Winners or not, we will serve as third alternative in Andhra Pradesh, says JBNP chief

Blaming the Congress and BJP for taking a U-turn on according SCS to the State, the former IPS officer says the TDP and YSRCP have failed to strike a hard bargain by utilising the many opportunities they had in the past five years to achieve it

Fisherfolk, the loyal voters, eager to exercise franchise

Around 85% of the nearly 20 lakh fisherfolk voters are likely to vote, says National Fisherfolk Forum leader adding that the fishermen seek Matsyakara Bharosa Kendram on the lines of Rythu Bharosa Kendram in State

Naidu promises to develop IT sector in Vizag, create at least 3 lakh jobs

The YSRCP government increased power tariffs, bus fares, property tax, and garbage collection charges, making it tough for the people, says the TDP national president

Heavy Rain Forecast for Rayalaseema on Polling Day

Visakhapatnam : Heavy rainfall is likely to lash Rayalaseema region on May 13, the day Andhra Pradesh goes to elections. Moderate rain or thundershowers are likely in coastal Andhra Pradesh and some parts of north coastal Andhra on that day, the weather office said. There would be respite to heat waves in AP for over a week. An IMD report said Wednesdays trough from northeast Rajasthan to south interior Karnataka now ran from above the cyclonic circulation over central Maharashtra to south interior Karnataka, across north interior Karnataka, and extends upto 1.5km above mean sea level. Under its influence, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speed upto 30-40kmph are likely at isolated places over north coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema from Friday. The thunderstorms would continue till May 13. The report said AP got relief from the heat conditions as temperature fell by two to three degrees Celsius in many regions including the hotbed districts of Rayalaseema-Nandyal, Kurnool, Kadapa and Tirupathi. Only Tirupati recorded 40.1 degrees Celsius while the average temperature remained at 36 degrees in the other regions. Visakhapatnam registered the lowest temperature of 33.7 degrees Celsius. Senior scientist at IMD Amaravati, S Karunasagar, said parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh received an average of 10cm rainfall each during the last three days with the highest rainfall of 12cm in Vemagiri, near Rajahmundry. The state might not experience heat waves for another 10 days, he said.

Keen contest between YSRCP and TDP in Nagari

Nagari Assembly constituency in Tirupati district will see sitting YSRCP nominee R.K. Roja and TDP candidate Gali Bhanu Prakash battling it out against each other; Roja is a two time winner (2014, 2019), while Bhanu Prakash is hoping for a maiden victory

Jagan has done nothing to protect Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, alleges Vishnu Kumar Raju

The YSRCP government is the reason behind the delay in the operationalisation of South Coast Railway Zone with its headquarters in Visakhapatnam, alleges the BJP MLA candidate from Visakhapatnam North constituency

Adani Ports talks with striking workers remain inconclusive in Visakhapatnam

The protesters, who have stopped movement of men and material, and blocked raw material supply to critical power and steel units, including RINL, insist that all their demands be first met

Adani Ports talks with striking workers remain inconclusive in Visakhapatnam - The Hindu

Adani Ports talks with striking workers remain inconclusive in Visakhapatnam The Hindu

Only INDIA bloc is committed to safeguarding interests of Andhra Pradesh, says Raghavulu

Neither the TDP nor the YSRCP government has done anything to stop the privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, alleges the CPI(M) leader

New Trampoline Park opens at Port Stadium in Visakhapatnam

Jump, scream and soar to your hearts content at Port Stadium where a new trampoline park and soft play area has come up

New Trampoline Park opens at Port Stadium in Visakhapatnam - The Hindu

New Trampoline Park opens at Port Stadium in Visakhapatnam The Hindu

Artgram, a cosy art studio that allows guests creative freedom

Spread across five cities in India, Artgram combines the cosy ambience of a cafe and the excitement of creating something new with a range of DIY art kits that anyone can try

TTD to release online quota for Srivari Arjitha Seva, darshan tickets for August from THIS date

Tirupati: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has decided to release the online quota for Srivari Arjitha Seva, darshan tickets and others for August from May 18. The quota booking process will open in phases from May 18 to 27 through the official TTD website ttdevasthanams.ap.gov.in. For the online lucky dip sevas, including Suprabhatam, Tomala, Archana and Ashtadala Pada Padmaradhana sevas for August, devotees can book from 10 am on May 18 until 10 am May 20. Srivari Arjitha Seva Tickets including Kalyanam, Unjal Seva, Arjitha Brahmotsavam and SD Seva along with Annual Pavithrotsavam tickets (August 15-17) will be available from 10 AM of May 21 while Virtual Seva tickets on the same day at 3 pm. Tirumala Angapradakshinam Tokens will be available from May 23 at 10AM. Darshan and Accommodation quota to the SRIVANI Trust Donors will be available on May 23 at 11 AM. Senior Citizens/Physically Challenged quota will be available from 3 pm of May 23. The Special Entry Darshan (Rs.300) tickets will be available on May 24 at 10 AM. Tirumala & Tirupati Accommodation Quota will be available from 3 pm on May 24. The Srivari Seva voluntary service General quota for Tirumala and Tirupati will be released at 11 am while Navaneeta Seva at 12 noon and Parakamani Seva at 1 pm on May 27.

Dr Shemushi Appointed Anantapur DIG

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

Bhumana slams Naidu-Pawan duo's insatiable power hunger

TIRUPATI: Bhumana Karunakar Reddy, who is also a chairman and a member of the legislative assembly for YSRC, criticised TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan. He said they are only interested in getting power and use dishonest ways to trick the public with false promises. During a campaign in Tirupati on Wednesday, Karunakar Reddy said that the main goal of Naidu and Pawan Kalyan is to have control through dictatorship, without caring about the people's welfare. He also claimed that Naidu joined with Jana Sena and BJP in a partnership because he was afraid to run by himself and wanted to keep deceiving the public. Karunakar Reddy also criticised Pawan Kalyan's political experience, saying that even after being in politics for a decade, he still couldn't get the public's support. He suggested that Pawan Kalyan only joined with Naidu for personal benefits. He even accused Pawan Kalyan of taking a bribe of Rs 30 crore to give the Jana Sena Tirupati ticket to Arani Srinivasu. Making fun of the opposition leaders' recent visit to Tirupati city, Bhumana said that they couldn't explain their plans well and left quickly, showing they didn't really care about the people. He warned the voters not to be tricked by the opposition's dishonest tactics and false promises, and asked them to support Jagan Mohan Reddy as Chief Minister and Bhumana Abhinay as their MLA in the upcoming elections.

Money distributed to voters in Tirupati, alleges Chinta Mohan

He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had got bail issued for Mr. Jagan through the CBI and ED on 360 occasions

YSRC Encouraged Mafia Dominance: PM Modi

Tirupati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unleashed a torrent of criticism against the ruling YSRC government, accusing it of betraying the hopes and dreams of the people who elected it to power. Addressing a huge rally at Kalikiri under Rajampet LS on Wednesday, the Prime Minister alleged that instead of ushering in growth and prosperity, the YSRC dispensation encouraged mafia and unruly elements. The party functionaries openly patronised such anti-social forces, he said. The people of Andhra had pinned immense hopes and aspirations on the YSRC when they voted it to power. However, the party has failed to live up to those expectations,'' Modi said. Rather than focusing on development, the YSRC establishment presided over the rise of mafia dominance. It is a shocking state of affairs. YSRC ministers themselves indulged in hooliganism and promoted a culture of lawlessness. Modi expressed dismay over the state administration's alleged complicity in shielding the sand mafia, whose nefarious activities, he said, led to a breach of the Annamayya dam. The consequent deluge wrought havoc across 25-30 villages, claiming many lives. This government is actively assisting the growth of such mafia, he remarked, and warned that their reign of impunity would be stopped under the next NDA rule. The PM criticised the state government for not joining central initiatives like Jal Jeevan Mission and asked if the states people didn't deserve access to clean water. He blamed the Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government for delays in the completion of the Polavaram irrigation project and promised to speed up its completion if the three-party alliance is elected to power. Modi praised Rayalaseema's potential in minerals, spirituality, agriculture and skilled labour. However, its under-development, lack of irrigation facilities and industrial infrastructure, despite the region producing numerous chief ministers, remained a big worry. He pitched for a double-engine model of governance in AP, with the BJP-led NDA at the Centre and a proactive state government working here in tandem to address the states long-pending issues. He announced plans for specialised storage facilities for perishable crops like tomatoes in the next five years and a boost to the food processing sector. The Prime Minister emphasised his governments commitment to modernising connectivity and industrial growth, citing initiatives like the proposed Kadapa airport expansion and the envisaged South Indian bullet train corridor. He asked the crowd if they desired a high-speed rail network. If so, vote for the BJP-TD-JS alliance in this election, he urged them. Modi alleged that the Congress harboured designs to unravel progress, including a revocation of Article 370 and CAA, and even contemplated re-imposing curbs on the Ram Mandir. He accused the I.N.D.I.A alliance of plotting to abolish existing reservations and introduce blanket reservation for Muslims.

Janhvi Kapoor planning a Tirupati wedding with Shikhar Pahariya? Actress reveals the truth

Janhvi Kapoor swiftly addressed recent speculation about her relationship with Shikhar Pahariya, dismissing rumors of an imminent wedding at Tirupati Temple with a playful yet decisive Kuch bhi (What even!) comment on social media. Despite occasional rumors and a reported rough patch, their relationship has been marked by public appearances and hints of reconciliation. Her father, Boney Kapoor, has expressed fondness for Shikhar, emphasizing their enduring camaraderie even during times of separation.

Janhvi Kapoor denies rumors of marrying rumored boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya at Tirupati temple

Janhvi Kapoor, one of the leading actresses in Bollywood, has once again dismissed rumors surrounding her personal life. When an unverified social media account recently speculated that the Gunjan Saxena star would tie the knot with her rumored beau Shikhar Pahariya at the sacred Tirupati temple, Janhvi was quick to shut down the gossip. Reacting [] The post Janhvi Kapoor denies rumors of marrying rumored boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya at Tirupati temple appeared first on Northlines .

Pawan Kalyan promises to protect sanctity of Tirumala

VIJAYAWADA: Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan vowed to protect the sanctity of Tirumala, the abode of Lord Venkateswara. Addressing an election rally in the temple town of Tirupati, along with TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and a few BJP leaders, the actor-politician lambasted the YSRC government. He accused TTD chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy and former chairman YV Subba Reddy of turning the holy pilgrimage into a resort. In the name of Srivani Trust, they have hiked the prices for darshan at the temple. Touts are ruling the roost in the holy hill shrine, he alleged. Pawan sought to know why people should vote for a person who insulted Lord Venkateswara. He said those who tarnished the sanctity of Tirumala will face the ire of the Lord Balaji in one way or another. Criticising the Tirupati MLA, the JSP chief claimed that Bhumana is taking 10 to 12% commission in TTD contracts. He questioned the need for Jagans image on the house site pattas given to TTD employees. He blamed YSRC for Amara Raja Industries shifting out of AP. I assure you that once the alliance forms government, Amara Raja will be back, he promised.

Voter bribery operation busted in Prakasam district

Tirupati: The police on Tuesday uncovered a voter bribery operation targeting government employees in Prakasam district ahead of the elections in AP. Two individuals -- P Govindaiah and V Perireddy -- were detained after they were found to have transferred money through digital payment apps, as part of an attempt to buy postal ballot votes from government staff. The Darsi police station has registered two cases against Govindaiah and Perireddy under Sections 171(E) and 171(H) related to undue influence and illegal practices connected to an election. The attempt came to light after a flying squad team monitoring the election scene received a tip-off about the alleged UPI money transfers. Govindaiah, a 41-year-old resident of Veligandla village, is accused of receiving `20,000 via UPI from Narayana and then distributing `5,000 each to four government employees. In a separate incident, Ch Krishna Reddy, reportedly associated with a political party, allegedly transferred `55,000 to Perireddy (39) from Kothapalem village. Perireddy purportedly disbursed `5,000 in payments to six government staff members. The recipients of the illicit funds included eight teachers, two police officers, one auxiliary nurse-midwife, and a government volunteer. Two of the payees are said to be affiliated with a political party. After examining the UPI transaction records, the authorities determined that the money transfers were intended to improperly influence the postal ballot voting process. Both bribery of government election staff and acceptance of such bribes are criminal offenses. We will initiate legal action against any government employee found complicit in such actions. Relevant government departments have also been notified to initiate disciplinary proceedings, said a statement from the office of SP, Sumit Sunil.

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

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

Janhvi Kapoor laughs off Tirupati wedding rumours with Shikhar Pahariya

Janhvi Kapoor brushes off rumours of a wedding with Shikhar Pahariya at Tirupati with a simple remark

Naidu, Pawan Rain Corruption Charges Against YSRC Bigwigs

Tirupati : Telugu Desam president Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan have launched a scathing attack on YSRC leaders Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and Bhumana Karunakar Reddy. Addressing a rally in Punganur on Tuesday, Naidu trained his guns on Cabinet minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and the latters family. The TD chief claimed that Ramachandra Reddy clan has illicitly accumulated a staggering 30,000 crore over the past five years through liquor syndicates, sand mining rackets, quarrying and other unlawful means. Peddireddy demands kickbacks from even small contracts like road construction and tomato procurement, thundered the former chief minister. He accused the minister's family of using muscle power and political influence to monopolise businesses in the region. Naidu exhorted voters to elect BJP's Rajampet MP candidate Nallari Kiran Kumar Reddy and the TD's Punganur Assembly nominee Challa Ramachandra Reddy (Challa Babu) to check Ramachandra Reddy's dominance. Kiran Kumar charged Ramachandra Reddy of collecting bribes even from the common man. Later in Tirupati, the TD chief mocked Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led dispensation, alleging that thieves have entered the temple city to loot the wealth of Tirumala temple and the public as well. He canvassed for TDs Chandragiri Assembly candidate Pulivarthi Nani, ally Jana Sena's Tirupati nominee Arani Srinivasula, and BJPs MP nominee V. Vara Prasada Rao. On his part, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan accused TTD Borad chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy's son Abhinay of making crores through kickbacks and corrupt means, like selling even chicken feathers for 20 lakh per month. He went on to allege that Karunakar Reddy and Ramachandra Reddy families are involved in the multi-crore TDR bonds scam and red sanders smuggling. Promising to cleanse Tirumala of the prevailing corruption culture, Pawan Kalyan vowed to revive the practice of allowing Tirupati locals for darshan at the hill shrine every second Tuesday if elected. He also assured sufficient funds to institutions like SV University and SVIMS from the resources of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD). The Jana Sena chief slammed the YSRC regime for driving away industries like Amara Raja Batteries. He assured that the NDA government at the centre will facilitate the return of such industries.

Street Lights Found Turned Off During Naidu-Pawan Roadshow

Tirupat: Opposition parties have levelled allegations against the state government on the joint roadshow of Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan in Tirupati on Tuesday night. As the roadshow commenced on Karakambadi Road, both Naidu and Kalyan could be seen waving at the crowds in darkness, as the street lights along the stretch from Vinayaka Sagar to Leela Mahal Circle had allegedly been switched off. With the area plunged into darkness, the TD chief put on the torch of his mobile phone. With this, party cadres of both TD and JS also put on the flashlights of their phones. The roadshow proceeded under such lighting conditions until it reached the Leela Mahal Circle. TD and Jana Sena have alleged that the street lights have been deliberately turned off in an attempt to sabotage the opposition leaders road show. They have demanded an investigation into the matter. The roadshow caused significant traffic chaos in the area, which is heavily congested even on regular workdays. Vehicular movement to a standstill along the route.

Janhvi Kapoor to Tie the Knot With Boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya in Tirupati? Here's What We Know

Actress Janhvi Kapoor has been dating Shikhar Pahariya for about two years now. The duo often visits Tirupati Balaji temple together.

Rains Lash AP, Lightning Kills 3

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

YSRCP receives support from OC, Muslim communities in Tirupati

300 Muslim families led by Shafi Ahmed Khadari, the state-appointed Qazi of Tirupati, joined the YSRCP in the presence of TTD Chairman

AUEET 2024 result out at audoa.andhrauniversity.edu.in, direct link here

The Andhra Pradesh University, Visakhapatnam, has announced the AUEET 2024 results on its official website at audoa.andhrauniversity.edu.in. The exam took place across eight locations in Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Rajamahendravaram, Vijayawada, Guntur, Tirupati, and Kadapa. Uppada Sai Eeswar from Visakhapatnam secured the top position with a score of 69 marks. The AUEET determines admission to BTech programs at Andhra University's College of Engineering. Kondaji Sai Praneeth and Giduturi Mohan Sai Sampath, both from Visakhapatnam, tied for second place with 64 marks.

Sprinting through struggles

HYDERABAD: Telangana is steadily emerging as a hub for sports achievers, with several enthusiastic youngsters silently making their mark without much fanfare. One such athlete is Vinod Kumar Banoth from Hanamkonda, Warangal. He recently clinched a gold medal in the 800m race at the Khelo India Youth Games 2024 in Chennai. Reflecting on his journey, Vinod shared, I began my athletic career in 2018 during my eighth class. Initially a volleyball player since the sixth grade, I had even participated in nationals. Given my humble background my father a farmer and mother an Anganwadi worker financially supporting my sporting endeavours was challenging. While studying at a government residential school, I commenced my training there. Learning the ropes of serious running from YouTube tutorials, I eventually found opportunities to refine my skills at summer camps held by the residential society in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. In 2018, I secured a silver medal in the 600m race at the national inter-district junior athletics meet in Tirupati with a timing of 1.30 seconds. Then, the pandemic hit in 2020, derailing Vinods athletic aspirations. However, an unexpected turn of events revived his hopes. A kind soul named Jyothi sponsored my education and stay in Hyderabad, where I resumed training for the 800 metres under the guidance of my coach Srinivas sir. I participated in the national junior and youth athletics championships, securing fourth place. It was during the Khelo India Youth Games in 2023 in Bhopal that I witnessed significant improvement in my timings. This year, clinching the gold medal was truly fulfilling, Vinod recounted. Currently, at the Khelo India Youth Centre in Bhopal, Vinod is gearing up for the Under-20 World Championship 2024 and has his sights set on competing in the Asian Games in 2026 and even the Olympics in 2028. When it comes to support and resources, theres a notable disparity compared to states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Kerala. Financial backing is crucial for athletes; a pair of shoes alone can cost between `15,000 to `20,000. If underprivileged sports enthusiasts receive adequate support, including essential supplements, our nation can excel in national and international competitions, including the Olympics. Unfortunately, Telangana lacks a robust athletics academy. While there are talented coaches, they often lack opportunities to showcase their expertise, Vinod remarked. While Vinod had to face some serious struggles chasing his dreams, Nishka Agarwal, who was the champion of this years Khelo Indian Youth Games in Chennai, Junior National Artistic Gymnastics held in Odisha and the International Pharaohs Cup for Artistic Gymnastics held in Cairo, Egypt in 2023. I started training when I was seven years old, she told CE. It wasnt for any specific reason in the beginning, but to get an experience. I got support and training from my school The Guadium. I just finished my 10th grade. I met my coach, Manoj Rana through Aruna Reddy, the first world medallist in gymnastics from Telangana. I train for two hours in the morning, and three in the evening, including my school in the afternoon. I stepped into the senior category this year and due to some technical issue, I couldnt give the trial for the Asian Championship happening this month despite preparing for it, she said. Vouching for girls in sports, Agarwal said, Sports have always been my passion and it is equally important as academics. Physically, it helps you throughout your life. The main thing is that people, first of all, should be aware of sports for taking up sports. There are a few opportunities that Khelo India provides to athletes with specific results. The government gives you money for pursuing it further. Another trailblazer from Kamareddy district, Mothe Rithika has garnered the support of none other than PT Usha. Currently undergoing her fitness training at the Usha School of Athletics in Kozhikode, 12-year-old Rithika has even run alongside 16-year-olds and left them behind, according to her father, Chinna Swamy Goud. She is a champion with many state and national level medals in Kungfu and Karate and a state medalist in 100m, 200m, 300m and 600m athletics tournaments. She recently secured a gold in the triathlon. Despite facing financial struggles and sports politics, this girl from a rural area has made us proud by pursuing Martial Arts as well as athletics. Not only that, shes good at studies as well. I support her unconditionally in her journey in sports, he said. Himself a district-level gold medalist in athletics, he has decided to support her daughters dreams despite facing financial struggles. She started practising at the age of six. When she was eight, she won over 16-year-old athletes, which boosted her confidence. I tried my best to provide her with the best opportunities out there. With some research, I found out about Usha madams school. She competed for entrance into that school and emerged as one among the lucky nine girls from across the country to be selected for training. Madam Usha has supported her a lot and assured us of her future achievements, he concluded.

Heatwave conditions likely in 21 mandals of Andhra Pradesh

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

Poll panel transfers Anantapur range DIG

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

Nellore's political terrain: Dynasties holding sway since first polls in 1955

Tirupati: As Nellore district braces for the present elections, the political scene remains firmly under the grip of prominent dynasties that have held sway over public life ever since Andhra Pradesh's first assembly polls in 1955. Cutting across party affiliations, these families have garnered significant support from the local populace, allowing them to retain their hold over the region through generations. In the upcoming electoral contest, scions of the influential families of Anam, Mekapati, Nedurumalli, Nallapureddy etc are poised to test their mettle in the constituencies of Atmakur, Venkatagiri, Kovur and Sarvepalle, making these battles particularly intriguing. The Anam family, entrenched in district politics for over eight decades, saw Anam Chenchu Subbareddy initiating the process. He was succeeded by his grandsons Ramnarayana Reddy and Vivekananda Reddy. Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, a seasoned legislator, secured wins in 1983 (Nellore), 1985 and 1999 (Rapur) under the Telugu Desam banner; in 2004 and 2009 (Atmakur) under the Congress flag, and in 2019 (Venkatagiri) as the YSRC nominee. Having served as a minister in the cabinets of several chief ministers, Anam now seeks the Atmakur seat on a TD ticket. The Mekapati family, led by Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy, has a strong political legacy with electoral wins in Udayagiri (1985), Ongole (1989), Narasaraopet (1998), and Nellore (2009), followed also by the win in a 2012 by-election in Nellore. Goutham Reddy succeeded his father, winning Atmakur in 2014 and 2019 for the YSRC. After Goutham's death, his brother Vikram Reddy won the Atmakur by-poll and is now running for the YSRC in the same constituency. The Nedurumalli family, too, has left an indelible mark on the state's political canvas. Congress stalwart Nedurumalli Janardhan Reddy served as chief minister from 1990 to 1992 and was later elected as MP from Bapatla, Narasaraopet and Visakhapatnam. His son, Ramkumar Reddy, first shifted his allegiances to the BJP in 2014 before eventually joining the YSRC. He has now been fielded by Jagan Reddy from the Venkatagiri segment. Nallapareddy Prasanna Kumar Reddy, a six-term MLA and YSRC nominee, wields formidable clout in the region. His family has held sway over the Kovur assembly segment for over four decades, with both Prasanna Kumar Reddy and his father, Nallapareddy Srinivasulu Reddy having served as ministers. This time, Prasanna Kumar faces a challenge from TDs newcomer Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy. Another seasoned campaigner, Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, who tasted success twice in seven attempts, is locked in a fierce contest on a TD ticket from Sarvepalli. He is facing a formidable challenge from his long-standing political rival and YSRC minister, Kakani Govardhan Reddy. Despite contesting polls seven times, Somireddy savoured success only twice. He is making his eighth bid this time.

Jagan will respond to PM Modis remarks in Gajuwaka on May 7, says Amarnath

At his Anakapalli election meeting on Monday, PM Modi made remarks on the YSR Congress Party and Jagans governance of the State

Nandyal Sizzles at 46 Degrees Celsius, Rain Expected in South Coastal AP

Visakhapatnam: Even as heavy rain is forecast for Tuesday, Nandyal blazed at a scorching 46C on Monday, topping the national temperature charts. In contrast, hailstorms in ASR and Parvathipuram Manyam districts brought down temperatures there. Nandyal's temperature soared 5.60C above normal.Following Nandyal were Kadapa at 45.40C (departure 4.50C), Kurnool at 45.30C (departure 4.80C), and Arogyavaram at 410C (departure 5.20C). Compared to the previous day, temperatures rose across many locations. Visakhapatnam recorded the coolest temperature at 34.50C, followed by Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam at 34.60C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Amaravati reported light rains in Rayalaseema, but they had no significant impact on temperatures. Chintapalli in ASR district and Parvathipuram experienced hailstorms, the IMD added.Heavy rain is expected to lash south coastal Andhra Pradesh from Tuesday onwards, including Nellore, Prakasam, Tirupati, Chittoor, Palnadu, Eluru, and East Godavari districts.

Andhra Pradesh: Will TDP woo 30% minority voters in Madanapalle?

TIRUPATI: The Madanapalle constituency in the erstwhile Chittoor district has emerged as a crucial battleground in the upcoming elections, with approximately 30 per cent of its electorate comprising Muslim and Christian communities. Encompassing Madanapalle, Ramasamudram, and Nimmanapalli mandals, this constituency falls under the Rajampet Lok Sabha constituency. The electoral contest in the segment is characterised by escalating tensions over caste, religious demographics, and the status of the district headquarters, factors that could significantly influence the election outcomes and shape the destiny of the candidates involved. After the recent developments in the segment, YSRC and TDP have adapted their strategies for the upcoming elections in Madanapalle. YSRC has decided to replace the incumbent Nawaz Basha with Nisar Ahmed, while the TDP has nominated Shajahan Basha, a former Congress leader who recently joined the party. However, a significant source of contention revolves around the decision by the YSRC government to designate Rayachoti as the headquarters of the newly formed Annamayya district, rather than Madanapalle. Madanapalle has a rich administrative legacy dating back to British rule and is considered the largest revenue division housing crucial government offices. Locals believe that this decision was influenced by the Chief Ministers close associations, disregarding Madanapalles historical significance. This perceived neglect of Madanapalles heritage has led to growing resentment among the populace, exacerbated by alleged dismissive remarks from YSRCs MLA Nawaz Basha. In response, the Opposition has launched a vigorous campaign to reinstate Madanapalles status as the district headquarters if elected. Shajahan Basha, TDP, Nisar Ahmed, YSRC Historically a stronghold for the Telugu Desam, securing victories in five out of the last seven elections from 1983 to 2004, recent electoral trends have witnessed a shift. In the 2014 and 2019 elections, YSR Congress candidates Dr MS Desai Thippa Reddy and Mohammed Nawaz Basha emerged victorious. Despite the Balija community constituting a larger vote bank than the Muslims, political parties cannot afford to overlook the influence of the Muslim community. Madanapalle, once the largest revenue division in the entire State, boasts renowned markets for tomatoes and sericulture farming. Nearby Neerugattuvaripalle is famed for its silk sarees. In the 2014 election, YSRCs Thippa Reddy defeated BJP candidate Challapalle Narasimha Reddy, while in 2019, TDPs Dommalapati Ramesh was defeated by YSRCs Nawaz Basha. Telugu Desam Partys dominance has faced challenges, with Congress candidates emerging victorious in 1989 and 2009. The Congress also had success between 1952 to 1978, winning the seat four times against two times by CPI. The dynamics of Madanapalles electorate underscore its significance as a microcosm of political diversity and religious influence in Andhra Pradesh.

Amit Shah trains guns on YSRC over Polavaram & English medium

DHARMAVARAM: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday promised to complete the Polavaram irrigation project within two years, once the NDA forms government in the State and at the Centre. Lashing out at the YSRC government in Andhra Pradesh, Shah blamed Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for the delay in executing the irrigation project. Addressing a public meeting at Dharmavaram in Sri Sathya Sai district on Sunday, Shah alleged that the YSRC government derailed the project with rampant corruption. The Polavaram Project, which is the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh, was approved by the NDA government after the State bifurcation. One of Modis guarantees is to complete the Polavaram project in two years, if the BJP-led NDA is voted to power at the Centre and the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance forms government in the State, Shah vowed. The Union minister avoided the subject of 4% reservation for Muslims. However, hours later, while speaking during an election rally at Kagaznagar in Adilabad, Telangana, he reiterated that while religious reservations will be scrapped, the quotas for SCs, STs and OBCs will be increased. Shah said reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) will not end as long as there was at least one saffron party MP in Parliament. It may be noted that TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu has assured Muslims in Andhra Pradesh that 4% reservations for them will continue. The BJP strongman said, The three parties have come together to put an end to rampant crimes and corruption in the State and to protect the sanctity of the Tirupati Balaji temple. I have come here today to offer my support to this fight. Accusing the Jagan government of trying to replace Telugu with English in primary education, Shah asserted that the tripartite alliance will strive to protect Telugu language. As long as BJP is there, it will not allow Telugu language to vanish, he asserted. Charging Jagan with neglecting the development of Rayalaseema, Shah appealed to the gathering to vote for Chandrababu Naidu and Narendra Modi so they can complete not just Polavaram, but also Handri Neeva Sujala Sravanti (HN SS), Veligonda and other irrigation projects. When Naidu was the chief minister of the undivided State, he took Andhra Pradesh to the very top. Even after the bifurcation, he started the development process of the State, but Jagan derailed all those efforts. While development and investment stand at zero, unemployment is at its peak in the State. He burdened people of the State with a debt of Rs 13.50 lakh crore. Infrastructure projects have been stalled, but the land mafia is in full swing. Jagan promised total prohibition, but started a liquor syndicate instead, he alleged. Saluting the land of Hindupur, the BJP leader noted, Lepakshi is where Lord Ram met Jatayu. It also is the place where Sri Satya Sai Baba spread the message of peace and harmony worldwide. Further, Shah found fault with Jagan for not visiting Ayodhya Ram Mandir for the Pran Pratishta ceremony, just like Rahul Gandhi, even after being invited. Mocking the I.N.D.I.A bloc for not having a proper Prime Ministerial candidate and yet seeking public mandate to win the elections, Shah said, In front of the people of Andhra Pradesh, I want to ask them (I.N.D.I Alliance), if, God forbid you come to power, who will be the PM? My brothers and sisters, you tell me can Sharad Pawar ever be the PM? Or can Mamata Banerjee be the PM? Or Stalin? Or Uddhav Thackeray? I will take another name, please dont laugh, but could you imagine Rahul Gandhi being your PM ever? Pointing out that two phases of the Lok Sabha polls have been completed, he confidently said PM Modi is way ahead of the Opposition. In the third phase, he shall take a step further to achieve his aim of securing 400 plus seats, he said. PM Modi public meet today PM Modi will take part in election rallies in Andhra Pradesh on May 6 and 8. Sources said Modi will arrive in Rajahmundry on Monday & address a public meeting at Ramgiri Highway and later in Anakapalle

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

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

Rifts Mar YSRC in Sullurpeta

Tirupati: The long-standing internal rifts within the ruling YSRCs Sullurpeta unit came out once again, marring the party's campaign efforts in the crucial Schedule Caste (SC) reserved constituency. Ahead of next weeks assembly elections, ugly scenes played out on Saturday at Machavarampet of Ojili mandal in the presence of sitting MLA and YSRC's candidate, Kiliveti Sanjeevaiah himself. Party cadres engaged in a physical altercation, splitting into two groups and exchanging blows. The clash erupted between local YSRC leaders P. Pullareddy and Madhu Reddy, who have had long-standing differences. As Sanjeevaiah arrived for campaigning, the two insisted on divergent routes, leading to a heated verbal argument. Despite the MLAs attempts to calm them, the situation quickly escalated, with their respective supporters raising slogans against each other. Chaos ensued as the two factions came to blows in front of the candidate. Police personnel had to intervene to bring the situation under control after a tense standoff. A visibly upset Sanjeevaiah expressed his anger at the leaders and left the venue without conducting the scheduled campaign rally. This is unfortunately not an isolated incident in the Sullurpeta constituency, which has witnessed regular infighting between various YSRC factions. Last month, clashes broke out between senior party leaders during the filing of nominations. Caste fault lines and local power tussles have repeatedly sparked protests across the constituency.

Two YSRCP corporators join Jana Sena Party in Tirupati

JSP MLA candidate Arani Srinivasulu terms it as reverse migration

AP: TTD receives dumper truck worth Rs 31 L as donation

Tirupati: A Chennai-based automobile company has donated a dumper truck worth Rs 31 lakh to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the official custodian of Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. Automobile major Ashok Leyland handed over the truck to the temple body on Saturday in a brief ceremony. Chennai-based Ashok Leyland has donated a tipper (dumper 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 .

Chittoor a blend of Telugu, Tamil cultures

CHITTOOR: Bordering Tamil Nadu, Chittoor Assembly constituency is a hub for diverse cultures and traditions, shaping the lifestyles of residents, who reflect a blend of Telugu and Tamil heritages. Apart from dairy and poultry industries, a significant portion of the population relies on mango cultivation for their livelihood. While the ruling YSRC is trying to retain the seat for the second consecutive time, with a new contender this time, the TDP is attempting to make a comeback in the Chittoor Assembly segment. The YSRC has fielded MC Vijayananda Reddy, the current APSRTC vice-chairman, as its candidate, while the TDP has chosen Gurajala Jagan as its candidate for this election. Interestingly, in the past, candidates representing the DMK and AIADMK parties have contested in this constituency, highlighting its strong Tamil influence. Chittoor, the administrative centre of the district, has also been home to leaders who made significant contributions to various political parties, including the Justice Party, Swatantra Party, and Krishikar Lok Party, both before and after Independence. Among them is Madabhusi Ananthsainam Ayyangar, a prominent figure who led the freedom movement in Chittoor district, served as a Member of Parliament for Chittoor Congress, and later became the Lok Sabha Speaker. The region has a rich history of producing numerous influential leaders who actively participated in the freedom movement and held esteemed positions such as chief ministers. The presence of Tamil film actor MG Ramachandran campaigning in Chittoor further underscores this influence. Despite being the district headquarters, Chittoor has not yet seen the appointment of a minister from this area. The political landscape of Chittoor constituency has witnessed several shifts over the years. The Congress, which held sway for nearly 25 years, ceded ground to the TDP in 1989. Notably, Chittoor Krishnaswamy Jayachandra Reddy, known as CK Babu, emerged as a formidable figure in politics. He initially won as an independent MLA in 1989, later joining the Congress and securing victory for three consecutive terms (1994, 1999, and 2009). The constituencys political history saw a mix of party victories. The first MLA from Chittoor constituency, Chinnama Reddy of the Congress, clinched victory in the 1952 election. However, in a 1953 by-election, Srungaram of the Krishikar Lok Party was elected. Chinnama Reddy reclaimed victory in 1955. In subsequent years, the political landscape witnessed victories from various parties. With the emergence of the TDP in 1983, NP Jhansi Lakshmi became the MLA, but in 1985, R Gopinathan of the Congress Party emerged victorious. After a two-decade hiatus, TDP candidate AS Manohar was elected as MLA in 2004, despite the Congress coming to power, defeating TDP. Following the states bifurcation in 2014, TDP candidate DA Satyaprabha secured victory. However, in 2019, she was defeated by YSRC candidate Jangalapalli Srinivasulu. This time, the YSRC nominated MC Vijayananda Reddy, the current APSRTC vice-chairman, as the constituency in-charge, subsequently granting him a ticket for the elections. Despite speculation that the Chittoor Assembly constituency, predominantly led by the Balija community, might sway towards the Jana Sena, the Telugu Desam Party surprised many by nominating developer and film producer Gurajala Jagan as its candidate in the initial list. Hailing from Chittoor, Gurajala Jagan made a name for himself as a realtor and developer in Bengaluru before venturing into establishing educational institutions. Transitioning into film production, he also initiated a charitable trust and organised various public outreach programmes in Chittoor in recent years. Following a setback in the 2019 polls and a leadership vacuum after former MLA AS Manohar retired from active politics, the TDP chose Gurajala Jagan as its candidate for the 2024 elections. Both Gurajala Jagan and YSRCs MC Vijayananda Reddy are political novices competing against each other after the ruling party replaced sitting MLA Arani Sreenivasulu. While the YSRC employs its trademark approach to secure its hold on Chittoor, Gurajala Jagan presents his own manifesto along with the TDPs six guarantees. Despite being the constituency headquarters, Chittoor lacks adequate education and healthcare facilities. Residents still rely on CMC-Vellore and SVIMS-Tirupati for specialised medical treatment and travel to Bengaluru or Chennai for higher education. I have plans to establish a multi-disciplinary super-specialty hospital and world-class educational institutions in Chittoor, said TDP nominee G Jagan Mohan. Farmers in Chittoor are advocating for establishing Chittoor as a poultry hub, driven by the surge in demand for traditional chicken meat in the market. Many small and medium farmers have embraced backyard poultry farming, particularly in rural areas like Chittoor rural and Gudipala mandals, opting to rear local breed chicks due to lower feed costs. With the increasing demand, farmers have also begun exporting local breed chicks to neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka from Chittoor district. Narrow roads with potholes and other civic issues have been haunting the residents of the Chittoor town. Traffic congestion in PCR junction, MSR junction and old bus stand areas is regularly seen in the town. Narrow roads in church road and also in other main areas of the town have witnessed traffic congestion. Potholed roads on rail over bridges have remained a permanent issue in the town. Number of vehicles and population has increased in the town when compared to previous years. But, the roads remain the same leading to traffic congestion in main circles of the town. Even residents of the outskirts colonies have been facing troubles getting drinking water during summer season, said M Siva Kumar, a private employee in Chittoor town.

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

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

Visa Expiry to Force Return of Accused in Phone-Tapping Case

Hyderabad: The US visa of former SIB chief T. Prabhakar Rao, on Friday listed as Accused No. 1 in the phone-tapping case, would expire soon and he would be forced to return home, sources in the special investigation team probing the case said. Prabhakar Rao has a B1/B2 visit visa. A red corner alert and a look-out notice have been issued for Prabhakar. Based on the technical and physical evidence and confession reports of the accused in the case, the police reportedly filed a request petition with the Nampally sessions judge to issue a notice under CrPC Section 73 against Prabhakar Rao. Leading advocate M.A. Ahad Qurashi explained that under Section 73 CrPC, the chief judicial magistrate or a first class magistrate could direct a warrant for the arrest of an escaped convict, proclaimed offender or evading arrested after being accused of a non-bailable offence. Meanwhile, the police have included the name of a coordinator in the phone-tapping operation as an accused. Sources said he was a close aide of the BRS leadership and met Prabhakar Rao in Tirupati in December first week and suggest that he flee to the US. The coordinator himself is underground, sources said. The police have listed five witnesses in the case: CID CI Sunda Venkat Rao; task force (admin) SI Kanumarla Srikanth; south-west task force S I Sara Sai Kiran; Shaikpet tahsildar Chandra Shekar Mora; and Bandaru Srinivas, Khairatabad deputy tahsildar. Meanwhile, former MLA Mynampally Hanmantha Rao on Saturday told the media that former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Raos family would go to jail in phone tapping cases. He appealed to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to investigate the irregularities and phone tapping cases.

Debutants Lock Horns in Gangadhara Nellore Seat

TIRUPATI: The Gangadhara Nellore assembly constituency in Chittoor district, carved out post delimitation in 2008, will witness an electoral tussle between two first-time candidates. Since then, the seat, reserved for people belonging to the scheduled castes community, has transitioned from being a Congress stronghold to a YSRC bastion. While former minister and deputy speaker Gummadi Kuthuhalamma won Gangadhara Nellore on Congress ticket in 2009, Kalathuru Narayana Swamy of YSRC emerged victorious in 2014 and 2019, cementing his party's grip. In a surprise move, the ruling dispensation has given the party ticket to K. Krupa Lakshmi, daughter of Narayana Swamy and a debutant in poll arena. On the other hand, Telugu Desam of the NDA alliance has fielded Dr. V.M. Thomas, chairman of a Chennai fertility centre, who is foraying into politics for the first time. Gangadhara Nellore has total 2,04,669 registered voters, including 1,01,697 males, 1,02,966 females, and six others. The constituency has a diverse demography. The Mala community of SCs is the largest community, followed by numerically significant Reddy, Kamma, Balija and other backward class communities. Local caste dynamics have historically played a pivotal role in shaping the electoral outcomes in the region. Recent reports suggest simmering internal conflicts and infighting within the ranks of both YSRC and TD, which could potentially impact prospects of the respective candidates. Despite enjoying a robust cadre base and historical backing from voters over the past decade, YSRC's clout in the region seems to be on the wane. This is being attributed to the complex interplay of caste undercurrents and internal discord within the ruling party ranks. In particular, Narayana Swamy's conflicts with the Reddy community may impact his daughter's chances. On the other hand, TD nominee Dr. Thomas confronts a daunting challenge for a first timer, as his party's support base has eroded significantly over the past few electoral cycles. Despite his credentials as the chairman of a prestigious fertility centre, lack of familiarity with local political dynamics and peoples waning trust in TD could become formidable obstacles in his quest for victory.

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

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

Heat waves forecast for 227 mandals in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday

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

Mangalagiri Weavers' Support: A Potential Game-Changer in Lokesh's Political Aspirations

Mangalagiri Weavers' Support: A Potential Game-Changer in Lokesh's Political Aspirations Nestled between Vijayawada and Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, Mangalagiri, a temple town, suddenly emerged as the cynosure of the country between 2014 and 2019 after former chief minister and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu during his tenure declared that Amaravati would be the capital city. Mangalagiri segment hosts some of the villages which would have been part of the capital (Amaravati) had Naidus pet project been taken off, but his successor and YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy poured cold water on the formers capital's dreams. In the 2019 polls, Naidus son and TDPs general secretary Nara Lokesh contested the Assembly election from Mangalagiri segment but lost out to YSRCP rival A Ramakrishna Reddy. Despite winning the elections in 2014 and 2019, the incumbent MLA failed to find favour with the ruling party chief in bagging the ticket to contest the 2024 election, and was compelled to cede it to M Lavanya from the Padmasali (weavers) BC community, a numerically superior community in Mangalagiri constituency. Disgruntled, Ramakrishna Reddy exited the party, joined Congress, to do a volte-face and returned to the YSRCP fold in a short span of time recently. With an electorate of over 2.9 lakh voters -- 1.4 lakh male, 1.5 lakh female and 13 third gender -- Mangalagiri, famous for the two temples of Panakala Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, has also carved a niche for itself in the realm of handlooms. D Tirupati Rao (38), who runs a handloom store on Tenali Road in the town, selling sarees and various other dress materials, appreciated Ramakrishna Reddy and said that he had done a good job, especially laying roads. ''In the past five years, Ramakrishna Reddy took special interest and did a better job like laying the roads, resolving Ratnala Cheruvu issue and returning it to us in which we (Padmasalis) built a Devasthanam (religious establishment) and also clearing other encroachments,'' Rao told PTI. However, he highlighted that the loss of the Amaravati capital city under the ruling YSRCP has dealt a major blow to not just the prospects of the weavers and handlooms business but also all other small businessmen, traders, vendors, hawkers and others. According to Rao, the capital city works during the TDP regime brought with it an influx of multitudes of people, who had come to construct Amaravati and also buy local wares, bolstering their businesses. He said Mangalagiri fabrics made of silk and cotton are renowned for their light weight and command a devoted following from people across the country. He noted that Mangalagiri people have already made up their minds on whom to vote, but wished that this constituency should be left for leaders from the majority Padmasali community in the future elections after 2024 polls. Claiming that weavers did not receive help from the government such as material or marketing, Rao noted that eligible people from his community did receive the Jagan Thodu direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme. From around 10,000 handlooms at one time, Rao said they have come down to about 1,000 now, while youngsters from the community are turning towards lucrative gold work, adding that Lokesh is helping the community by involving the Tata Group to further Mangalagiri handloom fabrics. A few lanes away near the famous Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple, 28-year-old S Kanthi Kumar from Kothapeta area in Mangalagiri thanked Ramakrishna Reddy for giving him a pushcart to sell fruits. Over the past five years, Lokesh and Ramakrishna Reddy have literally competed with each other in endearing themselves to the local populace. A short ride through Undavalli and Tadepalli villages will show up several pushcarts, thanking and bearing the insignia of TDP and YSRCP, and also thanking Lokesh and the ruling party MLA. Kumar alternates between selling fruits and also pulling a rickshaw with his father to eke out a living. He is all praise for the YSRCP government and its welfare regime. ''We are getting all the welfare schemes but did not get the housing plot as Chandrababu filed cases against it in court. However, Jagan promised that he would give us a plot once the court case gets resolvedJagans reign is good, we are receiving all schemes on time,'' said Kumar. Eulogising the governments special interest in education, he observed that they didnt benefit much under the TDP regime. Kumar said his sisters children are beneficiaries of education-focused DBT schemes such as Amma Vodi and others, adding that they are in the process of learning English. G Venkata Ramana (55), another rickshaw puller and a father of three daughters is not very excited about the YSRCP government, contrasting that he used to get welfare schemes in a quicker fashion under the TDP government, and also received a housing plot at Lakshmi Narasimha Colony. Further, Ramana observed that law and order was under better control during the TDP regime than under the current government. Srinivas Rao (50), who had donated 10 cents of land, along with other donors, for laying a road in Undavalli village said that the YSRCP MLA came forward to help the villagers with this local project. ''It would have been good had the capital city been here (Amaravati). Even Chandrababu said the capital was temporary. It would have been good had it been permanent,'' said Srinivas Rao, who runs a mess. He said the loss of capital also significantly eroded his mess business. Local economy distress due to the capital issue is a ubiquitous theme running across the constituency, from a fruit vendor to small traders, businessmen and even a chicken pakodi seller. ''Let anybody rule us, be it TDP or YSRCP. But we only desire livelihood and business opportunities,'' said Sandu Srinivas Rao, who sells chicken delicacies on Undavalli road. With just nine more days to go for the May 13 election, Mangalagiri electorate is weighing its options between Lokesh and Lavanya while at the same time yearning for the capital and its associated business opportunities.

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

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

Summer arrangements in place at Tirumala

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

Naidu slams AP Land Titling Act, vows to rescind it if voted to power

TIRUPATI : Telugu Desam (TD) chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu has launched a blistering attack on the controversial Andhra Pradesh Land Titling Act, accusing Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of a sinister plan to usurp lands in the name of digitalising land records. Addressing public meetings in Podili and Nellore during his Prajagalam campaign on Friday, the principal opposition leader vowed to rescind the contentious Act if his party is voted to power. He alleged that the Act will pave way for unscrupulous elements to illegally grab lands by tampering with online records. We have had proper land ownership documents like pattas and passbooks on our names since British rule. But Jagan Mohan Reddy wants to digitise these, which will wreak havoc. Wealthy and powerful people can simply alter names online and grab your hereditary lands, Naidu cautioned. The former chief minister also trained his guns against the YSRC government over the woes of pensioners, many of whom had been subject to immense hardships for getting their meagre doles. Wooing Muslim voters, Chandrababu Naidu promised a bouquet of sops, including preservation of 4 per cent OBC quota, 5,000 per month for mosque maintenance, 1 lakh aid for Haj pilgrimage and interest-free loans up to 5 lakh if the TD-led alliance was voted to power. He exuded confidence that the Super Six promises stitched together by his party, along with the Jana Sena headed by Pawan Kalyan and the Bharatiya Janata Party, will pave the way for installation of a double engine government that would put the state back on the fast track of holistic development. Speaking on the occasion, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan vowed to complete the Veligonda project if the NDA coalition ascends to power, transforming western Prakasam district into fertile lands.

Tirumala Cloudburst Provides Respite from Searing Heatwave

Tirupati: The sacred hill town of Tirumala, which has been grappling with the highest-ever summer temperatures, finally found some relief as a cloudburst occurred in the area for the second consecutive day on Friday. The sudden downpour brought much-needed respite to devotees and locals while also causing some disruptions to public life. Friday afternoons downpour, lasting nearly 90 minutes, drenched the temple town after the rainfall the previous day that lasted an hour. The strong gusts accompanying the showers led to a substantial drop in atmospheric temperature and turned the weather chilly after the initial reprieve. However, the precipitation also brought its own set of problems. Pilgrims at the Lord Venkateswara temple, who had completed their darshan, faced difficulties in reaching their accommodations, bus stands, or other destinations as they had to navigate through the rainwater. Power outages were reported in residential pockets of Tirumala, particularly in Balaji Nagar, and the TTD quarters where numerous locals and TTD employees reside. These areas faced severe inconveniences due to the power cuts during the past two days of rainfall.

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Long-neglected Thamballapalle constituency pins hope on electoral outcome

Tirupati: The Thamballapalle constituency, located at the intersection of Kadapa and Anantapur districts and Karnataka, may be one of the most underdeveloped regions in former Chittoor district, but it's a hotbed of political activity. Dominated by the Backward Classes (BC) community, this drought-prone area has for long grappled with economic neglect from successive governments. With 2,24,664 total voters, including 1,10,557 males, 1,14,095 females and 12 others, this segment packs a considerable electoral punch despite its backwardness. In recent years, though, respite has come in the form of significant rainfall. Yet, the farmers struggle to get minimum support price for their produce. This has led many to migrate to neighbouring districts and Karnataka in search of livelihood. The region, although receiving water through the Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi project, remains economically underdeveloped. However, it boasts of the presence of notable landmarks such as the famous Horsley Hills and the prestigious Rishi Valley school. As the polls approach, the long-neglected Thamballapalle constituency is pinning its hopes on the electoral outcome, yearning for a government that will prioritize its development and address its long-standing issues. The incumbent YSRC is fighting to retain its stronghold after clinching a resounding victory in 2019. Its candidate, Peddireddy Dwarakanath Reddy brother of minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy trounced his Telugu Desam rival and then sitting MLA Shankar Yadav by 46,938 votes. In 2014, Shankar had defeated YSRC's Praveen Kumar Reddy by 9,190 votes. Intriguingly, in 2009, Praveen had run on a TD ticket, besting Yadav, who was then the Congress candidate highlighting the fluidity of political loyalties. Since its inception in 1983, the TD has secured this seat four times (1983, 1994, 2009, 2014), while the Congress has won it six times. The YSRC and the Swatantra Party have tasted victory once each, with independents also clinching two terms. Dwarakanath Reddy, the ruling party's candidate, aims to leverage his family's regional influence and the welfare schemes of the Jagan Mohan Reddy government. Conversely, the TD, having lost the 2019 election, seeks a comeback by nominating businessman Dasarapalle Jayachandra Reddy from Mulakalacheruvu mandal. He aims to tap into the perceived anti-incumbency sentiment and leverage the party's promises of implementing sops to woo voters.

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.

31 Andhra Pradesh mandals to face severe heatwave on May 2

VIJAYAWADA: As many as 31 mandals in the State are likely to experience severe heatwave, while 234 mandals are likely to record heatwave conditions on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a severe heatwave at isolated places across the State on Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday, Andhra Pradesh largely experienced hot and humid conditions with daytime temperatures being above 40 degrees Celsius at most places. Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) in its daily bulletin said on Wednesday that nearly 79 mandals experienced severe heatwave, and 118 mandals reported heatwave conditions. Koppunuru in Palnadu district recorded the highest daytime temperature of 46.2 degrees Celsius followed by Manga Nellore of Tirupati district at 46 degrees Celsius, Kothapalli of Chittoor district at 45.6 degrees Celsius, Yendrapalle of Prakasam district at 45.5 degrees Celsius, Simhadripuram of YSR district at 44.9 degrees Celsius, Vallapalli of Bapatla district at 44.6 degrees Celsius, Devarapalle of Anakapalle district at 44.5 degrees Celsius, and Panchalingala of Kurnool district at 44 degrees Celsius. People are advised not to venture during the daytime between 11 am and 3 pm. The India Meteorological Department emphasised the significant risks of elevated temperatures during heatwaves, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. People advised not to ventre out during daytime People are advised not to venture out during the daytime between 11 am and 3 pm. The India Meteorological Department emphasised the significant risks of elevated temperatures during heatwaves, particularly for vulnerable populations such as elderly and children

'Conspiracy behind sexual assault case': HD Revanna

HOLENARASIPUR: Former minister HD Revanna, who is accused no 1 in the sexual assault case, held a series of rituals at his residence in Holenarasipur town on Tuesday. Poojas for different deities in the name of family members, especially his son Prajwal Revanna -- the accused no 2, were held from 5.05 am and concluded by 11.55 am. Revanna and his wife Bhavani also made special offerings at Deveshwara temple in Haradanahalli and Lakshmivenkateshwara temple in Holenarasipur town in Prajwals Revanna name before taking part in the homas at their residence. 'Why are BJP leaders mum,' asks DyCM DK Shivakumar on Karnataka sex scandal Sources said that a group of four priests performed Shatru Samhara and Shanti homas, in which the Revanna couple took part. It is said that Revanna, who seems upset with the case filed against him, has stopped talking to his close confidants and party senior leaders. Highly placed sources said his brother and JDS state president HD Kumaraswamy too is upset with the pen drive scandal and has maintained distance from Revanna. His residence on Hassan-Mysuru road in Holenarasipur, which used to be filled with party workers and villagers, has been deserted since the allegations and videos related to the sexual assaults broke out a few days ago. No JDS leader too has visited his residence since then. Revanna, who reportedly came from Bengaluru to Holenarasipur late on Tuesday night, didnt come out of his residence till all the rituals were completed on Wednesday. Around 2 pm, Revanna and Bhavani boarded a car to go to Bengaluru. Seeing a gathering of media persons outside his residence, who had been waiting since morning, Revanna said he will face the probe by the Special Investigation Team, constituted to investigate the case. He also said he has never been desperate under any circumstances. Modi, Shah didn't stop Prajwal Revanna from fleeing country: Priyanka Gandhi He said it is a conspiracy hatched against him and he will decide the next course of action soon. I have not committed any mistake and I have the strength to face any situation, he added. The SIT on Monday pasted a notice on the door of his residence asking him to appear before it for an inquiry. Revanna, who is a strong believer, often organises poojas at his home by priests from Sringeri, Mysuru and Tirupati. Ahead of the 2019 Parliamentary elections, the family of JDS supremo HD Deve Gowda family held mega Shatru Samhara and Ashta Digbandha rituals before Prajwal contested the election, which he won.

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.

Former Judge S. Ramakrishna's Residence Vandalised in B. Kothakota

Tirupati: Former judge S. Ramakrishna has alleged that unidentified individuals vandalised his residence in B. Kothakota, Andhra Pradesh, on the night of Tuesday. Ramakrishna and his family claim the assailants, armed with hunting sickles, damaged doors, windows, and car mirrors. While the family expressed dissatisfaction with the local police response, B. Kothakota Station inspector Surya Narayana confirmed a complaint had been registered and an FIR filed. An investigation is underway. This incident follows a similar attack in 2020, according to Ramakrishna. He alleges YSRC activists targeted his home previously. In 2020, he accused supporters of local MLA Peddireddy Dwarakanatha Reddy and minister P. Ramachandra Reddy of attacking him over a land dispute. He believes the attacks are motivated by an ongoing legal case between himself and another judge.

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).

Heatwave Warning Issued for 265 Mandals in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday

Heatwave Warning Issued for 265 Mandals in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday Heat waves are likely to scorch 265 mandals in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday, a senior official said. According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) managing director R Kurmanadh, ''severe'' heat waves are expected in 31 of the 265 mandals. Fifteen mandals in Vizianagaram district, eight in Parvatipuram Manyam, five in Srikakulam, two in Prakasam and one in Alluri Sitaramaraju are likely to experience ''severe'' heat waves, Kurmanadh said on Wednesday. Similarly, heat waves have been predicted for 21 mandals in Palnadu district, 18 in Eluru, 16 each in Guntur and Nellore, and 15 in Srikakulam district among others. On Wednesday, Koppanuru in Palnadu district registered a maximum temperature of 46.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Manganellore in Tirupati (46 degrees), Chilakallu in NTR (45.8 degrees Celsius) and Banaganapalle in Nandyala (45.7 degrees Celsius), among others. Kurmanadh suggested people stay indoors between 11 am and 4 pm and take precautions to protect themselves from the heat waves.

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.

Parties spat over motives of fielding independents in Tirupati MLA race

Tirupati district as political parties are accusing their rivals of manipulations in the electoral rolls for the 2024 general elections. (Representational DC Image) Tirupati district as political parties are accusing their rivals of manipulations in the electoral rolls for the 2024 general elections. (Representational DC Image) Tirupati: The high-stakes Tirupati assembly election has been embroiled in an acrimonious dispute, with the YSRC and the Jana Sena smelling a rat over the presence of as high as 30 Independents in the poll fray. In all, the constituency has 46 candidates, the highest so far for any assembly constituency in AP. This raised suspicion in rival camps. Both the YSRC and JS alleged that a game was being played on them. The aim, it is alleged, is to increase the number of polling agents in each booth to adversely affect the rival side. YSRC's sitting MLA Bhumana Karunakar Reddy has accused JSP candidate Arani Srinivasulu of fielding most independents, as these candidates hailed from Srinivasulu's hometown in Chittoor district. In effect, they would act as his polling agents. Bhumana has urged the Election Commission to ensure that only local voters from within the Tirupati assembly segment are appointed as polling agents and no outsider is allowed to work at the booths on election day. However, the JS rubbished such charges and said around 26 independents are locals from Tirupati city and surrounding areas. It is in fact the YSRC that conspired to increase its own polling agents by bringing in independents, who could work for the partys nominee Bhumana Abhinay, the JS leaders said. Fearing defeat, Bhumana has fielded 26 independents from Tirupati to try and boost the YSRC's own polling agents, alleged Srinivasulu. Srinivasulu also alleged that the YSRC deliberately facilitated the nomination of one Aaluru Srinivasulu from Jathiya Jana Sena party and helped him secure a Pen Stand symbol similar to the JSP's poll symbol - glass tumbler. This is a clear conspiracy by YSRC to create confusion among voters and dent our vote share, alleged the JSP candidate.

Heat Wave Sweeps Five Places

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

Jagan Brands Oppn Manifesto Deceptive, Says BJP Distanced from It

Tirupati: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched a fresh salvo at the Opposition alliance, branding the promises outlined in the common manifesto of the Telugu Desam and Jana Sena parties as sheer deception. He noted that even the BJP, the alliance partner of TD-JS, has distanced itself from Chandrababu Naidu's deceptive promises, by raising objections to the inclusion of BJP leaders' photographs in the common manifesto. Addressing public gatherings across Kondapi, Mydukur, and Piler constituencies on Tuesday, Jagan Mohan Reddy claimed that the BJP prohibited the TD-Jana Sena coalition from featuring photos of their leaders, including that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing a lack of faith in Naidu's promises. Mocking the Opposition combine, Jagan Mohan Reddy stated that Naidu failed to accommodate all three allies' photographs due to the BJP's objections, highlighting the deep divisions within the alliance. Jagan Mohan Reddy remarked that the Opposition leaders were hurling abuses at him out of sheer frustration, even stooping to threats of elimination, as they were unable to list any significant achievements during their tenure. The opposition is in frustration, disarray, and dismay, having lost coherence in both speech and attitude. Only inefficient people get angry when they realise their helplessness, and the outbursts of Naidu and his gang stem out of their deep sense of frustration, he said. The Chief Minister claimed that not only the alliance partners but even the Congress has been venting its frustration in myriad ways. He urged the people to compare his government's progress report, replete with welfare schemes and developmental projects, against Naidu's bogus report, packed with fake promises and zero claims on development. Characterising the present elections as a clash between the pro-YSRC people and the feudal forces led by the TD and its allies, Jagan Mohan Reddy accused Naidu and his coalition partners of deceiving the public. Naidu projected himself as a visionary without doing anything for the development of the state and eradication of poverty throughout his terms as CM. People should be wary of the deceitful nature of Naidu and his allies, who fought the 2014 elections in alliance and betrayed the people's aspirations after winning the state polls, he said. Highlighting his government's accomplishments over the past 58 months, including the volunteer system, village secretariats, welfare schemes like Amma Vodi and Rythu Bharosa, and reforms in education and healthcare, Jagan Mohan Reddy claimed that while the TD created only 32,000 government jobs, his administration generated 2.31 lakh jobs, bolstering the rural economy. The Chief Minister emphasised that the YSRC has delivered 99.7 per cent of its election promises, in stark contrast to the TD, which he accused of discarding its manifesto after winning the mandate in 2014 with false and attractive promises.

Amit Shah: PM Modi Can Eliminate Naxalism in Two Years if Given Third Term

Amit Shah: PM Modi Can Eliminate Naxalism in Two Years if Given Third Term If voted to office for a third term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will completely eliminate Naxalism from the country within two years, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted on Tuesday. Shah claimed the BJP and its NDA allies are winning at least 100 seats in the first two phases of the Lok Sabha elections (covering 190 constituencies) which have concluded and added ''BJP's chariot is moving towards achieving the target of 400-plus seats''. Addressing a poll rally in Ahmedabad city's Naroda area, Shah said before the BJP came to power at the Centre, Naxalites were ''dreaming about creating a red corridor from Pashupatinath in Nepal till Tirupati'' in Andhra Pradesh, but their activities are now confined to just parts of Chhattisgarh. During the last five years, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh have become free from the Naxal menace, noted the senior BJP leader. ''Naxalites still exist in some parts of Chhattisgarh. The BJP has formed a government in that state recently. Just today (Tuesday), the Chhattisgarh police eliminated nine Naxalites. Give a third term to PM Modi and I assure you that Modiji will eliminate Naxalism completely from the country in two years,'' declared Shah. Referring to the BJP's manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls, Shah said the Modi government will provide free healthcare to every individual above 70 years of age under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. ''Those above 70 years of age, whether crorepati or roadpati (rich or poor), won't have to spend a rupee on medical treatment if PM Modi wins a third term,'' the Union minister told the gathering. He underscored that though former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was an economist, he could not improve India's ranking in the world economy despite being in power for 10 years (2004-14). ''The country's economy remained on the 11th spot during Singh's ten-year tenure. It was PM Modi who turned our country into the fifth largest economy. Just give him a third term and he will take our economy to the third spot,'' said Shah. He alleged that instead of functioning as a constructive opposition, the Congress always opposed pro-people projects in Gujarat, be it BRTS (Bus Rapid Transit System), metro rail or Sabarmati Riverfront. Shah addressed the rally in support of BJP candidate from the Ahmedabad-East Lok Sabha seat, Hasmukh Patel. Voting on 25 Lok Sabha seats (BJP candidate from Surat has been elected unopposed) in Gujarat will take place on May 7 in a single phase. Shah is the BJP candidate from the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha seat, from where he is seeking a second term. In 2019, the BJP had won all the 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, the home state of Modi.

Golden opportunity to go to Tirupati for Rs 5660, know how you can book

Are you dreaming of embarking on a spiritual journey to Tirupati without breaking the bank? Look no further! We've got the inside scoop on how you can book a trip to this revered destination for just Rs 5660. Let's delve into the details and unlock this golden opportunity. Heading 2: Exploring Tirupati: A Spiritual Haven Tirupati, nestled in the southeastern part of Andhra Pradesh, is renowned as one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations in India. Home to the sacred Sri Venkateswara Temple, this city attracts millions of devotees annually, seeking blessings and spiritual solace. Heading 3: The Sri Venkateswara Temple: A Divine Marvel At the heart of Tirupati lies the majestic Sri Venkateswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple's grandeur, architectural brilliance, and religious significance make it a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike. Heading 4: Budget-Friendly Travel: Making Your Tirupati Trip Affordable You might be wondering how to make your pilgrimage to Tirupati affordable without compromising on comfort and convenience. Here's where the golden opportunity comes into play. Heading 5: The Rs 5660 Tirupati Trip: What It Includes For just Rs 5660, you can embark on a memorable journey to Tirupati, inclusive of various amenities and services. Let's break down what this budget-friendly package entails: Heading 6: Transportation: Convenient Travel Options Your journey begins with hassle-free transportation to Tirupati. Whether you prefer traveling by train, bus, or air, there are multiple options available to suit your preferences and budget. Heading 7: Accommodation: Comfortable Stay at Affordable Prices Rest assured, you won't have to compromise on comfort during your stay in Tirupati. The package includes accommodation in budget-friendly hotels or guesthouses, ensuring a pleasant and restful experience. Heading 8: Darshan Tickets: Priority Access to the Sri Venkateswara Temple One of the highlights of this package is priority access to the Sri Venkateswara Temple for darshan. Say goodbye to long queues and enjoy a seamless darshan experience, soaking in the divine atmosphere of the temple. Heading 9: Meals: Delicious and Satisfying No trip is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. From traditional South Indian delicacies to international fare, enjoy delicious meals included in the package, ensuring you stay energized throughout your journey. Heading 10: Additional Benefits: Making Your Trip Memorable In addition to the essentials, the Rs 5660 Tirupati trip package may include additional benefits such as guided tours, sightseeing opportunities, and cultural experiences, enriching your pilgrimage experience. Heading 11: Booking Your Tirupati Trip: How to Secure the Deal Now that you're intrigued by this golden opportunity, you must be wondering how to book your Tirupati trip for Rs 5660. Here's a step-by-step guide to securing the deal: Heading 12: Step 1: Research and Compare Packages Start by researching different travel agencies or online platforms offering Tirupati pilgrimage packages. Compare prices, inclusions, and reviews to find the best deal that suits your preferences and budget. Heading 13: Step 2: Contact the Booking Agent Once you've identified a suitable package, reach out to the booking agent or platform to inquire about availability and booking procedures. Be sure to clarify any doubts or questions you may have regarding the package. Heading 14: Step 3: Confirm Your Booking After finalizing the details with the booking agent, proceed to confirm your booking by providing necessary details such as travel dates, accommodation preferences, and payment information. Ensure you receive a confirmation of your booking for peace of mind. Heading 15: Step 4: Prepare for Your Journey With your Tirupati trip booked, it's time to prepare for your spiritual adventure. Pack essentials, gather necessary documents, and familiarize yourself with the travel itinerary to make the most of your pilgrimage experience. Heading 16: Tips for a Memorable Tirupati Trip As you embark on your journey to Tirupati, here are some tips to enhance your experience and make it truly memorable: Heading 17: Tip 1: Plan Your Visit During Off-Peak Seasons To avoid crowds and long queues at the temple, consider planning your visit during off-peak seasons or weekdays. This ensures a more peaceful and enjoyable darshan experience. Heading 18: Tip 2: Respect the Religious Customs and Traditions While visiting the Sri Venkateswara Temple, remember to respect the religious customs and traditions. Dress modestly, maintain silence in the temple premises, and adhere to the guidelines provided by the temple authorities. Heading 19: Tip 3: Stay Hydrated and Energized Tirupati's tropical climate can be quite humid, so be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout your visit. Additionally, indulge in nutritious meals to keep your energy levels up during the pilgrimage. Heading 20: Tip 4: Immerse Yourself in the Spiritual Atmosphere Lastly, embrace the spiritual ambiance of Tirupati by immersing yourself in prayers, rituals, and devotional activities. Allow yourself to connect with the divine presence at the Sri Venkateswara Temple and experience the inner peace it offers. Heading 21: Conclusion In conclusion, the opportunity to book a Tirupati trip for Rs 5660 is indeed a golden chance for pilgrims and travelers seeking an affordable yet enriching spiritual experience. By following the steps outlined above and embracing the tips provided, you can make the most of your journey to this sacred destination. Maruti's new micro SUV is coming to spoil the game of Tata Punch, know what is the company's planning See the review of 2024 Volkswagen Virtus GT Plus 1.5 TSI manual, fun to drive with good torque Nothing is preparing to launch a new phone in India, some special details revealed

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.

Travel tips: IRCTC has brought tour packages to travel to South India, you are getting a chance to visit these places

If you are planning to visit some good place during summer season. In such a situation, IRCTC has brought a very wonderful tour package for you. Under this package, you are getting a chance to visit the famous places of South India. South India has a special importance in Indian cultural history. There are many world famous temples in South India, where every year a large number of devotees come to visit. Apart from this, the dance, art, music and food here are also discussed a lot all over the world. In such a situation, you should not miss this tour package to visit South India. You are also getting many great facilities in this tour package of IRCTC. Let us know about it in detail in this episode - The name of this tour package of IRCTC is DAKSHIN BHARAT YATRA. Under this tour package, you will be made to travel for a total of 11 nights and 12 days. This tour package is starting on May 3, 2024. Under this package you can start your journey from Ajmer / Bhilwara / Chittorgarh / Jaipur / Udaipur. Under this tour package you will be taken to Kanyakumari / Madurai / Mallikarjun / Rameshwaram / Tirupati / Trivandrum. This is a train tour package of IRCTC. Under this tour package, hotel arrangements will be made for your food and stay. Under this tour package of IRCTC, if you travel in comfort class with two or three people. In this case, the fare per person is Rs 35,860. Whereas if you are traveling in standard class with two or three people. In such a situation, the fare per person is Rs 30,550. (PC: Istock)

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.

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

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

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

Be wary of TDPs impractical promises: Andhra CM Jagan

VIJAYAWADA: Kick-starting his third phase of campaigning for the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, YSRC president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday urged people to vote for his party to ensure continuity of welfare schemes and development projects. However, he cautioned them against voting for Chandrababu Naidu and his TDP, claiming that he will only end welfare and development measures that being implemented now. Addressing election rallies at Tadipatri, Venkatagiri, and Kandukur, Jagan reiterated that he only made promises which he could implement, unlike TDP which does exactly the opposite. The TDP has no intention to keep any of the promises it makes. They will come out with impractical promises to deceive the people, he said. In Kandukur of Nellore district, he said Opposition leader Chandrababu Naidu, his foster son Pawan Kalyan, and sister-in-law Daggubati Purandeswari are outsiders as they live in Hyderabad. These kitty party non-local leaders are the New East India Company members who are here to loot and share the spoils among themselves, he said and urged people to reject such leaders. In Venkatagiri of Tirupati district, Jagan criticised Naidu for his inability to claim one scheme or project as his achievement in his 14-year-long stint as chief minister. Unlike Chandrababu Naidu who failed in delivering on his promises, we have implemented welfare schemes which included YSR Cheyutha, Aasara, Jagananna Chedodu, financial assistance to farmers, Jagananna Thodu, Kapu Nestam, and EBC Nestham in a transparent manner, he pointed out and challenged Naidu to try and stop any of the schemes. The Chief Minister also asked Naidu whether TDP will restore the Janmabhoomi committees by suspending the volunteer system if they come to power. You (Naidu) have served as chief minister for 14 years, whereas my tenure was for 58 months. Despite this, when it comes to the welfare schemes, your approach seems to consist solely of duplicating my efforts and amplifying them to sway voters during the election, the YSRC president claimed. In Tadipatri, referring to the movie characters and their famous punch lines like Chandramukhi (Laka Laka Laka) and Pasupathi (Vadala Bhomali Ninu Vadala), the Chief Minister said Naidu will be like these characters who do not leave people until they satiate their thirst to plunder the State. Dont be misled by his assurances, Jagan cautioned the people. He said the YSRC considers the manifesto a holy book like the Bible, Quran, and Bhagavad Gita. Reiterating that he has fulfilled all the assurances he had made in 2019, he promised to do so, if elected again. I have pressed the button 130 times to credit Rs 2.70 lakh crore to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, he said and promised the establishment of an Agriculture College in Tadipatri constituency. Jagan highlighted the revolutionary measures taken by his government like revamping government schools, village clinics, and Aarogya Suraksha for doorstep delivery of health services, and financial assistance without corruption and in a transparent manner.

Rahul Gandhi has suddenly become a communist: Vishweshwar Reddy

BJP Chevella candidate Konda Vishweshwar Reddy says that redistribution of wealth is a communist ideology that has failed economically throughout the world. Speaking to a TNIE team, the former MP one of the richest candidates in this LS elections noted that despite what Rahul Gandhi says, banking data shows that Congress governments used to give a significant chunk of loans to the wealthy. He says that Modis philosophy is the exact opposite and points out that since 201617, loans given to those at the bottom of the pyramid has increased 20 times. Excerpts from the interview How is your campaign going on? Ranjith Reddy is the incumbent MP. Now he has joined the Congress. It is going on well. In fact, I started the campaign almost six months ago. We started with cultural events, Bhajana competitions in 600 villages... Much before my candidature was announced, one round of campaigning was over. Most of my campaigning is focused on rural areas where, in the Assembly polls, the results were very poor. Our ally Jana Sena got 4,000 votes. My target is 60,000 to one lakh. 65% of my time and efforts go into rural areas. The BJP is anyway strong in the city. One of the major issues is inflation. How are the people receiving it? How are you explaining the role of the Modi government to the people? In certain items, there is inflation. But is the inflation beyond income rise? In rural areas, it is not. In villages, before 2014, there used to be 10 to 15 motorcycles. Now every household has one. In rural areas, people are now going beyond basic necessities. They are going to Tirupati, and other yatras like never before. Yes, there is inflation. But India has controlled inflation better than any other country. Take LPG cylinders for instance, the Modi government has ensured that price rise doesnt affect the bottom-most layer. Inflation is an issue but no country has controlled it as well as India. And it is showing in rural spending. There is a huge surge in consumer goods sales than ever before in rural areas. They predicted this after PV Narasimha Rao revived the economy it is really happening now. Do you accept that the BRS government was successful in increasing the purchasing power of the people, at least partly? In the last 10 years, living standards have improved. But who does the credit go to? Does it go to those who made the state bankrupt? Whatever little that comes is directly because of Prime Minister Modis and BJPs policies the Antyodaya story. Im especially talking about the rural areas 5 kg free rice, minimum support price. Urea, Rs 2,400 a bag, is given to farmers at Rs 270, almost a 90% subsidy. The Congress is talking about an increase in petrol prices from Rs 70 to Rs 100. But they are not talking about an increase in MNREGA amount from Rs 150 to Rs 300. Incomes have doubled while inflation increased by 20%. This is what I have been seeing in rural areas, the boom in FMCG sales. Development has occurred in Telangana and all over India. It happened despite KCR and his rule. You recently asked parties to refrain from exploiting caste divisions for short-term political gains? One of the most astute caste politicians India has ever produced is KCR. And the BJP is totally against it. KCRs policies reaffirmed that India is a caste-based system, from the policy side too. If you belong to certain communities, you were given sheep. Why cant an SC become a shepherd? And why cant a shepherd become a computer engineer or doctor? Only if he grazes sheep would he have benefitted from KCRs schemes. Let us look at the other extreme the first time in India ever, a policy was introduced that suppresses expression of caste-related vocations. It is the Centres Vishwakarma Yojana. It is a scheme that promotes skills and gives loans for anybody who is doing work with their hands a carpenter or a barber or a mestri. But how does the BJP define a barber? Not by his caste. The scheme is available not just for the Mangala community but for Hindus, Muslims, Christians and anyone who wants to set up a saloon. The BJP wants to suppress caste. This is what Dr Ambedkar wanted. However the BJP leadership has been accused of using religious divisions to get votes. It is not just the BJP, the DMK has also been accused of doing so. Othering some community, whatever that community might be, is it necessary for electoral success? In all parties, there are wise men. There are also absolute fools in all parties. One guy making a comment doesnt change the policy of the BJP. We are against religion-based policies. If you take any policy of the BJP, Vishwakarma Yojana or Mudra or free rice, it goes to everyone. In fact, it is the Congress that is highly communal. They are doing false propaganda and radicalising educated Muslim youth both men and women. One of the examples is CAA. The CAA is not against excluding anybody, it is about including people. Look at the Congress candidates here. They are openly announcing that we have four lakh Muslims votes and two lakh Christian votes in our constituency. Is that not communalising politics? Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, recently in Telangana, spoke about redistribution of wealth. The PM is saying that Congress is out to take away your mangalsutras. Rahul Gandhi has suddenly become a communist. Redistribution of wealth is a communist ideology that has failed economically throughout the world, has led to collapsing of economies. Whose wealth does he want to redistribute? Does he want to create or redistribute wealth? Has India reached a ceiling and the only way to uplift the poor is to become a Robin Hood? Does he know economics? He might have meant he will tax the ultra-rich, like you. That is already being done. Very high taxation increases black money, which is what happened during the Congress era. This ruined the country. There were times when 80% of the income was taxed. And what was happening? None of the Indian companies were owned fully by Indians. His fathers guardian Swraj Paul came as a corporate raider and wanted to take over all Indian companies. PSUs like SBI and LIC owned shares of these companies. He bought Rs 1 shares and SBI and LIC supported him in grabbing these companies. Black money has now come down significantly and that is reflected in tax collections. That is because of this governments economic policy, which reflects ancient wisdom the RSS, BJP philosophy of Antyodaya which the Centre and Modi follow. This is very contradictory to the ideas of Raghuram Rajan, an out-and-out capitalist. I happened to be on the select committee of Parliament on FRDI. The Congress policy, if you look at the banking data, was to give a significant chunk of the loans to the wealthy. In Chevella constituency, all the banks together, when I was the MP, were supposed to give at least Rs 2,000 crore to rural areas for smaller loans. They gave only 10% of that. Prior to 201617, the loans given to those at the bottom of the pyramid was tiny. It increased by 20-fold, not 20%, but 20-fold. Congress theory was giving it to the top guys to the industrialists, who build factories hoping it would reach those at the bottom. Modis was exactly opposite. And its reinforced by theories of Amartya Sen and modern economists Rahul Gandhi is more or less saying the same thing. He can say anything. But did he give them? They have no direction. The proof of the pudding is looking at the bank data. What do you think of KCRs marathon TV interview on a news channel, particularly regarding Kaleshwaram? He said Rs 150 crore is enough for repairs and making it operational. I am campaigning and am not watching television. Kaleshwaram is the worlds biggest engineering failure. It has a number of components including Medigadda and the other barrages, the canals, the tunnels, etc. Every component is a problem. But if you fix every one of them, it is an even bigger problem. There is a systemic design problem. That was the primary reason I left the TRS. I was given the greatest respect in TRS that nobody else got not even KK. I was initially impressed by KCR because he had the geography and topology of Telangana at the back of his head. However, he is not an engineer and he cannot design it. But he designed the project himself. He undermined anybody who spoke against it. The Kaleshwaram design goes against all engineering fields and weather sciences too. KCR used barrages to store water. These structures are built on sand. When you use it to store water for more than a few weeks, water starts seeping into the sand. One occupational hazard of a politician is that we lose touch with reality as soon as we get power, no matter how sane we are. If I had that many people calling me Telangana jathipitha or Telangana mahatma, then I will probably be a worse demon than KCR. KCR played with Telangana like a child with a toy, he could not handle power. Is Kaleshwaram project of any use or not? If the government repairs the barrages, can it be used? Everyone in the Congress are good friends. The first thing I did was meet [Irrigation Minister] Uttam Kumar Reddy. It so happened that L&T guys were there and they were discussing repairing Medigadda. I told them that it is technically and politically wrong for you to even repair Medigadda. Technically wrong because the barrage cannot be used as a reservoir. Politically wrong because by repairing something that is useless, you are reaffirming that KCRs design was correct and by chance, three pillars sank. It took them time to understand it but they still didnt get it. Nobody in the Congress knows about irrigation as much as KCR but he doesnt know engineering. How is Revanth Reddy implementing the six guarantees? Recently, he said that he will implement farm loan waiver by August 15. He said December initially and now August. August, but not which year. Telangana is bankrupt. He has no money. At one time, Congress used to consult several senior leaders before coming up with a manifesto. This time, I dont think the Telangana Congress or Revanth Reddy had any role or say in the six guarantees. Delhi Congress has brilliant people in its various committees. I know one of them, Prof Rajeev Gowda. The guarantees are not decided by any of them but by the paid election strategist. It is a pity to see the Congress fall to such a level. In all the 17 LS seats in TG, Chevella stands apart. Out of the seven Assembly segments here, four are in rural areas, three are in urban areas. Without any doubt, Chevella is the most diverse segment in the entire country. The most developed part of India is part of this segment and the most backward part too. There are about 1.4 lakh voters speaking Rajasthani, 60K to 70K voters who speak Kannada, we have another 30,000 voters who speak Marathi, they have been here for 400 years. We have a huge Urdu-speaking population. Then because of IT (sector), there are 25,000 people from every linguistic community in the constituency. I was born and brought up here. I hail from a rural background, but I never lost touch. As part of Musi Riverfront Development Project, the Central government has agreed to give Rs 700 crore for the setting up of 39 Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs). Musi is the stupidest priority. The cost is half of Kaleshwaram, Rs 50,000 crore. I am going to oppose the Centres move. First, you run your STPs fully. All the STPs are running at 1020% capacity. Money should not be released until existing STPs are running at least above 80% capacity And how will you clean Musi before cleaning Tank Bund? The Tank Bund sewage goes into Musi. TNIE team: Kalyan Tholeti, Prasanna RS, VV Balakrishna, S Bachan Jeet Singh, Manda Ravinder Reddy, Navya Parvathy and Ajay Tomar

Jagan Starts 3.0 Campaign With Barbs at TD Chief

Tirupati: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday cautioned voters not to place faith in opposition leader Nara Chandrababu Naidu, as it will be a perilous act of putting one's head in a tiger's mouth. The YSRC chief employed vivid analogies, likening voting for Naidu to awakening Chandramukhi, a renowned demonic figure from Indian cinema. Buoyed by his Memanta Siddham bus yatra, the ruling party president commenced his next phase of campaign from Tadipatri in Anantapur district on Sunday, redoubling the pitch of implementing his partys 2024. Later, the CM also participated in public rallies in Venkatagiri and Kandukur constituencies. Addressing charged crowds, Jagan Mohan Reddy asserted that the YSRC government has delivered on its promises made in its 2019 manifesto, which he referred to as a holy book. He described the upcoming elections as a crucial choice between continuing his government's transformative welfare agenda or its dismantling by an opposition regime. This election is not about electing MPs and MLAs. It is about deciding whether the life-changing initiatives for the poor will continue for another five years or wither away. Our schemes will continue uninterrupted if you reaffirm your faith in YSRC. However, be prepared for the untimely demise of these schemes if you succumb to Chandrababu's mirage of fictional promises, warned the YSRC chief. He accused the TD chief of rehashing unrealistic pledges to suck the blood of poor, like a Chandramukhi. He reminded people that the TD-Jana Sena-BJP combines Super 6 guarantees are to deceive the people once again in 2024, like the alliance did in 2014. Contrarily, he claimed, his government has treated its 2019 manifesto commitments as sacrosanct, directly transferring over 2.7 lakh crore to beneficiaries through 130 types of welfare payments. Jagan Mohan Reddy said: As elections are drawing near, non-locals are coming to our state. However, be assured; these opportunists will quickly return to Hyderabad once they face defeat. Chandrababu's alliance is merely a non-local kitty party group with no genuine interest in the welfare of our people, or the development of our state. CM pauses speech during namaz While addressing public at his meeting in Kandukur, he paused his speech on hearing the call from nearby masjid for Muslims to pray. Highlighting his tenure's achievements, he said the village / ward secretariat system brought governance to the people's doorsteps, along with initiatives like revamped schools, village clinics, and transparent financial assistance schemes. On education, Jagan cited digital classrooms, free textbooks and meals, English teaching via the IB curriculum, and online certification courses as major reforms. He listed pro-farmer measures like interest-free crop loans, free electricity, input subsidies, crop insurance, and assured procurement at MSPs. He also highlighted women's empowerment and caste-based quotas in nominated positions and ministries. The YSRC chief pointed out that the TD regime not only deceived farmers on loan waivers, but also failed to waive a single rupee of DWCRA loans.

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.

Can Chandrababu Naidu stop any scheme I implemented: CM Jagan

Venkatagiri: YSRCP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday challenged TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu to try and stop any single scheme he has implemented over the past five years. The YSRCP chief issued this challenge at Venkatagiri in Tirupati district during a public meeting on the first day 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 .

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.

Tirupati Rallies Erupt in Violence

Violent clashes during rival political rallies in Tirupati spark accusations and confrontations between YSRC and TD-Jana Sena-BJP camps

Septuagenarians ready for ballot battle in Andhra Pradesh

A cohort of septuagenarians are in the poll fray to continue the stranglehold on their respective Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh. With their rich political experience, these veterans are expected to be the guiding force for the young brigade in the development of AP on all fronts. A look at the veterans of ballot battles. Nara Chandrababu Naidu, 74 The TDP supremo is contesting for the record 10th time to the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly. The former Chief Minister ventured into politics during his college days and first contested as an MLA from Chandragiri in 1978 on Congress ticket and won. He lost the election in 1983. Later, he joined the TDP and contested the election from Kuppam Assembly constituency in 1989. Since then, he has remained undefeated. He served as Chief Minister of AP thrice. He is contesting from Kuppam constituency for the eighth consecutive time. Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, 71 The Energy Minister is also contesting for the record 10th time to the State Assembly. He first contested as an MLA from Piler on Janata Party ticket, but lost, In 1985, he contested the same seat on Congress ticket and lost. He entered the Assembly for the first time from Piler in 1989. In 2009, he won from Punganur. In 2014, he won from the same Assembly seat on YSRC ticket. He has remained undefeated since then, and is now contesting for the fourth consecutive time from Punganur. Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, 70 He entered politics at a very young age and won the elections in 1998, 2004 and 2009 from Ongole Lok Sabha seat on Congress ticket. In 2014, he contested as Ongole MP on TDP ticket and lost. He won the poll on YSRC ticket in 2019. In February, he rejoined the TDP. Now, he is in the poll fray from Ongole Lok Sabha seat. Simhadri Chandrasekhar Rao, 70 The renowned oncologist is making his electoral debut from Machilipatnam Lok Sabha constituency on YSRC ticket. Son of renowned lawyer and former MP Simhadri Satyanarayana, who held portfolios of Endowments and Commercial Taxes in the Cabinets of NT Rama Rao and N Chandrababu Naidu, he was initially made YSRC incharge of Avanigadda Assembly constituency. Later, the YSRC leadership had changed its decision and fielded him from Machilipatnam Lok Sabha seat. Adala Prabhakar Reddy, 75 In his 25 year political career, he won on TDP, Congress and YSRC tickets. After quitting the TDP, he joined Congress and won from Sarvepalle constituency in 2004 and 2009. Later, he joined the YSRC and won from Nellore Lok Sabha constituency. Now, he is contesting from Nellore Rural against K Sridhar Reddy of TDP. Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, 71 He started his political career by contesting from Nellore Assembly seat in 1983 on TDP ticket, and became a minister in NTRs first cabinet. In 1985, he won from Rapur. In 1991, he joined the Congress. He served as a minister for four times. In 2018, he joined the YSRC and won from Venkatagiri. In 2023, he was suspended from the YSRC. The six-time MLA, is contesting for the 10th time on TDP ticket, from Atmakur. Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary, 78 The veteran Telugu Desam leader won from Rajahmundry Assembly constituency for the first time in 1983. He lost in 1989, but won the subsequent two elections. However, he lost the next two Assembly elections. In 2014, he shifted to Rajahmundry Rural Assembly constituency and won. He has been the general secretary of the TDP. He served as the civil supplies minister in NT Rama Raos cabinet. He retained the Assembly seat in 2019. He is in the election fray for the 10th time, and contesting from Rajahmundry Rural segment. Velagapalli Varaprasad, 71 After taking voluntary retirement as an IAS officer, he joined Praja Rajyam Party and contested from Tirupati Lok Sabha constituency in the 2009 elections and lost. Later, he joined the YSRC and contested from Tirupati Lok Sabha seat and won. In the 2019 elections, he contested from Gudur Assembly constituency and won. He quit the YSRC on March 24, 2024 and joined the BJP. Now, he is in the fray from Tirupati Lok Sabha constituency on BJP ticket

AP: 503 nominations for 25 Lok Sabha seats; 2,705 for 175 Assembly seats okayed

VIJAYAWADA: In all, 503 nominations for 25 Lok Sabha constituencies and 2,705 papers for 175 Assembly segments in the State have been approved after scrutiny, informed Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena on Saturday. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is April 29. The final list of candidates in the fray for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections will be out after the withdrawal of nominations. As many as 686 nominations were filed for 25 Lok Sabha constituencies, and 3,644 for 175 Assembly seats. The CEO informed that 183 nominations for parliamentary constituencies and 939 papers for Assembly segments were rejected in scrutiny. The highest number of 47 nominations were filed for Guntur parliamentary constituency and the lowest number of 16 for Srikakulam. The highest number of 36 nominations were approved for Nandyal Lok Sabha constituency and the lowest number of 12 for Rajahmundry. While the highest number of 52 nominations were filed for Tirupati Assembly constituency, Chodavaram got the low number of eight. The highest number of 48 nominations were approved for Tirupati Assembly segment, and the lowest number of six for Chodavaram, the CEO added.

58 mandals in Andhra Pradesh to reel under severe heatwave today

VIJAYAWADA: As many as 58 mandals in the State are likely to reel under severe heatwave, while 148 mandals are likely to experience heatwave-like conditions on Sunday. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty wind speeds reaching 30 -40 kmph likely at isolated places over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP) on Sunday and Monday. Heatwave likely at isolated places over Rayalaseema for the same period. Further, hot, humid, and discomfort weather is likely at isolated places across the State. On Saturday, AP largely experienced hot and humid conditions with daytime temperatures being above 400 C at most places. APSDMA in its daily bulletin said on Saturday that 77 mandals experienced severe heatwave, and 98 mandals reported heatwave. Chagalamarri in the Nandyal recorded the highest daytime temperature of 45.90 C followed by Renigunta in Tirupati at 45.70 C, Khajipeta in YSR, Salur in Paravatipuram Manaym at 45.20 C, Gajapathinagaram in Vizianagaram and Kodumur in Kurnool at 44.80 C , Tadipatri in Anantapur at 44.40 C , Burju in Srikakulam and Macherla in Palnadu at 44.20 C , Dendulur in Eluru 44.10 C and Peddamandyam at 440 C.

Atmakur Witnessing Mekapati or Anam Dynastic Tussle

Tirupati: The electoral battle in Atmakur Assembly constituency is a litmus test for two powerful dynasties Mekapatis and Anams with the long-pending Somasila High Level Canal becoming a decisive issue. Ruling YSRCs incumbent MLAMekapati Vikram Reddy is seeking re-election for a second term. He faces a formidable challenge from the opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, a former minister and YSRC rebel. Ramanarayana Reddy had previously won from Atmakur in 2009. Vikram had won the Atmakur seat in the 2022 by-poll, after his brother and former minister Goutham Reddy's demise. The Mekapati clan wields considerable clout in the region, while Anam boasts of a robust cadre built over the years in the constituency. As the D-day approaches, campaigning has hit a feverish pitch with no-holds-barred rhetoric from both camps. A core electoral issue is Somasila reservoir's potential to meet irrigation and drinking needs of Atmakur. This need has remained a need due to delays in making the Somasila High Level Canal (SHLC) a reality. Atmakur's farmers are staring at ruin due to water scarcity. The incumbent YSRC government has not demonstrated sincerity in completing this project and irrigating the parched lands, charges Ramanarayana Reddy. Speaking about the time (2014 to 2024) subsequent to his departure from the constituency, during which Atmakur has stayed under the control of Mekapati family, the TDP candidate describes the period as a dark phase, characterised by stagnation and lack of progress on the developmental front. Ramanarayana Reddy terms Mekapatis Atmakur Development Forum (ADF) a decorative tin cover which conceals the failures in development. Vikram Reddy, however, remains unfazed. He is vigorously campaigning around ADF's blueprint of upgrading civic amenities through public-private partnership models. The agenda of ADF encompasses sprucing up healthcare, education, roads and drainage infrastructure through collective action involving community leaders, experts, individuals and corporates through CSR initiatives. ADF will catalyse inclusive growth by bringing all stakeholders on board, the YSRC MLA claims. Vikram has unveiled a manifesto tailored specifically for Atmakur, detailing strategies for industrial growth, infrastructure enhancement, employment generation and turning Atmakur town into a municipality. Our manifesto pledges to set up factories at the Narampet industrial park, creating over 5,000 job opportunities. Additionally, YSRC plans to earmark 419 crore to finalise the SHLC project and enhance irrigation canals in the area. This will ensure effective water management and boost agricultural output, the MLA stated.

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

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's wife Durga Stalin visits Tirumala Tirupati Temple - MSN

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's wife Durga Stalin visits Tirumala Tirupati Temple MSN

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.

Fists Fly as Poll Campaigning Turns Ugly in Tirupati

Tirupati : The holy city of Tirupati witnessed unsavoury scenes on Saturday as campaigning for the upcoming elections descended into violence, with party workers from rival groups exchanging blows in full public view. Chaos erupted in the Giripuram colony when campaigners from the ruling YSRC and the opposition Telugu Desam-Jana Sena-BJP alliance held parallel rallies in the same area, leading to a confrontation as the two groups crossed paths. According to eyewitnesses, the NDA candidate Arani Srinivasulu was in the midst of a door-to-door campaign trail along with supporters when they encountered an equally large contingent of youth, believed to be YSRC activists, who were campaigning in the colony. The two groups confronted each other and tempers flared, with workers eventually resorting to fisticuffs and exchanging blows. Srinivasulu's security team had to intervene to rescue him from the attacks. This is the second such violent incident reported in Tirupati in recent times after a previous face-off at Doddapuram Street. The Tirupati Poura Samajam group strongly condemned the violence and sought strict action against the perpetrators, stating This is a spiritual township, and we won't allow such rowdyism and lawlessness at any cost. Both the YSRC and NDA camps traded accusations, with each claiming the other side initiated the aggression. YSRC leaders accused Srinivasulu's Chittoor goons of attacking their workers, while Srinivasulu warned of stronger retaliation if such attacks persisted, alleging the YSRC was trying to derail the poll process through violence and intimidation. Both the parties also questioned how the police granted permission for both groups to campaign simultaneously in the same area. Srinivasulu's team accused the on-duty officers of turning a blind eye and raised the issue with the district election officer.

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.

EC Rejects 1,122 Nominations Filed in AP During Scrutiny

Viijayawada: AP Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena said that following the scrutiny of nominations filed for the assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh on Friday, 503 nominations for 25 parliamentary constituencies (PCs) and 2,705 nominations for 175 assembly constituencies (ACs) have been found valid. In a media release on Saturday, the CEO stated that 183 nominations from PCs and 939 nominations from ACs have been rejected after scrutiny. Mukesh Kumar said total of 686 nominations had been filed for the 25 parliamentary constituencies and 3,644 nominations filed for the 175 assembly constituencies from April 18 to April 25. With regard to parliament elections, Guntur Lok Sabha seat received the highest number of 47 nominations and Srikakulam the lowest 16 nominations. In terms of assembly, Tirupati constituency received the highest 52 nominations. Chodavaram assembly constituency received the least number of eight nominations. The CEO said the last date of withdrawing nominations is April 29. The number of candidates left after withdrawal of nominations, will be considered as candidates for the elections on May 13.