2.40 Crore Unaccounted Cash Seized In East Godavari

Police seized unaccounted cash of `2.40 crore from a private, inter-state bus in Gopalapuram, East Godavari on Thursday. Devarapalli circle inspector (CI) P. Bala Suresh said the cash was found in two bags with a bus passenger, Ayyala China Chennaiah, a resident of Kurnool. Chennaiah said that some unidentified person gave him the money to give it to another man in Rajamahendravaram. The bus was going from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam. CI Bala Suresh said the money was found during a routine check at the interstate check post near Gopalapuram. The cash was handed over to treasury department officials.

Gadkari promises prioritised development of infrastructure in Araku

VISAKHAPATNAM : Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has assured the people of Araku Lok Sabha constituency of prioritised infrastructure development, encompassing roads, drinking water supply, electricity, communication and irrigation facilities. Addressing an election meeting at Venkampeta in Parvathipuram Manyam district on Thursday, he reiterated the BJP-led NDA governments commitment to the uplift of tribal communities, while seeking the peoples mandate for Araku Lok Sabha BJP candidate Kothapalli Geetha. He emphasised the Modi governments focus on various development initiatives, particularly in the realm of water conservation and supply. He underscored the significance of river-linking projects and urged concerted efforts towards water conservation. Expressing concern over rural depopulation due to migration to urban areas, he highlighted the decline in the number of cultivators in villages. Referring to water scarcity, Gadkari recalled his tenure as the Water Resources Minister, mentioning the sanctioning of the Polavaram project for Andhra Pradesh. However, he expressed disappointment over the projects delay, attributing it to political factors within the State. Gadkari stressed the potential for economic growth through water availability in rural, agricultural and tribal areas, citing a possible two-fold increase in the countrys growth rate. He lamented the current state of agriculture and allied industries, which contribute only 12% to the GDP, and attributed rural-to-urban migration to flawed economic policies. Under the leadership of Modi, Gadkari outlined plans to strengthen rural, agricultural and tribal economies. He pledged support for diversifying agriculture towards the energy and power sectors, citing ongoing road infrastructure projects such as the Visakhapatnam-Raipur connectivity (595 km) costing `35,000 crore and the Rajamahendravaram-Vizianagaram greenfield express highway costing `22,000 crore. Additionally, Gadkari mentioned the completion of the Saluru bypass on NH 43. He later took part in an Elite Meet in Anakapalle along with BJP Lok Sabha candidate CM Ramesh.

Gudivada Amarnath releases his Local Manifesto for Gajuwaka

Nitin Gadkari emphasises strong political power for country during poll tour to Vizag

Job creation, green-fuelled public mobility services and reducing logistics costs are the need of the hour to achieve the five trillion dollar economy goal, he says

AP politics delayed Polavaram project: Gadkari

Visakhapatnam : Union minister for roads, Nitin Gadkari, has said politics in Andhra Pradesh delayed the prestigious Polavaram project that was sanctioned by him while he was minister for water resources. Addressing election meetings in Venkampeta as a part of his campaign for Araku Assembly candidate Kothapalli Geetha and Anakapalli LS candidate C.M. Ramesh in Vepagunta area on Thursday, Gadkari said the project cost of Polavaram was then estimated at Rs 60,000 crore. Gadkari said he visited the project site four times when Chandrababu Naidu was chief minister. It was the responsibility of the state government to complete the project, he stressed. When the new government came in 2019, it initiated several inquiries and the end result was the project was delayed, Gadkari said. He said originally three schemes were proposed when 1,300 tmc of water from Godavari was going into the sea as waste. The first scheme was to take water from Godavari to Krishna, Krishna river to Penna and Penna to Kaveri, and taking the tail end to Tamil Nadu. This could have solved the water problem of the entire South India, Gadkari said, blaming the previous governments for wrong policies that led to water disputes. He said as a corrective measure, the NDA government launched Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchay Yojana to focus on big and medium dams and water conservation measures that would bring socio-economic changes in the rural economy. Agriculture contributes 12 per cent to GDP, manufacturing 22-24 per cent and services 52 to 56 per cent. He said 90 per cent of the population lived in rural areas and later 30 per cent of the population migrated to bigger cities due to the wrong policies of the government that existed after the time of Independence, he said. Now we are focusing on diversion of agriculture to energy and power sector that would save the foreign exchange in importing crude oil and enrich the rural youth, Gadkari said. He said already trial runs were on to make bitumen from broken rice and bio-fuel and aviation fuel from sea molasses, bamboo, broken rice and corn. Very soon vehicles would run on ethanol. Speaking about his contributions to north Andhra as minister for roads, Gadkari said work on Visakhapatnam-Raipur express highway covering a distance on 595 kilometres worth Rs 35,000 crore was on and similarly the Rajamahendravaram-Vizianagaram green express highway covering a distance of 688km was nearing completion. This project costs Rs 22,000 crore. These two roads would be game changer as new developmental activities would be initiated providing employment to thousands of people, Gadkari said.

Modi to visit AP on May 6 and 8

Vijayawada : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit AP for election campaign on May 6 and 8. Based on a tentative schedule, PM Modi will address election rallies and meetings in Rajamahendravaram, Anakapalli, Rajampet and Vijayawada. The AP polls are slated for May 13. Sources say state BJP leaders are making efforts to get promises for AP from Modi on major issues like execution of Polavaram project by releasing funds, as also on the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, a railway zone, metro rail etc. The BJP is contesting in 10 Assembly and six Lok Sabha constituencies in alliance with TD and Jana Sena.

Undefeated Kapu leaders to clash for Bheeminupatnam MLA seat

Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao from YSRCP and Ganta Srinivasa Rao from TDP, who have not lost an election in 20 years, are vying for one of the biggest Assembly constituencies in North Andhra districts

Protect future generations from YSRCP, Pawan tells young voters

Protect future generations from YSRCP, Pawan tells young voters - The Hindu

Protect future generations from YSRCP, Pawan tells young voters The Hindu

TDP-JSP spreading propaganda on Land Titling Act to mislead voters: Botcha

Poll manifesto is like tissue paper for TDP chief Chandrababu: YSRCP candidate from Visakhapatnam South

The News Mill

2kmp4/Heat waves continue to sweep AP, Nandyal at 46.2 C

Visakhapatnam : Heat wave continued to boil parts of Andhra Pradesh for the second consecutive day on Thursday with mercury touching 46.2 degree Celsius in Nandyal on Thursday. The mercury touched 45.3 degree Celsius in Kurnool, followed by 44.8C at Kadapa and Jangamaheswarapuram. Tirupati recorded 44.1C and the remaining parts of the state recorded the maximum temperatures between 39C and 43 C on the day. Nandyal, Kurnool, Arogyavaram (42.5C), and Kavali (43.1C) experienced heat wave conditions on Thursday while hot, humid and most uncomfortable weather prevailed in many parts of the state, Dr S Karuna Sagar of IMD, Amaravathi. The heat wave conditions will prevail at isolated places over Rayalaseema districts as well as coastal Andhra Pradesh region and Yanam from May 3 to May 5 while the remaining parts of the state will experience hot and humid weather conditions. Adding woes to the heat waves, parts of Rayalaseema region will experience warmer nights during the period, Karuna Sagar added. The people in tribal pockets of Alluri Sitharama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam districts said that they have been experiencing hot and humid weather conditions for the past few days forcing them to stay indoors. Few parts in ASR district on Thursday recorded thunderstorms in the evening hours, however the spell of showers failed to bring much respite from hot weather conditions.

1,404 voters will go for Vote from Home in Visakhapatnam on May 7 and 8

RINLs PULSE services hailed

Employment Exchange services now online

Andhra Pradesh's Electoral Roll for 2023 Finalized with Over 4.14 Crore Eligible Voters

Andhra Pradesh's Electoral Roll for 2023 Finalized with Over 4.14 Crore Eligible Voters Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena on Thursday published the final electoral roll of the state in the run-up to the forthcoming polls, pegging the total number of voters over 4.14 crore, which rose by nearly six lakh from January 1. In exact figures, the total number of voters in the southern state are 4,14,01,887, who include 2.02 crore male voters, 2.1 crore female voters, 3,421 third gender voters and 68,185 service electors. ''Voter list has been finalised and frozen. On the day of freezing the list, April 25, including all categories of voters, service voters, male, female and third gender voters, there are 4,14,01,887 voters,'' said Meena, addressing a press conference at the secretariat here. The CEO noted that the electoral rolls witnessed an increase by 5,94,631 voters between January 1, 2024 and April 1. The voter list was updated until the last day of receiving the nominations, April 25. Meena called on the electorate to check their names and polling stations at https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/ and on the voter helpline app. Though more than 7.2 lakh voters are eligible for home voting under the categories of voters above 85 years of age and specially-abled, Meena said only 28,591 such voters availed this facility. Further, he said that the number of polling stations rose from 46,165 to 46,389, after factoring in the requirement of 224 auxiliary polling stations which were supplemented to regular polling stations where the upper limit of 1,500 electors has been breached. The highest number of auxiliary polling stations (50) have been added in Visakhapatnam district. Meanwhile, the CEO noted that 12,438 polling stations out of the total have been identified as critical while webcasting has been proposed for 29,897 or 64 percent of the polling stations. Until Thursday, as part of the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), Meena observed that two deaths, 156 injuries and 13.4 lakh properties were involved in cases of electoral violence. Besides binding over 72,416 persons, the Election Commission has also registered 9,337 seizure FIRs and 864 FIRs related to enforcement such as loudspeaker violations, irregular meetings and others. Likewise, the poll body seized liquor, cash, drugs, precious metals, freebies and other inducements worth Rs 204 crore from March 16 to May 2. Further, Meena observed that safety measures would be put in place at polling stations prone to heat waves, such as setting up tents, canopies, umbrellas and shade structures, along with providing chairs. Likewise, cooling devices such as fans will be arranged at necessary polling stations for maintaining comfortable temperature for voters and polling personnel, including drinking water facilities at all the polling stations. Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled on May 13 and the counting of votes will be held on June 4.

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Ex-CBI Officer Enters Andhra Pradesh Election Race, Criticizes YSRCP and TDP Dynastic Politics

Ex-CBI Officer Enters Andhra Pradesh Election Race, Criticizes YSRCP and TDP Dynastic Politics VV Lakshmi Narayana, the former IPS officer who shot into fame after he supervised the ''quid-pro-quo'' case and arrest of YSR Congress chief and incumbent CM, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in 2012 , has floated a political party and is now contesting assembly polls from Visakhapatnam (North). The Ex CBI Joint Director's Jai Bharat National Party is contesting 15 Lok Sabha seats (10 in AP and 5 in neighbouring Telangana) and 76 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh. The retired additional DG rank officer says the agenda of his party is to provide a platform for the peoples voices and provide good governance, if picked by the people, as the the main political parties in the state, the ruling YSR Congress and TDP are family-run parties. Speaking to PTI here he said his party if voted to power, will cater to the needs of all the people with a focused approach on wealth creation, employment generation and welfare with minimum freebies. ''The agenda is to provide good governance, and a platform to the people. Because now if you see the entire state of Andhra Pradesh, you have one Alliance (NDA) and one party (YSRCP). We need to provide another alternative to the people. Because people have already seen what has happened in the previous five years, he said. Hitting out at the major political parties in the state, the former IPS officer alleged the law and order situation in the state is in very bad condition and it should be improved for attracting investments through which youth get jobs. Outlining his vision for development, Lakshminarayana said there is a lot of potential in AP for the tourism industry and food processing industry can be amplified as the state has an agri-based economy. ''We have 974 km of coastline. What are we doing with that? Have you developed any tourism here? A small state like Goa is thriving in tourism. We have so much coastline , why can't we? That is how we want to do it,'' he explained. Asked on national politics, he said NDA's ambitious target of getting more than 400 seats may not be possible. Drawing parallels, he said the earlier government under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee also undertook ''India Shining'' campaign before polls in 2004 and the result was different. He opined that it is spiritually good that Ram Mandir was constructed after battling 500 years, and that the country should also aim for having ''Ram Rajya'' for good governance. Replying to a query on the recent arrests of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and BRS supremo K Chandrsasekhar Rao's daughter in money laundering cases, the retired police official said agencies like ED and CBI should be brought under the purview of Lok Pal, not under ministries in the government. He said, if elected, his priority is to to see that AP gets the special category status, Steel Plant privatization is stopped and getting a railway zone to Visakhapatnam besides getting all the bifurcation issues resolved. Narayana unsuccessfully contested Lok Sabha polls on Janasena platform from Visakhapatnam in 2019. Later he quit the party. Elections to 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state will be held on May 13.

Former CBI Officer Enters Andhra Election Race, Accuses Both YSRCP and TDP of Being Family-Run

Former CBI Officer Enters Andhra Election Race, Accuses Both YSRCP and TDP of Being Family-Run VV Lakshmi Narayana, the former IPS officer who shot into fame after he supervised the ''quid-pro-quo'' case and arrest of YSR Congress chief and incumbent CM, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy in 2012 , has floated a political party and is now contesting assembly polls from Visakhapatnam (North). The retired additional DG rank officer says the agenda of his Jai Bharat National Party, is to provide a platform for the peoples voices and provide good governance, if picked by the people, as the the main political parties in the state, the ruling YSR Congress and TDP are family-run parties. Speaking to PTI here he said his party if voted to power, will cater to the needs of all the people with a focused approach on wealth creation, employment generation and welfare with minimum freebies. ''The agenda is to provide good governance, and a platform to the people. Because now if you see the entire state of Andhra Pradesh, you have one Alliance (NDA) and one party (YSRCP). We need to provide another alternative to the people. Because people have already seen what has happened in the previous five years, he said. Hitting out at the major political parties in the state, the former IPS officer alleged the law and order situation in the state is in very bad condition and it should be improved for attracting investments through which youth get jobs. Outlining his vision for development, Lakshminarayana said there is a lot of potential in AP for the tourism industry and food processing industry can be amplified as the state has an agri-based economy. ''We have 974 km of coastline. What are we doing with that? Have you developed any tourism here? A small state like Goa is thriving in tourism. We have so much coastline , why can't we? That is how we want to do it,'' he explained. Asked on national politics, he said NDA's ambitious target of getting more than 400 seats may not be possible. Drawing parallels, he said the earlier government under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee also undertook ''India Shining'' campaign before polls in 2004 and the result was different. He opined that it is spiritually good that Ram Mandir was constructed after battling 500 years, and that the country should also aim for having ''Ram Rajya'' for good governance. Replying to a query on the recent arrests of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and BRS supremo K Chandrsasekhar Rao's daughter in money laundering cases, the retired police official said agencies like ED and CBI should be brought under the purview of Lok Pal, not under ministries in the government. He said, if elected, his priority is to to see that AP gets the special category status, Steel Plant privatization is stopped and getting a railway zone to Visakhapatnam besides getting all the bifurcation issues resolved. The Ex CBI Joint Director's party is contesting 15 Lok Sabha seats (10 in AP and 5 in neighbouring Telangana) and 76 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh. Narayana unsuccessfully contested Lok Sabha polls on Janasena platform from Visakhapatnam in 2019. Later he quit the party. Elections to 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state will be held on May 13.

Andhra Pradesh: Panchagramalu issue vital in Bheemili election outcome

VISAKHAPATNAM: From housing problems in Simhachalams Panchagramalu to the perennial challenge of ensuring access to clean drinking water, the Bheemili Assembly constituency navigates a complex terrain of civic concerns. Promising to address these myriads of pressing issues in the constituency, former minister and TDP MLA candidate Ganta Srinivasa Rao and incumbent MLA Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao representing YSRC are gearing up for the fierce ballot battle. Even after more than two decades, the land issue of PanchagramaluVenkatapuram, Purushothapuram, Vepagunta, Adavivaram and Cheemalapallipersisted upturning the lives of residents. Despite being spread across various constituencies, including Bheemunipatnam, Visakhapatnam West, Visakhapatnam North, and Pendurthi, the problem remains unresolved. The TDP government, during its tenure from 2004 to 2009, took steps to address the issue by releasing GO no 578 to regularise the lands, but uptake was limited. The GO declared that the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Simhachalam was the true owner of a 9,069 acres. Subsequently, the Congress government, which assumed power in 2009, withheld the GO. Ahead of the 2019 polls, YSRC made promises to resolve the Panchagramalu issue. After coming into power, the ruling government formed a committee led by the endowments minister to tackle the matter, but in vain. On the other hand, residents of Madhurawada, Kommadi, and nearby areas voiced grievances regarding the proliferation of stray pigs and dogs, which pose both sanitation and safety concerns. Moreover, the absence of adequate street lighting exacerbates security challenges, particularly at night. Madhurwada and nearby areas are developing quickly, but theres a lack of basic facilities. Streetlights are scarce, making it unsafe to travel after dark. Stray dogs and pigs add to the problem, making commuting risky, residents of the region said. The constituencys valuable geo-heritage, like Erra Matti Dibbalu, remains overlooked amidst pressing concerns. Additionally, pollution marred the beauty of renowned beaches like Rushikonda Beach. The controversial construction on Rushikonda Hill has stirred debate, with residents questioning the authorities priorities. Despite Rushikonda Beachs blue-flag status, pollution persists without adequate action. Similarly, development initiatives, apart from minor touch-ups during events like the G-20 Summit, seem scarce, prompting concerns about fulfilling residents needs over official requirements. The construction on Rushikonda Hill, initially touted as a tourism project, is now speculated to be intended as the Chief Ministers residence, reflecting a disconnect between promises and outcomes, the public opined. In the 2019 elections, Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao, popularly known as Avanthi Srinivas, of the YSRC, emerged victorious, defeating Sabbam Hari of the Telugu Desam party by a margin of 9,712 votes. In contrast, in 2014, Ganta Srinivas Rao of the TDP secured the seat with 1,18,020 votes, maintaining a lead over Karri Sita Ramu of the YSRC. As the 2014 winner prepares to contest against the 2019 winner in the upcoming elections, the constituency awaits to see who will come to power and what issues will be addressed under their leadership.

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.

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).

Chandrababus Manifesto Deceitful, Hollow: Dharmana

Visakhapatnam: Revenue minister Dharmana Prasada Rao has ridiculed Telugu Desam chief Chandrababu Naidus 2024 manifesto as deceitful and hollow. Addressing an election meeting in Fazulbaghpet in Srikakulam town on Wednesday, the minister noted that Chandrababu made a slew of promises in his 2014 manifesto, which included promises for waiver of DWCRA and farm loans. But Naidu never fulfilled them, rather threw the manifesto in the garbage bin and later removed it from the party's website. Now, again, he is coming up with a pack of lies. In 2014, he promised to provide 20 lakh jobs but he could not provide even 200 jobs during his five-year term. Today he is offering `3,000 as unemployment stipend, Dharmana said. He said the people in AP were happy because of the social welfare schemes launched by the Jagan-government. Peoples representatives knocked on the doors and explained to them about the schemes. They also tried to streamline the process, in places where technical problems deprived the beneficiaries of the schemes. He appealed to the people that if they were satisfied with the schemes and the YSRCs governance, they should give one more opportunity to the YSRC government to continue with these schemes. Explaining the measures to improve school education, the minister said the government recruited the faculty, provided books, uniforms and 19 other items to the children. An amount of `750 crore was spent on this annually. The YSRC government also provided nutritious mid-day meal, and deposited Rs 15,000 as Amma Vodi in the accounts of the mothers of the students. The Amma Vodi scheme has been implemented to provide financial support to mothers so that they do not send their children to work due to poverty. Now we are increasing this scheme payment to Rs 17,000. We have implemented all these programmes thinking that all the poor children should be educated so that the rich-poor gaps in this society will be reduced, Prasada Rao said. He said while Jagan Mohan Reddy mooted decentralization and proposed the capital at Visakhapatnam, Chandrababu Naidu aimed to do real estate business in Amaravati by stating that he made an agreement with the Singapore government to build the capital. In reality, he brought all the thieves, grabbed the farmers' lands and built a capital that had nothing to do with the people, to loot money.

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.

No backing from Modi, Purandeswari to TD-JS manifesto: YSRC MLC Kalyani

Visakhapatnam: State working president of the womens wing of YSRC and MLC Varudu Kalayani has said there is no guarantee/backing from state BJP president D Purandeswari to the manifesto released by the TD-JS alliance in AP. Addressing a press conference in Visakhapatnam, Kalyani said six crore people were surprised after reading the new manifesto launched by the alliance partners. She said the partners reduced the manifesto items to 177 from 600 in the 2014 election as they thought people would not believe in their promises. Neither Narendra Modi nor Purendeswari endorsed the manifesto, Kalyani said. Questioning the feasibility of the manifesto, she said Chandrababu should tell the people of Andhra Pradesh where would money come from, to implement these promises in the manifesto. She said Naidu promised to waive `87,600 crore in farm loans but he went back on his word by calling agriculture a wasteful exercise. He also cheated the women by promising waiver of DWCRA loans and jobs. She said while Jagan Mohan Reddy launched several welfare schemes to cater to the interests of all categories of people, Chandrababu Naidu failed to launch a single scheme that could be remembered by the people.

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.

JS Leader Says Mudragada Is Arrogant

Visakhapatnam: Jana Sena state general secretary Tammireddy Sivashankar on Wednesday objected to Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabhams comments against JS chief Pawan Kalyan. Addressing a press conference at the Jana Sena Party headquarters in Mangalagiri, Sivashankar said Mudragada's comments are indicative of the latters arrogance. The JS leader questioned what steps Mudragada has taken for the advancement of Kapus. He pointed out that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has clearly said reservations for Kapus is impossible under any circumstances. Mudragada must now clarify how Jagan could do justice for Kapus, Sivashankar asked.

Tollywood Fans Turn Campaigners in AP Elections

Visakhapatnam: Political arena in Andhra Pradesh is witnessing a novel trend in the run-up to 2024 elections with those from the film field entering the scene. Gone are the days when debates over box office collections and movie reviews dominated discussions among fans of Tollywood heroes and heroines. Instead, these fans are now integral players in political campaigns. Leaders with the film field as their background are too happy to tap into their fan following to secure crucial votes. Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, in particular, is leveraging his substantial fan base. This has seen a surge in the numbers of those campaigning for him, with his fans plunging into politics in support of their star. Heroes like Varun Tej and even legendary Mega Star Chiranjeevi have stepped in to support Pawan Kalyan's campaign efforts in the Pithapuram assembly constituency. Additionally, actors from popular television show Jabardast are trying to mould the opinion in favour of Pawan Kalyan. Actress Khushboo is endorsing candidates like Kothapalli Geeta in Araku. Visakhapatnam MP candidate Botsa Jhansi made headlines by campaigning alongside fans of the late Krishna and his son Mahesh Babu on Wednesday, showcasing the fusion of entertainment and politics when it comes to the electoral landscape.

Son Campaigning Against Dy. CM Budi Mutyala Naidu

Visakhapatnam: Budi Ravi Kumar, son of Deputy Chief Minister Budi Mutyala Naidu, has launched a campaign against his father on both social media and via hoardings scattered in the Madugula constituency. The posts on social media and posters around villages in the constituency proclaim, He who cannot do justice to his eldest son... how can he do justice to people? The backdrop for this development is a complex family dynamic. Ravi Kumar is the son of Budi Mutyala Naidu and his first wife Ramanamma. Ravi is contesting from Madugula as an independent candidate, while Anuradha, daughter of Budi Mutyala Naidu's second wife, is the ruling YSRC nominee. According to reports, the Deputy CM lobbied for Anuradha's candidacy after YSRCP leadership wanted him to contest from the Anakapalli parliament seat. According to sources, the BJP candidate from Anakapalli seat CM. Ramesh has encouraged Ravi Kumar to contest as an independent candidate, so that the latter would undermine the prospects of his father Budi Mutyala Naidu in the Anakapalli LS seat. Some people are responding with laughing emojis to Ravis social media posts. Others question implications of a father-son rift on the public opinion.

454 MP candidates and 2,387 MLA nominees in fray in Andhra Pradesh

The highest of 33 nominations have been filed from Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency, while the lowest of 12 candidates are contesting for Rajahmundry seat

Vote for Congress to fight BJPs privatisation policy, Gidugu urges supporters of Left parties

BJP has been striving to privatise Visakhapatnam Steel Plant putting the lives of thousands of workers at risk, says the Congress Rajahmundry Lok Sabha candidate

Bigg Boss transgender contestant Tamanna challenges Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram

Visakhapatnam: Tamanna Simhadri, a transgender contestant from Pithapuram assembly segment in Andhra Pradesh aims to transform the town into a national-level spiritual hub besides establishing a Vedic school to provide free education to Brahmin children. As a nominee of Bharatiya Chaitanya Yuvajana Party, Tamanna's candidacy adds intrigue to the political landscape as she challenges formidable opponents like Janasena founder Pawan Kalyan of the NDA and YSR Congress Party's Vanga Geetha in Pithapuram. From modeling to politics, Tamanna became the first transgender to contest in Andhra Pradesh when she unsuccessfully took on TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu's son, Nara Lokesh from Mangalagiri in the 2019 elections. She shot into limelight after gaining entry into the Telugu version of Bigg Boss third season which was telecast on a vernacular TV channel. Why would I need crores of rupees to contest the polls? I don't need helicopters to roam around. I don't distribute money and buy votes. My approach is very simple. I will do a door-to-door campaign. People are respecting me, she replied when asked if she is able to take on the mighty. According to Simhadri's poll affidavit, she has Rs 7.50 lakh movable assets including a few gold ornaments. Her instagram page has over 40,000 followers and she also has Facebook and Youtube accounts with a good number of admirers. If elected, I want to transform Pithapuram as a spiritual hub at the national level. I want to set up a Vedic school and offer free education to Brahmin children, also ensure that the government sanctions 20 acres of land for a spiritual centre, she further said. She would also like to see an irrigation project in the region to be taken up to ensure two crops a year is guaranteed. Also, she promised to strive for financial help to 5000 youth to set up MSME units, through which 25,000 persons will get job get opportunities. Replying to a query, she said though she has a liking for actor-politician and her rival Kalyan, taking him on in the poll battlefield is completely a different narrative.

Doctor kills mom, wife & kids before ending own life in Vijayawada

VIJAYAWADA: A 40-year-old orthopaedic doctor allegedly killed his mother, wife and two children before ending his life at his residence in Gurunanak Colony under Patamata police station limits on Tuesday morning. Police suspect financial problems might be the reason behind orthopaedic surgeons extreme step. The deceased were identified as Darawath Srinivas (40), his wife Usha Rani (36), two children Sailaja (9), Srihan (6) and his mother Ramanamma (65). Srinivass elder brother Durga Prasad is a judge in Hyderabad while his younger sister resides in Visakhapatnam. His father was a retired DSP. The incident came into light on 9 am when the housemaid arrived at the residence and found Srinivas's body hanging near the corridor. She immediately alerted the neighbours and informed to Patamata police. NTR District Commissioner of Police PHD Ramakrishna, DCP Adhiraj Singh Rana and other officials rushed to the spot and inquired about the incident. The clues team, sniffer dog and fingerprints experts collected evidence from the house. The police found Srinivas body at the entrance of house while remaining family member bodies were found inside the house in a pool of blood. Speaking to mediapersons, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Adhiraj Singh Rana said the head of the family Dr Srinivas, used to work in a private hospital and later started a hospital of his own. He took loans from various banks and private financiers. After the hospital ran into losses and incurred huge debts, depressed Srinivas handed over the hospital to another person to reduce the burden. Unable to bear the financial problems, Srinivas took the extreme step. We suspect that he might have killed all his family members with a knife by slitting their throat and later died by suicide. Before the incident, Srinivas put his car keys in the opposite house post box and a paper where his brothers number was written on it, said the DCP. A case has been registered under suspicious death and police seized a knife as well as suicide note from the spot. Srinivas also recorded a voice note in his phone where he explained the reasons behind killing all the four family members and his suicide, said a senior official on the condition of anonymity. It is also learnt that Srinivas was asked to work in the same hospital which he gave lease to another person. Starting a hospital on his own was his dream and he has put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears for Srija hospital. Unfortunately, it did not work out as he expected. After handing over the hospital maintenance to another person and was allowed to work in the same hospital, he might have felt insulted and could have resorted to extreme steps over depression, said the police.

YSRC Dares Naidu to Say How Much Funds are Needed to Implement TD Manifesto

Former minister and Krishna district YSRC president Perni Venkataramaiah (in picture) came down heavily on Nara Lokesh for comparing the houses given to the poor with bathrooms. Facebook Former minister and Krishna district YSRC president Perni Venkataramaiah (in picture) came down heavily on Nara Lokesh for comparing the houses given to the poor with bathrooms. Facebook Vijayawada: YSRC MLA and former minister Perni Venkataramaiah alias Nani has dared Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu to state how much money is needed to implement the TD election 2024 manifesto that was released on Tuesday. If Naidu has guts, he must state this, Nani said, and pointed out that the TD-Jana Sena joint manifesto was 90 per cent copy paste from the documents of other political parties. Addressing the media on Tuesday, he asked Naidu, Why did you say you will implement Jagan Mohan Reddy's schemes? Where is the promise of special category status and implementation of bifurcation assurances? There was no mention of these in the manifesto. The former minister dared Naidu to tell how many promises were implemented from your 2014 manifesto. CM Jagan daringly said he implemented 99 per cent promises of the 2019 YSRC manifesto, and is asking votes on the basis of fulfillment of his poll promises. What of you, he asked. Explaining the financial situation of the state, he said that despite all the difficulties, CM Jagan spent `71,000 crore annually for the poor through the welfare schemes. If Chandrababu Naidu is really honest, he should tell us what all of the promises given in the manifesto signed by the three parties in 2014 had been implemented by him. He further asked Naidu, Have you mentioned anything about Kadapa Steel Plant and Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, that you will stop these from being sold? Some 90 per cent of TD's joint manifesto is copied from Jagan's manifesto and the rest 10 per cent copied from the Congress manifesto in Karnataka. This looks funny. Do we need a Chandrababu Naidu to implement Jagan Mohan Reddys schemes, he asked.

Politicians with foreign degrees

PV Midhun Reddy, YSRC Rajampet sitting MP holds an MBA degree in International Business from Schiller International University, London and BE in Mechanical Engineering from Madras University. He won the 2014 LS election against BJP State president Daggubati Purandeshwari from Rajampet. In 2019, he contested from the same constituency and won with a majority against his closest rival DK Satya Prabha of TDP. He is contesting for the third consecutive time from Rajampet YS Avinash Reddy, YSRC A two-time YSRC MP from Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddys cousin, YS Avinash Reddy has an MBA degree from the University of Worcester in UK. He completed B.Tech from St. Josephs College of Engineering in Chennai. In the last election, Avinash won against C Adinarayana Reddy of TDP with a margin of over 3.80 lakh votes. In the ensuing elections, the incumbent leader is vying for a hat-trick from Kadapa LS seat Dr P Chandra Sekhar, TDP An NRI-turned politician, Pemmasani is making his electoral debut from Guntur Lok Sabha constituency. After completing his MBBS at NTR Medical University of Health Sciences, Chandra Sekhar went to the US and finished PG in Internal Medicine from Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania and became a successful physician. He is also the co-founder of UWorld, an online learning platform, Pemmasani is probably one of the richest politicians in India Nara Lokesh, TDP Touted to be the political heir of former CM and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu, Lokesh has an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and Bachelor of Science with a specialisation in Management Information systems from Carnegie Mellon University. TDPs general secretary, Lokesh has served as a minister in his fathers cabinet. Despite his defeat in 2019, he is contesting for the second consecutive time from Mangalagiri Assembly constituency L srikrishnadevarayulu, TDP Sitting Narasaraopet MP, Krishna Devarayulu graduated from La Trobe University in Australia in Media Studies and also serves as the vice-chairman of Vignan University. He seeks re-election from the same segment on TDP ticket. He defeated Rayapati Sambasiva Rao of TDP with a majority of over 1.53 lakh votes in 2019. Following the denial of the ticket to contest from the same segment in the elections, Krishna Devarayulu quit the YSRC and joined Telugu Desam JC Ashmit Reddy, TDP Son of JC Prabhakar Reddy, Ashmit holds a PG degree in MLit (Marketing) from University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK and a BE in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University, Chennai. His political career began with TDP and he served as Tadipatri councillor. In 2019 elections, Prabhakar Reddy unsuccessfully contested against Kethireddy Pedda Reddy of YSRC from Tadipatri. Now, he is in the fray once again from the same Assembly constituency M Sribharat, TDP Sribharat is contesting for the second consecutive time from Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency on TDP ticket. He holds an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University, West Lafayette, class of 2010. He also obtained a joint MBA/MA Education degree from Stanford University. Grandson of former MP and educationist MVVS Murthy, he is the president of GITAM (Deemed to be University). He lost the election in 2019 with a narrow margin K Rammohan Naidu, TDP Srikakulam MP Ram Mohan Naidu earned a Bachelors degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Long Island University in USA. He entered politics in 2012 after the death of his father. In 2014, he contested the elections from Srikakulam Lok Sabha constituency and won with a high margin. Ram Mohan also won in the 2019 elections from the same constituency. Ram Mohan is now vying to secure a hat-trick win

Andhra Pradesh: Over 2,800 candidates in the election race

The Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency has the highest number of candidates with 33, while Rajahmundry has the least with only 12

Chandrababu Naidu, Pawan Kalyan unveil please-all manifesto

VIJAYAWADA: TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan released the Prajagalam Alliance Manifesto in the presence of BJP State in-charge Sidharth Nath Singh at the former CMs residence in Undavalli on Tuesday. The manifesto covered a wide range of issues targeting different sections. Besides the Super Six sops for farmers, women and youth, the parties vowed to implement the BC (Backward Class) Declaration, hike pensions to Rs 4,000 from the existing Rs 3,000, Rs 10,000 honorarium for volunteers, Rs 25 lakh health insurance to every family and to conduct a skill census. Additionally, Naidu promised a better Pay Revision Commission and Interim Relief to government employees. He assured them that the Contributory Pension Scheme will be reviewed. On the capital of the State, the manifesto declared that effective steps would be taken to resume development of Amaravati, which will ensure progress of Navya Andhra Pradesh. With special emphasis on Uttarandhra and Rayalaseema, it was announced that Visakhapatnam will be developed as the financial capital of the State and a High Court bench will be set up in Kurnool. Focus will be laid on industrialisation for the effective development of all the regions. Abolishing the AP Land Titling Act and garbage tax, regulation of electricity charges, and reviewing house tax and free sand policy are some of the other key promises made in the joint manifesto. Besides promising to curb the flow of spurious liquor, the alliance announced that their government will allocate 10% of liquor shops to toddy tappers. Under the Shanmukha Vyooham, JSP chief Pawan Kalyan announced six more promises and asserted that the alliance government will implement all guarantees specified in the manifesto with the support of the NDA government at the Centre. The leaders also promised to generate 20 lakh jobs in the next five years, claiming they know how to create wealth. BC Declaration Special Act to protect BCs Rs 4,000 pension for BCs aged 50 and above Rs 1.50 lakh crore to be spent through BC sub-plan in five years Rs 10,000 crore BC self-employment scheme Rs 5,000 crore for restoration of Aaradhana scheme Capital Development Amaravati to be the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh Develop Visakhapatnam as financial capital High Court Bench at Kurnool Industrial hubs in Uttarandhra & Rayalaseema TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan during the release of manifesto at Undavalli in Vijayawada on Tuesday I Prasant Madugula YSRC distributed Rs 10 with one hand, looted Rs 100 from everyone: Naidu Asked about the resources needed for fulfilling the promises in the manifesto, Naidu recalled that the financial condition of undivided Andhra Pradesh was not good when he took charge as chief minister in 1995. However, he added, by the time he stepped down, the financial condition of the State improved with creation of wealth. Describing skill census as a groundbreaking project, the former chief minister explained, While the caste census has been carried out in various States, the emphasis on skill census represents a fresh and progressive move towards enhanced productivity. The primary goal is to identify individuals with specific skills, enabling them to receive appropriate training for a more promising tomorrow. This well-thought-out strategy is geared towards boosting the efficiency of young people. Besides promising nine hours of uninterrupted power for agriculture and installation of solar pump sets for free, he said the NDA will integrate rooftop solar energy given by the Central government and ensure decentralisation of power generation. The future of the State hangs in the balance. In the form of elections, I have received another chance to put the State on the right track. I appeal to the voters to support the NDA for building a golden Andhra Pradesh and send this psycho CM home, Naidu said. Stating that the entire Telugu community, which was once the most powerful force in the world, is now feeling sorry of the prevailing situation in the State, the TDP chief alleged, Merely to loot the assets of the State, a whopping Rs 13 lakh crore debts were raised, thereby pushing the State into a deep crisis. Further, he said, Insecurity, unrest, murders and suicides are widespread across the State and every family has a debt burden of at least Rs 8 lakh due to rising cost of living and massive tax burden. The ruling YSRC has distributed Rs 10 with one hand and looted Rs 100 from everyone with other. He regretted that the State stands third in the country in farmer suicides and second in atrocities against girls below the age of 18. Education, youth and healthcare To review KG to PG syllabus Mega DSC, release of job calendar every year Rs 10,000 honorarium for volunteers Conduct a skill census Rs 25 L health insurance to every family Generic medical shops in every mandal Free generic medicines for people suffering with non- communicable diseases like BP & diabetes Infrastructure and Agriculture Nine hours free power supply for agriculture To set up price stabilisation fund To extend welfare schemes to tenant farmers by providing ID cards to them To complete Polavaram project and take up interlinking of rivers Welfare of Muslims Pension for Muslim minority from 50 years Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 monthly honorarium for Imas and Mousans respectively 5,000 financial assistance/month for maintenance of Masjids Rs 1 lakh financial assistance for Haj pilgrimage

No Pre-Monsoon Storms in April in 5 Years

Storm clouds moving over Guthrie, Oklahoma on May 30, 2013. The storms dumped up to 20 centimetres of rain on the Oklahoma City area, causing flash flooding that submerged parts of the sprawling metropolitan area that is home to more than 1.3 Visakhapatnam: The country has not witnessed pre-monsoon storms in April in the last five years. This could be the reason for rising temperatures in eastern India and Southern peninsula. In April, the storms over the Bay of Bengal originate over the Southeast Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. These storms initially move northwest and then recurve to head for Myanmar and Bangladesh. There are some exceptions, as the storms are known for defying the norms. These systems deviate from the normal tracks and vitiate the timelines, as well. The storms originating over the Arabian Sea follow similar tracks, moving northwest first and thereafter the entire coastline from Gujarat to Pakistan and Oman- Yemen to Somali coast is open for strike. No storm has formed in the Indian seas in the month of April, for the last 5 years, private weather website Skymet said on Tuesday. The report said in the list was an extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani over the Bay of Bengal in April 2019. Fani was a Cat-V equivalent storm, that formed on April 26, 2019. The cyclone struck Odisha, crossing Puri on May 3, 2019. Between 2020 and 2024, no storm has emerged in April, on either side of our coastline. Since 2009, only three cyclones originate over the Indian Seas in April and all three over the Bay of Bengal. Storm Bijli-2009, Maarutha-2017 and Fani-2019 came up over the Bay of Bengal and struck Bangladesh, Myanmar and India. Andhra Pradesh is facing a 70 percent deficit of rainfall from January till April end this year.

Summer trains between SMV Bengaluru, Sambalpur and Surat, Brahmapur

Visakhapatnam : To accommodate the extra passengers in summer, special trains will run between SMV Bengaluru-Sambalpur and Surat Brahmapur. Train No. 08321 Sambalpur, the SMV Bengaluru special train, will leave Sambalpur on Thursdays at 6.45 pm on May 9 and 16, reach Duvvada on the next day at 4.55 am and leave at 5 am to reach SMV Bengaluru at 11.30 pm. In the return direction, Train No. 08322 SMV Bengaluru, Sambalpur special train will leave SMV Bengaluru on Saturdays at 1.30 am on May 11 and 18, reach Duvvada at 8.30 pm, and depart at 8.35 pm to reach Sambalpur on the next day at 6.30 am, according to a statement issued by K. Saandeep, senior divisional commercial manager of Waltair Division. These special trains will have stoppages at Bargarh Road, Balangir, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Singapur Road, Rayagada, Parvatipuram, Bobbili, Vizianagaram, Kothavalasa, Pendurthi, Duvvada, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Ongole, Gudur, Renigunta, Tirupati, Katpadi, Jolarpettai and Krishnarajapuram. Similarly, Train No. 09069 Surat Brahmapur Special will leave Surat at 2.20 pm on Wednesdays from May 1 to 26 and reach Rayagada at 2 pm. In the return direction, 09070 Brahmapur, Surat special will leave Brahmapur at 10 pm on Thursdays from May 22 to June 27 and reach Surat at 6.30 am on Saturdays. This train will have stoppages at Nandubar, Dharangaon, Jalgaon, Bhusaval, Akola, Wardha, Nagpur, Tumsar Road, Gondia, Durg, Raipur, Mahasamund, Khariar Road, Kantabanji, Titlagarh, Kesinga, Muniguda, Singapur Road, Rayagada, Parvatipuram, Bobbili, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam Road and Palasa.

Visakhapatnam Steel Plant CMD releases annual training calendar

Visakhapatnam Steel Plant CMD releases annual training calendar - The Hindu

Visakhapatnam Steel Plant CMD releases annual training calendar The Hindu

PRSI conducts voter awareness campaigns for students in Visakhapatnam

PRSI conducts voter awareness campaigns for students in Visakhapatnam - The Hindu

PRSI conducts voter awareness campaigns for students in Visakhapatnam The Hindu

33 candidates contesting from Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency, says District Collector

There is a requirement of three ballot units in every polling station and a 20% reserved units; postal ballot voting will be conducted for government employees from May 5

In Visakhapatnam, Man Campaigns For Lok Sabha Elections With Monkey On His Back

Balaji said that his Lok Sabha elections campaign mainly focuses on forest conservation and environmental protection.

FM dismisses Chidambarams claim, says need efforts to be 3rd-largest economy

NEW DELHI: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday challenged Congress leader P Chidambarams claim that Indias path to becoming the third-largest economy is inevitable, emphasising that achieving this goal demands considerable efforts and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Former finance minister Chidambaram recently asserted that regardless of the prime minister, Indias GDP will naturally grow to become the third-largest globally due to the sheer size of its population, dubbing it as an arithmetic inevitability. PM Modi has given a guarantee and with clean and transparent administration, we will make sure India reaches the third rank soon, she said. Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Ambassador Campus Dialogue at Gitam University in Visakhapatnam, the FM said while the Congress-led government managed to move Indias economy up by two positions, from 12th to 10th between 2004 and 2014, it surged to the 5th spot during Modis tenure from 2014 to 2024. Its not a mathematical inevitability. You need effort, you need a visionary leader, you need to stop corruption, you need to make sure that skills are available for our students, you need to make sure functions in delivering welfare schemes for common people, you need to make sure that poor get their due and you also need to make sure businesses have an environment to grow, stated the minister. She pointed said apart from the global financial crisis in 2008, the Congress-led governments tenure saw relatively fewer major issues. In contrast, despite the global pandemic in 2020, India managed to climb from the 10th to the 5th rank over the last decade.

Severe heatwave likely in 61 Andhra Pradesh mandals today

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has forecasted severe heatwave conditions in 61 mandals across Andhra Pradesh, including nine in Anakapalle, 14 in Parvathipuram Manyam, 13 in Srikakulam, one in Visakhapatnam, and 24 in Vizianagaram on Tuesday. Additionally, 173 mandals are expected to experience a heatwave. According to the India Meteorological (IMD) Amaravati Centre, prevailing lower tropospheric Southerly/South and south-westerly winds over AP and Yanam are contributing to these severe heat conditions. Heatwave is expected at isolated places over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP), Yanam, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP), and Rayalaseema until Wednesday. Further, severe heatwaves are predicted at isolated places over Rayalaseema on Thursday and Friday. On Monday, Nandyala recorded the highest maximum temperature of 45 degrees Celsius, followed by Anantapur at 44.7 degrees Celsius, Kurnool at 44.3 degrees Celsius, Kadapa at 44 degrees Celsius, Jangamaheshwarapuram at 43 degrees Celsius, Tirupati at 42.2 degrees Celsius, and Nandigama at 42 degrees Celsius. Around 59 mandals faced severe heatwave conditions on Monday, with one in ASR district and Sri Satya Sai, 10 in Anakapalle and Parvathipuram Manyam, 12 in Srikakulam, three in Visakhapatnam, and 22 in Vizianagaram.

India among top global economies: Nirmala Sitharaman

VISAKHAPATNAM : Union Finance Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, addressed the Viksit Bharat Ambassador (VBA)-Campus Dialogue at GITAM Deemed to be University, Visakhapatnam on Monday. The event aimed to instill a sense of responsibility among citizens towards Indias development, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat: 140 crore dreams, one purpose. Addressing the gathering, Sitharaman emphasised the significance of cohesive policies, visionary leadership, and efficient administration in driving economic growth and achieving developmental goals. She debunked the notion of automatic growth in GDP, stressing the importance of concerted efforts at macro and micro levels. Referring to Indias economic trajectory, the finance minister disputed claims of a lost decade before 2014 and highlighted progress made under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership despite challenges like the global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. She underscored the need for proactive measures to combat corruption, enhance skill development, and ensure efficient governance. Regarding economic rankings, Sitharaman asserted that consistent efforts and effective governance have propelled Indias ascent in global rankings, reiterating PM Modis commitment to steering India to the third-largest economy. Responding to recent comments by former Finance Minister P Chidambaram, who said that India becoming the third largest economy was an arithmetic inevitability, irrespective of who is at the helm, Sitharaman questioned why was the countrys ranking in terms of GDP grew up by just two ranks during 2004 to 2014. She also highlighted Indias economic progress, noting that from the 10th rank in 2014, the country has risen to the fifth rank within a decade. The Finance Minister reiterated the PMs objective of aiming for a top-third rank and highlighted the ongoing battle against forces that undermine the nations people. The Finance Minister outlined various government initiatives to empower youth and propel Indias growth trajectory, including the setting up of the Anusandhan Corpus to support innovation and research, schemes to strengthen deep technologies for defence purposes, and allocations for the India Artificial Machine and National Hydrogen Machine. She encouraged students to become Viksit Bharat Ambassadors (VBA) and share positive narratives about Indias progress, stressing the importance of countering negativity and highlighting the contributions of common people in driving Indias growth story. GITAM president and Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha candidate M Sribharat urged students to recognise their significant role in Indias growth and encouraged them to contribute to the economy through innovative and cost-effective projects. GITAM registrar Gunasekaran D, Dayananda Siddavattam, Vice-Chancellor, and KS Rao, Former Union Minister, along with students, were present.

Voting for Naidu means bidding adieu to welfare schemes: Andhra Pradesh CM

VIJAYAWADA : Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday reiterated that the people will lose all the benefits of welfare schemes, if TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu is voted to power. He said: All the welfare schemes will become Govinda Govinda (withdrawn). While addressing election rallies at Chodavaram, P Gannavaram and Ponnur Assembly constituencies, Jagan pointed out after the bifurcation of the State, Hyderabad was supposed to be the joint capital for 10 years, allowing the Andhra Pradesh government to administer the State from there. However, due to Naidus involvement in cash for vote case, Andhra Pradesh lost that as well, he added. He observed that though the people of the State witnessed Visakhapatnams promising future, Naidu overlooked it and proposed to establish the capital elsewhere in Amaravati. People trusted Naidu that he will get Special Category Status to the State, but he compromised on it with the BJP at the Centre. If you vote for Naidu, all the schemes that are now in implementation in the State will be discontinued, he said. Noting that people who believe in Naidu will lose all benefits, he showed the pamphlet of TDPs 2014 promises, which were not fulfilled. He also highlighted the unkept promises of TDP like unemployment dole of Rs 2,000, farm loan waiver of Rs 87,612 crore, Rs 14,205 crore loan waiver for DWCRA groups and others. He said: People voted for Naidu in 2014 trusting that he will keep his promises, but what happened after the elections? Govinda Govinda, Jagan quipped. Naidu ruled as chief minister for 14 years, but can anyone recall even one good thing he had done? Do you remember any of his schemes? he asked the gathering. Highlighting the initiatives taken by his government, Jagan said, I deposited Rs 2.70 lakh crore through DBT without the beneficiaries having to pay any bribes. But what did Naidu do during his regime apart from looting the State. If Naidu pays you money for votes, take it since the money is ours, but everyone should think before voting. If you want to change the future of the poor and continue all the welfare schemes, vote for the fan symbol and make it win all the 175 Assembly seats and 25 MP seats, the YSRC president said. Likening the upcoming elections to the Kurukshetra battle, he said the elections are being fought between the poor and a habitual liar that Naidu is. He failed to fulfil even one of the promises he made, whereas I can confidently say I have accomplished 99% of the promises made in the manifesto. I am fighting against the opposition alliance led by Chandrababu Naidu, his foster son Pawan Kalyan, along with them a party which has a vote bank smaller than NOTA numbers Chandrababus Congress, the CM said. Naidu is desperate to defeat the YSRC since the government has disbursed benefits to all sections of society and provided welfare measures like supporting 53 lakh mothers to help them send their children to school through the Amma Vodi scheme, Jagan said. We have all seen how Naidu has disregarded the manifesto from 2014. Since he cant claim a single accomplishment, he is hurling abuses at me. He calls me a bacha (child). The bacha is contesting in all constituencies all alone relying on the States progress, Jagan said and ridiculed the Naidu for taking the help of the other parties by striking an alliance with them.

PM Modi's visit deferred, may campaign in Andhra Pradesh on May 7 and 8

VIJAYAWADA : Prime Minister Narendra Modis proposed tour to Andhra Pradesh to campaign for NDA candidates has been postponed. Modi is likely to visit the State on May 7 and 8 as against the earlier proposed dates of May 3 and 4, sources said. According to party leaders, the Prime Ministers Office has given a new schedule and conveyed that Modi cannot visit the State on the earlier proposed dates. However, the constituencies which Modi will tour will be the same. Sources said BJP leaders are planning to hold a public meeting at Vemagiri or some place near Rajamahendravam which will be equidistant from Narasapuram, Kakinada, Eluru, and Amalapuram Lok Sabha constituencies. Party State unit chief Daggubati Purandeswari is contesting from the Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha segment. Another public meeting is being planned at either Pileru or Kalikiri under Rajampet Lok Sabha limits from where former CM N Kiran Kumar Reddy is contesting. TDP-BJP-JSP manifesto today Joint election manifesto of the TDP-BJP-JSP alliance christened Praja Manifesto will be released at the residence of TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu at Undavalli on Tuesday Shah, Rajnath, Nadda and UP CM Yogi set to campaign in AP Pileru or Kalikiri will be ideal as it will be convenient for mobilising public from Chittoor and Tirupati MP segments too. Another public meeting is likely to be held in Anakapalle to cover Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Araku Lok Sabha constituencies, sources added. A roadshow is planned in Vijayawada city. The party is planning campaigns by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, party national president JP Nadda, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and others, sources added.

Andhra Pradesh: For them, power and posts, not new

Nara Chandrababu Naidu The TDP supremo and three-time Chief Minister, first assumed office in 1995-1999 after winning from Kuppam. He led the TDP to victory again in 1999, serving until 2004, and later from 2014 to 2019, always representing Kuppam segment. Now, he is contesting from his bastion Kuppam against YSRCs Krishna Raghava Jayendra Bharath Nara Chandrababu Naidu MM Pallam Raju He served as the Union Minister for Human Resources Development from 2012-2014 and held other portfolios. Representing Kakinada, he is a senior leader of the Indian National Congress. Now, he is in the fray from Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency on Congress ticket against JSPs Uday Srinivas and YSRCs Chalamalasetty Sunil Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy The former Chief Minister of the erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh contested as an MLA from Pileru constituency earlier. A staunch Congress loyalist, he served as the Chief Whip and Assembly Speaker, before rejoining the party in 2018. In 2023, he shifted allegiance to the BJP. Now, he is contesting from Rajampet Lok Sabha constituency on BJP ticket against sitting YSRC MP PV Midhun Reddy Chinta Mohan He has been associated with the Congress since the 1970s. He was elected to the Lok Sabha six times from Tirupati. He was Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers in PV Narasimha Raos Cabinet in 1990. The six-time MP is once again contesting from the same Lok Sabha seat against BJPs V Varaprasad Rao and M Gurumoorthy of YSRC Daggubati Purandeswari She was a Congress MP in the 14th and 15th Lok Sabha, representing Bapatla and Visakhapatnam. Notable for her tenure as Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development, she joined the BJP in 2014, protesting the bifurcation. Now, she is contesting from Rajahmundry Lok Sabha constituency against YSRCs Guduri Srinivas Y Satyanarayana Chowdary He is a former Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences. Originally belonging to the TDP, he joined the BJP. He served as the Union minister from 2014 to 2018 in the NDA government. Now, backed by the tripartite alliance, he has emerged as the BJP candidate for Vijayawada West Assembly constituency against YSRCs Shaik Asif Y Satyanarayana Chowdary Kotla Surya Prakash Reddy The former Union Minister of State for Railways won from Kurnool Lok Sabha constituency on Congress ticket. Now, he is contesting on TDP ticket from Dhone Assembly constituency against State Finance Minister Buggana Rajendranath of YSRC Nadendla Manohar The former Speaker of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly transitioned to the Jana Sena Party (JSP) in 2018 after serving as a two-time MLA of Congress from Tenali. Notably, he was the last Assembly Speaker of the erstwhile undivided Andhra Pradesh. With his political acumen, he is now the JSP PAC chairman. He is in the election fray from Tenali Assembly segment against Annabathuni Sivakumar of YSRC

CPM, CPI, Congress slam YSRC, BJP, TD for caste-based politics

Vijayawada: Leaders from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), Communist Party of India (CPI), and Congress raised concerns about increased caste-based politics and economic distress under administrations led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister YS Jagan Reddy, and former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu during an election rally in Vijayawada's 24th Division on Monday. At the rally, CPM candidate Ch Baburao, CPI leader KV Bhaskara Rao and Congress leader Misala Rajeswara Rao, criticised rival parties for exploiting caste sentiments to garner votes while neglecting public issues. They pinpointed the struggles of small and middle-class traders, attributing these to the GST, demonetisation, and the COVID-19 pandemic. They also expressed concerns about rising prices in transport and construction, exacerbated by stagnant projects like the capital Amaravati. The YSRC promise to relocate the administrative capital to Visakhapatnam was condemned as a betrayal, they said. The communists said that they are sole opponents of policies like the GST and the dominance of large retail companies. They committed to supporting small and middle-class traders and industries, ensuring a peaceful environment in Vijayawada free from violence.

Election Commission Allots Glass Symbol to TD Rebels

Visakhapatnam: The allotment of Glass symbol for some Independents in the assembly and LS polls in Andhra Pradesh this time is causing a new headache for the TD-JS-BJP alliance leaders. Glass symbol is associated with the Jana Sena, but it remains a free symbol. It can be allotted to any independent candidate in constituencies where the JS has no nominee. This means that in constituencies where the JS is supporting candidates of its alliance partners TD or BJP, an independent can contest on Glass symbol. The deadline for withdrawal of nominations has passed. Meesala Geetha, a former MLA, is running as a rebel candidate for the Vizianagaram assembly seat. Geetha was unhappy when the TD gave the Vizianagaram ticket to Aditi Gajapathi Raju. She filed her nomination as an independent. The Election Commission allotted her the glass symbol. Similarly, independent candidates in Madanapalli, Sringavarapukota, Jaggayyapet, Maidukuru and Vijayawada Lok Sabha seats have also been allotted the Glass symbol. This is a matter of serious worry for the three-party alliance. Many TD rebel candidates and independents have been allotted this symbol in various constituencies. Jana Sena is conteting 21 assembly and two Lok Sabha seats while it is backing the alliance partners TD and BJP in the rest of the 175 assembly and 25 LS constituencies. The election campaigns are in full swing. The glass symbol has been associated with JS since its inception.

Vizag Cop Suspended for Alleged Torture of Candidate

Visakhapatnam: Inspector of Malkapuram police station Sanyasi Naidu has been suspended with immediate effect following allegations of torture and intimidation of an independent candidate for upcoming general elections. According to the official order, Koyalada Venkata Vara Jagadeesh, who filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate for the West Assembly constituency, was called to the Malkapuram police station for owdy sheeter counselling. The order alleges that Inspector Naidu singled out Jagadeesh and detained him. However, other rowdy sheeters were released after counseling, it said. The order further details claims that Jagadeesh was taken on the first floor of the police station and subjected to torture and threats using abusive language. It alleges that Naidu forced Jagadeesh to withdraw his nomination papers. After being held for over two and a half hours, Jagadeesh reportedly attempted to escape by jumping off the first floor of the police station. The police apprehended him but later handed him over to his family. Jagadeesh reportedly sustained injuries and sought treatment at the King George Hospital (KGH) here. He has also filed a complaint of intimidation against Inspector Naidu. The order states that the decision to suspend Inspector Naidu was taken after careful consideration of available evidences, including video and audio clips, along with a preliminary report.

Gangavaram Port Workers Call for Boycott of Polls

Gangavaram local workers staged a protest at the Adani Gangavaram port gate on Saturday demanding a solution to their problems. (Twitter) Gangavaram local workers staged a protest at the Adani Gangavaram port gate on Saturday demanding a solution to their problems. (Twitter) Visakhapatnam: Fishermen and workers at the Gangavaram port on Monday called for a boycott of the upcoming elections after their discussions with the Adani Gangavaram Port Limited (AGPL) over payment of compensation ended in a stalemate. They blamed the port management and district collector for this issue. The union leaders have demanded that they be paid as per the agreement with AGPL or through voluntary retirement at Rs 35 lakh per worker. The commissioner of police A. Ravi Shankar held discussions with the workers twice and requested them to release two vessels containing coking coal owned by Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. Due to boycott of work at AGPL, the transportation of coking coal was stopped, which is essential for RINL production. These developments highlight the seriousness of the demands of fishermen and port workers. However, CITU union leaders have intervened in this matter and held a general meeting to discuss the election boycott issue. As CPM candidate is contesting from Gajuwaka, CITU may oppose the decision to boycott elections.

Land Titling Act After Natl Consensus: Dharmana

Visakhapatnam: Revenue minister Dharmana Prasada Rao on Monday said that the Land Titling Act would be implemented after a national consensus and blamed the TD and other Opposition parties for misinformation campaign. Addressing a press conference in Srikakulam on Monday, Dharmana clarified misconceptions surrounding the Land Titling Act and responded to criticism leveled against the state government's stance on the issue. He emphasized that the implementation of the Land Titling Act is not solely within the jurisdiction of the state government, but even the central government should give its nod. The minister highlighted the pressure exerted by the Centre on states to adopt this legislation. Reiterating the state government's commitment in implementing the Act once such a consensus is reached, he underscored the government's efforts to benefit farmers through various reforms and the utilization of advanced technology in land surveys. Addressing criticism directed at the government, Minister Dharmana refuted allegations of land grabbing and emphasized Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's dedication to empowering the poor by distributing land and providing housing leases. He challenged detractors to consider the significant strides made in land distribution during Jagan Mohan Reddy's tenure, dismissing accusations of land grabbing as baseless. It may be recalled that the All India Lawyers' Union state unit, a committee of the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh and Kurnool District Bar Association filed the petitions in the AP High Court on the ground that the Land Titling Act would result in an increase in property disputes and in violation of some articles of the Constitution. Furthermore, the minister condemned attempts to mislead the public, particularly through false propaganda spread via social media channels. He urged people to seek the truth and cautioned against being swayed by misinformation. In response to accusations regarding the Card 2.0 project, Dharmana clarified its objectives, highlighting its benefits for citizens in streamlining registration processes and ensuring transparency. He criticized attempts to politicize the initiative and called for a focus on its positive impact on governance.

Two Educated Women in Clash for Araku Lok Sabha Seat

Visakhapatnam: Araku, the only Scheduled Tribe constituency in Andhra Pradesh, is set to witness a high-profile battle between two highly educated women leaders in the present elections. Kothapalli Geeta, representing the TD-led alliance, will compete against Chetti Tanuja Rani of the YSRC to clinch the Lok Sabha seat. Geeta, the first college-educated leader from the area, held the role of deputy collector before resigning and winning the 2014 elections. She is now seeking to retain the seat. YSRC nominee Chetti Tanuja Rani is a doctor by profession. She worked as an epidemiologist at the Paderu district hospital and is contesting a poll for the first time. Araku constituency falls under the Alluri Sitarama Raju and Parvathipuram districts and is considered as one of the most- backward areas in Andhra Pradesh. With a total of 15.39 lakh voters, including 7.91 lakh women and 7.47 lakh men, the constituency is said one of the largest Lok Sabha constituencies. YSRC won the seat twice -- in 2014 and 2019. The constituency, with its 90,000 habitations and limited access to healthcare facilities, remains as one of the mos-underdeveloped areas. Absence of specialists doctors in local hospitals forces patients to go to Visakhapatnam. YSRC nominee Chetti Tanuja Rani told Deccan Chronicles that the YSRC has implemented several welfare schemes for the poor and developed the region. YSRC should be re-elected to ensure the continuation of these programmes, she says. Kothapalli Geeta has been a controversial leader. She is facing the ire of adivasis who blame her for supporting the interests of non-tribals and having unholy connections with the mining mafia. The CBI court had convicted her and given her 5 years jail term on a charge of defrauding a national bank for `42 crore but the high court stayed the jail term. Similarly, the state government had issued GO-2 cancelling her Schedule Tribe certificate, but the high court gave her relief and a permission to contest the present polls. However, Geeta's campaign has garnered attention for its unique approach. Women bouncers have been deployed to provide her personal security. Tribals say they are intrigued by the presence of female celebrities in their villages.

Tekkali: Fighting Atchenna a Herculean Task for Duvvada in Tekkali

Visakhapatnam: Internal bickering in the YSRC in Tekkali constituency and the strained relationship the party candidate Duvvada Srinivas has with family members are making his fight against TDs Kinjarapu Atchannaidu very tough. Notably, TD founder NT Rama Rao won this seat in 1994. TDs Atchennaidu lost to Korla Revathipathi of the Congress in 2009 but he bounced back in 2014, defeating Duvvada Srinivas. He retained the seat in a fight against Perada Tilak in 2019. The 2014 victory made him a minister and a key figure in the TD. Subsequently, he became the partys state president. Atchennaidu and his nephew Kinjarapu Rama Mohan Naidu, who also won the Srikakulam Lok Sabha seat twice, hold the fort for the Telugu Desam in Srikakulam district after the party lost all the segments in the neighbouring Vizianagaram district. Bendalam Ashok is another TD leader who won twice from Ichapuram. Atchennaidu was elected as MLA from Harichandrapuram constituency for three consecutive terms in the 1996 by-election as also in 1999 and 2004. Following the reorganization and dissolution of the Harishchandrapuram constituency, Atchennaidu lost the 2009 elections in Tekkali. He also lost the immediate by-poll that year, which occurred due to the death of the MLA, Korla Revathipathi. Atchennaidus adversaries within the party attribute his success to sidelining of important leaders and nomination of his own loyalists. He conveniently pushed out Kala Venkata Rao from Etcherla to Cheepurupalli and got nomination to a fresher, N Eswara Rao of the BJP. Similarly, he got nomination to Gondu Shankar, a novice, by ignoring veteran leader Gunda Appala Suryanarayana and his wife Gunda Lakhmi for Srikakulam assembly seat. In Pathapatnam, he rejected Kalamata Venkata Rama Murthy, whose father Kalamata Mohan Rao was four-time MLA and brought in a new face, Mamidi Givinda Rao. Though Atchennaidu belongs to the Velama community, he could win Tekkali twice. Half of the Tekkali voters are of the Kalinga community while 35 per cent voters are Velama and 10 per cent the fishermen community, said a local leader. On the other hand, Duvvada Srinivas failed to have a grip on the YSRC in the constituency. His own brother and chairman of Kalinga Welfare Corporation Duvvada Srikanth resigned from the party and joined the Telugu Desam recently. Srinivas strained his relationship with his wife Duvvada Vani, is a serious issue. She threatened to file nominations as an independent candidate. She was cajoled by regional coordinator YV Subba Reddy but she remains a dissident. - Total voters- 2,35,649 - Male- 1,17,511 - Female- 18,129 - Third gender- 9

Memes are not Pixels; They are Strategic Moves on Political Chessboard

Visakhapatnam: Social media has become a fierce battleground for political parties during the present election season in Andhra Pradesh. Parties are actively engaging young voters in these slugfests and online poster wars through abundant use of memes, slogans and eye-catching graphics. Be it a witty meme or a hard-hitting graphic, each post aims to leave a lasting impression on the electorate. These memes are more than just pixels. Theyre strategic moves on the political chessboard. Political memes have taken centre-stage among young voters during the election season. Since the poll season began in March, political parties have created hundreds of memes using the expressive Brahmanandam photos. These humorous and satirical memes cover various issues, from welfare and development to unemployment and corruption. The satirical and sometimes offensive memes revolve around Tollywood comedians. Brahmanandam got the highest popularity and emerged as the god of memes. His expressive face and huge popularity make him a favourite among all sections of the people. Pooja Sunkapaka, a first-time voter, says, I like election memes. They are short and to the point and make me laugh. I like, in special, the memes that are made with Brahmanandam and Sunil. Comedian Sunil is also a favourite among the young voters. As the polling date approaches, young meme creators continue to widen their imaginations. Dentist Savana Mohan says, I follow political parties social media handles and pick up comedy stuff to share with my friends. Sometimes, a meme makes me read a full article in a paper on a particular issue, and then I learn about the seriousness of that issue. It's worth noting that the Election Commission has harnessed the power of memes to engage with voters, mainly the young and first-time voters. EC's use of memes, incorporating quirky lines or dialogues from famous movies, is a unique and effective way to drive home important voting and civic participation messages.

Defeat BJP for failing to implement A.P. Reorganisation Act and trying to sell Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, says Prathyeka Hoda Samithi

Samithi president criticises some political parties in the State for joining hands with the BJP either directly or indirectly

ICAR-CIFT celebrates 67th Foundation Day in Visakhapatnam

The institute has played an instrumental role in reshaping the fisheries landscape, augmenting productivity and enhancing the livelihoods of millions, says the Scientist-in-Charge

Auction of cows, calves and mango orchard to be conducted at Visakhapatnam Central Prison on May 2

Auction of cows, calves and mango orchard to be conducted at Visakhapatnam Central Prison on May 2 - The Hindu

Auction of cows, calves and mango orchard to be conducted at Visakhapatnam Central Prison on May 2 The Hindu

Visakhapatnam Airport sees 10% passenger increase

Visakhapatnam International Airport witnessed a 10.19% growth in passenger traffic during the financial year 2023-24 compared to the previous fiscal year 2022-23. Despite a temporary decline in passenger footfalls from December 2023 to March 2024 due to runway resurfacing work, the airport handled a total of 2,784,428 passengers during the fiscal year 2023-24, marking...

We need Viksit Bharat ambassadors to counter naysayers, says FM Sitharaman

Visakhapatnam, April 29 (IANS): Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, addressing the Viksit Bharat Ambassador event in Andhra Pradeshs Visakhapatnam on Monday, sought to break down the purpose [] The post We need Viksit Bharat ambassadors to counter naysayers, says FM Sitharaman appeared first on Sarkaritel.com .

Viksit Bharat Ambassador: Firm and visionary leadership behind Indias robust growth, says FM Sitharaman

Visakhapatnam, April 29 (IANS) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that the Modi governments firm and visionary leadership over the past few years paved the [] The post Viksit Bharat Ambassador: Firm and visionary leadership behind Indias robust growth, says FM Sitharaman appeared first on Sarkaritel.com .

Viksit Bharat Ambassador: Participants hail initiative, feel proud to be citizens of fifth largest economy

New Delhi, April 29 (IANS) The Viksit Bharat Ambassador event in Visakhapatnam on Monday saw a gathering of students, working professionals and some retired officials, with [] The post Viksit Bharat Ambassador: Participants hail initiative, feel proud to be citizens of fifth largest economy appeared first on Sarkaritel.com .

Watch: Shreyas Iyer talks about the factors that motivate him

KKR, under Shreyas Iyer, prepares for crucial match against Delhi Capitals. Iyer acknowledges crowd's impact on his performance, emphasizing significance of maintaining focus and energy during gameplay. KKR had won previous match against DC at Visakhapatnam earlier this month. Kolkata and Delhi have met 32 times in the IPL so far with KKR winning 16 times and DC winning 15.

Andhra Pradesh: Entrepreneurs diversification into politics

Several entrepreneurs, realtors and big businessmen are contesting the Lok Sabha and AP Assembly polls. Despite being highly successful in their respective fields, they have entered the fray with a motto to serve the people. However, their electoral fortunes will be decided by voters. Here is a look at prominent contestants Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar The TDP candidate from Guntur Lok Sabha seat is an entrepreneur. Dr Chandra Sekhar co-founded UWorld, initially aiming to address the scarcity of quality study material for the US Medical Licensing Exam during his medical residency. He started his journey from writing case-based learning questions to the establishment of UWorld, revolutionising medical education resources. With a a stint at Johns Hopkins University, Dr Chandra Sekhar brings both medical expertise and entrepreneurial acumen to the political arena. He hails from Burripalem village in Guntur district Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar T Uday Srinivas The Jana Sena Party candidate for Kakinada parliamentary constituency, brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and grassroots connection to the political forefront. Leaving a lucrative job in Dubai, he ventured into business back in India, eventually establishing the highly successful Tea Time chain. Since its humble beginning in 2016, with just one outlet in Rajahmundry, Tea Time has burgeoned into a network of nearly 3,000 outlets across various States in India with hundreds of crores of business turnover. He hails from Kadiyam village in East Godavari district MVV Satyanarayana He is contesting from Visakhapatnam East Assembly constituency against TDPs Velagapudi Rama Krishna Babu. He started MVV Builders in the 1990s, headquartered in Visakhapatnam. The company has achieved significant growth over two decades, establishing a strong presence in Visakhapatnams real estate market and expanding into Hyderabad. Additionally, he founded MVV Cinema, a film production firm. He and his family own shares worth Rs 82,57,36,598 in MVV Builders, Rs 4,47,31,726 shares in MVV Cinema and Rs 76,49,86,468 shares in MVV Housing MVV Satyanarayana CM Ramesh The BJP candidate for Anakapalle Lok Sabha segment, is the chairman of Rithwik Projects Pvt Ltd, which was set up in 1999 and has grown to a turnover of more than Rs 1,000 crore within a short span. The company is one of the leading infrastructure developers in India, and has interests in energy, roads, irrigation projects, and property development. Rithwik Projects is a major player in the infrastructure development sector across India. It also holds important government contracts. Incorporated in 1999 in Hyderabad, the firm company is working on government projects. He takes on Budi Mutyala Naidu Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy The TDP candidate for Nellore parliamentary constituency, is the founder of VPR Mining Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, established in 2008. Under his leadership, the company has undertaken diverse projects across India. Notably, VPR Mining has collaborated on numerous government initiatives with entities. Additionally, it has been involved in various irrigation projects, executing heavy excavations for government bodies such as AP Irrigation and CAD, Telangana Irrigation and CAD, and the Water Resources Department of Maharashtra. His rival is V Vijayasai Reddy of YSRC Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy

Affordable food in general coaches soon

BHUBANESWAR: Indian Railways along with Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is planning to serve hygienic meals and snacks at affordable prices in unreserved coaches. Railway officials said the initiative will benefit those travelling in unreserved compartments (general class coaches) and who may not always have access to convenient and budget-friendly meal options. In ECoR jurisdiction, economy meals are being provided to the passengers at important railway stations like Khurda Road and Palasa in Khurda Road division, Sambalpur, Titlagarh, Balangir and Kantabanji in Sambalpur division and Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam in Waltair division. The initiative has been launched in view of a surge in passenger traffic during summer.

IPL 2024: KKR v DC overall head-to-head; When & where to watch

Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will play host to Delhi Capitals (DC) in their reverse fixture of IPL 2024 in match 47 on Monday. KKR had won the previous match against DC at Visakhapatnam earlier this month. KKR are placed second in the points table with five wins in eight matches while DC are sitting 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 .

Bheemili constituency Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections 2024: Key Candidates, Voting Date, Result

The political landscape of Bheemili, a key assembly constituency in Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh, is heating up as the assembly elections scheduled for 13 May 2024 draw near. Muttamsetti ...

5K Run In Vizag Encourages Voter Participation

The RK Beach in Visakhapatnam hosted a spirited 5K run as part of the SVEEP programme drawing participants from various voluntary organizations such as the Vizag Volunteers and dedicated citizens early on Sunday morning. The event was aimed to promote both a healthy lifestyle and civic responsibility. Taking advantage of the energetic atmosphere, district collector A. Mallikharjuna addressed the crowd, urging them to exercise their voting rights come May 13. Stressing the pivotal role of each citizen in shaping Visakhapatnam's future, he called for active participation in the electoral process. Amit Sharma, a general observer, echoed Mallikharjuna's sentiments, underscoring the significance of voting in charting a promising path forward. Beyond its fitness benefits, the 5K run served as a catalyst for fostering voter engagement and civic duty, with district-level officials adding their presence.

Heat Wave Sweeps Rayalaseema, Rains Lash ASR District

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

Visakhapatnam-Koraput train to be cancelled to facilitate development works

Visakhapatnam-Koraput train to be cancelled to facilitate development works - The Hindu

Visakhapatnam-Koraput train to be cancelled to facilitate development works The Hindu

Kshatriya Samithi Announces Support to Jagan

Vijayawada: AP Kshatriya Hakkula Sadhana Samithi on Sunday announced its support to Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, saying it is in favour of his governments development and welfare agenda. Speaking at an interactive programme with YSRC Vijayawada Central candidate Vellampalli Srinivasa Rao, samithi president Krishnam Raju appreciated the YSRC government for giving top priority to welfare and development for the past five years. The Central candidate said YSRC is working for the welfare of Kshatriyas and has also encouraged them politically. He said Jagan government is committed to the development of temples; in particular, it will develop Kanakadurga Temple in Vijayawada like the Tirumala shrine. Srinivasa Rao accused Telugu Desam of trying to incite hatred in the name of religion. But people distrust the oppositions baseless allegations, he stated. The YSRC candidate maintained that Jagan is not opposed to Amaravati. But spending lakhs of crores on it is heedless. Instead, Visakhapatnam can be developed to compete with Hyderabad, Mumbai and Chennai cities with minimal cost. He maintained that CM Jagan is committed to retaining Amaravati as the Legislative Capital. He claimed that development of all three regions of the state is possible only under the YSRC government. Kshatriya leaders Sunita Lakhamraju and Venkateswara Raju were among those who addressed the gathering.

Will Upset MP Ram Mohans Srikakulam Applecart, Says YSRC Tilak

Visakhapatnam: Srikakulam Lok Sabha is witnessing a tough fight between sitting MP Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and YSRCs Pedada Tilak. Ram Mohan Naidu has won the parliamentary seat twice from this constituency. He is making all-out efforts to make it a hat-trick. I will overturn Ram Mohans applecart in the 2024 election, asserts the ruling party candidate Pedada Tilak. Tilak sought to explain to the media recently that Ram Mohan had never been a mass leader. He won the 2014 Srikakulam LS election in a sympathy wave after the sudden death of his father Kinjarapu Yerran Naidu, former union minister and Telugu Desam Party heavyweight. At that time, Tilak said, there had also been a craze among people to see Narendra Modi as the prime minister, which helped the NDA alliance win the Srikakulam parliament seat with a majority of over one lakh votes, defeating Reddy Shanti of YSRC. The YSRC candidate pointed out that in 2019, Ram Mohan Naidu won the LS constituency with a slender majority of 6,000 votes. This was after Telugu Desam rigged polling in 16 booths, followed by a mess-up in the counting of postal votes. Tilak maintained that the sitting MP has never addressed peoples problems. In particular, he had been a big failure during the Covid pandemic, which led to several deaths. The ruling party candidate maintained that since then, the YSRC government has rescued kidney patients by building a super special hospital in Palasa and bringing drinking water from Hiramandalam to Uddanam. The government is further developing the Mulapeta Sea Port, a fishing harbour, and several fish-landing centres to prevent migration of unemployed youth from the region. Tilak feels these deeds of the state government will enable him to win the Srikakulam Lok Sabha seat, defeating Ram Mohan Naidu, who has neglected the constituency. On the other hand, Ram Mohan Naidu expressed confidence that he will win the Srikakulam parliamentary constituency for the third consecutive time. He maintained that the three-party alliance and failure of the YSRC government will help him secure a huge majority. The TD candidate contended that people appreciate him for developing railway stations and laying the Pathapatnam-Narasannapeta road, which has since been converted into a National Highway. Former central minister Killi Kruparani, who joined the Congress recently, has been given the party ticket to contest from the Srikakulam LS seat. She defeated Yerran Naidu in 2009 and became the Union minister. Total Votes: 16,27,024 Male: 8,04,721 Female: 8,22,187 Third gender: 116

No industry stepped into Andhra during Jagan Mohan Reddy's rule: Bheemunipatnam TDP candidate

No industry stepped into Andhra during Jagan Mohan Reddy's rule: Bheemunipatnam TDP candidate Former TDP minister and Bheemunipatnam alliance candidate for the Assembly polls, Ganta Srinivasa Rao, mentioned that Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy did not have genuine intentions for Visakhapatnam. He alleged that not even a single industry has stepped into Andhra Pradesh under Jagan Mohan Reddy's administration. Visakhapatnam North constituency MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao said, CM Jagan Mohan Reddy, who is supposed to protect the law, is violating it in Andhra Pradesh. Jagan played a high drama to create three capitals, including Vizag as the capital. He destroyed the Rushikonda hill in the name of the capital city. Jagan Reddy violated the norms and carried out illegal construction at Rushikonda Hill. Nothing has been done by Jagan Mohan Reddy in the last five years. He destroyed the Haritha resorts and constructed the camp office without proper permissions. In Bheemunipatnam, he constructed his camp office. He wanted to win here but he wouldn't win in the elections. He said that life of youth would change if industries came to the state. Not even a single industry has stepped into Andhra Pradesh under YS Jagan's administration. There hasn't been a single development-related programme that took place in AP. The lives of the youth would change if industries came to the state, said Ganta. Ganta said that Bheemili constituency is a very beautiful coastal area. During the TDP, the region developed very well. The IT sector was also established at Rushikonda IT SEZ by TDP chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu. A beach coridor will be constructed from Visakhapatnam city to Bhogapuram International Airport, said Ganta. Ganta said that after being elected as an Bhimunipatnam MLA, he would accelerate the pending development works in all the villages of the constituency, including drinking water. The TDP party chief wanted me to contest from Chipuraplli constituency in Vijainagaram district. The people wanted me to come as MLA in Bheemunipatnam. So I chose Bheemunipatnam and I am contesting from here, he added. The TDP candidate stated that people in the constituency would compare the growth witnessed during the TDP's governance with the YSRCP's rule. He said that the signs of development done by the Telugu Desam Party were apparent in every village. Interestingly, Srinivasa Rao has neither lost any elections nor contested again in the same constituency since the 1999 elections. Now, for the second time, he is contesting from the same constituency, which he already won in 2014. In 1999, he was elected as MP from Anakapalli Lok Sabha constituency. (ANI)

PM likely to inaugurate basic food lab in Visakhapatnam

Vijayawada: Commissioner of Food Safety, Dr Salijamala Venkateswar, announced that the food safety department has concluded an MoU with FSSAI, New Delhi, and secured `80 crore in funds for establishing food labs, mobile food labs, and enhancing the food safety ecosystem in Andhra Pradesh. The commissioner informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to inaugurate the basic food lab in Visakhapatnam will be functional by June/July, with a microbiology laboratory in Vizag. He future mentioned that three food labs, located in Visakhapatnam, Guntur, and Tirupati, will be operational by December 2024 and the Mobile Food Testing Labs will commence operations soon. Venkateswar instructed to take stringent action against the use of banned food colours, synthetic food colours, and the reuse of cooking oil multiple times due to their cancer-causing properties. He also mentioned that regular review meetings will be conducted for the effective implementation of the Food Safety Act 2006 across the state. A focused approach will be implemented to reduce the use of repeatedly boiled cooking oil and to ensure effective implementation of food safety rules and regulations. Venkateswar stated that programmes such as hygiene ratings, Eat Right Schools, Eat Right Campus, clean food hubs, and clean vegetable hubs will be carried out regularly. He informed that more than 300 cases were booked against the use of repeatedly heated cooking oil across the state.

Vizag will be major industrial hub, capital city of AP: Y.V. Subba Reddy

Y.V Subba Reddy highlights Visakhapatnam's potential as a key investment destination, with plans to develop it into a major industrial and commercial hub

Luxury cruise ship The World makes its maiden visit to Visakhapatnam

HRF extends support to the striking workers of Adani Gangavaram Port in Visakhapatnam

Forum leaders appeal to the district officials to initiate action to settle the dispute

Long-standing issues dominate poll agenda in Visakhapatnam South

VISAKHAPATNAM: Visakhapatnam South constituency, one of the seven Assembly constituencies within the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha, has been grappling with significant developmental challenges. Established in 2008 following delimitation orders, the constituency encompasses prominent areas such as Daba Gardens, the Old Post Office Area, Jagadamba Junction, Allipuram, Dwarakanagar, One-Town, and Gnanapuram. Despite its central location within the city, the development progress in Visakhapatnam South has been lackluster. Residents have raised concerns over several pressing issues, including inadequate sanitation infrastructure. Water from sewage drains running on roads, the accumulation of garbage and the resultant foul odour, and the prevalence of mosquitoes are some of the primary grievances of the populace. Long-standing problems, including pollution control from the port and insufficient amenities in local wards, persist. The development of the fishing harbour also remains a priority for many residents. Residents of the Allipuram Area voiced their frustrations, citing the recurring inundation of low-lying regions during heavy rains. We are facing significant drainage issues, especially during heavy rains, leading to flooding in low-lying areas. Furthermore, road extensions were a problem that was neglected until recently. We question the governments motives, as it only seems to address these issues just before elections. The persistent problem of garbage collection adds to the communitys frustrations, they stated. While government schemes have provided benefits to our community, there are notable shortcomings, particularly regarding compensation distribution in the aftermath of the fire accident at the harbour. Despite adequate compensation for some, discrepancies exist in compensating individuals based on the extent of their losses. Furthermore, the insufficient development of the harbour underscores the pressing need for additional facilities to address the communitys needs. We hope that in its next term, the government focuses on the development of the harbour, the fishermen community opined. While the YSRC has fielded Vasupalli Ganesh, formerly a member of the TDP, in the constituency, the Jana Sena has roped in Vamsi Krishna Yadav. It may be pointed out that JSP is fighting the elections in an alliance with the TDP and the BJP. Ganesh previously secured victories in 2014 and 2019 under the TDP banner. The electorate in Vizag South hopes for meaningful solutions to their long-standing developmental concerns, emphasising the need for sustained attention to address critical issues.

YSRCP Social Media Team's Diligently Connects with Voters in Andhra Pradesh

YSRCP Social Media Team's Diligently Connects with Voters in Andhra Pradesh Backed by a strong army of 4500 social media volunteers, the ruling YSR Congress party leaves no stone unturned in disseminating information regarding the state government's welfare programmes and swiftly issues fact-check messages to counter misinformation round the clock. The YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led party is keen on retaining power in the state and also put up a good show in the Lok Sabha polls. Parliamentary elections and Assembly polls are scheduled to be held simultaneously in the southern state on May 13. Sajjala Bhargav Reddy, the YSRCPs social media in-charge underscores the wing's mission--to ensure accurate information reaches every voter in the state while effectively thwarting the opposition's ''malicious'' campaigns across mainstream and social media platforms. Bhargav highlighted that in addition to the party's official social media channels across multiple platforms, individuals ranging from those with modest following to those commanding nearly a million followers actively participate in sharing information about the party's initiatives and offering insightful analyses of current events. ''We have a massive network of people who voluntarily work for the party. Starting at the district level, we have a social media committee and at the constituency level, there is one more social media committee and all the way to the mandal level. In all, it represents close to 4500 office bearers exclusively in social media,'' he told PTI. ''Our aim is to reach every single voter in the state and predominantly we keep our approach organic. The reach is so high that we don't have control where it goes or reaches,'' Bhargav further said. YSRCPs official account on microblogging platform 'X' has 8.86 lakh followers and its YouTube page channel has over five lakh subscribers. Its Instagram account has 1.72 lakh followers while Facebook page has a whooping 1.2 million admirers. Bhargav outlined that a significant portion of the YSRCP social media team's efforts is dedicated to fact-checking and presenting accurate information to counter the spread of misinformation by the opposition. He emphasized that the party's WhatsApp groups, spreading from local villages to international communities, boast active membership totaling over a million. Their primary objective is to ensure that chief minister Reddy's messages resonate across the globe while adeptly highlighting the shortcomings of the opposition. Hitting out at Telugu Desam Party's campaign on social media, the YSRCP leader said the opposition party's approach is completely negative when it comes to sending messages. He alleged the opposition focused more on disseminating misinformation and hurling insults at CM Jagan rather than articulating their own party's policies for the upcoming May 13 assembly elections. Jagan, recently in Visakhapatnam, addressed a gathering of the party's social media activists and explained the strategies to be followed while disseminating the information.

YSRCs Navaratnalu Plus focuses on welfare & growth

VIJAYAWADA: Enhanced aid under Amma Vodi, Rythu Bharosa and social security pensions are some of the key promises in YSRCs manifesto Jagananna Navaratnalu Plus. Additionally, the party has also promised to set up a Skill University in Tirupati, skill colleges in 26 districts, and integrated skill hubs in 175 constituencies. YSRC president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy released the manifesto on Saturday and reiterated that his assurances will be practical. Speaking to reporters at the CMs camp office, Jagan said, I dont want to compete with TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu in spewing lies. I will only make promises that can be kept. In 2019, we introduced various schemes as part of Navaratanalu and implemented 99.4% of them. Elaborating on the initiatives taken by his government in the last 58 months, he pointed out, Weve deposited Rs 2.68 lakh crore directly into beneficiaries accounts through DBT (direct benefit transfer) and Rs 1.78 lakh crore through non-DBT methods. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic and revenue losses that happened thereafter, we never made any excuses and meticulously executed our manifesto with a smile. Drawing a comparison between the current government and the previous TDP regime, the YSRC chief said facts and figures speak for themselves, as to who was sincere in fulfilling the promises. He announced key assurances under each of the nine categories: social security, development, education, health, agriculture, higher education, Nadu-Nedu, housing for the poor, and women empowerment. Terming Amma Vodi his pet project, Jagan announced that mothers of school-going children will receive Rs 17,000, up from Rs 15,000 previously. The revised amount will also include Rs 2,000 school and toilet maintenance fund. Social security pensions will be hiked to Rs 3,500 from the current Rs 3,000. As it would take time for the financial situation to stabilise and to ensure growth, pensions will initially be enhanced to Rs 3,250 in 2028 and to Rs 3,500 in 2029, he explained. Emphasising that his government has spent Rs 88,650 crore in the past five years towards social security pensions with an average annual expenditure of Rs 24,000 crore, he pointed out that no other State government has given such a high amount of pension to such a large number of beneficiaries. Noting that agriculture is the mainstay of the States economy and that his government has always been committed to the welfare of farmers, agriculture and allied sectors, Jagan announced that aid under Rythu Bharosa will be enhanced to Rs 16,000 from Rs 13,500 per annum. In the 2019 manifesto, we promised to give Rs 50,000 to the farmers over a period of five years, but extended Rs 67,500 (Rs 13,500 per year). In the next five years, we will disburse Rs 80,000, he said. The amount will be paid in three installments Rs 8,000 at the time of Kharif crop commencement, Rs 4,000 during harvesting, and Rs 4,000 during Pongal. Further, he said Vahana Mitra scheme will be extended to those who own and operate trucks and tippers. He added those who take bank loans to purchase auto, taxi, and lorry will only have to pay 6% interest for up to Rs 3 lakh and the remaining interest will be borne by the government. Additionally, he announced that outsourced, Anganwadi and Asha workers, who earn up to Rs 25,000 per month, will be eligible for all Navaratnalu schemes related to health, education, and housing. Jagan said hamlets with 50% SC population and having more than 500 houses, belonging to SCs, will be made special village panchayats. He assured that the construction of the Polavaram irrigation project, 17 medical colleges, four ports, 10 fishing harbours, six fish landing centres and Bhogapuram International Airport will be completed in the next five years. On the issue of the capital city, Jagan made it clear that once he forms government after the elections, Visakhapatnam will be the executive capital and the State will be administered from there. Visakhapatnam will be developed as a growth engine. Amaravati will be developed as the legislative capital and Kurnool as the judiciary capital, he asserted. The YSRC chief also announced that key welfare schemes such as YSR Cheyutha, Kapu Nestam, EBC Nestam, Aasara, Zero Interest Loans to self-help groups, Kalyanamastu, Shaadi Tohfa, Matsyakara Bharosa, Law Nestham, Nethanna Nestam, Naadu Nedu in education and health sector will be implemented the way they have been for the last five years. Welfare Amma Vodi hiked to Rs 17,000 from Rs 15,000 Rythu Bharosa increased to Rs 16,000 from Rs 13,500/ year Pension Kanuka hiked to Rs 3,500 from Rs 3,000 per month Loan limit under Jagananna Thodu increased to Rs 15,000 from Rs 10,000 Rs 5 lakh insurance for families of gig workers in event of accidental death Infrastructure Industrial Park to be established in each district via PPP model World-class sports stadium to be set up in Visakhapatnam Bhogapuram Intl Airport to be completed with outlay of Rs 4,592 cr Rs 2,000 cr initial investment to transform headquarter in each district as a modern Smart City MIG layouts to be built in urban areas with initial corpus of Rs 2k cr Vizag to be elevated into a world-class mega city, positioning it as a premier finance & fintech hub of India & the world

Andhra Pradesh Sizzles As Temperatures Spike

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

Jagans Navaratnalu Plus Manifesto Ups Sops Under Many Schemes

Vijayawada : Chief Minister and YSRC president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has unveiled the highly anticipated YSRC Manifesto 2024 Navaratnalu Plus on Saturday, promising to increase Amma Vodi amount from 15,000 to 17,000 per year, at his Camp Office in Tadepalli. He has continued with enhanced allotments or increased sops schemes like Kapu Nestham, zero interest loans, social security pensions, Rythu Bharosa, YSR Cheyutha, YSR Kapu Nestham, Shadi Tohfa, Housing Scheme and Aarogyasri. Interestingly, to attract Kapu and BC women, Jagan Mohan Reddy announced that 60,000 will be given in eight instalments under Kapu Nestham. He hiked Jagananna Amma Vodi to 85,000 over the next five years under which every mother from an underprivileged background who ensures that her children are attending school will now receive 17,000 per annum, unlike 15,000 per annum previously. Further, the Chief Minister has increased the flagship YSR Pension Kanuka from 3,000 to 3,500 per month, which will be delivered to the doorstep of all elderly, widows and disabled every month. Guaranteed income support of 80,000 will be provided to every farmers family for five years under YSR Rythu Bharosa at the rate of 16,000 per year, up from the previous 13,500. Under YSR Cheyutha, 4560-year-old BCs, SCs, STs and minority elder sisters will be given 75,000 in four instalments over the next five years. Under YSR EBC Nestam, 4560-year-old elder sisters belonging to economically backward classes will be given 60,000 in four instalments over the next five years. YSR Sunna Vaddi, YSR Kalyanamasthu and YSR Shaadi Tohfa schemes will continue as is for the next five years. YSR Free Crop Insurance, Sunna Vaddi Panta Runalu, Input Subsidy, and nine hours of free power supply per day will continue. Construction of food processing units will continue in all 26 districts, along with godowns and cold storages at the assembly constituency-level as per need. Aqua farmers with less than 10 acres land in the aqua zone will continue to avail power at only 1.5 per unit. The financial assistance under Jagananna Chedodu will continue to be 50,000. For employment and skill development of youth in AP, there will be a state-of-the-art Skill University in Tirupati, skill colleges in all 26 districts, and integrated skill hubs in all 175 constituencies to make youth job-ready. There will be a monthly internship of 2,500 for boys and 3,000 for girls while they undergo skill training in the skill institutions mentioned. A Startup Hub and an International VC Mentorship Cell will be set up in Visakhapatnam to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of the states youth. Notifications for competitive exams like Group 1 and Group 2 will be announced on a regular basis, with the exam being conducted according to a schedule similar to that of the UPSC. Families of ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and outsourced employees, who earn up to 25,000, will now be eligible to avail benefits of housing, healthcare and education under the Navaratnalu schemes. Revolutionary schemes like Jagananna Vidya Deevena, Vasati Deevena, Videsi Vidya Deevena, Vidya Kanuka, Jagananna Gorumudda, and measures such as tab distribution, IB curriculum and TOEFL, digital classrooms, and English-medium curriculum will continue. Further, upgradation of school infrastructure will go on through Mana Badi Nadu Nedu programme. Welfare hostels will continue to be constructed, ensuring top-notch infrastructure for students.

Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Pension Hike, Vizag As Executive Capital Among YSR Congress' Poll Promises

YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday released his party's manifesto for the upcoming elections and promised to gradually hike welfare pensions from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,500 per month and govern the state from Visakhapatnam.