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.

SCR Records Heaviest Footfall in Four Days

Hyderabad: A record 4.3 lakh unreserved passengers travelled from the city to different destinations from Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Kacheguda and Lingampally railway stations from May 9 to 12. According to officials from South Central Railway (SCR), a daily average of 1.05 lakh passengers travelled in general coaches, which is 52 per cent higher than the daily average of 68,800 unreserved passengers. In order to cater to the rush because of summer vacations, Lok Sabha elections and the weekend rush, SCR introduced more than 60 additional special trains between the two Telugu states from May 9 to 15. The special trains from the twin cities to Kakinada, Visakhapatnam, Narsapur, Vijayawada, Nagersol and Machilipatnam, recorded more than 100 per cent occupancy. Special trains were also run to Khurda Road, Berhampur, Sambalpur and Cuttack (All Odisha), Bengaluru, Danapur, Gorakhpur, Agartala, Udaipur, Santragachi, Kollam, Jaipur and Rajkot. Around 41 additional coaches, including AC III tier, sleeper class and general second class coaches were added to the 40 regular trains to accommodate the additional rush of waitlisted passengers, said SCR officials.

TD leader takes away supporter from police custody

KAKINADA: Controversy has erupted after Telugu Desam leader and former MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar on Monday forcibly took away from Pedavegi police station TD worker Talluri Rajasekhar, who is an accused in a murder case. Though the police tried to stop him, Chintamaneni Prabhakar did not pay heed. The circle inspector and a sub-inspector had been present at the police station at the time. Nuzvid DSP G. Lakshmaiah told media later that Rajasekhar is accused of murdering a person in Koppulavarigudem village. Police took him to the police station on Thursday morning and informed him that he is being arrested for murder. The accused then passed on the information to TD leader Chintamaneni Prabhakar. Prabhakar, along with TD workers, came to the police station and took away the accused. He pushed away police personnel who tried to obstruct him. Following this, YSRC workers staged a dharna in front of Pedavegi police station. They gave up their agitation after DSP Lakshmaiah promised to arrest the accused within 24 hours.

39,886 appear for AP EAPCET entrance

Kakinada : As many as 39,886 of the total 44,107 candidates appeared for AP EAPCET-2024 test on Thursday, the first day, registering an attendance of 90.61 per cent. Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK) is conducting the test in the state. JNTUK vice chancellor and AP EAPCET-2014 chairman G.V.R. Prasada Raju said the examination is being held for the agriculture and pharmacy candidates on Thursday and Friday. For engineering stream, the examination will be from May 18 to May 23. AP EAPCET convener K. Venkata Reddy said in case students have any doubts, they may phone 0884-2359599, 0884-2342499 or visit helpdeskapeapcet@apsche.org . Visakhapatnam registered the highest attendance of 4,552 candidates, followed by 3,419 students in Kurnool.

Over 3.61 lakh students to appear for AP EAPCET today

VIJAYAWADA: JNTU Kakinada, representing the Andhra Pradesh State Council for Higher Education (APSCHE), has finalised all arrangements for the Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture & Pharmacy Common Entrance Test (AP EAPCET), slated to begin on May 16. More than 3.61 lakh students, including 2,73,008 students from the MPC stream and 87,421 students from the Bi.PC stream, are expected to appear for the online examination. AP State Council for Higher Education (APSCHE) chairman Prof K Hemachandra Reddy addressed the media, revealing that the online examination for the Bi.PC stream will span five sessions from May 16 to 17. Similarly, the exam for the MPC stream will be conducted over nine sessions from May 19 to 23. He also noted that due to political clashes, the Nandyal centres have been relocated. Candidates are advised to download the revised hall tickets, which include the updated venue and route map. To ensure punctuality, the council will strictly enforce a one-minute late rule, urging candidates to arrive at the test centres at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. JNTU Kakinada vice-chancellor Prof GVR Prasada Raju mentioned that the examination will be held across 142 test centres, including two in Hyderabad. Each day will comprise two examination sessions. The first session will be from 9.00 am to 12.00 noon and the second session will be from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm. Officials from APSCHE, including vice-chairman Prof K Rama Mohana Rao, vice-chairperson Prof P Uma Maheswari Devi, secretary Prof Y Nazeer Ahammed, special officer for CETs M Sudhir Reddy, assistant special officer for CETs G Madhavi, and academic officer Prof S Chandra Mohan Reddy were present.

Voter turnout likely to touch 81% in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: The voter turnout in Andhra Pradesh is expected to touch 81% with polling continuing till 2 am on Tuesday. Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena in an informal interaction with mediapersons said voting percentage was estimated to be 78.25% as of midnight. He added that the number will go up marginally, as voters in around 20 polling stations cast their votes till early morning on Tuesday. Cliffhanger in Andhra Pradesh as voter turnout may touch 80% As votes cast through postal ballots accounted for 1.2% of voters, total voting percentage stood at 79.4%. In 2019, 79.8% voting was recorded. Scores of women and elderly people thronged the polling booths after 4 pm on Monday to cast their vote. This is said to be one of the reasons for the prolonged polling in some places. Voting was affected at 20 polling stations due to EVM-related issues. As per data obtained from district election officers, the highest voter turnout was reported in Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district and the lowest in Alluri Sitarama Raju district. The figures might change as data was still being collated at the time the report was filed. Voter turnout stood at 80.30% in Kakinada district, with Pithapuram recording the highest polling of 86.63%. East Godavari district reported 80.93% voter turnout with Rajanagaram recording 87.53%, followed by 86.23% in Anaparthi. Except for Rajahmundry Urban and Rural segments, all other Assembly constituencies reported polling above 80%. Nandyal district in Rayalaseema region reported 81.12% voting with Nandyal Assembly segment recording 75% turnout. Allagadda recorded the highest polling of 83.12%. Chittoor district logged 82.65% polling with Kuppam reporting the highest voting at 85.87%. All the Assembly segments in the district reported above 80% polling. Sri Sathya Sai district reported 82.77% voting with Dharmavaram Assembly segment recording highest turnout of 88.61%. Bapatla district reported 82.33% voter turnout, while Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema reported 83.19%. The highest voter turnout of 87.50% was reported in Mandapeta Assembly segment. Except for Razole, all other segments reported polling above 80%. Eluru district reported 83.04% with voter turnout of 87.75% at Ungutur. NTR district reported 78.70% with Jaggayyapet and Nandigama reporting the highest voter turnout of 86.50%. Krishna district reported 82.20%.

Five Die in Freak Accident in Konaseema District

Kakinada: Five persons died on Tuesday night when a RTC bus hit them while they were transporting paddy bags into a tractor near Udimudi village here. According to P.Gannavaram police, the accident occurred when eight workers, including a farmer, were transporting the paddy bags into a tractor. While tightening a rope to protect the paddy bags, they accidentally fell on the road. The workers came under the wheels of a RTC bus which was going on the route at the same time. Three farm workers, a farmer and a paddy trade merchant died on the spot and three other farm workers suffered injuries. Of the three, the condition of two workers is said to be critical. Police said the deceased were from Adimulam Varipalem village and G.Pedapudi villages in P. Gannavaram mandal. P. Gannavaram police are investigating after registering a case.

Police place picket as post-poll clashes erupt in Atreyapuram

Kakinada: Clashes that erupted on Monday during polling in Atreyapuram village of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district continued on Tuesday. Two YSRC and Telugu Desam activists, apart from Atreyapuram sub-inspector, suffered injuries in the clashes. Police have set up a picket to check further clashes in the village. After polling started on Monday at booth no. 26, TD and YSRC workers clashed, leading to TD activist M. Venkatraju alias Gabbar Singh getting injured. A person Mudunuri Vinaya Raju had been responsible for the attack. On Tuesday, Vinaya Rajus brother Mudunuri Gopi Raju alias Mill Gopi challenged TD workers through a social media post to assemble under a particular tree in the village if they had the courage. TD workers had already reached the tree when Mill Gopi arrived there. Soon after TD workers started attacking Gopi, YSRC workers who accompanied him joined in. Atreyapuram SI S. Srinivas, who got to know about the fisticuffs, rushed to the spot and tried to disperse them. A youth named Teja of Ravulapalem attacked the SI and injured the latter between his head and ear. The SI has been admitted to a hospital and is undergoing treatment. Kothapeta DSP K. Venkata Ramana told media that the clashes on polling day have led to the post poll violence in Atreyapuram village. They have posted a police picket in the village. Atreyapuram police have registered cases against both the groups.

Assembly polls: Andhra Pradesh records 78.46 percent voter turnout

Picture for representational purpose. Picture for representational purpose. Amaravati: The elections for Andhra Pradesh Assembly were successfully held on Monday with few reported incidents of violence in some parts of the state. According to the Election Commision of India (ECI), a voter turnout of 78.46 percent was registered in the State. Out of the 175 Assembly constituencies, the Dharmavaram constituency in Sri Sathya Sai district has recorded the highest voter turnout with 88. 61 percent, followed by Ungutur constituency in Eluru district with 87.75 percent. Noted constituencies, from where party chiefs YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSRCP), N Chandrababu Naidu (TDP) and K Pawan Kalyan (JSP) contested also recorded over 80 percent voter turnout. Pulivendla in YSR Kadapa, Kuppam in Chittoor and Pithapuram in Kakinada have recorded 81.06, 85.87 and 81.45 percent voter turnouts respectively. With 55.45 percent, the Paderu constituency in Alluri Sitharama Raju district recorded the lowest voter turnout in the State. Andhra Pradesh simultaneously went into polls for the Lok Sabha and State Assembly on Monday. 78.25 percent voters polled their votes in the Lok Sabha elections.

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.

Larger Numbers of Voters Come to Godavari Districts to Cast Vote

Kakinada: In a heightened frenzy, larger numbers of voters from cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune arrived in East Godavari region to cast their votes this time. Even the Sankranthi festival did not see the arrival of as many natives from distant places. The voters traveled by cars, trains, buses and other modes of transport to be present at their polling booths on Monday. However, return tickets are not easily available. Trains and RTC buses are packed with passengers and no reservations are available in the coming days, it is learnt. Private bus operators have hiked the charges abnormally. AC sleeper coach buses from Rajamahendravaram and Kakinada to Hyderabad quoted a rate of `2500 to `4,000 per passenger, while it was `4,000 to `5,000 to Bengaluru and other places. The voters said they came to Kakinada, Rajamahendravaram etc on Saturday with great difficulty, but now there is no way to get a booking for their return journey in the immediate future. The Railways ran special trains to cater to the sudden rush of passengers. In these too, it was difficult to get reservations as the waiting list stretched 200 plus. Though the railways laid special bogies to all trains, this helped only to a limited extent. Some of the passengers caught Vijayawada buses and then headed for Secunderabad from there. In Vijayawada also, tickets are not available, said software engineer Aravind. He said the governments should apply curbs on the fares of private buses. Previously, the government used to fix the auto charges in twin cities - Secunderabad and Hyderabad. On the same lines, the government should fix fares for the private luxury buses on long-distance journeys, he proposed. He said that in off-season times, the private bus operators quoted rates lower than that of RTC, but hiked the fares abnormally during special seasons. R. Sunitha of Visakhapatnam said that in such situations, the RTC should run more special buses to meet the rush.

Yara Secures Long-Term Ammonia Supply from AM Green's Kakinada Facility

Yara Secures Long-Term Ammonia Supply from AM Green's Kakinada Facility Oslo-based Yara Clean Ammonia, the world's largest trader and distributor of ammonia, has signed a long-term deal to source ammonia from the Kakinada facility of Greenko ZeroC, the green ammonia production arm of the India-based AM Green, the firms said on Monday. The two firms signed ''a term sheet for supply of renewable ammonia from Phase 1 of AM Green's ammonia production facility in Kakinada, India'', they said in a statement. ''This term sheet and the subsequent offtake agreement covers the long-term supply of up to 50 per cent of renewable ammonia from Phase 1 of AM Green's ammonia production facility in Kakinada. The plant will produce, and export renewable ammonia derived from round-the-clock carbon free energy by 2027,'' it said. Renewable ammonia and other sustainable fuels from AM Green's platform, will be compliant with EU RFNBO and Renewable Energy Directive requirements. For Yara Clean Ammonia, the renewable ammonia supply will contribute to produce low-emission fertilizer and for decarbonising other industries like shipping, power, and other industries. AM Green President Mahesh Kolli said, ''We are delighted to partner with Yara Clean Ammonia to propel the transformation of various industries and several OECD economies. Continuous focus on innovation combined with execution reinforces AM Green's leadership position as a global clean energy transition solutions platform for low-cost green molecules such as hydrogen, ammonia, fuels, and other chemicals.'' Yara Clean Ammonia CEO Hans Olav Raen said, ''The AM Green Kakinada project expands our portfolio of ammonia produced with renewable energy and consolidates Yara Clean Ammonia's position as a reliable supplier of low-emission ammonia to established and emerging markets like fertilizer production, cracking of clean ammonia to hydrogen, shipping fuel, power generation, and other industrial applications.'' Yara Clean Ammonia -- headquartered in Oslo, Norway -- operates the largest global ammonia network with 15 ships and has, through Yara, access to 18 ammonia terminals and multiple ammonia production and consumption sites across the world. Revenues and EBITDA for FY23 were USD 1.9 billion and USD 101 million, respectively. AM Green, incorporated by the founders of Hyderabad-based Greenko Group -- Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli -- is one of India's leading energy transition solutions providers. It is developing one of the world's largest green ammonia platforms starting with 1 million tonne of production capacity at Kakinada in two phases and ramping capacity to 5 million ton per annum of green ammonia by 2030 -- equivalent of 1 million ton per annum of hydrogen.

AP Elections: NRI flies down to hometown to cast vote

Hyderabad: The Election Commission has announced the polling day as a holiday so that people can go and vote. With so much awareness being raised by the EC and also by the Government to vote, still people do not vote but this young man stands out as an example for those who don't vote. B Prasanna Kumar, an NRI working in Texas, United States has come all the way to Pithapuram in Andhra Pradesh to vote. Prasanna Kumar has spent Rs 1.6 lakh for his journey from United States to Andhra Pradesh to cast his vote. This young man tells us that Voting is our responsibility even though we have cross countries. Pithapuram, a town in Kakinada district, is witnessing an epic battle between Jana Sena Chief Pawan Kalyan and Vanga Geetha Viswanath from YSRCP. Days ago, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Moha Reddy announced that if Vanga Geetha wins from Pithapuram, she would be made the Deputy CM if the party comes to power. Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena is in alliance with Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and YSRCP will go to polls alone. Polls are underway in Andhra Pradesh for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 assembly seats.

AM Green to supply 500,000 tonnes of green ammonia to Norway's Yara Clean Ammonia

Greenko and Yara signed a long-term deal for renewable ammonia supply from AM Green's Kakinada facility. Greenko to supply 500,000 tons of green ammonia from 2026. AM Green aims for 5 million tons capacity by 2030, collaborating with various partners worldwide.

Andhra Pradesh: Women reject sarees, demand promised cash

KAKINADA: Though the attempt of political parties to lure the electorate with cash and kind has reportedly gone rampant across the State, Kothapet Assembly constituency in Konaseema district and Pithapuram segment in Kakinada district have witnessed series of protests from the voters when the YSRC activists allegedly fail to give the promised money to the voters. In Kothapet, though the party reportedly distributed sarees to the women to win their support, the people allegedly threw the gifts at the residence of local leaders, demanding Rs 3,000 cash as well. Same was the case in Kondevaram village of Pithapuram constituency, where women staged a protest at Uppada reportedly demanding the party to give Rs 3,000. They lamented that the YSRC had allegedly distributed Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000 to each voter in Pithapuram constituency, except for them.

Polling officials intervention solves drinking water issue in Kakinada village

KAKINADA: Villagers of Nagulapalli in Kakinada district have decided to drop the idea of boycotting to cast their votes on May 13 after the election officials assured them of supplying drinking water until the polling ends. Earlier, the villagers decided to boycott the polling, citing the lack of drinking water supply to their village, as a form of protest, on Sunday. Despite several appeals to the officials concerned, the conditions in Nagulapalli village did not see any improvement. On Sunday, Nagulapalli vice-sarpanch G Chiranjeevi, along with the villagers, announced that they would not take part in the voting process. According to Chiranjeevi, the village named Upparagudem has 800 houses. The drinking water supply has been stopped completely for the last three months. The villagers are forced to go to far off places in autos to fetch water. The unreliable motors of the over-head tank added to their water woes. The situation changed when the election officials assured the villagers of water supply.

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

Andhra Pradesh: Seats that matter

Lok Sabha constituencies Visakhapatnam Three highly educated candidates, Botcha Jhansi Lakshmi of YSRC, Mathukumilli Sribharat of TDP-BJP-JSP alliance, and Pulusu Satyanarayana Reddy of Congress are in the poll fray. Despite the presence of other candidates in the election fray from the key Lok Sabha segment, the main contest is expected to be between Jhansi and Sribharat Rajamahendravaram State BJP chief Daggubati Purandeswari is contesting against YSRCs Guduri Srinivas from the parliamentary segment. She is likely to face a tough fight from Dr Srinivas and Congress nominee Gidugu Rudraraju. Local and non-local issue has come to the fore between the YSRC and NDA candidates as the former is a local, while the latter is a non-local Kadapa APCC chief YS Sharmila, who is also sister of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, is making her electoral debut from the LS seat. The seat is set to witness a triangular contest among Sharimla, sitting YSRC MP YS Avinash Reddy and Chadipiralla Bhupesh Subbarami Reddy of the TDP-JSP-BJP combine. Jagans home segment Pulivendula comes under the purview of the constituency Nellore YSRCs Venumbaka Vijayasai Reddy and TDPs Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy are locked in a tough fight in the Lok Sabha segment. Both the senior leaders are contesting the direct election for the first time. Vemireddy is a former Rajya Sabha member, while Vijayasai Reddy is a sitting Rajya Sabha MP Srikakulam The YSRC has fielded Perada Tilak from the LS constituency against two-time TDP MP Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu. The constituency is set to witness an intense electoral battle as both the candidates belong to socially dominant groups Vijayawada It is a sibling rivalry in the politically conscious LS segment. Two-time MP Kesineni Srinivas of YSRC has crossed swords with his younger brother Kesineni Sivanath of TDP. Srinivas had shifted his loyalties to YSRC after being denied a TDP ticket Bapatla T Krishna Prasad, a former IPS officer, is contesting from the SC reserved LS constituency as a tripartite alliance candidate against sitting YSRC MP Nandigam Suresh. The segment is set to witness a fierce fight between the as both candidates Kakinada Tangella Uday Srinivas, known as Tea Time Uday of JSP, and Chalamalasetty Sunil of YSRC are in the fray from the LS segment. The JSP has got the seat as part of the alliance with the BJP and TDP. Sunil is contesting for the fourth time Guntur Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani of TDP is facing off against YSRCs Kilari Venkata Rosaiah, who is sitting Ponnur MLA, in the Lok Sabha constituency that falls in the capital region. Pemmasani has emerged as the wealthiest Lok Sabha candidate with a net worth of Rs 5,785 crore Kurnool Basthipati Nagaraju of TDP and BY Ramaiah of YSRC are locked in a tough fight in the constituency. In 2019, S Sanjeev Kumar of YSRC won the seat against Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy of the TDP. The ruling party has fielded former Kurnool Mayor Ramaiah from the constituency replacing the sitting MP Rajampet Heirs of two prominent political families in Chittoor district are contesting from the Lok Sabha seat. Sitting YSRC MP Peddireddy Midhun Reddy and former Chief Minister of the erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who is an NDA candidate, are involved in a keen tussle Narasapuram The parliamentary constituency is set to witness a three-cornered contest among Guduri Umabala of YSRC, Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma (BJP) and Korlapati Brahmananda Rao Naidu of Congress. Umabala, an advocate, is making her electoral debut, while Srinivasa Varma unsuccessfully contested in the last election Narasaraopet Sitting MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu of TDP is contesting against Poluboina Anil Kumar Yadav of YSRC. Devarayalu quit the YSRC after being denied ticket by the party to contest from the same segment. Anil Kumar is a sitting MLA of Nellore City, has been fielded from the LS seat as part of YSRCs commitment to social justice Assembly segments Pulivendula YS family has consecutively won the seat for 13 elections, including three by-polls. YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has represented the seat for the last two terms and is now vying for a hat-trick win. Hes contesting against TDPs Mareddy Ravindranath Reddy (BTech Ravi), who defeated YSRs brother YS Vivekananda Reddy in the 2017 MLC elections Kuppam TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu is pitted against YSRCs KRJ Bharat, who is contesting for the first time in an electoral battle. Naidu, who won from this seat for eight consecutive times, is now facing stiff competition as the YSRC is making all out efforts to win the seat. Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy is overlooking the YSRC campaign Dhone This constituency in Nandyal district sees two prominent politicians of YSRC sitting MLA Buggana Rajendranath Reddy and TDP leader and former Union minister Jayasurya Prakash Reddy in the fray. Buggana Rajendranath vying for the seat for the third consecutive time and Jayasurya Prakash bringing decades of experience to the table, spiking political heat in the constituency Tekkali The segment has been a TDP bastion since its inception with the party winning the seat eight times so far. Sitting MLA and TDP state unit president Kinjarapu Atchannaidu faces off YSRCs Duvvada Srinivas. Atchannaidu is vying for the seat for third time, while Duvvada tasted defeat in 2014 and 2019 Pithapuram The segment has emerged as a high-profile battleground as JSP chief Pawan Kalyan is contesting against YSRCs Kakinada MP Vanga Geetha. Pawan, who lost previous elections, aims for assembly entry banking on his cult following Mangalagiri TDP national general secretary Nara Lokesh is facing YSRCs Murugudu Lavanya, a political novice. Lokesh, after the defeat in 2019, is contesting from the same segment to prove himself as a strong leader in State politics Tenali YSRC sitting MLA Annabathuna Siva Kumar is contesting against JSP Political Affairs Committee (PAC) chairperson Nadendla Manohar, who is a two-time MLA from the segment and former speaker of AP Legislative assembly Gudivada YSRC sitting MLA Kodali Venkateswara Rao (Kodali Nani) is facing TDP Venigadla Ramu. Nani is a four-time MLA with a strong fold, while TDP has a great impact as TDP founder and former CM NTR had won from the segment two times Gajuwaka Intense battle is on the cards in the segment between YSRC candidate and IT Minister Gudivada Amarnath and TDPs Palla Srinivas Rao. In 2019, JSP chief Pawan Kalyan unsuccessfully contested from the segment. In 2019, Tippala Nagi Reddy secured the seat on behalf of YSRC Gannavaram The Assembly segment is set for a heated electoral contest between two-time YSRC MLA Vallabhaneni Vamsi Mohan, seeking a third consecutive term and businessman-turned-politician Yarlagadda Venkata Rao, vying the seat behalf of TDP for his first win after one previous attempt in the 2019 elections Bheemili YSRC sitting MLA Muthamsetti Srinivas, popularly known as Avanthi Srinivas, is facing TDPs Ganta Srinivasa Rao. For the fourth time Avanthi Srinivas is contesting from the constituency. Ganta Srinivasa Rao is a former MLA of TDP from Visakhapatnam North Assembly and worked as Human Resources Minister during the TDP regime Cheepurupalli Education Minister and sitting MLA Botcha Satyanarayana is contesting against former MLA and TDP leader Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao, who won Unukuru Assembly seat four times. Satyanarayana vying for the seat for the fourth time from the segment. Both of the contestants holds a strong political grip in the region Visakhapatnam South YSRC sitting MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar is contesting from the segment while JSP fielded MLC Vamsi Krishna Yadav as the candidate for the segment. Ganesh is eying for a hat-trick win from the segment, He previously secured victories in the 2014 and 2019 elections under the Telugu Desam Party banner

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.

Three Women Drowned

Kakinada : Three women, Palluri Satya Ananata Lakshmi, 40, Koppireddy Yesamma, 60, and Karri Sunitha, 16, of Baduguvani Lanka village from Baduguvani lanka of Alamuru mandal in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, were drowned in the mire of the Godavari canal on Saturday near Vadapalli lanka village while crossing it to reach Vadapalli village.

47.88 lakh voters to decide fate of 299 candidates

Kakinada: As many as 47,88,681 voters will decide the fate of 43 candidates for Lok Sabha and 256 candidates for the state assembly on Monday. Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan is in the fray in Pithapuram assembly constituency and the BJP state president D Purandeswari for the Rajamahendravaram LS seat. Former deputy chief minister Nimmakayala China Rajappa, former minister Thota Venkata Narasimham, former agriculture minister Kurasala Kannababu, two ministers- Taneti Vanitha (home minister), Pinepe Viswaroop and Ch Srinivasa Venu Gopalakrishna are the senior leaders contesting the elections. Pawan Kalyan is facing YSRC candidate Vanga Geetha, a senior politician with three and a half decades of public life behind her. State BJP chief and former Union minister Purandeswari, daughter of TD founder NT Rama Rao, is facing a first-time candidate and prominent doctor, Guduri Srinivas in Rajamahendravaram LS constituency. TD candidate China Rajappa is facing first-timer and YSRC candidate Dovuluri Dorababu. BC welfare minister Chelluboyina Srinivasa Venu Gopalakrishna is competing with six-time MLA Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary, the TD candidate in Rajamahendravaram Rural constituency. Transport minister Pinepe Viswaroop is contesting against former MLA and TD candidate Ayithabathula Ananda Rao. Thota Venkata Narasimham is contesting against former MLA Jyothula Venkata Appa Rao from Jaggampeta. Sitting Kakinada Rural MLA Kannababu is facing the Patnham Venkateswara Rao (Nanaji) of Jana Sena. Meanwhile, Chalamalasetty Sunil who was defeated in Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency is contesting from the same constituency on behalf of YSRC against Jana Sena candidate Tangella Uday Srinivas (Team Time Uday). These two candidates are businessmen. Thirteen sitting MLAs -- Dwarampudi Chandrasekhara Reddy, Kannababu, Viswaroop, Venu Gopalakrishna, Jakkampudi Raja, Sathi Suryanarayana Reddy, China Rajppa, G Srinivasa Nayudu, T Vanitha, P Venkata Satish, T Venkata Rao, Ch Jaggireddy of YSRC, V Jogeswara Rao, China Rajappa of TD are again in the poll fray. Two MPs -- Vanga Geetha (Kakinada) and M Bharat Ram (Rajamahendravaram) -- are contesting from Pithapuram and Rajamahendravaram assembly segments respectively. A total of 91 candidates are contesting from seven assembly segments under Amalapuram Lok Sabha, 94 candidates for seven assembly segments under Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency and 71 candidates under Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha constituency this time. Polling staff have reached their respective polling stations on Sunday evening. By Sunday afternoon, a poll team reached Hope Island, located 14 nautical miles from Kakinada City in the Bay of Bengal, where there are more than 300 voters. However, in many polling booths, there are no basic amenities like fans, despite the big talk by the EC.

Voters Throng Vanga Geethas Home Saying They Didnt Get Money

Kakinada: Ahead of the D-Day for voting on Monday, Pithapuram assembly YSRC candidate Vanga Geetha faced a piquant situation. Many voters have been arriving at her residence in Pithapuram on Sunday night and Sunday complaining that they have not received any money. Incidentally, Geetha is contesting against Jana Sena chief and film star Pawan Kalyan, At one stage, angry voters mobbed the YSRC candidates house, charging that YSRC leaders who should have given them the money have pocketed the same. Police present at Geethas house, however, dispersed them. YSRC leaders too persuaded the voters to leave, saying they are not distributing any money to voters. Voters, however, did not believe them. There are rumours in Pithapuram that YSRC is giving between 3,000 and 5,000 per vote, while Jana Sena is offering 1,500 for a vote. In Kothapeta assembly constituency of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, women of villages like Madiki, Pinapalla and Ryali dumped saris they had got four days ago on roads, threatening to light them up. They protested that cash that should have reached them in a day or two after the distribution of sarees had not arrived. Bystanders dissuaded the women from burning the sarees. However, the women left the place leaving the sarees behind. They made it clear to YSRC leaders that they are not so poor to fall for just sarees. They want hard cash. In many constituencies, voters are complaining to leaders of the ruling party in particular that cash meant for them has been swindled by the middlemen. Sources said cash distribution is in full swing in all the constituencies of East Godavari district. YSRC candidates are distributing 2,000 per vote and Telugu Desam 1,500. In some places, volunteers have been assigned the task of distributing money. Voters, who have not received the money, are exerting pressure on the respective volunteers. They are also complaining to party leaders of the area about not receiving the money. It is learnt that though the volunteers have resigned, ruling party candidates are taking their help in paying the amounts to voters and securing their votes.

Think about anarchy rule of Jagan before voting: Pawan Kalyan

VIJAYAWADA: Jana Sena party chief Pawan Kalyan addressing an election rally in Kakinada on the last day of campaigning said he came into politics to bring about a change. Your vote on May 13 will determine the future of the State. Before you vote, think about the disastrous and anarchy rule of Jagan, he told the public gathering. The actor-politician, who had his sister-in-law Surekha and nephew Ramcharan Tej campaigning for him in Pithapuram on Saturday, accused YSRC of destroying mangroves of Kakinada, which stood as a safety barrier from the sea and cyclones for long. Under Jagan Mohan Reddy government, ganja smuggling is at its peak and unrestrained mining of sand and other minerals is the hallmark of this government in the State. What the State needs today is a stable government. Voting for Jagan means a voting for Goonda Raj, Pawan lambasted. In his signature fiery speech, he called upon people to teach Jagan Mohan Reddy and his party a befitting lesson and pave the way for a better future for the State and its people. In 2019, I told you all what will be in store for the State, if Jagan comes to power. As predicted it has happened and people have now realised what they lost in the past five years. Time has come to throw out this rowdy regime, he thundered. Mocking Jagan for his situation where he has to seek court permission for even going abroad, Pawan Kalyan said people of the State feel ashamed to tell that such person is the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He said he strove for the future of the state and for that very reason he engineered the tripartite alliance in the State. He promised to ensure every assurance in the common manifesto is implemented.

YSRC Worker Injured in Attack by TD

Kakinada : A YSRC activist D. Jaswanth suffered injuries when Telugu Desam cadres attacked YSRC workers participating in a rally at Nuzvid in Eluru district on Friday Night. Sources said YSRC activists led by sitting MLA Dulam Nageswara Rao had been taking out a bike rally in the Nuzvid area. At the same time, TD workers had been on the Gadapa Gadapaku campaign in the same region. The two groups started taunting each other, which led to a clash. Nuzvid police have registered a case.

Accident reveals Rs 7 crore stash in truck

Kakinada : A road accident on the highway involving trucks near Ananthapalli in Nallajerla mandal of East Godavari district on Monday has led to election officials confiscating 7 crore in cash being carried by one of the trucks. According to police, a truck had been transporting rice-bran feed for cows when another truck carrying chemical fly ash hit it from behind. The driver of the truck carrying rice bran cargo sustained injuries. Passers-by admitted him to a hospital nearby. One of the local people opened a carton in which he found bundles of currency notes. Just around the time, policemen on patrol arrived on the spot and informed the Nallajerla police. On receiving information, election officials too arrived at the spot and checked all the cartons. In all, they found 7 crore worth bundles of currency. The amount has been handed over to Income Tax department officials. The officials, quoting the injured driver, said the truck was going to Mandapeta from Hyderabad.

Cine Actor Ram Charan, Allu Aravind Reach Pithapuram

Kakinada : Cine actor Ramcharan and his mother K. Surekha and the movie producer Allu Aravind arrived in Pithapuram on Saturday to render their support to Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, who is contesting from the constituency. They took a darshan of Lord Kukkuteswara Swamy, Goddess Puruhoothika and Lord Dattatreya. Ram Charan requested the voters to help Pawan Kalyan emerge victorious.

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

Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency in Andhra Pradesh, India, with seven assembly segments, had the 2019 winner Vanga Geethaviswanath from Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party. Telugu Desam's Chalamalasetty Sunil got 511892 votes, losing by 25738 votes.

Pawan says MLA Dwarampudi has destroyed Kakinada

Kakinada: Jana Sena chief and film star Pawan Kalyan has accused Kakinada MLA Dwarampudi Chandrasekhara Reddy of YSRC of turning Kakinada, known as Pensioners Paradise, into a centre for drugs like ganja and hooliganism. Concluding his campaign for the 2024 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in AP on behalf of Jana Sena and its alliance partners at the Balaji Cheruvu Centre in Kakinada on Saturday evening, Pawan Kalyan said he had cautioned the people of Kakinada of such a danger in 2019 itself, but they paid no heed. The result is for all of you to see. Chandrasekhara Reddy has turned Kakinada city into a centre of ganja addicts and rowdies. A hooligan like Dwarampudi can terrorise you only if you are overpowered by fear. Overcome your fear and resist him. The hooligan will flee the scene, the JS chief told the audience. He said AP is unfortunately being governed by a criminal who has to obtain permission from court to go abroad, even though he has a passport. This state of affairs should change and democracy must revive in the state, he remarked. Pawan Kalyan underlined that if people want to protect their properties, they should drive away the YSRC by defeating it in the forthcoming elections. Otherwise, the YSRC government will implement the AP Land Titling Act, using which the ruling party will grab properties from their owners. He lashed out at YSRC Kakinada Lok Sabha candidate Chalamalasetty Sunil. He described Sunil as an unstable politician who keeps switching parties. The JS chief called upon people to vote for Glass symbol in the Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency and Cycle symbol in the Kakinada Assembly seat. He said it is the responsibility of people to drive away hooligans from Kakinada city as well as society. Kakinada Jana Sena Lok Sabha candidate Tangella Uday Srinivas, Kakinada TD candidate Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao (Kondababu) and Jana Sena Kakinada Rural candidate Pantham Venkateswara Rao (Nanaji) were present on the occasion.

Jagan wraps up campaign in Pithapuram; Slams Pawan Kalyan for forging unholy alliance

Kakinada: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday wrapped up election campaign in Pithapuram, lambasting actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan for marrying three women and forming an unholy alliance with the BJP and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu, who deceived people while serving as Chief Minister for 14 years. Referring Pawan Kalyan as Dattaputrudu, Jagan Mohan Reddy said the actor-turned-politician changed three wives like changing a car for every five years. Can any sister meet him seeking help if Dattaputrudu wins from Pithapuram? When he suffered from a cold, he went to Hyderabad for treatment, Jagan Mohan Reddy said, addressing a road show. After losing badly during elections in 2019 in Gajuwaka and Bhimavaram, Dattaputrudu now came to Pithapuram to contest elections. Jagan Mohan Reddy promised that he would make YSRCP candidate Vanga Geetha, who is contesting against Pawan Kalyan, as Deputy Chief Minister after winning elections. It was Naidu, who cheated people by failing to fulfill promises made in the manifesto in 2014 and Dattaputrudu formed an alliance with him and BJP, he said, urging them to think before casting vote on May 13. If you vote for your child (Jagan), all the welfare schemes will continue, and each household will continue to witness overall development. If you vote for Naidu and his unholy alliance, all welfare schemes will stop and you will be cheated again. This is Naidus past history and track record, he said. At Kaikaluru in Eluru district, Jagan Mohan Reddy said that TDPs 2014 manifesto was a perfect example to prove how Naidu would lie and cheat and do anything to come to power. And once he gets power, he will lie and cheat and play all sorts of dirty tricks with the same people who voted for him. Dont fall for his lies! he said. At Chilakaluripeta in Palnadu district, Jagan Mohan Reddy said that in the last 59 months, the YSRCP has put Rs 2.7 lakh crores directly in the bank accounts of beneficiaries. I ensured doorstep delivery of ration and old age pension. I ensured implementation of 99 per cent of my manifesto promises, he said. This government promoted self-employment on priority. Rythu Bharosa, Rythu Bima, RBK centers and nine hours of uninterrupted electricity supply have been provided to farmers. Have you ever seen such a credible and transparent government before? Remember, this election will decide your future, so vote wisely! he added.

Mudragada urges people to support Jagan

KAKINADA: Former minister Mudragada Padmanabham wrote an open letter to the people of Pithapuram and the State, urging them to vote for the YSRC. I have worked with several chief ministers in the past. However, it was only NT Rama Rao and YS Rajasekhara Reddy who worked towards the uplift of poor. Now, it is only YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in the entire country, who is implementing schemes to help the poor, he wrote. Mocking TDP and JSP, he quipped, During NTRs time, people used to commute on cycles (TDPs poll symbol). Later, the cycles were substituted with bikes and cars. Due to the risk of glass tumblers shattering, people switched to using steel tumblers. It is only the fan (YSRC poll symbol) that has remained in everyones house.

Andhra Pradesh: Punters placing high stakes on winning chances of political parties

VIJAYAWADA : With the general elections around the corner, there is a bustling betting scenario in the State where the punters and political enthusiasts are putting stakes on the winning chances of political parties and its candidates across the State. Unlike the previous elections, the political scenario in the State turned conclusive with TDP, JSP and BJP forming an alliance on one side, while the ruling YSRC led by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on the other. Betting on the chances of forming the government or candidate in particular or his/her majority has become a common practice for businessmen, political enthusiasts, including leaders from the neighbouring States, as they are allegedly actively participating in the poll betting. According to sources, betting stakes, in the range of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 50 lakh, are allegedly being placed on various factors such as poll results of Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram segment or over Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddys majority in Pulivendula segment. It is found that punters are showing interest in placing their stakes on winning chances of Kodali Sri Venkateswara Rao (Nani) from Gudivada, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu from Kuppam, Nara Lokesh from Mangalagiri, Vellampalli Srinivasa Rao and Bonda Umamaheshwara Rao from Vijayawada Central and others. Betting stakes are also high on winning chances of fierce electoral battles between APCC chief YS Sharmila and her cousin YS Avinash Reddy in Kadapa, and between brothers Kesineni Srinivas and Kesineni Sivanath from Vijayawada Lok Sabha segments. Interestingly, the aqua traders, businessmen and NRIs belonging to Godavari districts reportedly placing high-stake bets on the poll result of Bhimavaram, Amalapuram, Narsapuram, Undi, Kakinada, Achanta, Tadepalligudem, Tanuku, Vizag, Tekkali, and Rajamahendravaram. In some cases, punters are placing their bets on the number of votes for candidates and other criteria. Since the election process is not completed, the betting process is a little bit slow. Huge amounts of bets are expected after elections and a week before the counting, said a resident of Labbipet.

A daughters farewell

BENGALURU: Even though I knew my mother was a prodigy, I didnt give her the importance she deserved until she was in her late 80s, says documentarian Seetha Ratnakar, who decided to pay tribute to her mother, the renowned singer Vinjamuri Anasuya Devi after she passed way in 2019, at the age of 99. Ratnakars documentary Asamana Anasuya encapsulates the life of her mother in the world of Telugu folk music. When I heard people like SP Balasubrahmanyam talk about her, I realised I should do something, says Ratnakar, who started filming in 2006, hoping to someday create a documentary. She ruefully adds, I never thought about it till I lost my mother. The documentary films Anasuya Devis journey in her words, interspersed with footage of performances and interviews of other artistes who had known her through her work, including Carnatic singers Priya sisters, classical dancers Vasanthalakshmi Narasimhachari, Padma Subrahmanyam, and singer S Janaki. When I finally heard the 20 hours of recording, I realised that my mother had covered almost a century of a musical journey coming from a place called Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh, shares Ratnakar. Despite the lack of formal platforms and the hurdles posed by societal norms of the time, the documentary showcases Anasuya Devis relentless pursuit, travelling from the quaint settings of her hometown to the bustling studios of Madras and Calcutta, recording on the gramophone. Its inspiring to anyone who believes that women who put their heart and soul into doing something, always do, she says. The harmonium, a constant companion in Anasuya Devis life, is used in the docu as a narrative voice. It came into her life when she was five and she wanted it by her when she passed on; so I decided on the harmonium as a character telling that story, she says. (Asmana Anasuya will be screened on May 12, 6.30pm at BIC, Domlur)

Pawan Kalyan Promises Making Pithapuram an Ideal Constituency

Kakinada: Jana Sena chief and film star Pawan Kalyan has promised the people to make Pithapuram an ideal constituency, and urged the voters to send him to the state assembly this time. He held a road-show in the constituency, starting from Chitrada village on Friday, to a tumultuous response from the crowds and his fans. He was garlanded at every point and flower petals were rained on him. I am waging the battle not for my sake, but for the sake of the present generation and for the sake of the next generation. He called upon the people to drive the YSRC out of power. I shall provide employment opportunities to the youths and marketing facilities to fishermen, weavers, and sericulture and agriculture farmers. Pawan Kalyan said he would bring funds for modernization of Yeleru Reservoir and other projects. There will be more job opportunities in the Kakinada Special Economic Zone (KSEZ) and I would strive hard for bringing more entrepreneurs to set up industries in the area. Former Pithapuram MLA, SVSN Varma, the Kakinada LS Jana Sena candidate Tangella Uday Srinivas, the constituencys BJP in-charge A Krishnam Raju and others were present. Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan felt uneasy on Friday as one of his foot fingers had a surgery last night at a private hospital in Vijayawada. He was injured during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the state. As a result, he was unable to move his leg on Friday, but conducted the road show at Pithapuram with great difficulty, a JS leader said.

YSRC Banks on 24 Welfare Schemes to Attract Women Voters, TD Makes New Offers

VIJAYAWADA: The YSRC is banking on 24 welfare schemes meant for women to attract them towards the ruling party while the Opposition Telugu Desam is also luring women with several promises in its manifesto this time. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's focus on women-centric welfare schemes and his political empowerment initiatives have not only transformed the lives of millions but also fanned support for him among female voters. This makes women a formidable strength for the YSRC. The YSRC government offered flagship and women-centric DBT welfare schemes namely Jagananna Amma Vodi, YSR 'Sunna' Vaddi (SHGs), YSR Pension Kanuka, YSR Cheyutha, YSR Aasara, YSR Kapu Nestam, YSR Netanna Nestam, Jagananna Chedodu, Jagananna Vasati Deevena, Jagananna Vidya Deevena, YSR Rythu Bharosa, YSR Sunna Vaddi Panta Runalu (farmers), input subsidy to farmers, YSR Vahana Mitra, YSR Aarogya Aasara, YSR EBC Nestham, YSR AarogyaSri, YSR Kalyanamasthu/Shadika Thofa, Housing payments (made directly to the beneficiaries) and Jagananna Thodu (loans). Further, the government offered them Non-DBT welfare schemes namely Jagananna Gorumudda, YSR Sampoorna Poshana and Jagananna Vidya Kanuka and House constructions. Women number 2,10,56,137 out of a total of the total 4.14 crore voters in AP. They are the dominant factor in nearly 60 out of the 175 Assembly constituencies including high-voltage Bheemili, Gajuvaka, Mangalagiri, Vizag North and East, Vijayawada West and Central, Guntur West, Tenali, Kakinada city, Bhimavaram, Kadapa, Nandyal etc. YSRC leaders stated that in the past five years, under the leadership of Jagan Mohan Reddy, women have emerged as the primary beneficiaries of life-changing welfare schemes. From the transformative Jagananna Amma Vodi, providing financial assistance to mothers for their children's education, to the inclusive YSR Cheyutha, offering support to women from marginalised communities, the YSRC government's commitment to women's welfare has been unwavering, they claimed. They said the YSRC government, through its 24 women-centric welfare schemes, has given financial assistance of over Rs 2.83 lakh crore (DBT + Non DBT) to women in the last five years. Under Jagananna Amma Vodi, 44,48,865 beneficiaries received Rs 26,067 crore, under YSR Cheyutha, 26,98,931 beneficiaries received Rs 19,189 crore, under YSR Aasara, 1,94,169 beneficiaries received RS 25,570 crore, under YSR Sunna Vaddi (SHG), 1,05,13,365 beneficiaries received Rs 4,969 crore apart from housing sites. As many as 31,19,00 beneficiaries received house sites worth Rs 77,975 crore. The CM increased Amma Vodi's amount to Rs 17,000 and improved the other welfare schemes in the Navaratnalu Plus manifesto. This, the party leaders claimed, is another boost to women power. On the other hand, the TD - Jana Sena alliance is offering three free cooking gas cylinders to every house per annum, free RTC bus travel, a monthly pension of Rs 1500 under Maha Sakthi for women of 19-59 years, Rs 15,000 on the lines of Amma Vodi under Thalliki Vandanam, interest-free loans to Dwcra women etc. Every leader of TD including party chief Chandrababu Naidu is extolling its women-centric welfare schemes under the Super Six manifesto and trying to get womens support for the party in the present elections.

AP EAMCET 2024 Allows Exam Slot Change for Overlapping Competitive Tests Dates

Attention, AP EAMCET 2024 candidates! If your exam date coincides with other competitive exams, fret not. Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, offers you the flexibility to change your AP EAMCET exam slot. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to request a slot change.

Andhra Assembly polls: Tough battle for Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram

Amaravati: In search of his maiden electoral victory, Jana Sena Party leader and actor Pawan Kalyan faces a tough fight against seasoned politician Vanga Geetha of the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) in Pithapuram Assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh. The constituency in Kakinada district is expected to see a fierce battle for supremacy as YSRCP 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 .

Heavy rains, gales lash several parts of Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: Heavy rains lashed the Godavari delta region and other parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, bringing much-needed relief from the scorching summer. The temperature had been soaring above 45 degrees Celsius at a few places over the past couple of weeks, and Tuesdays rains brought down the heat levels. The highest rainfall of 12.45 cm was recorded at Vemagiri in East Godavari district, followed by 12.05 cm in Mandapeta of Konaseema district, 9.2 cm in Rajamahendravaram city, and 7.3 cm in Nuzvid of Eluru district. There were unconfirmed reports of two deaths across the State due to lightning strikes. In Rajamahendravaram, low-lying areas were waterlogged due to rainwater overflowing on the roads, causing traffic jams in different parts of the city. Vehicular traffic was affected at Kambala tank, railway station road, Ademma Dibba, Innispet, Kotagummam, Tummalava, Syamala Center, Sitammapet, and Aryapram areas. In Kakinada and Amalapuram districts, the heavy downpour, which lasted for around 30 minutes, brought much-needed relief from the sweltering heat. But at the same time, it brought agony to orchard farmers, particularly mango and cashew nut growers, as heavy gale winds resulted in fruit drops at several places. The same was the case in Nuzvid of Eluru district, where mango farmers suffered due to unseasonal heavy rains. In Kakinada, when a bolt of lightning struck an apartment, people had a narrow escape. However, several household utensils were rendered useless. A similar situation prevailed across the NTR and Krishna districts. In Vijayawada, it was overcast sky conditions most of the day, and in the evening, there were brief bouts of drizzle in the city and a brief spell of heavy rains on the city outskirts. Rainfall brought much-needed relief from the scorching heat in the north coastal districts on Tuesday. Thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning, affected several parts of Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Alluri Sitarama Raju districts since Monday night. Rainfall and gusty winds were observed in many areas of Visakhapatnam and its outskirts on Tuesday morning, providing respite from the heat. The mild climate persisted throughout the day, while trees were uprooted in some areas in Butchayyapeta of Anakapalli district. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted heavy rainfall at isolated places across the State and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 Kmph likely at isolated places across the State on Wednesday. Thunderstorm activity in isolated places across the state is also likely for the subsequent three days. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), in its daily report, stated that 12 mandals reported heatwave conditions on Tuesday, and one mandal is likely to experience a heatwave on Wednesday. Laddagiri of Kurnool district recorded the highest daytime temperature of 43.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Yendrapalle in Prakasam district with 43.2 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorm activity in parts of State in next 3 days The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted heavy rainfall at isolated places across the State and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 Kmph likely at isolated places across the State on Wednesday. Thunderstorm activity in isolated places across the state is also likely for the subsequent three days

Mummidivaram MLA faces harsh questions from villagers during election campaign

Kakinada: Mummidivaram MLA Ponnada Venkata Satish, contesting again from the constituency on behalf of the YSRC, is facing many awkward moments as he visits the villages for election campaigning. While RTI activist PV Bhadra Rao is posing questions through public letters about his alleged misdeeds, the people in some of the villages are confronting him with many questions. They are asking him why he is visiting the villages now, after neglecting them for the past five years. They say he has no right to seek their votes again, as he had not fulfilled any of the promises. RTI Activist Bhadra Rao raised several objections before the Returning Officer and requested him to disqualify his nomination during the Scrutiny. But, citing technical reasons, he allowed the nomination of the YSRC candidate. However, Bhadra Rao approached the AP High Court by filing a PIL, seeking disqualification of the MLAs nomination. He said the MLA has hidden his businesses and aqua ponds, which were converted from agriculture to non-agriculture and other requirements. The activist also said that while acquiring land under land pooling schemes for allotment of house sites for the poor, they have been allotted lands that are not suitable for the construction. Posing questions through the letters, Bhadra Rao said that the MLA failed to get compensation to the fishermen from the ONGC for its seismic surveys. Due to the inability of the MLA, the fishermen lost their livelihood. Meanwhile, in many villages, the people questioned him as to what he could do for the past five years. They alleged that the MLA could not develop the villages and create infrastructure facilities like drainages, water pipelines, roads etc. They asked him why he came to their village again to beg for their votes. In a frustrated mood, the MLA and his followers told the people that if they wanted to cast their votes, they could, otherwise they need not cast their vote for him. Satish won the elections in 2009 and 2019. Such circumstances are used by the Telugu Desam candidate, former MLA Datla Subba Raju and TD cadres, to get the villagers support for the TD.

Mega Star Chiranjeevi Campaigns for Pawan Kalyan Through Twitter

Kakinada : Mega star Chiranjeevi has urged the people of Pithapuram to elect his brother and Jana Sena Chief Pawan Kalyan as their MLA to enable him raise his voice in the assembly on various issues. He used the platform of twitter to send the message to the people of Pithapuram on Tuesday. Pawan Kalyan always stands first in serving the people selflessly and he has donated his hard-earned money to the cause of tenant farmers as well as soldiers, Chiranjeevi said. He said, Pawan Kalyan entered the film field under pressure, but he entered the political field willingly to serve the people. PK always fights against injustice and misrule and he jumps into the fray to wipe off the tears of mothers. My mother was pained by the insults heaped on Pawan Kalyan by his political opponents and I was also pained. But I told my mother that Pawan has entered the public field to serve all mothers like her. Therefore, she should be brave and she should not mind the insults heaped on her son. Pawan Kalyan is the youngest in our family, but he is the bravest and most sensitive, and he is always in the forefront in highlighting the issues of farmers and the people and finding solutions to them, he said. Meanwhile, actor K Nagababu, his wife Padma, his son Varun Tej, his nephews Sai Dharam Tej and Vaishnav Tej and some of the actors are camping at Pithapuram to boost the electoral chances of Pawan Kalyan.

Interview: YSRCP's C Sunil on Kakinada's infra and port economy - South First

Interview: YSRCP's C Sunil on Kakinada's infra and port economy South First

AICC observer hopes comeback in Andhra Pradesh with Manoj Chauhan

VIJAYAWADA: AICC election observer for Andhra Pradesh Manoj Chauhan, who has been touring the State for the last 39 days, exudes confidence in the Congress party making a mark in the 2024 elections in Andhra Pradesh and emerging as the only peoples friendly party. In an interview with S Guru Srikanth, Manoj Chauhan said the vote share of the party will increase considerably. It is less than a week until the elections to be held in the State. How bright are the chances of Congress in Andhra Pradesh? Absolutely good chances. In the 2019 elections, our partys vote share was less than 2%, to be exact it was 1.7%. But, today it has increased to 10% and above. Since my visit to Andhra Pradesh at the end of March I have been covering various places across the State. There is an increasing feeling that Congress is better than other political parties. You mean to say the Congress party is making a comeback? Yes. It is being revived. We have an absolutely good chance in Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency and the party is also faring well in Tirupati, Kakinada, Rajamahendravaram, Bapatla, Nellore, and a few more seats. As regards to Assembly constituencies, we have a fair chance in 35 Assembly constituencies. Whom do you give the credit for the revival? Rahul Gandhi and the Congress Partys five NyayYuva Nyay, Nari Nyay, Sharmik Nyay, Kisan Nyay, and Bhagidhari Nyay. Also the 25 guarantees. Ours is the only party, which has promised the Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh and made it part of the manifesto. No other party has done it. Further, we have a track record of implementing the promises made, as evident in Karnataka, Telangana, and other places. How do you see the other parties contending for power in the State? As you said, it is a contention for power. Be it NDA or YSRC, they are only looking to get power. But Congress wants to serve people. There is a difference. During the election rally in Dharmavaram, Union Home Minister Amit Shah posed a question, who will be the PM candidate of the INDIA alliance? Rahul Gandhi. When will the star campaigners of the Congress party be in the State? From May 7 to 11, a host of Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy, Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar will address election rallies.

Police deny attack on actor Sai Dharam Tej

Kakinada: Kakinada district police have denied reports on social media that film actor Sai Dharam Tej, nephew of Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, had been attacked at Tatiparthi village in Gollaprolu mandal of Kakinada district. According to the reports, YSRC workers had attacked Sai Dharam Tej with beer bottles, resulting in injuries to a Jana Sena worker, who has been admitted to the government hospital in Pithapuram. Telugu Desam leader and former MLA S.V.S.N. Varma alleged that YSRC had organised the attack fearing defeat at the hands of the NDA alliance. However, Kakinada DSP K. Hanumantha Rao told media here on Monday that there is no connection with the incident and film hero Sai Dharam Tej. The DSP clarified that Sai Dharam Tej left his vehicle on outskirts of the village and went in for campaigning. At the time, an unknown object had been hurled by a YSRC worker, which hit a bystander of the village Nalla Sridhar. He sustained a mild head injury and has been discharged on Monday after treatment. Hanumantha Rao clarified that no bottles or other objects had been found on the spot. However, police have picked up two YSRC workers and issued them notices under 41A. Gollaprolu police have registered a case, the DSP added.

Lokesh expects flood of investments into AP within 100 days

Kakinada: Telugu Desam national general secretary Nara Lokesh said in a months time, Andhra Pradesh will get rid of the YSRC government, heralding good times for the state. Addressing a Yuvagalam meeting in Eluru on Sunday evening, he said within 100 days of the NDA alliance coming to power, there will be a flood of investments in Andhra Pradesh. Employment opportunities will be created for youth on a large scale, Lokesh declared. He underlined that corrupt YSRC leaders will be brought to book and lodged in jails, wherever they are. The TD general secretary said YSRC leaders boast of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy being a lion. But the alliance has two lions in the form of Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan. Our lions will tear apart the single lion, he stated. Lokesh said many colleges have not given the list of marks to students due to non-payment of fee reimbursement from the state government. He said the alliance government will take steps to immediately release the marks lists of such students on a one-time settlement basis.

Modi to Address Public Meeting in AP Today

Vijayawada: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a public meeting in Rajahmundry on Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. He will arrive at the Rajahmundry Airport by an IAF aircraft from Jagadalpur in Chattisgarh. From Rajahmundry Airport he will reach Vemagiri to address a public meeting. TD national general secretary N. Lokesh and AP BJP chief, Rajahmundry Lok Sabha nominee D. Purandeswari, and NDA Lok Sabha nominees from Amalapuram, Kakinada, Eluru, Narasapuram and Rajahmundry and nominees from seven assembly segments falling under the Rajahmundry Lok Sabha segment will attend the PMs public meeting. Post the Rajahmundry public meeting, Narendra Modi will proceed to Anakapalli to address another public meeting between 4:00 pm and 6:00 p.m. Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena leader Nagababu will attend this meeting, apart from NDA nominees from Anakapalli Lok Sabha and assembly segments within its purview.

Pawan Slams Ambati for Ignoring Execution of Polavaram Works

Vijayawada: Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan has slammed water resources minister Ambati Rambabu for dancing around without listing the steps to complete the Polavaram irrigation project. Addressing a public meeting titled Varahi Vijayabheri at Ponnur in Guntur district on Sunday, he alleged that the minister was not taking any responsibility with regard to the project even as 1.60 lakh project affected people were facing hardships. He expressed concern over the digging up of a helipad area meant for the landing of his helicopter at Ponnuru and alleged that the YSR Congress supporters were doing so. Had we failed to notice this, it could have turned into a major disaster and deaths. Those who did will be taken to task once the opposition alliance wins power in the state, he said. Turning down the criticism from chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy that he was a non-local candidate for the Pitapuram assembly segment, PK said, I was born in Bapatla and was brought up in Palnadu, Ongole, Nellore etc as my father used to work in government service and was getting transferred. I carry with me the strong flavour of the red chilli of Guntur. and added that he was man having the strong flavour of the red chili of Guntur. Claiming that he was the first to underscore the need to avoid a split of the anti-YSR Congress vote, he called upon YSRC supporters to instead back the Alliance and ensure a bright future for the five crore people in the state. He said, Our priority is education, employment, health, drinking water and water for irrigation, and maintenance of law and order once we are elected to power. He turned critical of the YSR Congress government for the failure to implement its poll promise of liquor prohibition in a phased manner. Instead, it is supplying sub-standard liquor through state outlets, affecting the health of the consumers. Alleging that the YSRC MLA from Kakinada city, Dwarampudi Chandrasekhar Reddy, was involved in diversion of ration rice and its export to Africa, he warned of action against him once the Alliance wins power in AP. Referring to the clarification being given on the AP Land Titling Act to dispel misconceptions, by chief minister Jagan Reddy, he asked as to why his government issued a GO even as the Centre sent a draft copy to it for feedback. In a public meeting at Tuni later in the day, PK reiterated the assurance to conduct a mega DSC, release of the job calendar and resolving the issue of CPS in a year. He listed out a series of welfare schemes and assured the people to take up a lot of developmental works once we are in power. He alleged that CM Jagan Reddy and minister Dadisetti Raja were involved in a mafia-like loot in relation to extraction of soil, sand etc while other ministers were also earning thousands of crores of rupees. I would work for communal and social harmony and would never encourage caste conflicts. I want people belonging to all castes and communities to enjoy welfare benefits, the JS leader said. Kapu leader Mudragada Padmabhams daughter Kranthi and son-in-law Chandu expressed their intent to join the Jana Sena. Pawan Kalyan welcomed their urge and promised to take them into the party fold after he visited their house to meet Padmanabham and convince him too to join the JS. He said that he would never cause any difference in the family. Whatever be the abuses hurled at him, he would accept these as an exhortation from the elderly person.

Kakinada SEB cracks down on illicit liquor: Over 600 arrested

The enforcement efforts targeted various aspects of the illegal liquor trade. Arrack: SEB officials seized 6,997 liters of locally-brewed arrack and destroyed 2,65,600 liters of jaggery juice, a common source material for arrack production

MRPL registers net profit of Rs 3,596 cr in FY 23-24

MANGALURU: Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) has earned a net profit of Rs 3,596 crore during FY 2023-24, up by Rs 2,638 crore profit in FY 2022-23. The board of directors of MRPL, a subsidiary company of ONGC and Schedule A Mini Ratna Category I Company, during its 262nd meeting held on May 3, approved its Standalone and Consolidated Audited Financial Results for the fourth quarter (Q4 FY 2023-24) and year (FY 2023-24) ended March 31, 2024. In 2023-24, the company earned a revenue of Rs 1,05,223 crore from operations (Rs 1,24,736 Crore in FY 2022-23) and a profit before tax of Rs 5,521 Crore (Rs 4,239 Crore in FY 2022-23). The gross margin (GRM) was US$ 10.36 per bbl (FY 2022-23 GRM of US$ 9.88 per bbl). Total reduction in interest bearing Long Term Borrowings was Rs 5,058 crore (ie from Rs 14,837 crore as on March 31, 2023 to Rs 9,779 Crore as on March 31, 2024). The Debt Equity Ratio improved from 1.70 as on March 31, 2023 to 0.94 as on March 31, 2024. The major highlights for the fourth quarter (Q4 FY 2023-24) include the highest crude throughput in a Quarter 4.51 MMT (Previous best was 4.42 MMT during Q4 FY 2015-16). The company for the first time processed KGD6 Crude from Ruby FPSO off Kakinada (API-45.50) in the month of February and KG-D98 Crude (API-33.77) from East Godavari block, in March.

Naidu promises to scrap garbage tax, appoint Brahmins as TTD board members

KAKINADA : Former chief minister and Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu has promised to revoke tax on garbage and appoint a member of Brahmin community as member of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Trust Board. He said that 15,000 per month will be given to priests where temples earn 50,000 income. Addressing Prajagalam meetings at Darsi in Prakasam district, Nuzvid in Eluru district and in Kakinada city on Saturday, Chandrababu Naidu showered several sops on people of different communities in Andhra Pradesh. He said a special fund will be created for the welfare of Kapus. He said 10 per cent of liquor shops will be reserved for the Settibalija community. The TD chief lashed out at Kakinada MLA Dwarampudi Chandrasekhara Reddy, describing him as a land grabber who has indulged in several scams. He accused the MLA of drafting an evil design to loot nearly 200 acres of land belonging to Bhoodan Yajna. Naidu said he wants to make Kakinada a Smart City. But the Kakinada MLA has made the city as Ganja City, as many of the youth are addicted to Ganja and other drugs. The former chief minister accused Jagan Mohan Reddy of giving 10 to people but taking away 1,000 from them. He said Nuzvid will be merged into Krishna district after the alliance comes to power. Naidu declared that he will start a golden era with the help of Jana Sena chief and film star Pawan Kalyan.

Over Rs 17 Crore in Gold Seized at Gollaprolu Toll Plaza

Meanwhile, gold fell 0.29 per cent, to USD 1,176.80 an ounce in Singapore. Meanwhile, gold fell 0.29 per cent, to USD 1,176.80 an ounce in Singapore. Kakinada: In a major haul, the Election Static Surveillance Team seized a staggering Rs 17.34 crore worth of gold biscuits and Rs 51.34 lakh worth of silver ornaments near Kakinada on Friday night. The seizure comes just a month after the same Flying Squad apprehended Rs 3 crore in gold from the same vehicle. The team, led by N. Prabhakara Rao, intercepted a vehicle at the Gollaprolu Toll Plaza during routine checks. Upon inspection, they discovered 31.002 kilograms of gold biscuits and 66.919 kilograms of silver ornaments. The driver presented an invoice from Sequel Logistics, but authorities deemed the documentation insufficient. The confiscated valuables were handed over to the Pithapuram mandal tahsildar, K. Lakshmi, for safekeeping in the treasury department. GST officials will now verify the goods and documents to determine if proper taxes were paid. The Returning Officer will then decide further course of action.

AP EAMCET 2024: Correction Window Now Open for Application Forms on @cets.apsche.ap.gov.in

Attention, AP EAMCET 2024 applicants! Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada has initiated the online application correction process for AP EAMCET. If you've made any errors during the application submission, now is your chance to rectify them.

Heat waves forecast for 227 mandals in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday

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

Daughter condemns Mudragadas challenge

KAKINADA: B. Kranthi Bharathi, daughter of YSRC leader Mudragada Padmanabham, who recently pledged to defeat Jana Sena chief and film star Pawan Kalyan, has opposed her fathers statement on Friday. Kranthi Bharathi released a video saying there is nothing wrong on part of her father Mudragada to work for the victory of YSRC candidate Vanga Geetha in Pithapuram assembly constituency against Pawan Kalyan. However, she observed that her fathers challenge to change his name to Padmanabha Reddy if Pawan Kalyan wins from PIthapuram is not right. I do not understand the logic behind my fathers statement, Kranthi maintained. She went on to accuse Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of using her father to fight against Pawan Kalyan only to sideline him after the elections. This is the first time that a member of Padmanabhams family has come out openly against him in more than four decades of his political life. However, Mudragada has remained unruffled. He went on to say that his daughter had been his property till her marriage. After that, she has become the property of her husband and her in-laws. Kranthi may have made such a statement after her in-laws exerted pressure on her, he maintained. The Kapu leader said his daughters statement will not affect his political stand.

Summer arrangements in place at Tirumala

TIRUPATI : Considering the heavy influx of devotees during the summer vacations, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has made special arrangements to help the pilgrims have hassle-free and peaceful darshan at Tirumala. Speaking at the conference hall in TTD Administrative Building on Friday before taking the calls from pilgrims as part of Dial Your EO programme on Friday, TTD Executive Officer AV Dharma Reddy said that the letters of recommendation for VIP break darshan were cancelled, limiting it to protocol VIPs alone in view of heavy rush. The EO also informed that the arrangements were made to provide food, buttermilk, drinking water, breakfast and medical facilities to the pilgrims waiting in queues and compartments. TTD has decided to erect shades, set up coolers and lay carpets in the temple streets to bring relief to the pilgrims from the scorching heat besides sprinkling the ground with water from time to time, the EO said. Dial Your EO programme Several callers lauded the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) for its efforts in bringing several versatile changes in Darshan and accommodation to reduce the woes of devotees. As part of monthly Dial Your EO programme on Friday, TTD Executive Officer AV Dharma Reddy interacted with nearly 20 callers, including an NRI from Muscat. Thanking the callers for the words of encouragement, the EO said the TTD mandarins and the workforce are always at the helm of pilgrim service. Your words of appreciation will boost our morale and offer services to the multitude of visiting pilgrims with more dedication, he maintained. Answering the callers, the EO said the Srivari Seva online application was introduced to enhance transparency in the bookings and also to provide opportunity to the devotees present across the country to register as Srivari Seva volunteers. A caller from Kakinada sought EO to reprint Kavitraya Mahabharatam, while some others sought arrangements to keep wet clothes while having Varaha Swamy darshan after Pushkarini Snanam etc. The EO said the possibilities of implementation will be verified. A caller sought EO to arrange special darshan for the visually challenged to which he answered that TTD is already providing separate darshan to the handicapped and senior citizens and they can avail darshan facility in that. Another devotee suggested arrangements to avoid congestion beyond Bangaru Vakili to which the Executive Officer replied many permutations and combinations are being tried to avoid the congestion since decades and it is a never-ending issue. We will inspect and check for alternatives, he said. On another query, the EO clarified that maintaining hotels in Tirumala by TTD is not possible. So we have given four Janata Canteens to APTDC fixing prices that are affordable to the devotees, he added. Festivals in May Important festivals lined up in the month of May in Tirumala and other sub-temples of TTD across the State Padmavathi Parinayam Utsavams will be observed in Tirumala from May 17 to 19 Matrusri Tarigonda Vengamamba Jayanti on May 22 in Tirumala Annual Vasantotsavams in Tiruchanoor from May 21 to 23 with the procession of Swarna Ratham on May 22 Sri Tallapaka Annamacharya Jayanti Utsavams on May 23 in Tallapaka and Tirupati Vasantotsavams in Srinivasa Mangapuram from May 27 to 29 with the procession of Swarnaratham on May 28

VHR: If Revanth Reddy Is Arrested, Congress Will Sweep LS Polls in Telangana

Kakinada: Senior Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao on Friday said that any attempt by Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Union home minister Amit Shah to arrest Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy over Amit Shah's morphed video would result in a sweeping victory for the Congress in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in Telangana state. Speaking to the media alongside former Union minister M.M. Pallam Raju, contesting as a candidate for the Kakinada Lok Sabha seat, Rao criticised the BJP for engaging in vindictive politics as it has been implicating opposition party chief ministers like Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren just before elections. Rao issued a direct challenge to Modi, daring him to arrest Revanth Reddy, confident that such an action would only bolster the Congress's electoral prospects. He contrasted Modis alleged vindictiveness with the approach of former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who used to respect opposition voices and foster a more inclusive political environment. Highlighting the BJP's hypocritical stance on Muslim reservations and the Muslim community, he accused the BJP of threatening to revoke four per cent reservations for Muslims in Telangana while also attempting to court Muslim voters with promises of mosque construction and support for religious leaders. He emphasised that although the manifesto was crafted by the Telugu Desam and Jana Sena parties, the BJP's inclusion in the alliance meant it was equally bound by its contents. Speaking about the Congress manifesto, he said his party;s government plans to increase reservations for Backward Classes and lift the 50 per cent reservation cap, as well as conduct a caste census if the Congress-led coalition comes to power. Pallam Raju criticised Modi for his failure to protect the country's borders in the face of Chinese incursions. He lamented the weakening of democracy in India, and said that the country was increasingly under the grip of dictatorship.

Trouble Brews for JS Candidate Uday

Kakinada: Trouble is brewing for Jana Senas Kakinada Lok Sabha candidate Tangella Uday Srinivas as the YSRC leaders stepped up their efforts to disqualify him from the contest on charges he hid information in the poll affidavit about his criminal cases in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. YSRC leaders moved the Ministry of External Affairs, citing the criminal charges the candidate faced in the UAE. Uday Srinivas is in the eye of a storm. The political rivals say there are many cases pending against him, but he has not declared them in the election affidavit. The candidate is caught in cricket betting and some other cases in Sharjah. There is also a controversy over his educational qualification, they say. Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan introduced Uday Srinivas as a software engineer to the people of Kakinada Lok Sabha. But Uday Srinivas stated in his affidavit that he passed Intermediate and discontinued his Bachelor of Technology course. Pawan Kalyan often claims that as a hero, he earns not less than Rs 1,000 crore per annum and therefore there is no need for him to accept any package from anybody. But, in the election affidavit, he stated that his five-year income was only Rs 114 crore. The political opponents say a wide gulf separates Pawan Kalyans claims and his actual earnings. There is no documentary evidence to support his claims. Meanwhile, an independent candidate Saladi Uday Bhaskar raised objections against Uday Srinivas that the latter has hidden some information and facts in his affidavit. According to the objections, the Jana Sena candidate has offered information with regard to FIR No. 0163/2023, registered by Gomti Nagar Police Station, at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, but intentionally avoided giving any details about the criminal cases pending against him in Sharjah and also about a look-out notice issued by the Sharjah Public Prosecution on 4 April 2024. The date of birth of Uday Srinivas was mentioned as 13 May 1985 and his Indian Passport No.V7386334. Judge, Hossam EI-Din Hassan Mustafa Muhammad Hadr, Sharjah Federal Court, Civil Execution Court, Ministry of Justice, UAE, has issued seizure and habeas corpus execution order No. SHCEXCICPL2022/007401 on the application of Sheikh Kalid Bin Salem Al Quasmi, UAE national, against executor/Uday Srinivas, carrying Indian Passport No. V7386334, EC has been informed via the complaint. In the order, the Sharjah Federal Court of First Instance decided to arrest and bring the perpetrator and present him to it immediately upon his arrest, provided that he will be released if he pays a sum of 1,200,000 dirhams, unless he is wanted by the police there for another reason. Another allegation is that Uday Srinivas was ordered to undergo an imprisonment of six months for the two charges attributed to him, and also deportation from the country after executing the prescribed punishment and confiscating the forged document and ordering them to pay the due fee. The complaint has appealed to the election officials that the affidavit of Uday Srinivas cant be allowed to be ridiculed by the candidates by offering incomplete information or suppressing material information, resulting in disinformation or misinformation to the voters and the election commission should reject his nomination based on the evidence.

Andhra Pradesh: Glass Tumbler in certain MP, MLA segments frozen by ECI

VIJAYAWADA: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has frozen the Glass Tumbler symbol in certain Assembly and parliamentary constituencies to candidates other than the Jana Sena Party (JSP) nominees. Accordingly, independents or Registered Unrecognised Political Party (RUPP) candidates other than the JSP would not be allotted the symbol with the decision of the Election Commission. Hearing petitions filed before it seeking directions to the ECI to freeze the Glass Tumbler symbol to the JSP and not to allot the symbol to independents as it would hamper the prospects of the tripartite alliance candidates, the court on Tuesday directed the ECI to pass orders within 24 hours on the issue. Following the court directions, the ECI has issued orders freezing the symbol in all such Assembly constituencies, which fall under the parliamentary constituencies where the JSP has put up its candidates, and in all such parliamentary constituencies consisting of the Assembly constituencies where the JSP has put up its candidates, for all other independent or RUPP candidates other than JSP. The JSP is contesting 21 Assembly and two Lok Sabha seats. With the orders, no independent or RUPP candidate contesting in any of the Assembly seats in Kakinada and Machilipatnam Lok Sabha segments would be allotted the Glass Tumbler symbol. TDP files plea on common symbol in HC Similarly, no independent or RUPP candidate contesting as an MP under the Assembly constituencies being fought by the JSP would be allotted the Glass Tumbler symbol. The 21 Assembly segments, where the JSP is in fray fall in 13 parliamentary constituencies, which include Kakinada, Tirupati, Guntur, Vizianagaram, Anakapalle, Rajahmundry, Amalapuram, Narasapuram, Eluru, Rajampet, Machilipatnam, Visakhapatnam and Araku. The ECI asked the officials to revise the allotment of symbols to the contenders. When the petition came up for hearing on Wednesday, JSPs counsel YV Raviprasad expressed satisfaction over the ECI orders, following which the HC disposed of the petition. Meanwhile, the TDP filed a petition in the court on Wednesday, seeking directions to the ECI not to allot the Glass Tumbler symbol to any independent of RUPP candidates in any of the Assembly or parliamentary constituencies in the State. It maintained that the TDP, BJP and JSP are contesting as an alliance, and the allotment of the Glass Tumbler symbol to independents would affect their prospects. The petition will come up for hearing on Thursday.

BJP Not in Sync with TD Manifesto

Kakinada : Rajamahendravaram sitting MP Margani Bharat, who is now the YSRC candidate from Rajamahendravaram City assembly constituency, on Wednesday underlined that the NDA alliance manifesto with super six promises has not been accepted by the Bharatiya Janata Party, though it is part of the alliance. Bharat told media in Rajamahendravaram on Wednesday that TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu has no original thinking and has come up with a hotch-potch manifesto, whose contents have been copied from other parties. He urged people not to believe in the manifesto and vote for YSRC again, so that the state can continue on the path of progress. The YSRC candidate declared that he will be providing employment to 10,000 unemployed youth in Rajamahendravaram city constituency in the coming five years.

RO Says ECI to Decide on Action, if Any, Against JS LS Candidate

Kakinada : District Election Officer J. Nivas said Election Commission will take action against Jana Sena Kakinada Lok Sabha candidate Tangella Udaya Srinivas, if any objections are raised against him. The officers comment came after certain allegations have gone viral on social media against Udaya Srinivas after he has filed nomination. Nivas told Deccan Chronicle that after the scrutiny, an independent candidate Saladi Uday Bhaskar lodged a complaint against the Jana Sena candidate saying the latter has hidden certain details in his affidavit. These relate to criminal cases pending against Udaya Srinivas in Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, the Jana Sena candidate told Deccan Chronicle that the complaint against him is false. He said his political opponents have fabricated the documents and posted them on social media.

AP Records Highest Temperature of 46.2 C

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

Pawan Kalyan promises price stabilisation fund for farmers

Kakinada/Visakhapatnam: Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan has assured people that the three-party alliance would set up price stabilisation funds for the farmers, if elected to power in the present polls. Addressing an election meeting in Mandapeta on Wednesday, Pawan Kalyan said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy promised in the 2019 elections to set up a price stabilisation fund for farmers but he went back on his word. But the alliance would set up such a fund to help the farmers, Pawan Kalyan said. He said the YSRC leaders were rolling in wealth while the farmers were pushed into poverty. The YSRC government focused more on ganja harvesting than the farmers in the state, Pawan Kalyan said. Pawan said that he could stage a comeback with the help and love of the people though he was defeated from the two constituencies- Bhimavaram and Gajuwaka in the 2019 elections. Hitting out at Mandapeta YSRC candidate Thota Trimurthulu and Rajya Sabha member Pill Subhash Chandra Bose, Pawan Kalyan said both were political rivals but joined hands to promote their selfish interests at the cost of public welfare and development. He said that both the leaders were not bothered about the development of Godavari bund road from Yanam to Ravulapalem or any other development. Slamming Thota Trimurthulu, the Jana Sena chief said Trimurthulu purchased endowments land for a low price promising construction of a Kalyana Mandapam but till now he did not do this. Taking a dig at Kakinada MLA Dwarampudi Chandrasekhara Reddy, Pawan said Reddy did not confine himself to Kakinada but crossed beyond, looting hundreds of crores of rupees. When youngsters burst into applause, Pawan told them he doesnt want their claps but their votes. I am even struggling to get a proper election symbol. Your claps should convert into votes for the alliance candidates on May 13, he told the people. In the Pendurthi constituency, Pawan Kalyan assured the people that he would take up the issue of pollution in Tadi village with the Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City industrial park. He promised to relocate Tadi village once the alliance came to power. Giving a break to his speech, Pawan sang a few of his film songs, recited the works of poet Guntur Sesendra Sharma, Vangapandu Prasada Rao and Gaddar. He also delivered a few of his film dialogues.

ECI orders freezing of allotment of Glass Tumbler symbol to others

Vijayawada: The Election Commission has ordered freeze of the Jana Sena party symbol Glass Tumbler to Independents and to contestants from the registered unrecognised political parties in certain Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies. It directed returning officers to revise the allotment of symbols to the contestants accordingly. The EC stated that in the Lok Sabha constituencies where the Jana Sena is contesting, there will be no allotment of Glass Tumbler symbol to the candidates in the Assembly constituencies falling under such jurisdiction. Similarly, in Assembly constituencies where the Jana Sena is contesting, there will be no allotment of Glass Tumbler symbol to other candidates in the fray in Lok Sabha constituencies linked to such Assembly constituencies. This is to avoid public confusion over the JS symbol. The order came in the backdrop of Jana Sena representations to EC to reserve the Glass Tumbler symbol and remove it from the list of free symbols so that the same symbol would not be allotted to any other candidate. The party even moved the High Court citing difficulties and hardships due to the confusion being created due to the common symbol Glass Tumbler being allotted to other unrecognised political parties and independent candidates in the constituencies where the party did not field its candidates. Jana Sena is an unrecognised political party and when it got registered with the ECI, it was allotted the common symbol of Glass Tumbler for the AP polls. As Jana Sena, in alliance with Telugu Desam and BJP, is contesting the polls, the three parties shared the 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats among themselves for the contests. Accordingly, the JS share is 21 Assembly and two Lok Sabha constituencies. They are: Anakapalli, Pendurthi and Elamanchali that fall under Anakapalli Lok Sabha segment; Palakonda that falls under Araku LS; Nellimarla that falls under Vizianagaram LS; Visakhapatnam South that falls under Visakhapatnam LS; Razole and P Gannavaram that fall under Amalapuram LS: Polavaram and Ungutur that fall under Eluru LS; Pitapuram from where the JS chief Pawan Kalyan is contesting and Kakinada Rural that fall under Kakinada LS; Narasapuram, Bhimavaram and Tadepalligudem that fall under Narasapuram LS; Rajanagaram and Nidadavole that fall under Rajahmundry LS; Avanigadda that falls under Vijayawada LS; Tenali that falls under Guntur LS; Tirupati that falls under Tirupati LS and Kodur that falls under Rajampet LS. The two Lok Sabha segments are Kakinada and Machilipatnam. Each LS constituency comprises seven Assembly segments. As per norm, the Glass Tumbler will not be allotted to others in 13 Lok Sabha segments. Kakinada LS has seven Assembly segments including Kakinada City, Pitapuram, Jaggampeta, Peddapuram, Kakinada Rural, Prathipadu and Tuni. Machilipatnam LS also has seven segments-Gudivada, Penamaluru, Machilipatnam, Avanigadda, Pedana, Gannavaram and Pamarru. As per norm, there will be no allotment of Glass Tumbler in 14 Assembly segments where JS is contesting - two Lok Sabha segments - to others. Following this order, the returning officers concerned started calling the independents and others from registered unrecognised political parties who got allotment of Glass Tumbler as a common symbol, to ignore the assignment and now wait for allotment of another symbol. The RO from Visakhapatnam LS called contestant G. Rajesh from Navataram party as he got allotment of Glass Tumbler symbol earlier and said this would be changed to Mike. The Rajahmundry Lok Sabha seat contestant Meda Srinivas from Rashtriya Praja Congress who got his Glass Tumbler symbol will have this changed to gas cylinder. Similar is the situation happening all over the state where several independent contestants or others who got allotment of Glass Tumbler symbol are getting their symbol withdrawn and new symbol is being allotted to them as per norms of ECI.

Heat Wave Sweeps Five Places

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

Kakinada: Father beats alcoholic son to death while asleep, owing to harassment over property

A harassed father, unable to bear the physical and mental torture day in and day out, over a property affair, has resorted to the extreme action of beating him to death with an iron rod while asleep at his house in the Indrapalem area in Kakinada.

Andhra Pradesh: Glass tumbler allotted to TDP rebels may split opposition votes

VIJAYAWADA: The allotment of Glass Tumbler (Jana Sena Party symbol) to independents is likely to upset the calculations of some leaders, including TDP State president K Atchannaidu, as it may lead to split in Opposition votes. The symbol was allotted to independents or little-known parties in at least 50 Assembly and Parliament constituencies across the State. For instance, in the Konaseema district, all the seven Assembly segments have a candidate with Glass Tumbler symbol. Tension mounted among the NDA alliance candidates as the election officials allotted the Glass Tumbler symbol. The NDA alliance candidates of Vizianagaram and Shrungavarapukota Assembly segments feared losing votes of JSP sympathisers in the ensuing elections. The Vizianagaram returning officer allotted the Glass Tumbler symbol to Meesala Geetha, who is contesting as an independent candidate after TDPs high command denied the ticket to her. Geetha unsuccessfully contested the 2009 elections from Praja Rajyam Party and won the seat in the 2014 election from TDP in the Vizianagaram Assembly segment. In addition to that, Geethas younger brother Gurana Ayyalu was a Jana Sena leader and is playing a key role in the Vizianagaram Assembly segment. Therefore, Vizianagaram Assembly segment TDP candidate Aditi Vijayalakshmi Gajapathi Raju Pusapati fears losing the votes of Jana Sena sympathisers as they may vote for Glass Tumbler symbol. Similarly, the Shrungavarapukota returning officer allotted the symbol to Lokabhi Ramakoti Kotyada, who filed the nomination as an independent candidate after the JSP denied ticket to him. Shrungavarapukota TDP candidate Kolla Lalitha Kumari is now in a fix as the JSP cadre votes might go to the independent candidate. In the erstwhile East Godavari district, the Glass Tumbler symbol was given to independents and parties like Telugu Janatha Party. In Kakinada City, Munagala Sai Gopi of Telugu Janatha Party was given the symbol and similar is the situation in Jaggampeta, where an independent Patamsetti Suryachandra got the symbol. Two more seats in the East Godavari district, Ramachandrapuram, Amalapuram and Mummdivaram also have candidates with Glass Tumbler as their symbols. Budireddy Srinivas, Jaggampeta JSP mandal secretary said the allotment of Glass Tumbler as the symbol for independents will cost them dearly. Each candidate with Glass Tumbler symbol is likely to get a share of more than 4,000 to 5,000 votes and this would be a loss to the TDP or BJP candidate. These independents, otherwise, would get 1,000 or even lesser votes, he said. In Prakasam district, of the eight Assembly constituencies, Glass Tumbler symbol was allotted to independent candidates in the Giddalur and Markapur segments. Similarly, in Ongole Parliament constituency, the symbol was allotted to an independent. A similar situation prevails in Tekkali where TDP AP chief K Atchannaidu, in Kuppam where TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu is contesting. Same is the situation in Amudalavalasa, Vijayawada Central, Mylavaram, Gannavaram, Tanuku, Mandapet and several other constituencies.

West Godavari sarpanch to address at UN event on women's empowerment

VIJAYAWADA: Woman sarpanch from West Godavari district, Kunuku Hemakumari, would participate in the side event at the 57th Commission on Population and Development (CPD) meet organised by the UN Economic and Social Council in New York, USA, on May 3. She has been nominated by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj, which is co-hosting the side event along with the Permanent Mission of India there and the and the UN Population Fund at the UN Secretariat Building. Discussions would take place there on the theme, 'Localizing the SDGs: Women in Local Governance in India, Lead the Way'. Hemakumari would be leaving for the US on May 1, this being her first foreign visit. There will a panel discussion with three elected women representatives from India, who would share their success stories and work done in their respective panchayats towards gender equality and development. Three states namely Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tripura have been selected by the panchayat raj ministry to nominate one each elected women representative to represent India at the UN event. Hema Kumari's selection to represent her community at this global forum comes as a recognition of her outstanding efforts and achievements in women empowerment since the time she assumed the office in April 2021. Through her visionary leadership, Pekeru Grama Panchayat has emerged as a shining example of grassroots initiatives driving sustainable development and gender equality. As Sarpanch, Hema Kumari has spearheaded transformative initiatives focusing on three crucial pillars: health, education and financial independence, an official release here on Tuesday said. She initiated regular health camps and educational programmes to raise awareness about proper nutrition and prenatal care. This resulted in a significant reduction in high-risk pregnancy cases and infant mortality rates. The two other women representatives attending the UN event from India are Supriya Das Datta, Sabhadhipati (chairperson) of Sepahijala Zilla Parishad of Tripura and Neeru Yadav, Sarpanch of gram panchayat Lambi Aheer of Jhunjhunu district, Rajasthan. Hemakumari, an 2022 M Tech holder from JNTU, Kakinada, was elected as Sarpanch of Pekeru gram panchayat of Iragavaram mandal in 2021. She worked as associate lecturer in Electronics and communication engineering for 5 years (2014-2019) at the Sri Mullapudi Venkataraya Memorial Polytechnic (SMVMP) College, Tanuku. She is currently the president of the Mandal Sarpanch Chamber and general secretary of the Zilla Sarpanch Chamber.

Keeping hope for democracy alive on an island

Guarded by security personnel and wildlife authorities, the officials are set for a unique sail on Kakinada Bay to conduct the poll for the 319 fisherfolk voters on Hope Island, a sand spit formed a century ago off the Kakinada coast

Pawan promises Polavaram by 2027

KAKINADA : Jana Sena chief and film star Pawan Kalyan has promised at an election meeting in Koyyalagudem of Eluru district on Tuesday that Polavaram project will be completed by 2027. He underlined that funds necessary for providing a relief and rehabilitation package to people affected by the project will be released within six months by introducing a special cess in Andhra Pradesh. Pawan said, I call upon the five crore people of Andhra to pay the special cess and facilitate completion of the Polavaram project, which will be a great boon for the state. He said the alliance government will impose a 1 paisa cess on each purchase. This way, it will accumulate 33,000 crore within six months. This will be given as R&R package to the 1.6 lakh Polavaram project victims, who are currently living in great distress and disgust. The Jana Sena chief said Polavaram assembly segment candidate Chirlam Bala Raju had raised the Polavaram project issue in the assembly. Eluru LS candidate Putta Mahesh Yadav would raise the issue in the parliament to sanction funds. He would bring the issue to the notice of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On the Kapu reservation agitation, Pawan Kalyan said once such a movement is launched, it will have to be continued till the fulfilment of the demand. Earlier, the agitation had been given up midway, when YSRC had come to power. That has led to the dilution of the reservation demand. He cited the example of Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi president Manda Krishna Madiga, who has been continuously agitating for providing reservations to Madigas. He has now successfully brought the issue to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Jana Sena chief said such a spirit of agitation must be adopted by Kapus too. He charged that Chintalapudi lift irrigation and Amaravati as capital projects have been stopped by Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as he did not want to favour one particular community Kamma. Pawan reiterated that he will win from Pithapuram assembly constituency with a huge majority.

In Andhra's East Godavari, Farmers Resort To Cashew Cultivation Amid Rising Temperatures

The most important component of these cashew trees in the rural Kakinada area of East Godavari is the pulp of the cashew fruit.

Alliance government to complete irrigation projects: Pawan Kalyan

KAKINADA : The three-party alliance government would complete the irrigation projects and provide water to every acre of land, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan has promised while speaking at a road show and bike rally in Pithapuram mandal on Monday. People welcomed him at Chendurthi, Vannepudi, Kodavli, Veldurthi, Dontamuru, B Kothuru, Thimmapuram, Gokivada, Jamulapalli, Narasingapuram, L.N.Puram, Kolanka, Viravada, Virava, Mangithurthi, Mallam, Jalluru, FK Palem, Kandarada, Kumarapuram and other villages for six hours on Monday and showered flowers on him. In response, Pawn Kalyan said the people spread flowers on him and throw stones on chief minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. He said Jagan Mohan Reddy sent Chandrababu Naidu to jail without taking care of his 40 years of political experience. When the TD was in the crisis, I rendered support to it, and my aim of the alliance with TD and BJP is not to split the anti-incumbancy votes. He said that his support to Chandrababu has raised the morale of the Telugu Desam cadre. He promised that the former MLA S.V.S.N. Varma would be given MLC post. Pawan Kalyan cautioned the people that they would lose their assets and properties if they cast their vote for the YSRC. Jagan Mohan Reddy issued GOs to loot your properties in the name of the AP Land Titling Act. He said, When the people purchase properties and lands, the government would not give original documents, except the Xerox copies. He stressed the need for defeating the YSRC to protect their properties. Praising the TD cadres, Pawan Kalyan said that though TD experienced many crises, its cadre have not been scattered. Former Pithapuram MLA S.V.S.N. Varma said that one section of the media was making a vicious propaganda against him, that he would join the YSRC. Once I give on my word. Varma said he had promised Pawan Kalyan and Chandrababu Naidu that he would ensure victory of Pawan Kalyan with a huge majority in the present polls. Jana Senas Kakinada Lok Sabha candidate Tangella Udaya Srinivas, Pithapuram BJP incharge K. Krishnam Raju and others were present. In Unguturu and Tadepalligudem constituency meetings, Pawan Kalyan said that BC-SC sub-plans funds have not been diverted and the funds would be spent for their welfare. I would not be afraid of YSRC goons. He said drinking water problems would be sorted out by modernising the Eluru canal. He appealed to the people to ensure the win of BJP Lok Sabha candidate and Jana Sena candidates in the two assembly seats by huge majority. He said, Farmers are not able to get crop insurance during the YSRC rule. Farmers' issues would be sorted out and roads and infrastructure facilities would be developed in the Godavari districts.

Congress To Bring SCS for 10 Years to Andhra Pradesh

Kakinada: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y.S.Sharmila said that if Congress comes to power, the special category status would be brought to Andhra Pradesh for 10 years and implement all bifurcation promises as per AP Reorganisation Act. She was accompanied by former Union minister M.M. Pallam Raju took out a road show at Rajamahendravaram on Monday. She emphasised that a vote for either the Telugu Desam-Jana Sena-BJP alliance or the YSRC would ultimately benefit the BJP, which has not contributed to the state's development She said that neither Chandrababu Naidu nor Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has done anything to develop the state. She assured the people that a Congress government would prioritise the completion of the Polavaram project and address the issue of unemployment among the state's youth Pallam Raju mentioned that under Sharmila Reddy's leadership, a Congress government would strive to emulate the governance style of the late Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy

Coromandel International Announces Rs 1,000 Crore Investment In Andra Pradesh

In a regulatory filing, the company said it has commenced the project activity to set up its Phosphoric Acid-Sulphuric Acid complex facility at Kakinada.

Coromandel International to invest Rs 1,000 cr to set up plant in Andhra Pradesh

Coromandel International, which is mainly in the fertiliser business, will invest Rs 1,000 crore to set up a plant to produce phosphoric and sulphuric acid at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. In a regulatory filing, the company said it has commenced the project activity to set up its Phosphoric Acid-Sulphuric Acid complex facility at Kakinada.

Coromandel International to set up 1000-crore fertiliser plant at Kakinada

The company has started work of the facility, which will enhance companys backward integration capacities and provide stable supplies of phosphoric acid for its fertiliser manufacturing

Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan Mohan Reddy stooges of BJP: Y S Sharmila

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief Y S Sharmila on Monday alleged that YSRCP President Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and TDP head N Chandrababu Naidu are stooges of the BJP. Sharmila made the allegation at Kakinada during a public meeting as part of her election campaign for the May 13 simultaneous polls for the 175 assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

Film actor Varun Tej campaigns for Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram

Andhra Pradesh: Popular film actor Varun Tej has campaigned in support of his uncle and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram in Kakinada district. Waving to the crowd from his cars sunroof, Varun Tej rigorously campaigned for Pawan Kalyan, who is contesting from Pawan Kalyan from Pithapuram Assembly constituency. Holding party flags and symbol, the supporters of Pawan Kalyan accompanied Varun Tej during the election campaign. Both the YSRCP and Jana Sena are leaving no stone unturned in winning the Pithapuram Assembly constituency. The leaders from the two parties are busy in the high-octane campaign seeking support of the people during the elections. They mainly focused on door-to-door campaigns and road shows. Varun Tejs movie Operation Valentine that was released in February 2024 drew the attention of a large number of audiences. He became popular with the movies Fidaa, F2 and F3.

Kannababu Refutes PKs Charge on Praja Rajyam

Kakinada : Former agriculture minister and sitting Kakinada Rural MLA Kurasala Kannababu, who is also the YSRC candidate from the constituency in the 2024 assembly elections, objected to Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyans charge that Kannababu had been behind the merging of Praja Rajyam with Congress in the past. Addressing media here on Sunday, Kannababu retorted that the film star must put such blame on his elder brother Mega Star Chiranjeevi, who had floated the Praja Rajyam Party. He maintained that when Chiranjeevi floated the party, he gave tickets to 294 candidates. The former minister said he had been one of the candidates who had been given the ticket. Kannababu said, I was one of the winning candidates. I feel proud that I became a successful politician due to Chiranjeevi. I will not forget him forever. At the same time, I have a debt to Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who encourages me politically. The former minister maintained that Pawn Kalyan has done nothing for the welfare of Kapu. In this regard, he sought to predict that the film actor will be defeated in the Pithapuram constituency by Vanga Geetha.

Kodikathi Srinu Family Members Join TD

Kakinada: The family members of Janipalli Srinivasa Rao, known as Kodikathi Srinu joined the Telugu Desam and extended support to Mummidivaram candidate Datla Subba Raju. His parents Janipalli Tata Rao and Savithri, brother Subba Rao, and his uncle Janipallli Venkateswara Rao (fathers brother) joined Telugu Desam. However, Janipalli Srinivasa Rao had not joined the party due to his pending criminal case. However, Srinivasa Rao said that he had wished Jagan to become the Chief Minister. But, neither Jagan nor YSRC leaders supported him. But, all sections of the people in the society and opposition parties have given moral support to him. Srinivasa Rao said that he wishes that the alliance parties would come to power to do good for the state.

Anarchy in Andhra Pradesh under CM Jagans rule: Pawan Kalyan

VIJAYAWADA: Going hammer and tongs against the YSRC regime, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan alleged that anarchy prevailed in the State under YS Jagan Mohan Reddys rule. Addressing a public meeting in Kakinada on Saturday as part of his election campaign, he said there was no response from Jagan even when 30,000 women went missing in the State. Expressing concern over the increasing ganja menace, he said once the tripartite alliance is in power, it will deal with the ganja issue sternly. He lashed out at YSRC MLAs Dwarampudi Chandrasekhar Reddy and Kurasala Kanna Babu. He lashed out at YSRC MLAs Dwarampudi Chandrasekhar Reddy and Kurasala Kanna Babu. I am contesting from Pithapuram Assembly segment to teach them a lesson, he said, and accused Jagan of speaking more like a liquor trader than a Chief Minister. Accusing Kanna Babu of being mired deep in corruption, he said the Kakinada rural MLA should be given a share in every real estate venture. The JSP chief called upon the youth to strive to dethrone Jagan. I have paid Rs 70 crore as income tax in five years. You can just imagine, how much I can earn. But why I am on the roads today, seeking public mandate, is to save the State and its people from the clutches of Jagan, he asserted. Reiterating that the 2024 elections are very important for the future of the State, he urged the people to think before they cast their votes. The tripartite alliance will release its poll manifesto on April 30, he added.

NETA NATTER | KCR, KTR TREAD ON UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY

All it takes is one good political defeat to make leaders tread paths they would otherwise have not. Take the instance of BRS chief and former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao who visited a regional news channel studio and spent a whopping four hours doing an interview live. Similarly, his son K.T. Rama Rao has been visiting various temples, including the Gadwal Jogulamba temple, as part of the Lok Sabha election campaign and offering prayers. Both developments came as a big surprise to political circles. One, because KCR never took part in any live debate on any regional TV channel in the last 10 years, and KTR, a self-declared atheist, stayed away from temples including the renovated Yadadri temple when it was inaugurated by KCR with the then Cabinet in attendance. Politics, as they say, is a fickle mistress. A BATTLE OF OATHS ENSUES Promises, oaths. These have become the staple of politicians and the current overheated political situation in Telangana is seeing more and more of these each day. While BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao is slamming the A. Revanth Reddy government for indulging only in thitlu and votlu (abuse of BRS leaders, and promises on Gods), but doing nothing, his son K.T. Rama Rao has demanded that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy take a vottu on his wife and daughter instead of Gods. Revanth is taking oaths with God as his witness at famous temples in different constituencies during his campaign and saying that he will waive crop loans of all farmers in one go by August 15. But Gods, KTR counters, do not question back and so wants Revanth to take such oaths on his wife and daughter. BRS DOES U-TURN Gone are the days of bemoaning about the country as a whole and how the BRS was the answer that the nation could be waiting for. After the Assembly elections defeat, and with Lok Sabha polls looming, BRS leaders have gone back to their golden oldie, that only it can protect the interests of the state. For instance, in Adilabad, BRS leaders in their speeches say that regional parties like the BRS can only protect the interest of Telangana state, unlike the Congress and the BJP. Former BRS minister Jogu Ramanna is leading the pack, saying only the BRS can talk about the state, and that national parties have no real interest in Telanganas welfare. While it is no longer TRS and is now BRS, for now, the opposition party is betting on the old is gold adage. WE CAN HURL ABUSE AND STILL SEEK SUPPORT? That politicians try to give a spin of their own to suit their political convenience is a given. They live by the dictum that there are no permanent friends and foes in politics, and follow it in letter and spirit. As its true and blue followers, they tend to justify their own party hopping but decry the moves of their opponents. The other day, BJP leader M. Raghunandan Rao found fault with the Congress and especially Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for going to Kerala and calling the CPM communalists there, even as his colleague, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, was hobnobbing with their leaders seeking their support in Telangana state. This left one wondering what would be his opinion on his partys alignment with the Kashmir-based PDP again, which it regularly blames for hobnobbing with separatists. FOOT IN MOUTH FOR NANDYAL MP A slip of the tongue is a common occurrence for everyone, particularly when they are momentarily inattentive. However, in the realm of politics, such slips can pose major problems as Nandyal MP Pocha Brahmananda Reddy found out. After filing his nomination papers, he made glowing references to his YSRC president and Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddys welfare schemes. But, as he wound up, he called on the people to vote for the bicycle symbol, which belongs to the YSRCs arch-rival, the Telugu Desam. Though he tried to make immediate amends, his comment flew through the online world, with folks cracking jokes at him. Clearly, an untimely slip of the tongue cant be corrected even with nine urgent stitches in these days of instant communication. PAWAN DANCES TO THE PEOPLES TUNE Song and dance are part of the political process and candidates facing elections are no strangers to this. And if the candidate happens to be an actor-politician like Pawan Kalyan, then things can quickly get interesting. Using all his histrionic skills, Pawan, contesting from Pithapuram Assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh, alternates between fits of anger and rage. But of late, he has also taken to shaking a leg, given how popular some of his numbers from his movies are. This was on full display at the nomination rally of his Jana Senas candidate from Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency, Tangella Uday Srinivas, the other day. During the rally, Pawan danced to the accompanying drumbeats driving the crowds wild with men and women joining in with enthusiasm. Whether sweating it out in the sun by dancing will get his party votes, however, remains to be seen. Contributions from Vadrevu Srinivas, G. Ram Mohan, L. Venkatram Reddy, P.V. Prasad, Pillalamarri Srinivas.

Pawan Kalyan says red sander smugglers in Pithapuram

Kakinada: Jana Sena chief and film star Pawan Kalyan has alleged that rivals in the other party have sent 50 to 60 red sanders smugglers into the Godavari districts as he is contesting from Pithapuram Assembly constituency, . I am not afraid of such threats. I have come to politics leaving my fears, he declared while addressing several meetings in Konaseema district from atop his Varahi vehicle. The JS chief said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has frequently been saying that if the NDA alliance comes to power, welfare schemes will be stopped. He said the amount being spent on welfare schemes is not coming from Jagan Mohan Reddys or his own forefathers. The schemes are from peoples money, he declared. He regretted that individual clashes between Vangaveeti Ranga and Nehru in Vijayawada and Pilli Subhashchandra Bose and Thota Trimurtulu in Ramachandrapuram have to be seen as clashes between two castes. He found fault with such trends in society. Pawan Kalyan said a small stone had been hurled on Jagan Mohan Reddy amidst thousands of people. The police nabbed a youth. But when an auspicious chariot had been burnt at Antarvedi, the government could not find the accused. He observed that the person who threw the stone is mentally ill. He accused minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and his son Mithun Reddy of terrorising the people of Godavari district. I will not tolerate this, he declared. The JS chief demanded that ONGC, Gail and Cairn Energy replace their pipelines with safer ones. He demanded that CSR funds from these companies should be spent on development of the respective constituencies. Pawan Kalyan advised people not to fall for upma and idlis provided by the ruling YSRC. Amalapuram Lok Sabha candidate G. Harish Mathur and P. Gannavaram nominee D. Vara Prasad accompanied the JS chief.

Sunil Rebuts Pawan Kalyans Charge

Kakinada: YSRC Kakinada Lok Sabha candidate Chalamalasetty Sunil has strongly rebutted Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyans remark that Sunil is not suitable for politics. Incidentally, Sunil filed his nomination papers on Thursday before the district returning officer J. Nivas, along with Kakinada MLA Dwarampudi Chandrasekhara Reddy, Kakinada Rural MLA Kurasala Kannababu and others. Speaking to media later, the YSRC candidate agreed with Pawan Kalyans statement that friendship and politics are separate. He maintained that he had contested from the same Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency three times representing different parties. He has now filed his papers for the fourth time. Sunil retorted that he has not changed his constituencies like Pawan Kalyan has done. He said during the election time, Pawan Kalyan had promised people that he would be with the people of Bhimavaram and Gajuwaka constituencies even after his defeat. But he has now changed his constituency to Pithapuram. The YSRC candidate said Pawan Kalyan is not a stable person. He wondered what good the JS chief will do for the people of Pithapuram.

Godavari Districts Receive 560 Nominations for Assembly and 107 for LS Seats

Kakinada: In the erstwhile East and West Godavari districts, as many as 560 candidates have filed their nominations from the 35 assembly constituencies and 107 candidates from the four Lok Sabha constituencies, when the last day for filing nominations ended on Thursday. BJP candidate Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy filed his nomination from the Anaparthi assembly constituency after reaching the office of the returning officer in a huge procession on Thursday. In all, 18 candidates have filed their nominations from Kothapeta, 22 from Mummidivaram, 16 from Mandapeta, 21 from Ramachandrapuram, 21 from Amalapuram, 15 from Razole and 17 from P. Gannavaram in Konaseema district. 33 candidates filed nominations from Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency. 139 nominations, including 22 from Tuni, 23 from Prathipadu, 28 from Pithapuram, 27 from Kakinada Rural, 16 from Peddapuram and 23 from Jaggampeta have been filed in Kakinada district. 27 candidates have filed nominations from the Narsapuram Lok Sabha constituency. 112 nominations have been filed in West Godavari district, including 18 from Achanta, 25 from Palakollu, 17 from Narsapuram, 19 from Bhimavaram, 31 from Undi, 20 from Tanuku and 26 from Tadepalligudem assembly constituencies. 24 candidates have filed nominations for the Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha constituency. 172 nominations, including 20 from Gopalapuram, 30 from Nidadavole, 28 from Kovvuru, 23 from Rajamahendravaram Rural, 20 from Rajamahendravaram City, 31 from Rajanagaram and 20 from Anaparthi assembly segments have been filed. 23 candidates have filed nominations from Eluru Lok Sabha constituency. Total 168 nominations have been received for the seven assembly seats in Eluru district 22 from Ungutur, 23 from Denduluru, 19 from Eluru, 29 from Polavaram, 20 from Chintalapudi, 20 from Nuziveedu and 25 from Kaikaluru.

Resentment Brewing Within AP BJP Over Purandeswaris Naidu Slant

Kakinada : Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in Kakinada district and elsewhere are unable to digest the way AP BJP president Daggubati Purandeswari is going about her campaigning in the assembly and Lok Sabha elections. They allege she is trying to protect her self-interests, rather than promote the partys ideology. In particular, they are sore that Purandeswari has side lined BJP candidate M.S. Krishnam Raju in the Anaparthi constituency and has gone on to allot the seat to TD candidate Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy by forcing the latter to join the BJP. Saffron leaders such actions will leave the Bharatiya Janata Party in a mess in Andhra Pradesh, particularly when the fortunes of the party could change in the state. They accuse Purandeswari of not being committed to BJP like its leaders of pas 10 years including K. Haribabu, Kanna Lakshminarayana and Somu Veerraju and others. Further, they have gone on to allege that the AP BJP chief is issuing B forms even to BJP leaders only after holding consultations with the Telugu Desam Party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu. She has not given a single seat to Kapus, who are in sizeable numbers in Godavari districts. Kapu community leaders like Dr. Akula Satyanarayana had won from Rajamahendravaram, Pendem Dorababu won from Pithapuram, late Pydikondala Manikyala Rao won from Tadepalligudem previously. Yet she has denied any representation to Kapus, charged BJP Kakinada district former vice president Chitneedi Srinivas, who recently joined YSRC in the presence of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Purandeswari has no party interest, only self-interest, remarked a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He said Purandeswari could have at least got Kakinada and Rajamahendravaram Urban seats for the BJP. Instead, he underlined, she has protected the interests of Telugu Desam and its chief Chandrababu Naidu.

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

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

Yanamala Krishnudu Leaves TD in Lurch in Tuni, Ready to Join YSRC

Kakinada: Yanamala Krishnudu, a powerful Telugu Desam leader, has decided to quit the TD, leaving Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, his cousin and the former Finance Minister in the lurch. Ramakrishnudus daughter Yanamala Divya, is contesting from Tuni on behalf of the alliance in the assembly elections. In a major blow to the electoral prospectus of the alliance, the senior Telugu Desam leader Yanamala Krishnudu, has decided to sever his 40 year old connections with the Telugu Desam and he is all set to join ruling Y.S.R.C in coming two days. Krishnudu, who was a great fan of late N.T.Rama Rao, is the cousin of Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, the former Finance Minister who represented the Tuni constituency for a long time. In fact, it is said that Krishnudu was the power behind the throne in Tuni constituency, whenever TD was in power. Ramakrishnudu used to be in the cabinet, holding the important portfolio of a finance minister or a speaker, while Krishnudu used to rule the roost in Tuni constituency. In the constituency, his word was the law, whenever TD was in power. Such a powerful leader, has decided to part ways with the TD and it is a big-blow to Yanamala Divya, the daughter of Ramakrishnudu, who is contesting from the constituency. Krishnudu also contested twice on TD ticket from the constituency, but he lost both times in 2014 and 2019 elections. Yanamala Krishnudu told the Deccan Chronicle that when late N.T.Rama Rao floated Telugu Desam, he was proposed to contest from Tuni, but he proposed his cousin Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and gave B.Form to him. From then, Ramakrishnudu enjoyed power. He said that when Ramakrishnudus daughter was given Tuni Ticket, Ramakrishnudu and TD supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu gave promise to him to give MLC post. But, now, Ramakrishnudu could get MLA candidate to her daughter's father-in-law Putta Sudhakar Yadav, Eluru Lok Sabha seat for his son-in-law Putta Mahesh Yadav and Tuni MLA candidature to his daughter Divya and if TD comes to power, Ramakrshnudu wants to get MLC post. In these circumstances, he has decided to quit TD and join in YSRC as the YSRC leaders promised to him to recognise his services in future. He said that the Roads and Transport Minister Dadisetty Raja, YSRC Kakinada Lok Sabha candidate Chalamalasetty Sunil and others contacted him and convinced him to join in YSRC and he had agreed for it.

Uday Srinivas files nomination as JSPs Kakinada Lok Sabha contestant

Minister Chelluboyina Venugopala Krishna Asks People Not To Believe Buchaiah Chowdary

Kakinada: BC welfare minister and Rajamahendravaram Rural YSRC candidate Chelluboyina Srinivasa Venu Gopalakrishna asked people of the constituency not to believe Telugu Desam candidate and sitting MLA Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary, as the latter had not taken care of constituency for past 10 years. Speaking to media on Wednesday, the minister said Buchaiah Chowdary treats backward classes as a vote bank, while YSRC treats BCs as the backbone of the society. He declared that YSRC will win the Rajamahendravaram Rural constituency, as people of the state are seeing Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in every YSRC candidate.

Pawan Says YSRC Candidate Sunil Not Suitable for Politics

Kakinada : Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan declared that YSRC Kakinada Lok Sabha candidate Chalamalasetty Sunil is not suitable for politics. The film star spoke on occasion of Tangella Udaya Srinivas filing his nomination from the Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency as the Jana Sena candidate on Wednesday amid huge fanfare. Pawan Kalyan himself participated in the procession and performed dances while proceeding in the procession. Later, the JS chief told media that Sunil is his friend. But there is a difference between friendship and politics. He said Sunil appears during the election time. Subsequently, he changes his parties. This happens frequently, he pointed out, underlining that this is bad for political leaders. Pawan Kalyan maintained that Udaya Srinivas is a leader with good vision. He has proved himself a good entrepreneur through his Tea Time organisation, which employs 25,000 people. Answering a query, he said rowdyism has increased in Kakinada city. Mere 12-year to 15-year olds are using ganja. This situation should be changed. The JS chief said the Jana Sena, TD and BJP alliance will come to power with a huge majority.

Boses strategy backfires at Ramachandrapuram

Kakinada: Times are when some political leaders strategies backfireand this was proven in the case of Rajya Sabha member Pilli Subhashchandra Bose. Bose had introduced Settibalija community leader Vasamsetty Subhash to the constituency and praised him as a good social worker and leader. Now, Vasamsetty is contesting against Boses son Pilli Surya Prakash on a Telugu Desam ticket. Vasamsetty Subhash worked for transport minister Pinepe Viswaroop in Amalapuram constituency during the 2019 elections. But, after the announcement of naming Konaseema district after Dr BR Ambedkar, an arson incident took place. The houses of Viswaroop and Mummidivaram MLA Ponnada Venkata Satish were gutted. Viswaroop and his family members believed that Subhash was behind the incident. The Viswaroop family and Vasamsetty Subhas turned enemies after the arson incident. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha member Pilli Subhashchandra Bose supported Subhash and took him to Ramachandrapuram constituency. He introduced Subhash to the people, saying, He is a good person and a good social worker. The government also lifted cases against those who were involved in the arson incidents including Vasamsetty Subhash. After lifting the cases, Subhash joined the Telugu Desam. Now, he is contesting from Ramachandrapuram as the TD candidate against the YSRC candidate Pilli Surya Prakash, son of Pilli Bose. In other words, Boses strategy was boomeranged. Now, Vasamsetty Subhash is deep into the election campaign and the YSRC candidate has no word to criticise him. Bose and Thota Trimurthulu were political rivals from 1994 till the 2019 elections and these two leaders were contesting against each other. Trimurthulu won the seat as an Independent in 1994 and as TD nominee in 1999, as Congress candidate in the 2012 byelection and TD nominee in the 2014 elections. Bose won the seat in 1989, 2004 and 2009. He resigned the MLA post in the 2012 elections to support YS Jagan Mohan Reddy who floated the YSRC and contested from the constituency. But, he was defeated by Thota Trimurthulu. In the 2019 elections, BC welfare minister Chelluboyina Srinivasa Venugopala Krishna defeated TD candidate Thota Trimurthulu. But, Bose rebelled against the minister and then Jagan Reddy gave the ticket to Pilli Surya Prakash. The minister was sent to Rajamahendravaram Rural constituency. Surya Prakash has completed his campaign in the constituency by reaching out to the villages three or four times. Facing Subhash in the elections, he is depending on the group of Thota Trimurthulu, who is contesting from Mandapeta on behalf of the YSRC. But, Kapus are evincing interest in the Jana Sena. Now, Trimurthulu is advising Kapus to support YSRC candidate Prakash.

TD issues B form to Chintamaneni Prabhakar

Kakinada: With Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, lines have finally cleared for former MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar to contest the forthcoming elections from the Denduluru constituency. Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu called Prabhakar and gave him the B form on Wednesday. Prabhakar has already filed his nomination two days ago. He will submit the B form to the returning officer on Thursday. There had been an uproar in TD circles in Anaparthi constituency after the assembly constituency had been allotted to BJP. TD and alliance leaders asked the BJP high command to transfer the seat to TD and instead Chintaluru seat. But the BJP did not agree. This compelled TD state vice president N. Ramakrishna Reddy to join BJP on Tuesday night and get the B form from that party to contest the assembly elections from Anaparthi. BJP dropped its candidate M.S. Krishnam Raju for accommodating Ramakrishna Reddy.