between 18 and 19, as many as 6,0007,000 new voters exercised their franchise in each constituency. The injection of fresh blood into the political spectrum promises to shake up the status quo, analysts note. Soon after casting their votes, several first-timers took to social media to share their inked index finger photos. The first-time voters had the luxury of casting two votes each for the assembly and parliament. These voters say they expect more employment opportunities, skill development training, encouragement to start-ups etc, and several of them aim to set up new units. They want governments to provide them interest-free loans and technical support to start their ventures. Lavanya, a 21-year-old MSc student, cast her vote for the first time with a clear agenda in mind. I am giving my first-time vote to form a new government that can provide more employment opportunities, she said. Vidya Roy, a second-year medical student, was excited about her participation in the electoral process for the first time. It was very easy to vote. The EVM machines showed us the party we voted for. The experience was great, she shared. Annadanapu Sravani, another first-time voter, acknowledged the convenience of voting with Aadhaar in lieu of a voter card but lamented the long waiting time. I was very excited to vote. The EVM process was easy, but the waiting process was too long, she remarked, underscoring the need for smoother logistical arrangements to accommodate the surge in young voters. Keerthana, a 20-year-old BTech student, emphasised the personal stakes involved in her voting decision. I have been benefited from schemes and want to make the government win so that many more can get benefitted, she said. Students like Kavya, Mounika and Likhita expressed their desire for a government that prioritises job creation and reforms in the education system. V. Srinivas from Vijayawada East constituency opted for the TD-JSP-BJP alliance candidate to bring about a change in government. Others, like V. Meghana, a techie working in Hyderabad, fulfilled their civic duty by casting their vote and encouraged fellow young voters to do the same. Siblings P. Manoj and P. Rohit felt elated to be voting for the first time and were pleased with the arrangements at the polling stations. G. Karthik, a student from Kakinada, travelled all the way here to cast his vote. V. Lavanya, a civil engineering graduate, highlighted the lack of minimum facilities and teaching staff in many private engineering colleges. She urged the government to ensure that college managements offer skill development centres without collecting extra fees. First-time voters in Tirupati and Chittoor districts exhibited great enthusiasm and embraced their civic duty passionately during the electoral process. Patnam Arya, influenced by his mother's teachings, highlighted the importance of voting as he proudly exercised his democratic right. However, the day faced challenges as Gayatri, another first-time voter, claimed her vote was fraudulently cast through impersonation at a polling booth in the Kuppam Assembly constituency. She lodged a complaint, leading to the authorities allowing her to cast a challenge vote. Some voters expressed their dissatisfaction with the candidates and opted for NOTA (None of the Above). They urged the government to curb corruption and protect natural resources and the environment. Many water bodies remain polluted, they stated.

TD Furore as Peddireddy Says He Voted for YSRC Outside Poll Booth

Tirupati: Energy minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy faced heavy backlash for declaring to the media that he had voted for the YSRC symbol outside a polling station in Chittoor district on Monday. The incident occurred at polling station No. 187 in Errathivaripalle village under the Punganur constituency, where Peddireddy had gone to cast his vote. After exercising his franchise, Peddireddy made remarks to the media. This drew severe criticism from the Telugu Desam. TD candidate Challa Ramachandra Reddy condemned Peddireddy's actions, alleging Peddireddy had violated the Election Commission's guidelines, which prohibit mentioning party symbols within the vicinity of polling stations. Peddireddy blatantly violated the EC guidelines by revealing that he voted for the YSRC party's fan symbol, Challa stated. We demand that the election authorities book a case against Peddireddy and take necessary action over his remarks which amount to an attempt to influence voters, he said. Election officials are yet to comment on the alleged breach.

Tirupatis Battle of Ballots Turns Ugly Amid Voter Fraud Allegations

Tirupati: Tension flared during Monday's polling for the Tirupati assembly seat as the three-party alliance comprising the Telugu Desam, Jana Sena and BJP accused the ruling YSR Congress of facilitating fraudulent voting on a large scale. As per the alliance candidate Arani Srinivasulu, a former YSRC legislator from Chittoor, his workers identified and detained several individuals suspected of impersonating registered voters. The YSRC fears about our rising support among the educated urban voters and is resorting to such ploys, Srinivasulu alleged. Heated arguments and skirmishes erupted between the YSRC and alliance workers in some polling stations across the constituency. Videos shared by the alliance suggest people from other regions, including neighboring states, were brought in to cast bogus votes. Many women were involved in this, it was alleged. In one incident, during the early polling at a Khadi Colony booth in Jaganmatha Church High School, alliance workers apprehended five suspects carrying fake IDs. These individuals, hailing from Tamil Nadu, Kurnool, and Renigunta, attempted to flee but were nabbed by TD workers and handed over to the police. Srinivasulu accused local YSRC legislator Bhumana Karunakar Reddy of orchestrating the fraud to boost his son Abhinay Reddy's prospects in the present polls through unlawful means. Meanwhile, a controversy erupted at booth 250 in Seicom Degree College when YSRC corporator Sekhar Reddy confronted Arani Jagan, the alliance candidate's son, who visited the booth after reports of bogus voting. Reddy, citing Jagan's lack of authorization, questioned his presence. The situation escalated with former MLA M Sugunamma intervening in the matter. After heated arguments, the police stepped in to diffuse the tension. There were multiple instances of people bringing their smartphones into the voting booths, against regulations. One voter even filmed himself casting his vote to the YSRC candidate and posted it on social media. This resulted in complaints from the alliance leaders, who urged the authorities to nullify the vote and penalize the person.

Five fake voters apprehended in Tirupati

The voters holding fake identity cards were moving under suspicious circumstances at an apartment close to the polling station, when the TDP-BJP-JSP alliance workers standing guard at the spot questioned them

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam to release online quota for August from May 18

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has decided to release the online quota for Srivari Arjitha Seva, darshan tickets and others for August from May 18.The quota booking process will open in phases from May 18 to 27 through the official TTD website ...

Officials step up efforts to curb bogus voting in Tirupati

TIRUPATI: Tirupati district election machinery has ramped up efforts to prevent any instances of bogus voting and ensure the smooth conduct of the polling process. District Collector and Election Officer Pravin Kumar issued a stern warning, stating that pilgrims visiting the temple city to pay homage at the Venkateswara Swamy shrine in Tirumala must provide evidence justifying their visit upon inquiry. He emphasised that any individual found to have undertaken the pilgrimage with the ulterior motive of unlawfully casting their vote would face severe consequences. To maintain law and order, Section 144, prohibiting gatherings of five or more individuals, is enforced across Tirupati until the conclusion of voting on May 13, he stated. He clarified that no permissions would be granted for election campaigning, political gatherings, or related activities during this period, allowing only pre-certified political advertisements to be published in newspapers. SP Krishnakanth Patel assured that a robust security presence, comprising over 5,000 personnel, has been deployed across the district to guarantee peaceful polling.

Election frenzy chokes bus, railway stations across Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: The day has almost arrived for the Andhra people, who are eagerly waiting to exercise their franchise to elect their beloved leader to power. However, the commute to their hometowns has become a herculean task for people, who migrated to other states for livelihood, as almost all the bus and railway stations are choked with incoming and outgoing passengers, especially in Vijayawada, Vizag, Tirupati and Kurnool cities, since Saturday evening. In addition to this, vehicular traffic has choked Pantangi and Keesara toll plazas on the highway connecting Vijayawada and Hyderabad, as several Andhra people staying in Hyderabad for livelihood have opted to reach their hometowns on private vehicles. Making the situation much worse, acute shortage of public transport was observed in Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam as APSRTC has engaged the buses for election duty. The Dwaraka Bus Station Complex and other bus stands in Visakhapatnam witnessed an unusual rush of people on Sunday, as voters headed to exercise their franchise in their respective hometowns. Residents travelling to regions such as East Godavari, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Kakinada, and Vijayawada found themselves waiting in long queues as early as 6 in the morning, hoping to catch a bus to reach their destinations. However, many faced disappointment due to a shortage of buses, prompting complaints directed at the officials. A woman seen handing over a child from outside to a person in bus at Dwaraka Bus Station in Visakhapatnam on Sunday We do not know if its a political strategy or a miscalculation by the officials, but there is a huge shortage of buses. We have been waiting for over an hour to board a bus to Srikakulam, but all the buses are filled to capacity. Its frustrating, expressed a group of commuters at the RTC complex in Visakhapatnam, who are heading towards Srikakulam. They further questioned that when authorities are able to arrange buses efficiently during festivals like Sankranti and Dasara, why cant they do the same for the elections. Meanwhile, voters from Nellore, Tirupati, and Chittoor districts who have migrated to cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are making their way back to their native places to cast their votes. However, the journey to their homes has not been without its challenges, particularly due to the limited availability of transportation services. They have encountered difficulties due to the insufficient number of services, especially on routes from Nellore to Atmakur, Udayagiri, Seetharamapuram, Kavali, Kadapa-Nellore, Tirupati-Nellore, Chittoor-Tirupati, and rural parts of the Chittoor district. Approximately 20% to 25% of people from rural areas, particularly in upland mandals like Udayagiri, Seetharamapuram, Varikuntapadu, and others, have migrated to urban centres in search of employment opportunities. From Friday onwards the inward traffic of these migrants has increased. Several faced transportation problems. Ramanjaneyulu, a migrated returnee who belongs to Aspari village in Kurnool district, said he along with twenty others has engaged a private minibus to come from Guntur as they couldnt get a bus or train ticket. Online bus ticketing platform RedBus has said it forecasted a 47 per cent increase in intercity bus bookings on the weekend in poll-bound Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, before the May 13 elections, compared to the previous weekend. Meanwhile, APSRTC managing director Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao in a press release said that the corporation has provided 5,458 buses for election duty, which is 55% of the total buses with APSRTC. He said though there was a shortage of buses, they had made arrangements to clear the heavy rush of the people coming to cast their votes in their respective towns and villages in Andhra Pradesh. From May 8 to 12, an additional 1,066 special buses from Hyderabad and 284 special buses from Bengaluru have been arranged. Depending on the rush from Hyderabad to Vijayawada, some more additional services were operated. Similarly, additional buses were operated from Vijayawada to Vizag, Rajamahendravaram, Tirupati, Nellore, Kakinada, Eluru, Ongole, Guntur and other places. Depending on the rush, the depot managers concerned will make necessary arrangements, he explained. APSRTC MD further informed that if there is a group of 30 to 40 people going to the same destination, they can contact the election cell in RTC headquarters (9959111281) and necessary measures will be taken to arrange special buses from respective bus stations. 5,458 buses provided for election duty APSRTC managing director Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao in a press release said that the corporation has provided 5,458 buses for election duty, which is 55% of the total buses with APSRTC. He informed that from May 8 to 12, additional 1,066 special buses from Hyderabad have been arranged

Note for vote rampant in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: Soon after the silence period started at 6 pm on Saturday drawing curtains on the nearly two month-long intense election campaign in the State, Assembly and Lok Sabha contestants got busy luring voters with cash and kind to win the elections. Though election commission observers, district authorities, flying squads and local police have intensified vigil to curb electoral malpractices, agents belonging to both the ruling YSRC and tripartite alliance leaders are said to be distributing money to the voters urging them to vote in favour of their candidates on Monday. The amount seems to be ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000, and the other inducements include costly gifts such as sarees and electronic gadgets. In prestigious Assembly segments like Pithapuram, Mangalagiri, Kuppam, Pulivendula, Vijayawada Central, Mylavaram, Gudivada, Undi, Bhimavaram, Gannavaram, Darsi, Chirala, Nellore, Kavali, Ongole, Kakinada, Eluru, Hindupur, Nagari and Tirupati, the agents of contestants are said to be ready to offer any amount of money. The offering for vote is said to be quite high in Vijayawada, Guntur, Kadapa and other Lok Sabha constituencies where the heavyweights of YSRC and TDP-JSP-BJP combine are in fray. While cash is being directly distributed to the voters at their houses at some places, in other places representatives of contestants are issuing coupons to avoid police vigil. The coupons can be exchanged at designated shops in villages or towns for cash. The coupon mode is to avoid being caught by police or election commission observers. Agents are visiting the houses of voters secretly and giving money requesting them to cast their votes in favour of the respective parties, said Rushi of Gurunanak Colony. In segments where the biggies are contesting, the amount being spent has allegedly crossed an all time high. Since Pithapuram is being considered prestigious for the NDA with JSP chief Pawan Kalyan in the fray, voters are being lured by offering huge amounts as there are better chances of YSRC candidate Vanga Geethas win in the election, said a local on the condition of anonymity. In Satyanarayanapuram of Vijayawada Central segment, a milk vendor was seen discussing with his customers about the cash distribution by the agents of contestants. They are giving Rs 1,000 per vote, but only to the selected voters. They even came to my house, but I refused. I came to know that the other party too is offering the same, he said. The woman, he was speaking to, admitted that she too received Rs 1,000 per vote, but expressed dissatisfaction over the discrimination in cash distribution. She complained that her cousin, living on the hillocks in One Town, which falls in Vijayawada West constituency, was given Rs 3,000. It is learnt that in Jaggaiahpet, cash distribution commenced on Saturday afternoon with election agents of contestants visiting the identified houses and giving Rs 1,000 in both urban and rural areas. However, some people bargained and got Rs 1,500 per vote, sources said. Meanwhile, there are allegations that the election commission officials and police turned a blind eye to the rampant distribution of money across the State despite complaints by agents of both the ruling and opposition parties.

Tirupati Forge Q4 Results Live : profit falls by 10.12% YOY

Tirupati Forge Q4 Results Live : Revenue increased by 41.55% YoY & profit decreased by 10.12% YoY

Report sought on Allu Arjuns Nandyal visit issue

Kurnool: The Election Commission is likely to take against the local SP and some other officials for allowing an unauthorized gathering of people during the visit of actor Allu Arjun in Nandyal on Saturday, even a ban on assembly under Section 144 was in force. Allu Arjun, en route to Tirupati, visited the residence of his close friend and Nandyal legislator S Ravi Chandra Kishore Reddy to extend his support to him. A large gathering assembled there and Arjun greeted them alongside the legislator. Additionally, without obtaining prior permission, both Arjun and Ravi Reddy participated in a rally. The Election Commission, upon receiving complaints about the large gathering during a period when Sec 144 was in force, viewed the incident seriously. It directed the DGP to present a chargesheet against SP Raghuveer Reddy, city DSP Ravindranath Reddy and Two Town circle inspector Raja Reddy within 60 days, and sought an explanation for the rule violation. The Two Town Police filed a case on Saturday night under Section 188 against the MLA and Allu Arjun on directions from the Nandyal city returning officer and joint collector, Rahul Reddy.

Tirupati: Poll-Duty Mother, Son Killed on Railway Track

Tirupati: A mother and son lost their lives while crossing a railway track in Kavali Nellore district on Sunday. The victims, Butta Subhashini, 55, an Anganwadi worker, and her 19-year-old son Vijay, hailed from Chaganam village. Subhashini was en route to perform her poll duties. She was assigned to Kavali by election authorities and was accompanied by her son. While attempting to cross the tracks, a train struck them, resulting in their deaths, police said. Witnesses reported that Subhashini did not see the approaching train and stepped onto the track. Vijay tried to save her but both were hit by the train and died. The government railway police have registered the case and further investigation is underway.

Mango Farmers in Telugu States Staring at Sharp Fall in Yield This Year

Picture used for representation purpose only. Photo: AFP Picture used for representation purpose only. Photo: AFP Hyderabad: With rains playing truant in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana state last year, the climate going haywire, and under a pest attack, mango farmers are staring at an abysmally low produce this season. The effect is starkly visible in the perennially drought-prone erstwhile Chittoor district area which has around 1.2 lakh hectares under the crop. B. Madhusudhan Reddy, deputy director, horticulture, Chittoor district, said that there were no rains from August to November. The growth of new twigs and leaves. Cloudy weather in December due to the cyclone effect also led to fall in day temperatures reducing the difference in day and night temperatures. The average yield will be just three tonnes per hectare this year last year per hectare against 12.5 tonnes last year, the lowest on record. The 32 processing units in the district need up to five lakh tonnes of mangoes but the produce in the full season may not exceed 1.8 lakh tonnes in the erstwhile Chittoor district. Horticulture scientist D. Sreenivasulu Reddy, citrus research station, Dr YSR Horticulture University, Tirupati said that mangoes needed a minimum temperature of about 16C to 17 Centigrade rose to 19-20C. This was the main reason for reduction in flowering to 20 to 30 per cent of the normal. Thrips, a sucking pest which had affected chillies earlier, migrated to mangoes this year. This pest multiplies faster when the days are warmer. It has hit Khammam, Warangal, Nagarkurnool and the outskirts of Hyderabad also, Sreenivasulu Reddy added. B. Vasudeva Reddy, a mango farmer, from Abbireddivuru of Poothalapattu mandal of Chittoor district, was expecting just about three tonnes of mango this year, against the norm. I will end up spending `6 lakh by the end of the season on my 12-acre mango garden on pesticides and labour, said Vasudeva Reddy, whose family works on the farm. He said the pesticides available in the market were not able to contain the pests. M. Venkatarami Reddy, a farmer from Madithativaripalli in Nerabilu gram panchayat in Tirupati district, said that the trader who bought his 22-acre garden for Rs 4.5 lakh could face losses. His fellow villager M. Janardhan Reddy, who owns an eight-acre farm, said he would hardly get two tonnes of mangoes, while it was 40 tonnes on average every year. The experience of M. Krishnaiah, mango farmer from Bollaram village, Veepanagandla mandal of Wanaparthy district in Telangana is no different. The rates could be higher as the yield is less this year, he said. N.R. Ehsanulla, president of Damalacheruvu Mango Mandi Traders Association in Tirupati district, who also owns a 25-acre mango farm, said , I used to earn Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh every year selling mangoes but might incur loss this year, he said, having spent `4 lakh on his farm. K. Govardhan Bobby, chairman, All India Food Processors Association, South Zone, said, Disturbances in the Red Sea owing to pirates affected export of pulp last year. The value of the pulp which has a shelf life of two years falls after the first year. The buyers are expecting us to foot the additional cost of transport through distant shipping routes. The low mango produce this year is only adding to our woes.

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.

Case booked against YSRCP leaders for covering voters to pledge support for ruling party in Tirupati

Pilgrims undergo scrutiny to detect fake voters in Tirupati

Tirupati: The district election machinery in Tirupati has enforced stringent measures to forestall bogus voting and ensure seamless conduct of the polling process. Issuing an unequivocal warning, collector and district election officer Pravin Kumar stated that pilgrims thronging the temple city to pay obeisance at the Venkateswara Swamy shrine in Tirumala would be mandated to furnish evidence substantiating the purpose of their visit upon being queried. The collector revealed that any person proven to have made the pilgrimage with the covert motive of illegally exercising their franchise would invite stern action. In a bid to maintain law and order, Section 144 prohibiting the assembly of five or more persons will be clamped across Tirupati until the culmination of voting on May 13. No permission will be granted for election campaigning, political gatherings or allied activities during this duration. Merely pre-certified political advertisements will be permissible for publication in newspapers, the DEO informed. Elaborate arrangements have been made across the district's 2,140 polling stations to facilitate a smooth voting process. Webcasting will be implemented at 1,401 polling booths, supplemented by the deployment of 888 videographers and 964 micro-observers to monitor the proceedings. As a contingency measure, a reserve of 18% Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has been maintained to address any technical glitches, with a contingent of engineers from BHEL extending operational support, the collector added. Superintendent of police Krishna Kanth Patel assured that a formidable security blanket comprising over 5,000 personnel had been cast across the district to ensure peaceful polling. Stringent vigilance is being maintained at border check-posts in Tamil Nadu to thwart any attempts to smuggle illicit liquor. Voters have been advised to refrain from carrying mobile phones inside polling stations. Any grievances or complaints pertaining to the polling process can be reported on the dedicated toll-free number 1950, the officials stated.

Election authorities crack the whip on erring officials in Tirupati

12 contract staff have been removed from service and a case has been registered against one of them; eight regular employees have been suspended and disciplinary action recommended against four

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

Tirupati Lok Sabha constituency in Andhra Pradesh, India, had Balli Durga Prasad Rao as the MP in 2019, securing 722877 votes. The upcoming election is set for 13th May 2024, with results on 4th June.

Lok Sabha elections: Unemployment, water crisis top issues in Kurnool; in Tirupati polarisation and corruption wary YSRCP

Kurnool Lok Sabha constituency in Andhra Pradesh will see a three-way contest in the upcoming 2024 general elections. With historical significance and facing issues like water scarcity and unemployment, the YSRCP and TDP are key players. Meanwhile, in Tirupati, the BJP and YSRCP are set to battle it out amidst cleanliness accolades.

LS elections: Unemployment, water crisis top election issues in Kurnool; in Tirupati polarisation and corruption wary ruling YSRCP

The News Mill

Ticket turmoil: Private bus fares surge amid poll travel rush in Telangana

HYDERABAD: As the State Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh are to be held simultaneously on Monday, a surge in passenger traffic from the city was witnessed on Saturday. While passengers travelling via AP and Telangana RTC buses continued to benefit from the regular fares, those opting for private operators faced steep hikes in ticket prices, from 75% to 100%. To accommodate the influx, TSRTC deployed an additional 400 to 450 special buses on Friday and Saturday along various routes, primarily to Vijayawada and Kurnool. The buses are allocated based on passenger traffic. We are plying them to several districts like Rajahmundry, Guntur, Ongole, Tirupati, Visakhapatnam. Typically the regular number of buses to AP stands at 280, a source within RTC told TNIE . With a daily ridership of approximately 55 lakh, including services like Super Luxury, Palle Velugu, Deluxe, Express among others, the pre-election period has seen a surge to four to five lakh passengers with majority of them traveling to AP. For voters travelling to remote areas of Telangana, around 1,500 special buses have been added over the four days from JBS, Uppla, LB Nagar, MG Bus and other terminals. Those travelling to the interiors of Telangana are likely to travel on Sunday evening or Monday morning. The passengers who belong to far-off districts like Wanaparthy, Mahbubnagar, Achampet and others will travel on Sunday evening and the ones from nearby places like Warangal on Monday morning, a source said. Despite booking tickets two weeks in advance, passengers opting for private buses to AP found themselves compelled to pay exorbitant fares. The ones who tried to book RTC buses earlier for cheaper fares were left dejected by full bookings. One such passenger was Arun Teja (32), who was going to his native in West Godavaris Moghalpur mandal. Waiting for the bus at Ameerpet bus stop, the mechanical engineer told TNIE, On a regular day, I book a bus to my hometown through RTC for Rs 800. Even the private bus ticket costs Rs 1,050. However, due to the rush, I am shelling out Rs 3,000. What can I do? I want to exercise my right to vote, Teja said. S Ravi Teja, a design engineer and his friends got lucky as they managed to find reservations in an APSRTC seater bus. Traveling to his native place in Rajahmundry from SR Nagar bus stop, he told TNIE, When I checked private bus fares two weeks ago, they had shot up to Rs 2,000 when they usually are Rs 700-800. Teja believed that people had started booking the buses as soon as the election dates were announced. When asked what the trio would have done if they would not have found the bookings in the RTC, he remarked, Either we would have dropped the idea or traveled by bike as private buses ticket prices were very high. A private bus tours and travels agency at Ameerpet claimed that the prices have increased sharply between 75% and 100% as a result of huge demand. Suppose, if the price from Hyderabad to Vijayawada is Rs 500 to Rs 700 for a sleeper bus, it has gone up to Rs 1,800. For Vijayawada, if it was Rs 800 to 900 earlier, it has escalated to Rs 2,500 to 3,000. MA Gaffar, a driver of a private bus agency, told TNIE that apart from the huge demand of commuters, another reason for fare escalation is the fear of returning empty-handed due to holiday.

Vijayawada LS Constituency: A Battleground for Siblings

Vijayawada LS Constituency: A Battleground for Siblings The Vijayawada Parliamentary constituency has emerged as the battleground between brothers K Srinivas of Andhra Pradesh's ruling YSRCP and K Sivanath, candidate of the main opposition TDP in the May 13 Lok Sabha polls. While Srinivas is a seasoned politician, a transport tycoon-turned-politician, his younger brother Sivanath, also a businessman, is trying his electoral luck for the first time. Srinivas (58), the older brother, was a key TDP leader until some months ago but differences with some party leaders at the local and state level compelled him to jump ship to the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRCP in January, according to his supporters. One of the main reasons attributed to the exit of Srinivas from TDP was the party's decision to replace him with Sivanath as the candidate for the Lok Sabha election. Popularly known as Kesineni Nani and the owner of the now defunct Kesineni travels company, Srinivas, a Parliamentarian for nearly a decade, had also resigned as an MP when he had quit the TDP. Vijayawada Lok Sabha constituency encompasses the Assembly constituencies of Tiruvuru (SC), Vijayawada West, Vijayawada Central, Vijayawada East, Mylavaram, Nandigama (SC) and Jaggayyapeta. In the 2019 election, Srinivas secured 5.75 lakh votes, trouncing his YSRCP rival P V Prasad, who secured 5.66 lakh votes while Janasenas M Prasad Babu got 81,650 votes. Srinivas's poll plank was the ''dedication of his life for the city of Vijayawada,'' located in the heart of the southern state and also a major commercial centre. As a two-time MP, Srinivas did manage to gain some goodwill, said a 70-year-old local resident, K Tata Rao, who regularly spends his evenings on Bandar Road to relax over a cup of tea with friends. Kesineni Nani (Srinivas) developed flyovers in the city. Kanakadurgamma flyover and a flyover near the Benz Circle. He did a good job, he will come next time as well, Rao told PTI. However, he termed Sivanath contesting against his own brother as a ''selfish move.'' The younger Kesineni brother is testing the political waters and lacks the experience possessed by his older brother. Beyond the sibling rivalry, Rao, a retired government employee, said he and other common people were more worried about the fate suffered by the southern state due to what he described as the ''apathy'' of the BJP-led Central Government. He alleged that right from 2014, when Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated, the Central Government did not do anything worthwhile to the residual state. What did the Congress government do at that time, it said they will give special category status (SCS) for 10 years and the BJP also supported it. BJP came to power and said SCS is a closed chapter. Ten years have passed by and what good did BJP do to Andhra Pradesh? he asked. Rao reminded that the PM had promised SCS ''at the feet of Sri Venkateswara Swamy in Tirupati'' in the run-up to 2014 polls and yet he broke his promise. Though the southern state is contributing thousands of crores of rupees worth GST, Rao said the Narendra Modi-led Centre is not ''returning its rightful share'' of tax revenues. In all issues concerning Andhra Pradesh including the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant privatisation issue, which is opposed by people, Rao claimed the BJP government has done ''immense injustice'' and continues to do it. In matters such as prices of cooking gas and fuel, the Centre has not rendered justice to the people, he said. K Naga Brahmayya (33), a worker from Ranigarithota area, who loads and unloads flour sacks from a wholesale shop for onward shipment to kirana (grocery) stores across the city, lamented that Andhra Pradesh lacks leaders who could fight and secure the SCS. Jagan talks many things here in the state but not in the presence of Modi. He cannot repeat all the things that he talks with people in the presence of Modi. Modi does not need YSRCPs 22 MPs, said Brahmayya. Commenting on the Polavaram Project, a multi-purpose major irrigation initiative, the daily wager said it is in a sorry state and added that successive governments failed to complete it. Simultaneous elections for the 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly constituencies in the southern state will be held on May 13 and the results will be declared on June 4.

Nadda confident of NDA victory in Andhra Pradesh

TIRUPATI: BJP national president JP Nadda on Saturday expressed confidence that NDA will win the elections in Andhra Pradesh, citing the overwhelming response from the people. Nadda made these remarks during a roadshow in Tirupati as part of the BJP campaign for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections scheduled on May 13. Addressing the gathering, Nadda highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modis dedication to the nations development. He envisioned Tirupati as a future IT hub under Modis leadership, promising significant strides in employment generation. Nara Lokesh, in his address, reminisced on the TDP governments initiatives in increasing employment and livelihood opportunities across the Rayalaseema region, including Tirupati. He criticised Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, labelling him as the cancer afflicting Rayalaseema, alleging that under his rule, no projects were completed. Lokesh blamed Jagans governance for driving existing companies away and dissuading new ones from investing in the State. He further accused the administration of rampant corruption and land scams in Tirupati, insinuating the involvement of Bhuma family. Lokesh urged the public to ensure a decisive victory for the coalitions candidates Arani Srinivsulu (Assembly) and V Varaprasad (Lok Sabha), emphasising the need for substantial support. Jana Sena Party general secretary Nagababu and others were present. Further, Nadda participated in a roadshow in Adoni of Kurnool district and sounded a warning against entrusting the States future to Jagan again. The rally, organised as part of the Praja Sangrama outreach programme, saw Nadda rallying support for Parthasarathi, Adoni Assembly candidate, and B Nagaraju, Kurnool Lok Sabha nominee. Nadda lauded Modi for his efforts towards the nations development under the banner of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. He promised the continuance of the Central governments assistance to farmers, ensuring a yearly investment aid of `6,000 per farmer and promising fair prices for agricultural produce in the coming years. Highlighting the discrepancy between Central achievements and Andhra Pradeshs progress, Nadda criticised the YSRC government for its failure to complete the construction of 21 lakh sanctioned houses for the underprivileged. He took a dig at the Chief Minister for his claims of welfare schemes, accusing him of merely pushing the uttutti (transfer) button without substantive action. Nadda also addressed energy issues, pledging increased solar power generation, free electricity for the underprivileged, and reduced gas prices to ensure affordability. He emphasised the empowerment of womens self-help groups, vowing to elevate them to millionaires. Turning his focus to healthcare, Nadda cited the Ayushman Bharat schemes success, with five crore beneficiaries receiving free medical treatment up to `5 lakh per year at corporate hospitals. He contrasted these achievements with the States mounting debt burden under Jagans governance, amounting to `2.5 lakh per person. Accusing the YSRC government in AP of promoting mafia activities, Nadda urged voters to reject corruption by electing NDA candidates. He painted the opposition alliance as a consortium of corrupt individuals and families, urging voters to support the TDP, BJP and JSP for the States growth

Eight South Coastal LS seats to play key role in Andhra Pradesh poll outcome

VIJAYAWADA: Irrigation water and remunerative prices for the crops have been a constant worry for the farmers of the upland areas of Jaggaiahpet in Vijayawada Parliamentary constituency (NTR district) to Sullurpeta in Tirupati Lok Sabha segment (Tirupati district). Development and employment opportunities are what the youth of the Krishna Delta and Southern coastal districts of the State seek. Steep rise in the prices of essential commodities and increasing crimes against them are what concern the women. All these issues will be in the minds of the electorate of these eight Lok Sabha constituencies -- Vijayawada, Machilipatnam, Guntur, Narasaraopet, Bapatla, Ongole, Nellore and Tirupati -- consisting of 56 Assembly segments when the State goes to polls on Monday. Caste equations will have a definite impact on the poll outcome and for that very reason, the political parties and candidates have been trying to woo the people of these communities in different ways. Backward Classes constitute a majority of population in these eight Lok Sabha seats, followed by SCs, OCs and minorities, while STs are less in these 56 Assembly segments. BC vote will be the determinant factor in the poll outcome. Though the Krishna River flows through Vijayawada and Machilpatnam Parliamentary constituencies, farmers of the region are unable to get any advantage. Tail-end mandals along the Krishna and its canals are facing drinking water scarcity. Upland farmers of Jaggaiahpet and other parts of NTR district are unable to get water for irrigation, following the dispute over Krishna water sharing between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. There is water in Nagarjuna Sagar and we are entitled to get water through the NSP Left Canal. However, the disparity in the placement of indents in time for water and the release of water has been creating problems for us. On the Telangana side of the border in our Jaggaiahpet region, you can observe lush green crops, but on the Andhra side, you will find parched land, pointed out Nageswara Rao, a farmer of Jaggaiahpet. If irrigation water is a concern for the farmers, lack of employment opportunities is the worry of the youth. Vinay, an 18-year-old from Kethanakonda in Ibrahimpatnam mandal of NTR district, getting ready to cast his vote for the first time told TNIE that he is looking for better education and employment opportunities. Infrastructure development is the desire of not just the people of Vijayawada, but also of Machilipatnam, where a sea port is under construction. Once the infrastructure project takes shape, it creates a lot of direct and indirect employment. Most importantly, the capital city Amaravati issue will play a significant role in determining the outcome of Vijayawada Lok Sabha segment. In 2019, the Lok Sabha seat was bagged by the TDP, but six of the seven Assembly segments went to the YSRC. Now, sitting MP of Vijayawada, Kesineni Srinivas (Nani) shifted his loyalties to the YSRC, and Mylavaram sitting MLA Vasantha Krishna Prasad jumped the ship to the TDP and entered the poll fray. When the situation in Guntur Lok Sabha constituency and its seven Assembly segments is analysed, TDP MP candidate Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar like his predecessor Galla Jayadev is a businessman. He has targeted urban and rural sections with a promise of change. On the other hand, YSRC candidate Kilari Rosaiah has laid emphasis on rural segments banking on CM YS Jagans welfare schemes. Due to the capital issue, the anti-incumbency factor is pronounced in Mangalagiri and Tadikonda segments and the TDP is likely to have an advantage. Though TDP candidate Tenali Sravan Kumar is not as strong as YSRC nominee M Sucharita, the capital issue may affect the winning chances of the ruling party. While TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh is a strong contestant in Mangalagiri, BCs, particularly the weaver community may have the final say in the election outcome. A close contest is expected between Lokesh and Murugudu Lavanya of YSRC, who belongs to the weavers community. In Tenali, Nadendla Manohar and Sivakumar both being Kammas, BCs being with the YSRC and lack of coordination between the JSP and the TDP may have an impact on Manohars chances. The winning chances of Sheikh Noori Fathima of YSRC seem to be high in Guntur East. However, Pemmasani is paying special attention, and trying to sway YSRC local leaders to join the TDP to bag the seat. In Guntur West, Kammas and BCs are high in number and determine the poll outcome. In Narasaraopet Lok Sabha constituency, the Yadava community with a population of over 1.20 lakh is going to play a significant role. The community that has been with the TDP all these years, is likely to support YSRCs Anil Kumar Yadav. Meanwhile, sitting MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, who is in the fray on TDP ticket, has also earned good fame in the past five years in the constituency. However, his coordination with the MLA candidates may be a problem. In Pedakurapadu, Narasaraopet, Gurazala, Vinukonda and Macherla Assembly segments, a close contest is expected with the YSRC having slight edge. Replacement of some of the sitting MLAs is likely to impact the chances of YSRC. Not even a single leader, irrespective of parties, managed to resolve the drinking water problem. But Kasu Mahesh Reddy, within 18 months after becoming an MLA, got the water scheme executed, K Raghavulu of Piduguralla expressed. Bapatla Lok Sabha constituency is witnessing a strong anti-incumbency due to the lack of any major development programmes in the last five years. Sitting YSRC MP Nandigam Suresh is facing strong opposition and he is contesting against a newcomer T Krishna Prasad of TDP, who has a clean image. Ongole Parliamentary constituency has around 80.5% of the population living in rural areas and the remaining 19.5% in the nine urban localities. As regards the community-wise population, SCs constitute of around 25%, STs 5% and BCs 45%. The outcome depends on vote bank of BCs and SCs. Of the total seven Assembly segments, two are reserved for SCs. The YSRC has fielded BC (Yadava), a Vysya and three Reddy candidates, while the NDA has allotted tickets to two Kamma and three Reddy candidates. Employees, and social welfare scheme beneficiaries are likely to play a key role in determining the fortunes of contenders. Though the YSRC had swept the last general elections in Nellore, winning all the 10 Assembly and two Lok Sabha (Nellore and Tirupati) seats, the situation seems to be different now. Anti-incumbency against the ruling YSRC legislators and internal bickerings seem to be a worrying factor that will affect its winning chances. Somasila issue may sway mandate in Nellore In Nellore, the majority of leaders are from the Reddy and Kapu (Balija locally) communities. The Somasila High-Level Canal project, which aimed to supply irrigation water from the Somasila reservoir, is still pending, and there has been no major progress in the execution of works in the recent past. The High-Level Canal caters to the needs of irrigation and drinking water for more than three upland mandals of Atmakur and Udayagiri segments. Both the TDP and YSRC have neglected the completion of the crucial canal project, rued KN Swamy, a farmer from Marripadu (With inputs from Bandhavi Annam from Guntur, IVNP Prasad Babu from Ongole and D Surendra Kumar from Nellore)