LS polls fifth phase: Fate of 5 Modi Ministers at stake in 14 UP seats

LUCKNOW: The political heartland of India will witness voting on 14 seats, including a couple of high-profile constituencies and fate of five Union ministers, in the fifth phase on May 20. The 14 seats comprise not only Congress citadels Rae Bareli and Amethi but also Ayodhya, the nerve centre of BJPs Hindutva plank. In fact, this phase will decide the tone and tenor of the sixth and seventh rounds, which will be concentrated across 27 seats of Purvanchal. Moreover, four constituencies of Bundelkhand will decide whether to let BJP achieve a hat-trick or vote for change. The BJP had swept the phase in 2019 by winning 13 of the 14 seats in fray. While the BJP had wrested Amethi from Congress, Sonia Gandhi had retained Rae Bareli as the only party MP from UP in 2019. The SP and BSP drew a blank in 2019 and 2014. In 2024, while Congress is contesting on two seats, ally SP is contesting on rest 12 seats. Rae Bareli One of the most prominent seats of fifth phase is set for a fight between Rahul Gandhi and BJP MLC and Yogi minister Dinesh Pratap Singh who had switched over to the saffron party in 2018. BSP has fielded an OBC nominee. Amethi Another high-profile seat witnesses a battle of nerves between Union minister Smriti Irani and KL Sharma, a representative of Congress first family of four decades. Smriti had defeated Rahul Gandhi in 2019 in Amethi and she is seeking a second term. BSP has fielded Nanhe Singh Chauhan. Faizabad The seat of Ram temple is set to test BJPs Hindutva plank. However, Faizabad has never been the saffron stronghold in the true sense. The Congress captured the seat in 2009, BSP won it in 2004 and SP in 1998. The BJP won the seat in 1991, 1996, 2014 and 2019. In 2019, BJPs Lallu Singh, five-time MLA and an MP twice, retained it defeating SPs Anand Sen. This time the contest is multi-cornered with SP having fielded its nine-time MLA Awdhesh Prasad, CPI former IPS officer Arvind Sena and BSP Sachhidanand Pandey. Lucknow The real challenge before the BJP is winning margin of MP Rajnath Singh who is seeking a third term carrying forward the legacy of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee who had represented Lucknow five times in the Lok Sabha from 1991 and 2004. Lucknow parliamentary constituency is the BJPs citadel. The party has never lost this seat since 1991. Singh won the seat in 2014 and 2019. Mohanlal Ganj and Barabanki Both the reserve seats are adjacent to Lucknow with Pasi community holding the key. Mohanlal Ganj BJP candidate and Union minister of state Kaushal Kishore is trying his luck for the third term in a row. Challenging him are the SPs RK Chaudhary and the BSPs Rajesh Kumar. Barabanki Another seat adjoining Lucknow has have tendency of changing winners each time. However, the BJP won the seat in 2014 and retained it in 2019. Pasis among the SCs and Kurmi voters among OBCs are decisive in the constituency. There are over 20% Muslim voters. In 2024, BJP replaced its MP Upendra Singh Rawat with Rajrani Rawat and Congress fielded Tanuj Punia, son of former bureaucrat and Congress leader PL Punia. Gonda BJP MP Kirti Vardhan Singh, from the royal family, is in the fray for the third consecutive term. Challenging him is SPs Shreya Verma, the granddaughter of party stalwart Beni Prasad Verma, and BSP pitted a Brahmin Saurabh Mishra. Fatehpur BJP has repeated its MP Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti who had defeated BSPs Sukh Lal Verma, as the joint SP-BSP candidate, in 2019. The SP fielded its state chief Naresh Uttam, a Kurmi by caste, and the BSP put stakes on Manish Sachan. Kaiserganj BJP has fielded Karan Bhushan Singh, son of Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, SP has named Baghatram Mishra and BSP has made the contest interesting by fielding another Brahmin Narendra Pandey. Kaushambi The reserved seat is set for in interesting battle between BJP MP Vinod Sonkar and one of the youngest SP candidates Pushpendra Saroj, son of SP MLA Indrajeet Saroj. Bundelkhand Four seats Jalaun, Jhansi, Hamirpur and Banda.

Pledges unfulfilled for 20 yrs, 2 villages in Bundelkhand to boycott polls

Two villages, Puraina in Bangra block and Panchampura in Mauranipur block, will boycott the Lok Sabha poll on May 20 in Mauranipur, Jhansi, due to lack of electricity and inadequate compensation for crop losses, reflecting dejection towards politicians like Anurag Sharma in the Bundelkhand region.

High-profile seats of Rae Bareli, Amethi to vote in Phase-V in UP, fate of 5 Union ministers at stake

LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh, the political heartland of India, will witness voting in 14 seats in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20, with the fate of five Union ministers at stake. The 14 seats which will vote in the upcoming phase comprise not only the Congress citadels of Rae Bareli and Amethi but also Ayodhya, the nerve centre of the BJPs Hindutva plank. In fact, the fifth phase will decide the tone and tenor of the remaining sixth and seventh phases of the ensuing election which will be concentrated across 27 seats of Purvanchal. Moreover, four constituencies of Bundelkhand would also decide whether to let the ruling saffron brigade achieve a hat-trick or vote for a change going beyond the benefits of welfare schemes extended by the Modi government. Similarly, the political stature of the tainted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of the BJP, the six-time Lok Sabha MP, would also be put to test in Kaiserganj where his son is contesting as a proxy as he is caught in the sexual harassment case of ace female wrestlers of the country. The ruling BJP had swept the phase in 2019 by winning 13 of the 14 seats. While the BJP had wrested Amethi from the Congress, former AICC chief Sonia Gandhi had managed to retain Rae Bareli as the only party MP from UP in 2019. The Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party had drawn a blank in this phase in 2019 and 2014. In the fifth phase, while the Congress is contesting in two seats Rae Bareli and Amethi its ally, the SP, is contesting in the remaining 12 seats. Rae Bareli is 'karmabhoomi' of both my 'mothers' Sonia and Indira Gandhi: Rahul At a glance Rae Bareli: One of the most prominent seats of the fifth phase is set for a fierce fight between former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi who has switched from his bastion Amethi replacing his mother and sitting MP Sonia Gandhi. He is being challenged by the BJPs MLC and Yogi government minister Dinesh Pratap Singh who had switched over to the BJP from the Congress in 2018. The BSP has fielded an OBC Thakur Prasad Yadav here. Amethi: Another high-profile seat witnesses a battle of nerves between Union minister and sitting MP Smriti Irani and KL Sharma, a low-profile representative of the Congresss first family of four decades. Smriti had defeated Rahul Gandhi in 2019 in Amethi and she is seeking a second term. The BSP has fielded Nanhe Singh Chauhan. Faizabad: The seat of the Ram temple is set to test the BJPs Hindutva plank. However, Faizabad has never been a saffron stronghold in the true sense. The Congress captured this seat in 2009, BSP won it in 2004 and the SP in 1998. The BJP won the seat in 1991, 1996, 2014 and 2019. In 2019, the BJPs Lallu Singh, five-time MLA and an MP twice, retained it defeating SPs Anand Sen by securing 48.65% of votes. Buoyed by the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the BJP hopes to win this seat with a huge margin in 2024. This time the contest is multi-cornered with the SP having fielded its 9-time MLA Awdhesh Prasad, while former IPS officer Arvind Sena of the CPI and Sachhidanand Pandey of the BSP are also in the fray. Lucknow: The real challenge before the ruling BJP is the winning margin of sitting MP Rajnath Singh who is seeking a third term carrying forward the legacy of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee who had represented Lucknow five times in the Lok Sabha from 1991 and 2004. The Lucknow parliamentary constituency is the BJPs citadel. The party has never lost this seat since 1991. BJP veteran and defence minister Rajnath Singh won the seat in 2014 and 2019. With no prominent candidate facing him, Rajnath Singh is expected to make a hat-trick. The SP has fielded sitting MLA Ravi Das Mehrotra while the BSP has given the ticket to a Muslim Sarwar Mallik. Time is an everchanging entity, Rae Bareli now Modi citadel: BJP candidate Dinesh Pratap Singh Mohanlal Ganj: This reserved seat is adjacent to Lucknow with the Pasi community holding the key. BJP candidate and Union minister of state Kaushal Kishore is trying his luck for the third term in a row. Challenging him are the SPs RK Chaudhary and the BSPs Rajesh Kumar. Barabanki: Another reserved seat adjoining Lucknow, this has the tendency of changing winners each time. However, the BJP won the seat in 2014 and retained it in 2019. Pasis among the SCs and Kurmi voters among OBCs are decisive in the constituency. There are over 20% Muslim voters here. In 2024, the BJP replaced its sitting MP Upendra Singh Rawat with Rajrani Rawat and the Congress has fielded Tanuj Punia, son of former bureaucrat and Congress leader PL Punia. The BSP has fielded Shiv Kumar Dohre. Gonda: The BJPs sitting MP Kirti Vardhan Singh, hailing from the royal family, is in the fray for the third consecutive term. Challenging him is the SPs Shreya Verma, the granddaughter of party stalwart and prominent Kurmi leader Beni Prasad Verma, while the BSP has pitted a Brahmin Saurabh Mishra. Fatehpur: The BJP has repeated its sitting MP Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti who had defeated the BSPs Sukh Lal Verma, who was the joint SP-BSP candidate, with 54% of the votes in 2019. The SP has fielded its state chief Naresh Uttam, a Kurmi by caste, and the BSP has pinned its hopes on Manish Sachan. Kaiserganj: The BJP has fielded Karan Bhushan Singh, son of sitting MP Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, while the SP has fielded Baghatram Mishra and the BSP has made the contest interesting by fielding another Brahmin Narendra Pandey. Kaushambi: Adjacent to the Allahabad Lok Sabha constituency, this reserved seat is set for an interesting battle between the BJPs sitting MP Vinod Sonkar and one of the SPs youngest candidates, the debutant Pushpendra Saroj who is the son of SP MLA Indrajeet Saroj. The BSP has fielded Shubh Narain Gautam, a retired area development officer. Bundelkhand Jalaun: It is set for a three-cornered fight featuring Union Minister Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma of the BJP, Narayan Das Ahirwar of the SP, and Suresh Chandra Gautam of the BSP. While Verma has been a five-time MP and is seeking a third term from Jalaun, both the SP and BSP candidates are making their debut. Jhansi: This land of warriors is witnessing a showdown between Anurag Sharma, the sitting BJP MP, and Pradeep Jain Aditya of the Congress. The BSP has fielded Ravi Prakash making the contest three-cornered. Hamirpur: It is set for a tough contest between Kunwar Pushpendra Singh Chandel of the BJP and Ajendra Singh Rajput of the SP. Chandel is seeking his third term while the BSP has given an interesting dimension to the fight by fielding a Brahmin Nirdosh Kumar Dikshit. Banda: The BJP has repeated its sitting MP RK Singh Patel to clash with Krishna Patel of the SP, along with Mayank Dwivedi of the BSP who is depending on the votes of upper castes.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Bundelkhand Water Crisis ! | Jhansi | Lalitpur

Bundelkhand Lok Sabha Seat: 20 . (Climate Change) -

Traffic police fine man for driving Audi without helmet in Jhansi

In Jhansi, Audi driver Parihar challenges police error, RTO delays resolution citing elections. Inspector Umakant Ojha notes clerical error in challan photo.

PM on his side, BJP nominee claims edge in poll

BJP's Anurag Sharma in Jhansi faces challenge from INDIA bloc's Pradeep Jain Aditya. Sharma, backed by PM Narendra Modi's popularity, confident due to party's micromanagement of elections. He criticizes INID alliance, highlighting SP and Congress' limited constituency-based approach. Sharma emphasizes development in Bundelkhand, including free ration scheme and industrial projects.

Kejriwal embraced Congress, against whom Anna protested, says Yogi Adityanath

Kejriwal embraced Congress, against whom Anna protested, says Yogi Adityanath Strongly rebutting the remarks of Aam Aadmi Party National President and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted on Thursday that 'Kejriwal has lost his mind after going to jail' and added that the Delhi CM has embraced Congress against whom Anna Hazare had protested. Kejriwal, who shattered Anna Hazare's aspirations and sided with the corrupt, is now targeting me. Kejriwal has embraced Congress, against whom Anna protested... he added. CM Yogi made these comments while addressing an election rally for the Hamirpur-Mahoba Lok Sabha seat in Tindwari town in Banda district. He urged the public to cast their votes in favour of the party candidate Pushpendra Singh Chandel from this constituency. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked that following his incarceration, Kejriwal likely realised his imprisonment might have been indefinite. He has shattered Anna Hazare's hopes. It must be disheartening for Anna to witness the kind of politics that has arisen from his movement, said Yogi, suggesting that Anna Hazare might never forgive him for this betrayal. Yogi also noted that since assuming power, the Aam Aadmi Party has surrounded itself with corrupt individuals. On a jocular note, Yogi added that with Kejriwal in jail, the people of Delhi felt a sense of relief, as if their 'cough' had subsided, but his release would likely cause them to 'cough' again. In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted the significance of the Tindwara Assembly, noting its historical importance in shaping the nation's trajectory. This assembly has not only produced a Chief Minister for the state but also a Prime Minister for the country. When I was invited to participate in a programme here, I felt compelled to attend, he said. He underscored the remarkable transformation witnessed in Bundelkhand over the past decade. Previously, this region was dominated by various mafias, including the mining mafia, land mafia, forest mafia, and dacoits. The SP and Congress were complicit in protecting these criminal elements, he remarked. They would nominate such individuals as public representatives, allowing the mafia and dacoits to exploit the populace and plunder the region's resources. As a result, the youth of Bundelkhand were compelled to migrate, while daughters and sisters faced the arduous task of fetching water from afar. Asserting that the people have witnessed a transformation in Bundelkhand over the past decade, Yogi declared, This is just the beginning. Bundelkhand will once again lead the country. Gone are the days when daughters and sisters had to travel miles to fetch water. Every household will now have access to tap water, and that too, purified through RO systems. He continued, In terms of connectivity, every road is being expanded to accommodate two lanes and four lanes. Tourist destinations are being developed to attract visitors. Our defence corridor will be so robust that when our soldiers fire cannons on the border, it will proudly display 'Made in Banda'. In the past, youth here struggled to find employment. However, in the next five years, the tables will turn, and the world will come here seeking job opportunities. By linking Jhansi to Chitrakoot, Mahoba, Hamirpur, and Banda, we aim to establish developed cities comparable to Noida and Greater Noida, he concluded. In a scathing critique of the opposition, the CM asserted that those who once left Bundelkhand yearning for water and development, compromised the safety of sisters and daughters, robbed youth of job opportunities, and plundered resources, should now be made to yearn for every vote. Ensure that such individuals lose their deposits in the current elections. He further remarked that parties like SP, Congress, AAP, and RJD belong to the same category. When they come into power, they exploit the common man. Fortunately, we have witnessed the transformation of India. The nation's reputation is growing globally, with welfare schemes benefiting the poor. 80 crore poor are reaping the benefits of ration, 50 crore people have their Jan-Dhan accounts opened, 12 crore farmers received the benefits of Kisan Samman Nidhi, toilets have been constructed in 12 crore households, 10 crore households received gas cylinder under Ujjawala Scheme, houses have been constructed for 4 crore poor people. All these are Modi's guarantees, he said. Uttar Pradesh's Banda will go into polls in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on May 20. (ANI)

Jhansi man fined for not wearing helmet while driving Audi

Bahadur Singh Parihar, president of a truckers union in Jhansi, fined Rs 1,000 by traffic police for not wearing a helmet while driving his Audi car. He visited the RTO office to address the clerical error and was advised to wait until after the Lok Sabha elections.

Video: Fined Rs 1,000, UP Man Now Drives His Audi With A Helmet On

Every time he walks towards his Audi, Bahadur Singh Parihar straps on a helmet. Not because he is driving a Formula 1 car or going rally racing in Dakar, but because he was fined Rs 1,000 by the traffic police in Jhansi the last time he didn't do so.

This is how love will grow in a long distance relationship?

In today's interconnected world, many couples find themselves in long-distance relationships (LDRs) due to various circumstances such as work, education, or family obligations. While distance can pose challenges to maintaining a strong emotional connection, it also offers opportunities for personal growth and deepening intimacy. Communication: The Lifeline of Long-Distance Love Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, and it becomes even more crucial in long-distance relationships. Regular communication helps bridge the physical gap and allows partners to stay connected on an emotional level. Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity In long-distance relationships, it's not always possible to communicate as frequently as in traditional relationships. Therefore, prioritizing the quality of communication over quantity is essential. Make the most of the time you have together by engaging in meaningful conversations and actively listening to each other's thoughts and feelings. Embracing Technology: Bringing You Closer Than Ever Fortunately, advancements in technology have made it easier than ever to maintain a sense of closeness despite physical distance. Video calls, instant messaging, and social media platforms allow couples to share experiences, exchange affectionate gestures, and stay updated on each other's lives in real-time. Creating Shared Experiences Even when miles apart, couples can create shared experiences by participating in activities together virtually. Whether it's watching a movie simultaneously, cooking the same recipe while video calling, or playing online games together, finding ways to bond over shared interests fosters a sense of togetherness. Building Trust and Security Trust forms the foundation of any healthy relationship, and it's particularly vital in long-distance relationships where physical proximity is limited. Be open and honest with each other, communicate openly about your feelings and concerns, and reassure your partner of your commitment to the relationship. Maintaining Independence and Pursuing Personal Growth While being in a long-distance relationship requires a certain level of dependence on each other for emotional support, it's also essential for individuals to maintain their independence and pursue personal goals and interests. Encourage each other to grow as individuals, support each other's ambitions, and celebrate achievements together. Planning for the Future: Hope in the Distance Having a shared vision for the future is essential for sustaining a long-distance relationship. Discuss your long-term goals, aspirations, and plans for eventually closing the distance. Knowing that there's a light at the end of the tunnel can provide comfort and motivation during challenging times. Managing Expectations and Coping with Challenges It's important to acknowledge that long-distance relationships come with their fair share of challenges. From feelings of loneliness and insecurity to jealousy and miscommunication, couples may encounter obstacles along the way. By managing expectations, being patient with each other, and addressing issues openly and constructively, couples can navigate these challenges together. Celebrating Milestones and Cherishing Moments Together In a long-distance relationship, celebrating milestones and cherishing the moments spent together becomes even more significant. Whether it's a virtual anniversary celebration, surprise care package, or planning visits to see each other whenever possible, finding ways to express love and appreciation strengthens the bond between partners.Despite the physical distance that separates them, couples in long-distance relationships can cultivate love and nurture their connection by prioritizing effective communication, embracing technology, creating shared experiences, building trust, maintaining independence, planning for the future, managing challenges, and celebrating moments of togetherness. With patience, commitment, and a shared vision, love can indeed flourish across any distance. UNESCO Honors Ramcharitmanas and Panchatantra: Literary Treasures Leave Lasting Impact Rahul Gandhi's Speech at Jhansi Rally: Defending the Constitution and Promising Financial Security for the Poor India-Cambodia Direct Flight Service Set to Take Off on June 16

LS polls: UP fifth phase to witness high-profile contests

Lucknow, May 15: As Uttar Pradesh inches closer to the fifth phase of polling on May 20, the prestige of several high-profile candidates will be at stake. In the fifth phase, voting will be held on 14 Lok Sabha seats including Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, Raebareli, Amethi, Jalaun, Jhansi, Hamirpur, Banda, Fatehpur, Kaushambhi, Barabanki, Faizabad, Kaiserganj and [] The post LS polls: UP fifth phase to witness high-profile contests appeared first on The Shillong Times .

The secret of your personality is hidden in the way you sleep, know what your personality is like

Sleep, an essential component of our daily lives, goes beyond mere rest and rejuvenation; it can also offer insights into our personalities. The way we sleepour positions, movements, and even the quality of our sleepcan reveal underlying traits and tendencies that shape who we are. Let's delve into the fascinating world of sleep psychology and uncover how your nightly habits may be reflective of your personality. Decoding Your Sleeping Positions 1. The Fetal Position: Cozy and Cautious The fetal position, curled up on one side with knees drawn towards the chest, is one of the most common sleep postures. Personality Traits: Those who prefer this position may exhibit traits of introversion, sensitivity, and a desire for protection and security. This position suggests a need for comfort and emotional reassurance, mirroring the feeling of being enveloped in a protective cocoon. 2. The Log Position: Social and Trusting In the log position, individuals lie on their side with arms straight down by their sides. Personality Traits: Sleepers in this position are often perceived as easygoing, social, and trusting. This posture reflects an open and relaxed attitude towards life, symbolizing a willingness to engage with others. 3. The Soldier Position: Disciplined and Reserved The soldier position involves lying flat on one's back with arms resting along the sides. Personality Traits: Sleepers who prefer this position are typically disciplined, reserved, and have high expectations of themselves and others. This stance conveys a sense of order and control, reflecting a structured approach to both sleep and life. 4. The Freefall Position: Bold and Outgoing In the freefall position, individuals lie on their stomachs with arms wrapped around a pillow and head turned to the side. Personality Traits: Those who sleep in this position are often perceived as bold, outgoing, and adventurous. This posture suggests a fearless and uninhibited approach to life, indicative of individuals who embrace challenges head-on. Insights from Sleep Movements and Patterns 1. Tossing and Turning: Restless and Anxious Constant tossing and turning throughout the night can indicate underlying feelings of restlessness and anxiety. Personality Traits: Individuals who experience frequent sleep disturbances may struggle with stress, worry, or unresolved issues. Addressing the root causes of this restlessness is crucial for improving both sleep quality and overall well-being. 2. Deep Sleepers vs. Light Sleepers: Resilience vs. Sensitivity Deep sleepers are those who remain relatively undisturbed throughout the night, while light sleepers are easily awakened by external stimuli. Personality Traits: Deep sleepers tend to be more resilient, adaptable, and able to cope with stress, whereas light sleepers may be more sensitive and reactive. Understanding your sleep depth can provide valuable insights into your emotional resilience and coping mechanisms. Harnessing the Power of Sleep Awareness 1. Self-Reflection and Awareness By paying attention to your sleep habits and patterns, you can gain valuable insights into your subconscious mind and emotional state. Takeaway: Keep a sleep journal to track your sleeping positions, movements, and any recurring patterns or disturbances. 2. Mindful Sleeping Practicing mindfulness techniques before bedtime can help promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve sleep quality. Takeaway: Incorporate relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation, into your bedtime routine to enhance sleep and well-being. 3. Seeking Professional Guidance If sleep disturbances persist or significantly impact your daily life, consider seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or sleep specialist. Takeaway: Addressing underlying sleep issues can lead to improved overall health and a greater sense of well-being. Unlocking the mysteries of your personality through sleep requires a keen awareness of your sleeping habits and patterns. By embracing mindfulness, self-reflection, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can unlock the secrets hidden within your nightly slumber and gain valuable insights into your true self. Sweet dreams! Breaking New! Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia's mother passes away UNESCO Honors Ramcharitmanas and Panchatantra: Literary Treasures Leave Lasting Impact Rahul Gandhi's Speech at Jhansi Rally: Defending the Constitution and Promising Financial Security for the Poor

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Top 10 richest candidates of Phase 5

Top 10 richest candidates in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha elections in 2024: Anurag Sharma (BJP, Rs 212 crore, Jhansi), Nilesh Bhagwan Sambare (Independent, Rs 116 crore, Bhiwandi), Piyush Goyal (BJP, Rs 110 crore, Mumbai North), Suresh Gopinath Mhatre Alias Balya Mama (Nationalist Congress Party, Rs 107 crore, Bhiwandi), Krishna Nand Tripathi (Indian National Congress, Rs 70 crore, Chatra).

Use Makhana in this way, fat will start reducing within a week

Makhana, also known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, is a highly nutritious snack that has been consumed in India for centuries. Harvested from the seeds of the lotus flower, makhana is rich in protein, fiber, and various micronutrients. Understanding Weight Loss Before delving into how makhana can aid in weight loss, it's essential to understand the basics of shedding those extra pounds. Weight loss occurs when the number of calories burned exceeds the number of calories consumed. Therefore, incorporating foods that are low in calories but high in nutrients can be beneficial for those aiming to lose weight. The Role of Makhana in Weight Loss Makhana as a Low-Calorie Snack : One of the primary reasons makhana is effective for weight loss is its low-calorie content. A single cup of roasted makhana contains approximately 100 calories, making it an ideal snack for those looking to manage their calorie intake. Rich in Fiber : Makhana is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which plays a crucial role in promoting satiety and reducing appetite. By including makhana in your diet, you can feel fuller for longer periods, thus preventing overeating and aiding in weight loss. Boosts Metabolism : Makhana contains a significant amount of protein, which is known to boost metabolism. A higher metabolic rate can help your body burn calories more efficiently, thereby facilitating weight loss. Provides Sustained Energy : Unlike processed snacks that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats, makhana provides sustained energy without causing spikes in blood sugar levels. This steady source of energy can keep hunger pangs at bay and prevent unnecessary snacking, contributing to weight loss efforts. Incorporating Makhana into Your Diet Now that we understand the potential benefits of makhana for weight loss, let's explore some creative ways to incorporate this nutritious snack into your diet: Roasted Makhana : Simply roast makhana in a pan with a dash of olive oil and your favorite spices, such as turmeric, cumin, and black pepper, for a crunchy and flavorful snack. Makhana Trail Mix : Combine roasted makhana with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create a delicious and satisfying trail mix that you can enjoy on the go. Makhana Salad Topping : Sprinkle roasted makhana on top of salads for an added crunch and nutritional boost. Makhana Porridge : Grind roasted makhana into a fine powder and use it to make a creamy and nutritious porridge by cooking it with milk and your choice of sweeteners and flavorings. Conclusion Incorporating makhana into your diet can be a simple yet effective way to kickstart your weight loss journey. With its low-calorie content, high fiber and protein levels, and ability to boost metabolism, makhana can help you shed those extra pounds while keeping you feeling satisfied and energized. So why wait? Start snacking on makhana today and say hello to a healthier, happier you! UNESCO Honors Ramcharitmanas and Panchatantra: Literary Treasures Leave Lasting Impact Rahul Gandhi's Speech at Jhansi Rally: Defending the Constitution and Promising Financial Security for the Poor India-Cambodia Direct Flight Service Set to Take Off on June 16

Know these important things before opening PPF account

Opening a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account is a wise financial decision for many individuals. However, before diving into this long-term commitment, there are several crucial aspects to consider. Heres a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the intricacies of PPF accounts. Understanding PPF Accounts What is a PPF Account? A PPF account is a popular long-term investment option in India that offers attractive interest rates and tax benefits. It is backed by the Indian government and falls under the purview of the Ministry of Finance. Key Features of PPF Accounts Long-term Investment: PPF accounts have a maturity period of 15 years, making them ideal for long-term savings goals. Investors can make regular contributions towards their PPF account over this period. Tax Benefits: Contributions made to a PPF account are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. This provides investors with an opportunity to reduce their taxable income and save on taxes. Fixed Interest Rate: The interest rate on PPF accounts is set by the government and is subject to change periodically. As of [current year], the interest rate stands at [X%]. Partial Withdrawals: After a specified period, partial withdrawals are allowed from PPF accounts, providing liquidity in times of need. However, there are certain conditions and limitations associated with withdrawals. Loan Facility: PPF account holders can avail of loans against their PPF balance from the third financial year up to the sixth financial year. This loan facility provides investors with a source of funds without the need to break their PPF investment. Things to Consider Before Opening a PPF Account Eligibility Criteria Citizenship: PPF accounts are open to resident Indians as well as Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible to open a PPF account. Age Limit: Individuals of any age can open a PPF account, but minors require a guardian to operate the account on their behalf until they attain the age of majority. Investment Limitations Minimum Contribution: A minimum annual contribution of 500 is required to keep a PPF account active. Investors can choose to contribute more than the minimum amount based on their financial capacity. Maximum Contribution: The maximum annual contribution limit is 1.5 lakh, as per current regulations. Investors cannot contribute more than this limit in a single financial year. Maturity and Extension Maturity Period: PPF accounts have a lock-in period of 15 years from the end of the financial year in which the account was opened. At the end of this period, investors have the option to either withdraw the entire amount or extend the account. Extension Options: At maturity, account holders have the option to extend the PPF account in blocks of five years indefinitely. This allows investors to continue earning interest on their investment beyond the initial 15-year period. Tax Implications Tax Benefits: Contributions, interest earned, and withdrawals from a PPF account are tax-exempt. This makes PPF accounts an attractive investment option for individuals looking to save on taxes while earning a decent return on their investment. Nomination Facility: PPF account holders can nominate a beneficiary to receive the proceeds in the event of their demise. This ensures that the investment proceeds are transferred to the nominee without any hassles. Interest Rate Dynamics Fixed vs. Variable: While the interest rate on PPF accounts is fixed for a specific financial year, it may change annually based on government notifications. Investors should keep track of the prevailing interest rate to make informed investment decisions. Historical Performance: Understanding the historical trend of PPF interest rates can help in making informed decisions. By analyzing past performance, investors can assess the potential returns on their investment and plan accordingly. Opening a PPF Account: Step-by-Step Guide Selecting a Financial Institution Authorized Banks/Post Offices: PPF accounts can be opened at designated branches of authorized banks and post offices. Investors should choose a reputable financial institution with a strong track record of customer service. Online vs. Offline: Many financial institutions offer the convenience of opening PPF accounts online, while some may require physical visits to the branch. Investors can choose the mode of application based on their preference and convenience. Documentation Requirements Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, etc., are accepted as valid identity proofs for opening a PPF account. Investors should ensure that the identity proof submitted is valid and up-to-date. Address Proof: Aadhaar card, passport, utility bills, etc., can be submitted as address proofs for PPF account opening. The address proof should clearly mention the investor's current residential address. Photographs: Passport-sized photographs of the account holder(s) are required for KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. The photographs should be recent and clear. PPF Account Opening Form: This form, available at the bank/post office, must be filled out accurately with all the required details. Investors should ensure that they provide correct information and complete all sections of the form. Initial Deposit Minimum Contribution: Ensure that the initial deposit meets the minimum threshold required to activate the PPF account. The minimum annual contribution is 500, but investors can choose to deposit a higher amount based on their financial goals. Modes of Payment: Cash, cheque, demand draft, or online transfer are commonly accepted modes of payment for making the initial deposit. Investors should choose a convenient mode of payment and ensure that the transaction is completed successfully. Activation and Account Management Account Number: Upon successful submission of documents and initial deposit, the financial institution will allocate a unique PPF account number to the investor. This account number will be used for all future transactions and correspondence related to the PPF account. Passbook Issuance: A passbook will be provided to record all transactions related to the PPF account. Investors should carefully review the passbook regularly to track their contributions, interest earned, and withdrawals. Online Access: Some banks offer online access to PPF accounts for convenient management. Investors can register for internet banking or mobile banking services to access their PPF account online, check account balance, download statements, and make transactions. Opening a PPF account can be a prudent step towards achieving long-term financial security. By understanding the essential features, eligibility criteria, and procedural requirements, individuals can make informed decisions tailored to their financial goals. Remember, while PPF accounts offer attractive interest rates and tax benefits, they are primarily designed for long-term savings and retirement planning. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to assess your investment objectives and explore the suitability of PPF accounts in your overall financial portfolio. By staying informed and proactive, you can harness the full potential of PPF accounts to secure your financial future. UNESCO Honors Ramcharitmanas and Panchatantra: Literary Treasures Leave Lasting Impact Rahul Gandhi's Speech at Jhansi Rally: Defending the Constitution and Promising Financial Security for the Poor India-Cambodia Direct Flight Service Set to Take Off on June 16

Andhra Pradesh: Ambati Rambabu demands re-polling in six booths in Sattenapalli segment

VIJAYAWADA: Minister for Water Resources Ambati Rambabu complained to the Election Commission of India about the violent incidents that took place in the Palnadu region and demanded re-polling in six polling booths under the Sattenapalli segment. Speaking to the mediapersons on Tuesday, he claimed that rigging took place in two polling booths each in Dammalapadu, Narnepadu, and Cheemalamarri, and requested re-polling after verifying the webcasting footage at those centres. Besides stating that the police department has failed to maintain law and order, Ambati observed that the last-minute transfers made by the Election Commission were the reasons for the situation. Recalling that the elections were held peacefully when YSRC was in opposition, the Minister alleged that the police did not responded over calls and reached the spot, where the violence took place, very late. He demanded the ECI to conduct a detail inquiry on the police failure during the polling. He cited the example of the attack on the vehicle of his son-in-law in Narnepadu as an example of the violence initiated by the TDP and the polices failure to control the situation. He further alleged that TDP leader Kanna Lakshminarayana followers resorted to rigging in Dammalapadu. I dont understand why a minister is put under house arrest and the rival is allowed to roam free, he asked. Asserting that YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will be the Chief Minister and YSRC will form the government, Ambati said, June 4 will clear the illusions that Naidu and Co are living in. Meanwhile, Minister for Education Botcha Satyanarayana and his wife Botcha Jhansi, who contested for the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha seat, exuded confidence over the victory in the elections. Speaking to the mediapersons, Botcha said after June 4, a pro-poor government will form and Jagan Mohan Reddy will be sworn in as Chief Minister. He said out of frustration, TDP is resorting to violence, but YSRC has been maintaining restraint. People know Naidu means deceit and on June 4, the reality will be revealed, he added.

Cadres coordinating well on ground: SP, Congress

On Tuesday alone, while Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi held a joint address in Jhansi, senior SP leader Shivpal Yadav and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge held joint addresses in Maharajganj and Bansgaon.

Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav hit out at PM Modi for 'ignoring' farmers, youngsters

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of working for arabpatis and ignoring farmers and unemployed youngsters. Addressing a joint rally near the Rani Jhansi fort here, the alliance partners said they would work for the youths and farmers if the INDIA bloc government comes to power.

Rahul Gandhi resolves to protect constitution, scrap Agniveer scheme

LUCKNOW: INDIA bloc partnersCongress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadavlaunched a tirade on PM Narendra Modi Modi-led BJP over the issues related to alleged threat to Indian constitution, reservation to poor, and Agniveer Scheme, in Jhansi on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering at a joint rally to seek support for Congress candidate Pradeep Jain, Akhilesh Yadav focused on the 'dwindling' fortunes of the BJP while Rahul Gandhi continued his narrative to scrap Agniveer scheme and 'to safeguard Constitution' from saffron brigade. Rahul Gandhi reiterated that the upcoming election was crucial for safeguarding the Constitution. He asserted that without the Constitution, the poor people of India 'won't belong anywhere.' The day this (showing a miniature of Constitution) is gone, your land rights, reservation, public sector everything will be gone. I.N.D.I.A bloc, Akhilesh Yadav, Khargeji and I are protecting this Constitution..., Gandhi claimed. Rahul fighting from Rae Bareli boost for INDIA bloc in UP, BJP heading for 'huge setback' in state: Pilot Assuring the gathering of their joint effort to give a better dispensation, Rahul Gandhi said: There will be a revolutionary work, no government in the world has ever done it. They (BJP) are making 22 billionaires, we are going to make crores of millionaires. A woman's name will be selected from each family and Rs one lakh per year will be transferred in bank accounts of crores of woman. The Congress leader promised that the INDIA bloc would scrap the military recruitment scheme, introduced by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, if voted to power. Agniveer scheme- which makes one of the prominent features of the opposition narrative, Rahul Gandhi promises to throw the scheme in the dustbin. Rae Bareli is 'karmabhoomi' of both my 'mothers' Sonia and Indira Gandhi: Rahul Gandhi asserted that the country did not need two kind of martyrs. One that gets pension, the other that does not. One whose families are taken care of, the other whose families are not. He linked the military recruitment scheme to Adani saying that India's armed forced did not want the Agniveer scheme and that the PM had introduced the programme o benefit Adani. Claiming that the graph of BJP was coming down after four phases of voting, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said that people were preparing for the farewell of the ruling party from the country. Four phases of elections are over and BJP's graph is falling. The people of Jhansi are preparing for BJP's 'vidai ki jhanki' (farewell). Those, who were talking about doubling farmers' incomes, have given the farmers nothing but sufferings. Under their govt farmers are in trouble, he said. Lok Sabha polls: Samajwadi Party's red caps boost Congress' chances in Amethi, Rae Bareli All praise for the Congress and reflecting on its past initiatives, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said: Whenever I come to Jhansi, I remember the Sainik School. When the Congress government was in power at centre and an SP government in UP, then Rahul ji said that we needed a Sainik School for Amethi. Then I said that one Sainik School will not be sufficient in Uttar Pradesh, you will have to provide more. After this, Congress gave three military schools to Uttar Pradesh. The joint Congress-SP rally held on Tuesday aimed at galvanising support for Pradeep Jain, the one fielded by Congress. He had previously won Jhansi Lok Sabha seat in 2009. Jain's candidature is seen as pivotal in countering the incumbent BJP's influence in the region. The electoral contest in Jhansi has intensified with the entry of new candidates, notably, Ravi Prakash Kushwaha from the BSP, making it a triangular contest.

Rahul, Akhilesh hit out at PM Modi for 'ignoring' farmers, youngsters

JHANSI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of working for arabpatis and ignoring farmers and unemployed youngsters. Addressing a joint rally near the Rani Jhansi fort here, the alliance partners said they would work for the youths and farmers if the INDIA bloc government comes to power. The Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), both part of the opposition INDIA bloc, are contesting the Lok Sabha election as allies in Uttar Pradesh. The joint rally was held to campaign for the Congress' Jhansi candidate Pradeep Jain and the SP nominee from neighbouring Hamirpur Ajendra Rajput. Lok Sabha polls: Samajwadi Party's red caps boost Congress' chances in Amethi, Rae Bareli In a scathing attack on Modi, Gandhi said the prime minister had promised to make 100 'smart cities' in the country but did nothing in this direction. He further said that the prime minister asked people to beat thalis to ward off COVID-19 when hundreds were dying due to the deadly disease. Yadav claimed that trends of the four phases of parliamentary polls were proof that the BJP's graph is going down and the party is certain to lose. Gandhi claimed that if the BJP came to power again, it would ear the Constitution, which is the shield of the country's poor. Both Hamirpur and Jhansi would go to polls in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election on May 20. The Congress leader further claimed that the Modi government waived loans amounting to Rs 16 lakh crore, which is equal to 24 years of money allotted under the MGNREGA, for 22 arabpatis (top industrialists). He also said that if the INDIA bloc comes to power, a list of poor families would be compiled and Rs 1 lakh annually, or Rs 8,500 per month transferred in the bank account of one woman in each such family. Loyalty towards family, caste or party? What will decide the elections in Rae Bareli and Amethi? Gandhi also promised one year of apprenticeship in government offices and public sectors for unemployed youngsters and their permanent recruitment after that based on merits. He said if the INDIA bloc came to power, it would do away with the existing five slabs of GST and make it just one slab. The Congress leader promised to scrap the Agniveer scheme and restore permanent employment in the armed forces with pension provisions. Yadav also accused the incumbent government of letting down farmers and youths. He said the frequent question paper leaks in Uttar Pradesh have put the future of the youths in jeopardy.

Jhansi preparing for BJPs Vidai ki Jhanki, says Akhilesh Yadav

The News Mill

Rahul Gandhi's Speech at Jhansi Rally: Defending the Constitution and Promising Financial Security for the Poor

Jhansi: A joint rally of the India Alliance was held today in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, where former Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav participated. Addressing the rally, Rahul Gandhi praised the workers of the alliance, comparing them to lions, stating that while lions usually live alone in the forest, thousands of lions of the India Alliance are together. Akhilesh Yadav added that the BJP's popularity is declining, and the people of Jhansi are gearing up to bid farewell to the BJP. Rahul Gandhi criticized the central government, accusing them of neglecting the people during the COVID-19 pandemic. He alleged that while thousands of people died due to COVID-19, the government was busy with superficial activities like clapping and lighting lamps. He accused the BJP of attempting to dismantle the Constitution and warned that without the Constitution, the poor of the country would have no protection. He pledged to protect the Constitution and ensure the welfare of the poor. Rahul Gandhi further promised to waive off loans of the poor and create millions of millionaires if the India Alliance comes to power. He announced plans to deposit money into the bank accounts of the poor, create job opportunities for the youth, and ensure financial security for every family. Rahul Gandhi assured the crowd that the India Alliance would work to improve the lives of farmers, youth, and women, promising to put money in their pockets and bank accounts. Apple iOS 17.5 Rolls Out: Discover Dynamic Wallpapers and Improved Privacy! Fourth Phase of Lok Sabha Elections Sees 62% Voter Turnout Across 10 States and Union Territories Heavy Rain and Hailstorm Hit Multiple Madhya Pradesh Districts, Expected to Continue for 5 Days

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Highlights Congress Achievements in Dharamshala Campaign

Shimla: H imachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the achievements of the Congress government in education, health, and employment sectors while campaigning for Dharamshala Congress candidate Devendra Jaggi.Jaggi, nominated by the Congress party for the Dharamshala by-elections, replaced former MLA Sudhir Sharma, who switched sides to the BJP. Sukhu stressed the government's dedication to people's welfare, citing various schemes benefiting different sections of society. He emphasized the government's proactive approach in addressing societal needs without any preconditions.Accusing the former MLA of prioritizing personal gain over public service, Sukhu stated, Former MLAs have become the biggest land mafia. Their interests lie not in serving the people but in amassing wealth. During his speech, Sukhu also outlined the government's progress in various sectors and pledged to continue working for the state's development.He criticized the BJP, alleging that during Jairam Thakur's tenure as CM, the state failed to secure funds from the central government. Sukhu accused BJP leaders of neglecting disaster-affected families and engaging solely in politics. Sukhu also accused the BJP of distributing money during the Rajya Sabha elections, alleging that some former BJP MLAs received hefty amounts, which would be used to buy votes in the upcoming elections.This election is not about saving the CM or the government, but about protecting democracy, Sukhu asserted, urging voters to reject money offered by the opposition and to support the Congress. CBI Court Grants Permission to Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Reddy for International Travel Rahul Gandhi's Speech at Jhansi Rally: Defending the Constitution and Promising Financial Security for the Poor Apple iOS 17.5 Rolls Out: Discover Dynamic Wallpapers and Improved Privacy!

Artistry of portrayals

CHENNAI: Versatility may well be the middle name of Devi Jerina, who for over three decades, had taken a sabbatical from the Tamil stage. The cheerful news for her die-hard fans is of her return to working on the project Kaikeyi. Over 8,000 stage shows, rubbing shoulders with stalwarts SV Ramadas, RS Manohar, SA Ashokan, Jaishankar, Vijayapuri Anandan, and their ilk, this dubbing artiste in movies had left an indelible mark in television and movies. According to noted playwright KP Arivanandam, the plays penned by whom she has been a part of including Ambayin Sabatham, Rani Mangamma, Velu Nachiar, Karaikal Ammaiyar, and Mangaiyarkarasi Devis strength was in the voice modulation and in her ability to slip into any character. An hour-long chat with the actress brought to light the most meaningful phase of her stage career which hit a new high in the last decade. A trove of characters Her personal best was Karaikal Ammaiyar, which found a repeat audience not just in Chennai but wherever it was staged all over Tamil Nadu. On the special bond she had with the audience, Devi said it was in the way the character of Punithavadi was portrayed. She says, Such was the feeling of Punithavadi to Shiva that the lord saw a divine form in her. The lord invites her to Thiruvalagandu to keep up his promise of performing the Siva Thandavam. The song was the showpiece of the play where a range of pambai and udukai was brought to the fore. The audience was captivated and the breathtaking finale found a prominent place in the media reviews. Those days, it really mattered as print media was the only source of communication between the artistes and the lovers of theatre. In Mangaiyarkarasi, she had the onerous task of converting her husband from Samana Madam to Saivam. Devi says, When holy water was sprinkled on the individual, the song Mandiramavadu Neru, Vavaiyar Povadhu Neeru did wonders in the way it was received by a spellbound audience. Songs had an integral part in the plays then and the ones staged by Devi Arts Creations (founded by me) had a sprinkle of those. There had been instances when a mere single line of a song could convey the meanings of a full-page dialogue. That is the beauty and essence of stage plays in the good old days where I had used the lyrics of eminent poets to ring in the right messages. If there had been an audience clamour for a play, Devi says it had to be for Ambayin Sapadham where she took the role of one of the three women abducted by Bheeshmar. She notes, I take a vow as Ambai to wed Bheemshar, who had been a staunch Brahmachari. The abduction was to cater to the need of a prince to have his pick from the intended svayamvaram, a norm in the prince dynasty. In the first half, I don the Ambai character and in the second half, the Siganthi character, who is neither a man nor a woman. I relished the challenge of bringing in the right body language in an unusual portrayal. She adds, The IQ level of the audience was on a par in the way Siganthi struck a chord with them. When Lord Krishna is behind the act, one could gauge the intelligence. Those were the ever-lasting moments of an artiste. Rendering it with the desired perfection made my day. Admittedly, there is added pressure for an artiste when the audience expectation shoots up, post the success of a play. For me, there is no pressure but only the pleasure to perform, straight from the bottom of my heart. Stage elements Beyond devotional plays, Devi also delved into historical ones. History has it that Jhansi Rani (Lakshmibai) was the first one to play a leading role in the Indian War of Independence against British rule in 1857. But Devi claims that she has facts to show that a similar act had been successfully done by Velu Nachiar, 80 years earlier than the North Indian queen. A part of the play that featured the story had a scene where Velu Nachiar seeks the help of Karnataka Emperor Hyder Ali, who sends in a battalion of his forces to counter the challenge of the British in the famous Sivaganga battle. The winning moment, Devi says, was in the execution of the act. Everything has to be shown visually in the theatre. In an era where the production house did not have the luxury of the technology and graphics had still not made its presence, the background of the stage was used to enact the battle of all battles. She says, The audience was in the know of the impact of Kattabomman saga and could connect with the happening in Sivaganga. Media had played a stellar part in sending across the message of the honest efforts. The extravaganza in the sets did put a hole in my pocket but the impact would have been lost in the simple backdrop. Among the crowd favourites, high on the list is Rani Mangamma in the way the queen marshalled her resources to hit back at a Muslim invader Zulfi Khan. To outsmart the king, in a game between two great brainers, Mangamma disguises herself as a commoner, desiring to meet the King. Devi says, The razor-sharp dialogues and the war of words between the king and the commoner had the audience in a trance worth going miles to savour, was the media sum up. Moving over to television after a massive success on stage, Agamum Puramum, a 75-week episode produced by Devi Fine Arts and featured in Makkal Television turned out to be miss-it-not for the couch potatoes. She shares, There was a burning desire to show something out of the ordinary for the set of the TV audience, feasted with imaginary offerings week after week. There were scores of talents in the world of Tamil literature not having got their due. The literature songs were converted into the drama form. A total of 162 artists gave shape to the 80 episodes. The essence would have been lost without the perfect rendition of Tamil and a good number of days were consumed to get the perfection. I must acknowledge the writing skills and dialogues of Arivanandam for the overall success. As a director, there is only that much one can do but when she has the material to play around, it does wonders. An optimistic note Thrust into the stage at the age of three, donning Lord Murugas character, while accompanying her grandmother TM Muthulakshmi, a famed drama and movie artiste, Devi says she looks forward to the day when she gets back to the stage. There are a few unfulfilled desires deep inside her, that she would not like to spell out. At 67, she feels there is still a lot of life in her and gets back to the world that she ruled like no one. With what she has earned in theatre, television, and movies, Devi is happy to invest back in her love of theatre. It is the perfection which matters to me and to know that there is a set of audience to view my plays is a feeling akin to that of an owners pride. My feet could not rest till the scripts that had been playing in my mind were reflected on the stage. As an actress, I had my fill but as a producer, there are a few scripts which need to be told with all honesty in that distinct style of my own. Well, it is the style that mattered a legion of her fans would vouch for that.

Andhra Pradesh: Seats that matter

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

Andhra Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections: Visakhapatnam to witness a 3-corner contest

Ruling Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP's) candidate Botsa Jhansi Lakshmi faces a tough battle in Visakhapatnam against Telugu Desam Party's Sri Bharat and Congress's P Sathyanarayana Reddy. Botsa Lakshmi is the wife of the State Education Minister and YSRCP senior leader, Botsa Satyanarayana.

Two-month long poll campaign comes to an end in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: The lengthy election campaign in Andhra Pradesh came to an end on Saturday evening and the 48-hour mandatory silence period commenced. The State is going to both the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls on Monday. The nearly two-month-long election campaigning that commenced in the second fortnight of March, saw leaders of both the ruling YSRC and Opposition TDP and its allies JSP and BJP covering the length and breadth of the State several rounds to woo voters. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy covered the State in two rounds of election campaign. He commenced his election campaign on March 27 with Memantha Siddham Bus Yatra and later addressed election rallies at different places campaigning for his party candidates. In all, he visited 106 Assembly constituencies, addressed 50 public meetings, and conducted roadshows in several towns. On the other hand, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu addressed as many as 89 meetings covering all the districts, conducting 3-5 meetings in each one. He also addressed election rallies along with JSP chief Pawan Kalyan. His son Nara Lokesh though confined to Mangalagiri in earlier days of campaign, later addressed Yuva Galam meetings at several Assembly constituencies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the State thrice, addressed four election rallies at Chilakaluripet, Rajamahendravaram, Anakapalle and Kalikiri in Rajampet Lok Sabha constituency, and took part in a massive roadshow in Vijayawada. Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh also addressed election rallies in the State. Pawan Kalyan too addressed election rallies in 21 Assembly constituencies from where his party candidates are contesting, besides takin part in public meetings with Naidu and Modi. MLA candidates from different parties were actively engaged in electioneering, conducting door-to-door visits and other modes to reach out to the people. During the last two months, Visakhapatnam and North Coastal Districts, including Anakapalle, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, have witnessed a surge in political campaigning as top leaders descended upon Uttarandhra. With much emphasis on development and job creation, all parties vied for attention in the largest city of the State. Jagan reiterated his commitment of making Visakhapatnam the executive capital during a roadshow, while Naidu and other alliance leaders emphasised employment opportunities and development. The high-profile campaigners included Modi, Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, who addressed public meetings and took part in interactions with the people. Despite scorching summer, candidates actively campaigned both offline and online to reach out to people. The online presence of candidates, notably Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha nominee M Sribharat and Botcha Jhansi, and VV Lakshminarayana of Jai Bharat National Party, garnered attention as they utilised social media platforms like Instagram for promotions and interviews. This surge in political campaigning efforts online mirrored the heightened activities on the ground, shaping the political landscape in Andhra Pradesh over the past few months. The YSRC and the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance left no stone unturned to secure a significant victory, especially in Rayalaseema and the undivided Nellore district. Star campaigners were deployed to spearhead the electioneering, underscoring the importance of these areas in the electoral landscape. Candidates from various political parties have adopted a novel approach to their campaigns by incorporating a feminine touch, with many accompanied by women from their families during door-to-door canvassing. While these family members may lack the polished oratory skills of seasoned politicians, their presence exuded authenticity and sincerity, resonating with voters on a personal level.

Groom, 3 others charred to death as truck hits car

Four individuals, including a potential groom and an 11-year-old boy, lost their lives in a car accident in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The incident involved a CNG cylinder explosion after a truck rear-ended the car, causing a fire.

Will Withdraw From Contest if Modi Stops VSP Privatisation: Botsa Jhansi

Visakhapatnam: YSRC's Vizag MP candidate Botsa Jhansi has declared her readiness to step back from the electoral race if privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant is halted. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces that VSP will not be privatised, I am prepared to withdraw from the election arena, Jhansi remarked on Saturday in Vizag at a press conference addressed by the Botsa couple, who are known for their strong political views. Both Jhansi and Botsa Satyanarayana vehemently criticised the NDA alliance, stating that voting for it will be akin to endorsing the sale of VSP. They expressed outrage that Modi had visited the state but had not addressed the VSP privatisation issue. Jhansi asserted that Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is working to protect Visakhapatnam Steel Plant from privatisation. She mentioned that under his leadership, AP Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution urging the centre and PM Modi not to privatise VSP. This shows the CMs sincerity towards the issue, Jhansi maintained. She pointed out that during her time as an MP, she had played a key role in raising the status of VSP from Mini Navaratna to Navaratna. I raised the issue of allocating captive mines to Visakhapatnam Steel Plant on numerous occasions, she pointed out. At the press conference, minister Satyanarayana accused Chandrababu of being a copycat. He alleged that apart from copying the YSRCP's manifesto, Babu has also stolen YSRC's election slogans, such as Bye Bye from Bye Bye Babu and YSRCP's catchy election slogan Siddham. Botsa strongly condemned the language being used by Chandrababu in his election campaigns.

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Bundelkhand Jhansi Seat | Water Crisis

Lok Sabha Election 2024: . . .

Tragic Road Collision Claims Five Lives in Uttar Pradesh

Tragic Road Collision Claims Five Lives in Uttar Pradesh A groom among four people were killed and two others injured in a collision between a car and truck near Parichha area here The accident happened on Jhansi-Kanpur national highway on Friday night when six people, including the groom, were on their way to the wedding venue in a car, they said. Superintendent of Police Gyanendra Kumar said that a wedding procession was coming from Bilati village to Chhapra village when a truck hit the car from behind. After the accident, the CNG tank of the car caught fire and exploded, police said. A fire brigade reached the spot on getting and controlled the blaze. However, by that time four people, including the groom, had died due burn injuries, they said. Those killed have been identified as Akash Ahirwar (25), his brother Ashish (20), nephew Mayank (7) and car driver Jaikaran, they said, adding that two other relatives -- Ravi Ahirwar and Ramesh -- got injured and were taken to a local hospital. The SP said efforts are on to nab the truck driver who fled from the spot after ran away after the accident.

Finally, both sides of Nag River Bridge opened for traffic near Jhansi Rani Square

Nagpur: Finally, both the sides of the newly constructed bridge on Nag River near Jhansi Rani Square were opened for vehicular movement. This will offer some respite to commuters from the growing menace of traffic. However, faulty traffic signals on Panchsheel Square marred the reopening of the stretch of the road. The National Highway (NH) [] The post Finally, both sides of Nag River Bridge opened for traffic near Jhansi Rani Square appeared first on Nagpur Today : Nagpur News .

Visakhapatnam: Capital issue takes a backseat as voters seek jobs, better infrastructure

VISAKHAPATNAM : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has once again declared Visakhapatnams potential elevation to the status of executive capital if his party, the YSRC, secures another term in office. With a pledge of Rs 1,05,000 crore investment over the next decade, his proposed Vision Visakha aims to fortify the citys infrastructure, industry, and sustainability. However, Opposition parties, particularly the TDP in alliance with the BJP and JSP, have taken a contrasting stance. Their emphasis lies not on the capital debate but on the pressing needs of the people: development and job opportunities. Amidst the cacophony of campaign promises and party rhetoric, one theme emerges as a focal point, the future trajectory of development, stirring both hope and scepticism among the electorate. The opinions among Vizags residents reflect this dichotomy. Uday Venkatesh, a software engineer, expressed his disillusionment with the governments track record on infrastructure development. He remarked, The government has long promised to make Visakhapatnam the executive capital, yet little tangible development has occurred beyond constructing a camp office for the CM at Rushikonda. Any infrastructure improvements have been limited to select areas, like the beach road, neglecting other parts of the city. Road-widening projects only began this year. As a software engineer, I work from home and will soon relocate for office work. If the government prioritised attracting companies to Vizag, many professionals like me wouldnt need to move elsewhere. Instead of shifting the capital, the government should focus on addressing peoples immediate needs. Similarly, physiotherapist KH Mani underscored the importance of holistic development, stating, Instead of fixating on the capital debate, the government should prioritise comprehensive development across all sectors. Each region in the State has its strengths, be it agriculture, industries or IT. What people universally desire is job security, accessible healthcare, and quality education. While schemes like Aaryogyasri have benefited the public, not all hospitals are part of them, so the government could expand its coverage. Additionally, the ongoing construction of medical colleges should be completed, and efforts should focus on filling seats and hiring staff. My vote wont be based solely on the capital issue but will consider these broader developmental factors. Stating that his focus lies on concrete plans for economic growth, GSS Satish, an IT employee aspiring for job opportunities in Visakhapatnam, said, I am seeking job opportunities in Vizag. Can designating Visakhapatnam as the executive capital attract jobs for locals? If so, we need the government to outline how it plans to do so. Personally, I will not base my vote solely on the capital issue because everyone has different needs. Instead, I will consider the promises made by political parties in their manifestos, which have a more significant impact. While having a capital is crucial, it wont solely determine the election outcome. Yet, amidst these discussions of policy and progress, it is the voice of marginalised people that resonates the loudest. Shanti, a humble vegetable vendor, reflects on her personal experiences: I have personally benefited from government schemes like Amma Vodi and Raithu Barosa. When our crops were damaged during last years cyclone, my family and I were fairly compensated. Regardless of whether the capital is Amaravati or Visakhapatnam, it will not make a difference for people like us. Our lives wont be impacted either way. I will vote for the YSRC because Ive directly benefited from the schemes theyve implemented, she expressed. As the countdown to the elections on May 13 intensifies, candidates are in a frantic race to secure the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha seat. Mathukumilli Sribharat of the TDP focuses his campaign on promising job opportunities for the youth, while Botcha Jhansi of the YSRC advocates for the capital shift, emphasising development, albeit with vague specifics from both camps. Amidst the flurry of campaign promises, the authentic voices of the people echo their genuine aspirations and concerns. While the capital debate simmers in the background, the electorates primary focus remains on tangible progress and inclusive development. Issues such as infrastructure, basic needs, industry, and job creation take precedence over the capital relocation discussion. Will promises of jobs or development of Vizag as capital sway the voters decisions? Only time will tell.

Travel tips: Gwalior attracts tourists due to its historicity, tourists are surprised to see the fort and palace.

Gwalior is a historical city and a major city of the state located in the Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh state of India. Geographically Gwalior Madhya Pradesh. Located in the north of the state. This city and its famous fort have been the center of the ancient cities of North India. This city has been the capital of the Gurjara-Pratihar dynasty, Tomar and Kachwaha. Gwalior has been selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship Smart Cities Mission. There is a history hidden behind the name of Gwalior city. Surajsen, who became a king in the sixth century, once was on his deathbed suffering from an unknown disease, then a saint named Gwalipa cured him and gave him life. The foundation of this city was laid in his honor and it was named Gwalior. It is said that 83 descendants of Surajsen Pal ruled the fort, but the 84th, named Tej Karan, lost it. While Gwalia remains in the news due to its history, it has a different status from a tourism point of view. Today we are going to give our readers information about some of its places which are excellent for visiting. Maharaja Man Singh's Fort (Gwalior Fort) This fort made of sandstone is visible from every direction of the city and is the most important monument of the city. To reach this fort built on a high plateau, one has to go through a narrow road with a very steep slope. The huge sculptures of Jain Tirthankaras are carved very beautifully and intricately on the big rocks around this road. The three hundred feet height of the fort is a witness to the invincibility of this fort. Amazing examples of medieval architecture are located in the inner parts of this fort. Gujri Mahal, built in the fifteenth century, is one of them which is a symbol of the intense love of Rajput king Mansingh Tomar and Gurjar queen Mriganayani. The external part of this palace has been preserved in its original form by the State Archeology Department, but the internal part has been converted into a museum where rare ancient sculptures are kept which according to carbon dating are from the first century AD. These rare sculptures have been obtained from the areas around Gwalior. Gwalior Fort is located 120 km away from Agra. It is called the 'Gibraltar of India'. Teli Temple A unique architectural specimen built in the 9th century is the Teli temple of Lord Vishnu, which is 100 feet high. It is a unique confluence of Dravidian architecture and Aryan architecture. Manmandir Mahal It was built between 1486 and 1517 by the illustrious Raja Mansingh of Gwalior. Time has taken away the grandeur of this fort decorated with beautiful colorful tiles, but in some of its internal and external parts, the remains of excellent artworks made by these blue, yellow, green, and white tiles still indicate the grand past of this fort. Apart from being a mighty warrior, Mansingh was also a lover of fine arts and knowledgeable about architectural styles. His reign is called the golden age of Gwalior. The past still vibrates in the huge chambers of this fort. Here there is a music hall made of latticed walls, behind which the women of the royal family used to enjoy musical concerts and learn music in the Zenana chambers built behind them. There is a prison in the basements of this palace, history says that Aurangzeb had imprisoned his brother Murad here and later got him executed. Jauhar Kund is also located here. Apart from this, there is a pond in the fort named after the first ruler of this city, 'Suraj Kund'. There is a temple of Lord Vishnu called 'Sahasrabahu Ka Temple', which is now also known as the Mother-in-Law's Temple. Apart from this, there is a beautiful Gurudwara which was built in the memory of Guru Hargobind Ji, the sixth Guru of the Sikhs, who was kept captive here by Jahangir for two years. Jai Vilas Palace and Museum This is not only the current residence of the Scindia royal family but also a grand museum. 35 rooms of this palace have been converted into a museum. Most parts of this palace are influenced by Italian architecture. The famous Durbar Hall of the palace is a witness to the grand past of this palace, the weight of the two chandeliers installed here is two tons each, it is said that they were hung when ten elephants were mounted on the roof and the strong of the roof was measured. Another famous thing of this museum is the silver train whose tracks run on the dining table and during special feasts this train serves drinks. Rare artifacts from Italy, France, China, and many other countries are here. Tansen Memorial Tansen was one of the best musicians in India and was a prominent singer in the court of Akbar throughout the Middle Ages. He was also one of the nine pearls of the Mughal court. According to legend, Tansen could summon magic, bring rain and even charm animals with his songs. He learned Hindustani classical music from Mohammed Ghaus, a teacher who was his teacher. He composed the musical style of Gwalior Gharana and supported the Dhrupad style. He was buried near his master in a magnificent architectural monument. Every year in November, the Tansen Music Festival is held here, in which well-known artists from across the country come to play in various classical performances. Gopachal Mountain Gopachal Mountain, in the area of Gwalior Fort, is a unique place of ancient artistic Jain sculpture group. Thousands of huge trees here. Jain Statues No. From 1398 to no. The mountain was carved in 1536. These huge statues were built during the reign of Tomarvanshi kings Veeramdev, Dungarsingh, and Kirtisingh. He gained fame in the company of the great poet of Apabhramsha, Pt. Raidhu. Jhansi Maharani Laxmibai Samadhi Sthan Rani Lakshmibai Memorial is in the Pada area of the city. It is said that here the army of Jhansi's queen Veerangana Maharani Lakshmi Bai camped while fighting the British and sought help from the then ruler of this place, Maharaja Jayajirao Shinde alias Scindia, but the rulers of this place, which were always under the dominance of the Mughals and the British, could not help them and She attained martyrdom here on June 17, 1858, at sunset in Phulbagh of Sarai in Kota. Queen Lakshmibai was cremated secretly in the monastery of Baba Gangadas Maharaj. To avoid any expense in his funeral, 745 Sadhus fought against the British and became immortal forever. There is a monument of his grand horse-drawn effigy at the same place. Saas Bahu Temple The real name of Saas Bahu Temple located in Gwalior is Sahastrabahu Temple based on Lord Vishnu. However, over time, due to wrong pronunciation, this temple has come to be called Saas Bahu Temple. The name of this temple built in the 9th century is included among the famous tourist places of Gwalior. At the same time, Sahastrabahu Temple is one of the favorite places of tourists due to its magnificent carvings. This temple was built during the reign of King Mahipala of the Kachchhapaghata Dynasty, who prayed to Lord Brahma for a prosperous and successful kingdom. Sun Temple The Sun Temple here, included among the tourist places of Gwalior, is dedicated to Lord Sun. Surya Mandir is one of the most magnificent temples of Gwalior and at the same time, this temple has magnificent architecture which is astonishing. The Sun Temple was constructed during the year 1988 by a famous industrialist GD Birla. There is a long queue of tourists coming to the Sun Temple throughout the year. (PC: Lifeberrys)

Andhra Pradesh: Educationists in poll fray

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

Botsa Jhansi Attacks BJP on Muslim Reservation

Visakhapatnam : Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha YSRC candidate Botsa Jhansi on Wednesday attacked BJP saying it is the worst of parties in the NDA alliance for announcing that it will cancel reservations currently available to Muslim minorities in Andhra Pradesh. Those who do not cherish such efforts of the YSRC government to help minorities will never be forgiven by people, Jhansi declared while addressing a meeting of Imams and Maulanas who had gathered at the place from various mosques in the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency. The YSRC candidate recalled late YSR saying the late chief minister of united AP had provided the four per cent reservations to benefit the socially and economically backward among Muslim minorities. These reservations have contributed towards raising the standard of living among minorities, Jhansi underlined. She appealed to all, regardless of their caste, religion or political affiliations, to rally behind Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for the latters inclusive approach towards welfare and development. Our CM aims to benefit all deserving individuals. We must all help him secure another term as Chief Minister, the YSRC candidate emphasised.

From Jhansi to Janvi, life has come full circle for Ulka Gupta

Actor Ulka Gupta who is best known for her role as child Manikarnika in Jhansi Ki Rani (2009-2010) that aired on Zee TV, is back on the channel after 15 years as Jhanvi in Zee TVs latest offering Main Hoon Saath Tere. It follows the journey of Janvi (Ulka Gupta), a single mother in Gwalior, as she navigates the challenges of parenthood. Living with her son Kian (Nihan Jain), Janvi's world revolves around him. Despite their strong bond, Kian feels the absence of a man in their home, particularly from his mother's perspective as she handles everything alone. The storyline intensifies when Janvi crosses paths with Aryaman, a wealthy businessman, and they find themselves working together. As Aryaman begins to show interest in Janvi, the question arises: will Kian approve of the match and play a pivotal role in bringing his mother closer to the man who loves her? From portraying a young courageous freedom fighter Manikarnika when she was just 12 years old, to now playing Janvi, a single mother, Ulka has come a long way. Excited about her return, Ulka Gupta said From having played Jhansi Ki Rani to now returning to Zee TV as Janvi, life has come full circle. I am thrilled to be back on the channel after 15 long years. I received lots of love for my first lead role as young Mannu when I was just 12 years old, and now I am glad I am playing such a strong character, Janvi, a strong independent single mother on the channel I started my journey with. It genuinely feels like a homecoming. While Ulka is excited about her new role, it will be interesting for the viewers to watch her with Aryaman and Kian, showcasing an innocent take on love, life, and relationships. Tune into Main Hoon Saath Tere, every day at 07:30 pm only on Zee TV!

Visakhapatnam Steel Plant privatisation top concern in AP's Gajuwaka segment

VISAKHAPATNAM: In the upcoming general elections, the Gajuwaka constituency in Visakhapatnam stands as a significant battleground, owing to its economic importance and the array of challenges it faces. In the previous election, YSRCs Nagireddy Tippala secured victory, defeating Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan by a margin of 16,753 votes. This time, the stage is set for another intense face-off, with sitting Anakapalle MLA and State IT minister Gudivada Amarnath, representing the YSRC, squaring off against TDPs Palla Srinivas Rao, backed by the BJP and the JSP. The Gajuwaka constituency encompasses notable areas such as Aganampudi, Chinagantyada, Pedagantyada, BHPV, Auto Nagar, Duvvada, Gangavaram, Kanithi, Mindi, Kurmannapalem, Srinagar, Steel Plant Township, Vadlapudi, and Yarada, among others. At the heart of Gajuwaka lies the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), more commonly known as the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, a cornerstone of the regions industrial landscape. However, recent years have seen mounting tensions as Ukku protesters have been rallying against the governments proposal to privatise RINL. The livelihoods of over one lakh families, directly or indirectly dependent on VSP and its affiliated sectors, hang in the balance. None of the political parties have assured the people that they can stop privatisation of VSP. Despite the TDP being in an alliance with the BJP and its candidates speaking out against privatisation, including MP candidate Sribharat, the party hasnt managed to get higher-ranking BJP officials to spell out their stand on the matter. Similarly, candidates from the YSRC, like MP candidate Botcha Jhansi, have voiced opposition, but their promises dont inspire confidence among the public. People feel these parties are just using the issue to gain votes. They see it as a political stunt during elections. The second-largest constituency in the State, Gajuwaka grapples with pollution challenges attributed to the burgeoning presence of pharmaceuticals and other industries. Additionally, narrow roads, heavy traffic, inadequate street lighting, stray dog menace, insufficient drinking water facilities, and the need for improved public transport connectivity are among the pressing concerns in the region. The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporations (APIIC) Industrial Area Local Authority (IALA) at Auto Nagar in Gajuwaka hosts a multitude of micro, small, and medium industries, providing sustenance to thousands of employees. Amarnath recently unveiled a distinct manifesto, Vijaya Vaaradhi, focusing on addressing various issues specific to his constituency, Gajuwaka. Emphasising priorities such as skill training for youth and employment opportunities, the manifesto pledges to tackle key issues, including infrastructure development, traffic management, pollution mitigation, and the establishment of skill development centres and business incubation facilities. The legislator announced plans to relocate Auto Nagar from Gajuwaka to Koduru in the near future. However, public sentiment on this matter differs. Srinivas, a Gajuwaka resident, highlighted the stark contrast in air quality between their locality and the city centre, noting pervasive pollution issues. He expressed frustration at politicians addressing these concerns only during elections, emphasising that pollution has long plagued the region. This pollution leaves black layers of dust on the floors inside our homes. It is concerning that politicians only seem to address this issue during elections, talking about pollution and tree planting as if it were a new problem. In reality, pollution has been a problem for years, he stated.

Ill strive to develop Visakhapatnam into a hub of growth: Mathukumilli Sribharat

Mathukumilli Sribharat, TDP candidate for Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency, is set to go head-to-head against Botcha Jhansi of YSRC. Reflecting on the last election where YSRC candidate MVV Satyanarayana secured victory against him by a slender margin of 4,414 votes, he is confident of his win this time with the support of tripartite alliance. In an interview with Usha Peri, M Sribharat, who is also the president of GITA M Deemed to be University, outlined his vision and firm commitment to the development of Visakhapatnam on all fronts On a scale of 1-10, how confident are you about winning this time? I would rate my confidence level at 10. Last time, I had minimal time for campaigning and only began electioneering after filing my nomination papers. However, this time, I had taken up my campaign even before my candidature was announced. I have been actively engaging with the public. Additionally, the margin of my previous loss was very narrow, just 4,414 votes. What is the need for creating more job opportunities in Visakhapatnam? People migrate to cities like Visakhapatnam in search of employment opportunities. Hence, there is a pressing need to generate more employment opportunities in the city to cater to the needs of its people and foster economic growth and stability. In the tripartite alliance, how might the seat sharing affect the morale of the parties involved? When one party secures a seat in a specific area, its natural for the other two to feel disheartened, as seen when our party leader Gandi Babji, aspired for Visakhapatnam South ticket, but didnt get it. Despite not being fairly compensated, he was appointed as the TDP district chief. Ensuring his well-being and that of others, who contribute significantly to our success in the Lok Sabha election, will be my responsibility What ideas do you have for the development of Visakhapatnam if you are elected? My vision for Visakhapatnam revolves around seven key aspects. Firstly, I aim to halt the privatisation of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and instead explore the benefits of merging it with SAIL. This move is intended to safeguard the interests of the plant and its employees. Additionally, I will prioritise the establishment of Visakhapatnam Railway Zone within the Waltair Division, ensuring improved connectivity and increased train services tailored to the needs of the populace. Secondly, I aspire to elevate Visakhapatnam as a thriving hub of IT, tourism and industry. This entails promoting investment and development initiatives to foster economic growth and create employment opportunities with a specific target of generating one lakh jobs solely for the people of Vizag. Thirdly, addressing the issue of drug abuse is paramount to preserving the security and welfare of both the government and the people. Through proactive measures and community engagement, I am committed to cultivating a drug-free environment in Visakhapatnam. Furthermore, combating port pollution is imperative for environmental sustainability. I pledge to deploy innovative technologies to control and mitigate port pollution while championing initiatives for a cleaner and greener Visakhapatnam. In addition, I recognise the pressing need to address the untreated water being discharged into the sea across various locations. My plan involves implementing comprehensive water treatment measures to ensure that all wastewater released into the sea undergoes proper treatment, thereby safeguarding marine ecosystems and public health. Moreover, the completion of the Polavaram project holds significant promise for Visakhapatnams water needs. Once completed, I aim to facilitate the distribution of Godavari water to Visakhapatnam for drinking, irrigation and industrial purposes, thereby bolstering water security and supporting sustainable development. Lastly, to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance transportation infrastructure, I will prioritise the construction of flyovers, underpasses and foot overbridges at strategic locations between Anandapuram and Aganampudi. Additionally, I will spearhead the construction of a four-lane road connecting Pendurthi to Araku, facilitating smoother travel and fostering regional connectivity and development. What is your stance on the YSRCs proposal to set up three capitals? If it costs more to build Amaravati as capital and less for Visakhapatnam, then stop Amaravati from being the capital altogether. Let the YSRC make their evil intentions clear. We all know they want to kill Amaravati, so let them say it openly. If they dont have enough money to build one capital, how will they manage to build three? Do you intend to seek advice from experts before implementing projects on the beachfront or in ecologically sensitive areas? Yes, seeking advice from experts is essential in project planning. However, its not just about consulting experts; its also about considering various priorities, including political ones. As a leader, I believe in listening to all perspectives, weighing different possibilities, and taking peoples interests into account. While consulting experts is crucial, it doesnt mean blindly following their recommendations. Ultimately, decisions should be made with careful consideration of all the factors involved. How your party plan to address the substantial State debt while continuing to focus on development and welfare schemes? It is crucial to seek support from the Centre, which is why we allied with the BJP. Given the budget shortfall, we require the Central assistance for various projects, particularly completing the Polavaram Irrigation Project, and enhancing industrial infrastructure. Establishing stability and a positive reputation for the State is vital to attract investors, assuring them of our commitment to support their investments.

First roads, then votes: Tribals in Visakhapatnam protest by travelling on horses

First roads, then votes: Tribals in Visakhapatnam protest by travelling on horses The tribals of Madrebu village of Anantgiri Mandal in Visakhapatnam district staged a protest by travelling on horses through the forests to demand road facilities to their villages on Sunday. The protesters warned that they would boycott voting on May 13 unless the government addresses their transportation needs. It is alleged that the figures show that crores of funds have been spent for the Adivasis, but the development works are not seen in reality. Govind Raju who is the tribal association leader, said, For us, horses are cargo buses to transport agricultural produce to local markets for sale. Additionally, we use horses as ambulances to take patients or full-term pregnant women to health centres. Raju also alleged that there is no change in the lives of tribals, no matter how many governments change and added, They depend on the forest to survive and are facing many problems with lack of minimal infrastructure. There is no road to go to the hospital in an emergency. The tribal leader also complained about the medical facilities and said, There is no medical facility nearby. To go to the hospital, one has to cross streams and bends or carry a dolly. In this case, many pregnant women have given birth in the forest... At a time when the general elections are approaching in Andhra Pradesh, the tribals of Alluri district have launched an innovative protest. Earlier, Former MP Botsa Jhansi Lakshmi, who is contesting the Lok Sabha elections on the YSRCP ticket from Visakhapatnam on May 4 had asserted that Vizag (Visakhapatnam) is a well-developed city with advantageous geographical positioning and robust connectivity, drawing the attention of global investors. It is rapidly growing, and ranked as the ninth richest city in the country for contributing a significant USD 43.5 billion to the GDP, the former MP said that the city is set to emerge as a vital financial growth engine for the state. She further said that the advancement of North Andhra depends upon the development of Vizag. 'Vision Visakhapatnam' is our vision document that will redefine the history of Visakhapatnam. The city is endowed with a wealth of geographical elements poised for transformation. Vizag is the place for pristine beaches, extensive railway connectivity, and air connectivity with an international airport. Connecting with multiple states, Vizag has good road connectivity, which can help in transforming Vizag into a tier 1 city. Under the leadership of CM YS Jagan, revolutionary strides have been made in education and healthcare, she had said. She also claimed that the Andhra Government's initiatives, such as Amma vodi, Asara, Cheyuta, Pension Kanuka, Rythu Bharosa, and Vahana Mitra, have been instrumental in uplifting the underprivileged. Notably, Andhra Pradesh has 25 Lok Sabha seats and the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh will be simultaneously held on May 13. In the 2019 Assembly elections, the YSRCP won with a thumping majority of 151 seats, while the TDP was confined to 23 seats. In the Lok Sabha polls, the YSRCP won 22 seats, while the TDP could only win three seats. (ANI)

Karnataka: Saddam Hussein raped a Dalit girl and made her pregnant, then stabbed an inspector and a constable

Bangalore: A man named Saddam Hussain has been arrested for raping a Dalit minor girl in Hubli Navanagar, Dharwad, Karnataka. A case is being prosecuted against him under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act) Act. On Friday (May 3, 2024), he attacked two policemen with a knife in Sutagatti area and tried to escape from police custody. Under compulsion, the police also had to open fire, which hit his leg. 19-year-old Saddam Hussain is accused of not only raping a Dalit minor girl studying in his own class, but also made her pregnant. He then injured Dharwad Vidyagiri police inspector Sangamesh Bidiginal while trying to escape from the custody of Nawanagar police. Apart from him, he also attacked another constable. As soon as he swung the knife, the police fired one shot in the air and one towards his leg. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Rajiv M gave this information. While Saddam Hussain is undergoing treatment at KIMS Hospital, both the injured policemen have been admitted to the Civil Hospital. Saddam Hussein first gained the trust of the victim by befriending her by proxy, and then forcibly established sexual relations with her. He had also threatened the girl. He was arrested within 1 hour. A case is also being registered against him under SC/ST Act. Police Commissioner Renuka Sukumar said that the police opened fire in self-defense. The condition of the injured is stable. Police had received information from the hospital that the minor girl was pregnant, after investigation an FIR was registered and the accused was identified. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu said that as soon as Dharwad Police got information about the incident, they took immediate action. He said that the police has done the right thing, in that situation what Saddam Hussein did is a crime and he will face consequences as per the law. India Highlights Global Security Challenge of Online Radicalisation at Interpol Conference Triple Talaq Incident on Moving Train Shocks Jhansi Passengers: Man Flees After Divorcing Wife You will become poor as soon as you fall prey to parcel scam, how does the money disappear?

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.

Three capitals concept to ensure equal development in all regions: YSRCs Botsa Jhansi Lakshmi

Vizag is rapidly growing, and ranked as the ninth richest city in the country for contributing a significant $43.5 billion to the GDP, the former MP said

Station Master Falls Asleep on Duty; Patna-Kota Express Delayed

New Delhi: The, waited for a green signal for about half an hour at Udi Mor Road station near Etawah in Uttar Pradesh on May 3 as the station master fell asleep on duty.Taking serious note of the incident, the Agra Division, under which the station falls, has asked the station master to explain the reason for negligence which could have resulted in an untoward incident. We have issued a charge sheet to the station master and disciplinary action is being taken, Agra Railway Division PRO Prashasti Srivastava told PTI. Railway officials said the Udi Mor Road station is a small but important station before Etawah as trains going towards Prayagraj from Agra as well as Jhansi pass from this station. According to sources, the loco pilot of the train had to blow the horn multiple times to wake up the station master and make him turn on the green signal for the train to pass. The station master has admitted his mistake and apologised for the lapse. He said that he was alone at the station as the pointsman who was on duty with him had gone for track inspection, a source said. Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Tej Prakash Agrawal has taken serious note of the incident as his focus is on improving punctuality. He has been insisting on and encouraging employees to improve punctuality which has resulted in achieving 90 per cent punctuality recently. However, dereliction of duty on the part of the station master has not only ruined others' hard work and dedication but also posed grave risk to train operations, the source said.

Its Jhansi vs Sribharat in high-profile Visakhapatnam

Its Jhansi vs Sribharat in high-profile Visakhapatnam Visakhapatnam: A direct close fight is on the cards between two highly-educated leaders from prominent political families in the high-profile Visakhapatnam constituency. Botcha Jhansi Lakshmi of the ruling YSR Congress Party (YRSCP) will take on Sribharat Mathukumilli of the TDP who finished runner-up with the loss by [] The post Its Jhansi vs Sribharat in high-profile Visakhapatnam appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

LS polls: Jhansi vs Sribharat in high-profile Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: A direct close fight is on the cards between two highly-educated leaders from prominent political families in the high-profile Visakhapatnam constituency. Botcha Jhansi Lakshmi of the ruling YSR Congress Party (YRSCP) will take on Sribharat Mathukumilli of the TDP who finished runner-up with the loss by a narrow margin in 2019. Jhansi is the 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 .

Triple Talaq Incident on Moving Train Shocks Jhansi Passengers: Man Flees After Divorcing Wife

Jhansi: A shocking incident occurred on April 29 when Mohammad Arshad, 28, gave triple talaq to his wife, Afsana, 26, on a moving train near Jhansi Junction and then fled the scene.As the train reached Jhansi station, Arshad pronounced triple talaq to his wife, beat her, and then got off the train. Stunned by the sudden turn of events, Afsana contacted the Government Railway Police, who sent her back to Pukhrayan in Kanpur Dehat, her initial boarding point for Bhopal that day. Following the incident, an FIR was lodged, and a search was initiated for the accused.Arshad, a computer engineer working with a private firm in Bhopal, had married Afsana, a graduate from Kota, Rajasthan, on January 12 this year. Their marriage was arranged through a matrimonial advertisement. During a visit to Arshad's ancestral home in Pukhrayan last week, Afsana was shocked to discover that Arshad was already married. When she confronted him, he and his mother began harassing her for dowry, as per the complaint.This harassment continued until Arshad abruptly pronounced triple talaq and then abandoned Afsana on the train.Afsana has since appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for help and urged action against those who divorce women and abandon them. Based on Afsana's complaint, a case has been registered against her husband Arshad, his maternal uncle Aqeel, father Nafeesul Hasan, and mother Parveen. Circle Officer (CO) Priya Singh assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken. PM Modi Vows Justice for Victims of the West Bengal Teacher Recruitment Scam New Rape and Kidnapping Cases Filed Against JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna and HD Revanna in Sex Tapes Scandal Tragic Accident: Student Run Over by Train While Filming Instagram Reel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mega Campaigning in Ayodhya: All You Need to Know

Ayodhya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on May 5 (Sunday) as part of his campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, party sources revealed on Friday.During his visit, PM Modi is expected to offer prayers at Ayodhya's Ram Temple and conduct a roadshow in support of BJP candidate Lallu Singh in the Faizabad Lok Sabha constituency. According to party sources, PM Modi will arrive in Etawah around 3 p.m. on May 5, and then proceed to the Dhaurahra Lok Sabha constituency at approximately 5 p.m. The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya at around 7 p.m.During his visit, PM Modi will lead a nearly 2-kilometer-long roadshow in Ayodhya, added the sources.Ayodhya is scheduled to vote in the fifth phase on May 20. The Lok Sabha elections are being conducted in seven phases until June 1, with the counting of votes set for June 4. The holy city is preparing to give a grand reception to the Prime Minister. This will be PM Modi's second roadshow in Ayodhya in the last five months.Earlier, PM Modi held a grand roadshow during the inauguration of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport on December 30, 2023.Polling in Uttar Pradesh, with the most number of seats in the Lok Sabha, is being held in all seven phases of the parliamentary elections. Uttar Pradesh has 80 seats, and voting in 16 seats has already been completed in the first two phases. In the 2019 general elections, the BJP emerged triumphant, securing 62 out of 80 seats in Uttar Pradesh, supplemented by two seats clinched by its ally Apna Dal (S). Mayawati's BSP managed to secure 10 seats, while Akhilesh Yadav's SP garnered five. Conversely, the Congress party secured only one seat. Triple Talaq Incident on Moving Train Shocks Jhansi Passengers: Man Flees After Divorcing Wife West Bengal Police Neutralises 22 Crude Bombs During Lok Sabha Elections PM Modi Vows Justice for Victims of the West Bengal Teacher Recruitment Scam

BJP's Post-Election Strategy: Focus Shifts to West Bengal

Agartala: Th e elections in Tripura have concluded, and the ruling BJP is optimistic about winning both seats. The recent alliance with 'Tripra Motha', led by royal scion Pradyot Manikya Deb Barman, has strengthened BJP's prospects, particularly in the Tripura East constituency, where another royal scion, Kriti Singh, is the BJP candidate. Now, the focus shifts to West Bengal, where the BJP aims to replicate its success in Tripura. With cultural and linguistic similarities between Tripura and West Bengal, the BJP sees an opportunity to present its governance and development model as a blueprint for West Bengal. The party is confident that the leaders from Tripura can have a significant impact on the remaining phases of elections in West Bengal. In contrast, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), which contested in the Tripura assembly elections in 2023, faced rejection by the people of the northeastern state. Around 30 leaders, including Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, are gearing up to lead the BJP's campaign in West Bengal for the Lok Sabha elections. Joining them are other MLAs and ministers from Tripura, all set to rally support for the BJP in the neighboring state. BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharya highlighted the historic voter turnout witnessed in Tripura during the recent Lok Sabha elections, setting a significant precedent nationwide. Expressing confidence in a resounding victory for the BJP in Tripura, Bhattacharya outlined the partys strategic deployment of 30 Vistaraks, comprising state leaders, ministers, and MLAs, to West Bengal. He affirmed their collective mission to reinforce the partys presence and secure victory in the region. Bhattacharya emphasized the similarities between the prolonged rule of the CPIM in West Bengal and the current Trinamool Congress administration, noting a prevailing sense of fear among the populace. He lamented the decline of the industrial sector and the hindrance of centrally sponsored schemes under the current regime, citing distress among the people. Conversely, he praised Prime Minister Modis proactive efforts in implementing welfare schemes, which the BJP aims to showcase in West Bengal. We will shed light on PM Modis unwavering commitment to the peoples welfare through various schemes, Bhattacharya affirmed, echoing the partys optimism for victory in West Bengal. He identified violence as a primary concern in the state, signaling the BJPs intent to address and mitigate such issues. As the BJP mobilizes its leadership from Tripura to bolster its campaign efforts in West Bengal, all eyes are set on the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, poised to shape the political landscape of the region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mega Campaigning in Ayodhya: All You Need to Know Triple Talaq Incident on Moving Train Shocks Jhansi Passengers: Man Flees After Divorcing Wife PM Modi Vows Justice for Victims of the West Bengal Teacher Recruitment Scam

Modi Government's Stance on SC/ST Reservations Praised by Dalit Leader

Kochi: Advocate K A Balan, a prominent Dalit leader and Union Government Counsel at the Kerala High Court, praised the Modi Government's role in protecting the interests of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance, which he believes accurately addresses the issue. Balan highlighted the Modi Government's opposition to the Congress Party's policy of appeasing minorities, particularly in extending SC/ST reservations to individuals who converted to Christianity and Islam. He pointed out that successive governments, from Jawaharlal Nehru to Rajiv Gandhi, resisted extending SC/ST reservations to converted Christians and Muslims. However, during Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao's tenure, a bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha to address this issue. Unfortunately, it was not presented due to technical reasons. Despite this, the issue persisted until the Modi Government came into power in 2014. The Modi Government rejected the recommendations of the Justice Ranganath Mishra Commission, which suggested extending reservations to individuals from minority religions. Instead, it established a new three-member judicial commission led by Justice K G Balakrishnan to reevaluate the matter. Balan highlighted ongoing legal proceedings, with various religious organizations moving the Supreme Court to implement the Ranganath Mishra Commission report. Expressing his concern, Balan warned that if the Modi Government did not return to power in 2024, SC/ST reservations might be extended to Christians and Muslims. He called on SC/ST communities to support the BJP and NDA to prevent this outcome. He also emphasized the need for Hindu unity, transcending political affiliations, to safeguard the future of SC/ST reservations. BJP's Post-Election Strategy: Focus Shifts to West Bengal Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mega Campaigning in Ayodhya: All You Need to Know Triple Talaq Incident on Moving Train Shocks Jhansi Passengers: Man Flees After Divorcing Wife

Man Gives Triple Talaq To Wife In Moving Train, Flees After Beating Her

The incident occurred just before the Jhansi Junction on April 29 when the man was travelling with his wife in the train

Bhopal Man Gives Triple Talaq To Wife On Moving Train, Flees: Cops

The incident occurred just before the Jhansi Junction on April 29 when Mohammad Arshad, 28, was travelling with his wife Afsana, 26.

Uma Bharti Comes Out Of Hiatus, Campaigns For Scindia In Guna

Senior BJP leader and former chief minister Uma Bharti on Wednesday joined her partys campaign for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh after a four-month break from politics by canvassing for Union minister Jyotiradiya Scindia in Guna LS constituency in the state. Ms Bharti addressed two public meetings along with Mr Scindia in Pichhore and Shivpuri, falling under Guna LS seat, and joined him at a road show held in Shivpuri later in the evening. This is the first time; Ms Bharti took part in the campaign of BJP for the ongoing LS elections. She had taken a break from politics and was on a spiritual tour to the Himalayas for the last three months, Raviraj Singh, a close aide of Ms Bharti told this newspaper. She had not campaigned for the party in the first and second phase of LS elections in the state. Ms Bharti had maintained low profile in the November, 2023 Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh by virtually keeping herself aloof from partys electioneering. The party leadership had evinced little interest when Ms Bharti had offered to campaign for the BJP in the last Assembly elections in the state. The firebrand saffron leader had appealed to the BJP national president J P Nadda ahead of the general elections not to consider her candidature for the LS polls before going on her spiritual tour to Himalayas. Ms Bharti had also not contested in the 2019 LS polls citing her health condition. She had won the polls from Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh in 2014 LS polls. Sources said that Ms Bharti was roped in by Mr Scindia to campaign in Shivpuri and Pichhore because the two Assembly constituencies have sizeable population of Lodhi community to which Ms Bharti belonged to. Ms Bharti also enjoys good relations with the Gwalior royal family of Scindia. She had heartily welcomed Mr Scindia when the latter crossed over to BJP after snapping two-decade-old ties with Congress in March 2020. Mr Scindia is seeking election from Guna LS constituency, considered the family bastion of the erstwhile Gwalior royal family. He had suffered a shock defeat at the hand of K P Yadav of BJP in the 2019 LS polls. Mr Scindia had then contested from the seat as a Congress candidate. BJP dropped the sitting MP in Guna Mr Yadav and replaced him with Mr Scindia in the seat in this poll. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has earlier released a letter describing him as witness to the developments undertaken by Mr Scindia.

Tollywood Fans Turn Campaigners in AP Elections

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

Women train drivers raise safety concern as Jhansi division asks them to do night shift

NEW DELHI, April 23: More than 100 women train drivers have raised concern for their safety and highlighted lack of facilities after the Jhansi Rail Division recently issued an order directing them to do all work shifts on a par with male drivers. Before this direction, female drivers were assigned train duty in such a []

Andhra Pradesh: YSRCP candidate Botsa Jhansi Lakshmi files nomination from Vizag for 2024 Lok Sabha elections

The News Mill

Crorepati candidates galore in Telugu states

Hyderabad: The Telugu states are seeing a surge in crorepati candidates vying to contest as MPs in both states and MLAs in the AP state polls. The richest candidate among them, so far, is Chevella BJP Lok Sabha candidate Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, who declared worth Rs 4,566 crore approximately. According to his election affidavit, Vishweshwar Reddy's wife K. Sangita Reddy is richer than him. Incidentally, some candidates who filed their affidavits on Monday declared assets of less than Rs 3 crore. Vishweshwar Reddy did bachelor's in electrical engineering from University of Madras, at Guindy in Chennai and MS Electrical Engineering from NJIT, New Jersey, US. According to an affidavit submitted to the returning officer (RO) on Monday, Vishweshwar Reddy listed Rs 1,178.72 crore properties, and those of Sangita Reddy at Rs 3,203.90 crore. Their son K. Viraj Madhav Reddy has assets worth Rs 107 crore, the affidavit said. Vishweshwar Reddy also has liabilities worth Rs 12.06 crore. In Andhra Pradesh, Narayana Ponguru, a Telugu Desam candidate from Nellore, declared properties worth Rs 806 crore. While Narayana listed assets worth Rs 214 crore, he said his wife Ramadevi Ponguru had assets worth Rs 592 crore. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy filed nominations from Pulivendula of Kadapa district and listed properties of Rs 700 crore. While his properties are worth Rs 535 crore, his wife Bharathi Reddy possesses assets worth Rs 165 crore according to the affidavit. YSRC Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha candidate Botsa Jhansi Laksmi said she owned assets of Rs 22 crore, Rs 11 crore for herself and her husband Botsa Satyanarayana. Malkajgiri Congress Lok Sabha candidate Patnam Suneetha Reddy declared properties worth Rs 2 crore in her election affidavit. She has liabilities a Rs 2.50 crore. Suneetha Reddy said she had passed Class 10 in 1990. Warangal Congress party Lok Sabha candidate Dr Kadiam Kavya, completed her MD (Pathology) from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, in 2013. Dr Kavya declared assets worth Rs 2.47 crore.

All eyes on high-profile Vizag Lok Sabha seat as heavyweights enter election fray

The constituency is considered prestigious, as Vizag, the States biggest city, has all the trappings to become a mega-metropolis in the near future; YSRCP fields Botcha Jhansi Lakshmi, wife of Minister Botcha Satyanarayana, and the three-party alliance rallies behind TDPs Sribharat

Son of Jhansi government school teacher bags Rank 12 in UPSC exams

Son of Jhansi government school teacher bags Rank in UPSC exams

UP BEd JEE 2024 Registration Deadline Pushed to April 30, Apply Now

The Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, has extended the registration deadline for the Uttar Pradesh Bachelor of Education Joint Entrance Examination (UP BEd JEE) 2024 until April 30. This extension provides eligible candidates with another opportunity to apply for this prestigious examination. Read on to learn more about the eligibility criteria, application process, and important dates for UP BEd JEE 2024.

Leaders Choose Beaches as Election Campaign Spots

Go nude, or go home. Nude beaches cater to those who want to vacation sans clothing. Black beach in California, USA also lets you scuba dive in your birthday suit. (Photo Credit: Tony Webster/Flickr) Visakhapatnam: Beaches have emerged as being among the favourite hang-out points for campaigns by political leaders and candidates in the region -- mainly in the early morning hours. With less than a month left for the voting, leaders such as Botsa Jhansi, Velagapudi Rama Krishna, Vishnu Kumar Raju, KK Raju and MVV Satyanarayana have strategically positioned themselves on various beaches at sunrise time to woo voters. The summer heat builds up later in the day, before which candidates are trying to meet as many voters as possible. Many beachgoers are, however, irritated over the sudden invasion to their privacy, as Bala Raju, an IT employee residing near the beach, put it. Local vendors such as Mangamma, selling sweet corn and Ragi millets, are enthused. The descent of politicians with their aides in the early morning hours helped have a boost in her business. The increase in footfalls attracted by the political forays have also had a positive impact on tea sellers and vendors offering refreshments along the beachfront. One of them, Kanaka Raju, said there has been a significant increase in sales these days. Visakhapatnam LS candidate Botsa Jhansi of the YSRC held did campaign at the beachfront, engaging merrily with morning walkers and local traders. Jhansi said she was keen on the development of Visakhapatnam and enhancing the facilities for beachgoers. During her interactions with voters, Jhansi discussed government schemes, youth empowerment and welfare programmes, garnering support from residents and party members.

Extended Deadline for Uttar Pradesh B.Ed Admissions 2024-2026: Apply Online Now!

Bundelkhand University Jhansi has announced the Uttar Pradesh Joint Entrance Examination for B.Ed 2024, inviting aspiring educators to apply for admission to B.Ed courses across state universities in Uttar Pradesh. Here's all you need to know to seize this opportunity and embark on your journey towards becoming a certified teacher.

More Women Candidates Entering Poll Fray

Visakhapatnam: Women have been making faster strides in the states political landscape by occupying several prominent positions. The ruling YSRC, which took the lead in promoting and encouraging women in politics, offered women as many as 24 seats for contest this time. The 3-party alliance of TD, BJP and Jana Sena offered women 18 constituencies. Minister RK Roja, an actress-turned politician, leads the YSRC pack. Some 19 YSRC women are contesting for the assembly and five for the Lok Sabha. Botsa Jhansi Lakshmi, Cheti Tanuja Rani, Guduri Uma Bala, Joladarasi Santha are named for the LS fray. Reddy Shaanti, Piriya Vijaya, Nagulapalli Dhanalakshmi, Pamula Pushpasreevani, Viswasarayi Kalavathi, Vanga Geetha, Taneti Vanita, Tellam Rajyalakshmi, Mekathoti Sucharitha, Vidala Rajini, Murugudu Lavanya, Shaik Noori Fatima, Kalathur Krupalakshmi, RK Roja, Dasari Sudha, Butta Renuka, Kanagati Sreedevi, and KV Ushashri Charan are being fielded for the assembly seats. The TD-Jana Sena-BJP alliance has fielded 18 women candidates. They are Kothapalli Geeta, Dagupati Purandeswari, Joyakka Jagadeshwari, Gummadi Sandhya Rani, Vangalapudi Anita, Yanamala Divya, Tangirala Sowmya, Nelavela Vijaysree, Akhila Priya Reddy, Bandaru Sravani Sree, and Sunitha, Lokam Madhavi Reddy, Bhuma Akhila Priya Reddy, Gouru Chartiha Reddy, Savitha, Kurugondala Lakshmi Priya, Geetha Jayasuriya, Sindhura Reddy and Yashoda Devi. In the 2019 elections, 15 women from the TD, 12 from the YSRC and 8 from Jana Sena were in the fray. Out of these, YSRC's Nagulapalli Dhanalakshmi, Taneti Vanita, Vidala Rajini, Vundavall Sridevi, R K Roja, Pamula Pushpa Sreevani, Jonnalagadda Padmavathy, Sucharitha Mekathoti, K Sreedevi and Otaggulli Bhagya Lakshmi from the YSRC won the polls. From the TD, M Suguna and Adireddy Bhavani won their seats. However, the number of women MLAs has decreased in recent years. The rate of victory for women in the 2019 elections was 6 per cent, down from 10 per cent in 2014. Notably, the ruling YSRC has not fielded a single woman candidate in Nellore district for the assembly elections this time. The Telugu Desam gave tickets to three women in the district. TD candidates Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy (Kovur), Kurukondla Lakshmi Priya (Venkatagiri) and Nelavala Vijayasree (Sullurupeta) are new to electoral politics, but are hailing from families with a political legacy. Prashanthi Reddy is a homemaker, Lakshmi Priya an entrepreneur and Vijayasree a medical professional. Despite the increased representation, the fall in ratio of women winning elections remains a concern. The 2024 elections will be a test of whether this trend will change or not.

Mastermind in UP police recruitment paper leak case arrested from Jewar

LUCKNOW: In a major breakthrough, the Special Task Force (STF) of UP Police nabbed Ravi Atri, 38, the mastermind of the police constable recruitment paper leak, on Wednesday. He was arrested from Jewar in Gautam Budhh Nagar. A native of Gautam Budh Nagar and based in Delhi before going underground following a probe into the police recruitment paper leak, Atri happens to be the 401st accused arrested so far in connection with the paper leak racket. UP Police Recruitment Board had held an examination to recruit 60,000 constables on February 17 and 18 where over 48 lakh candidates had appeared. Later, the government cancelled the tests and ordered re-examination following the paper leak. While the re-examination will be done in next 6 months, a manhunt was launched for those behind the fiasco. Atri was on the run ever since. An intensive investigation unfolded across various states including Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana and districts of UP including Varanasi, Jhansi, Agra, Kanpur, Bareilly, Ghaziabad, Prayagraj, Meerut, Gorakhpur, Hathras, Noida, and Ballia. A total of 12 cases have been registered in connection with the scandal. Additional DG, law and order, Amitabh Yash, said that efforts of STF Field Unit Meerut tracked Atri and arrested him. During interrogation, Atri said that after passing the Intermediate examination from Shriram Inter College, Thora, Gautam Budh Nagar, in 2006, the accused went to Allen Coaching Centre, Kota, Rajasthan for medical preparation where he came in contact with the examination mafia in 2007. He then started appearing as a solver in various competitive examinations. After passing the HPMT examination in the year 2012, he got admission in PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana and passed the third year in 2018 but did not appear in the fourth-year examination. Prior to it, he was nabbed by Daryaganj Crime Branch, Delhi in the paper leak case of NEET PG exam in the year 2012 and went to jail. He was also incarcerated the same year after Shahbad Dairy police station, Delhi arrested him for getting the paper of SBI exam out. In 2015, the AIPMT paper was out. The STF said that now Delhi police constable Vikram Pahal, Goldy, Guniya, Dawood, Neetu, Monu Dhakla, Anurag and Ankit Mishra were wanted in connection with the case. Held for getting paper of SBI exam out Prior to it, he was nabbed by Daryaganj Crime Branch, Delhi in the paper leak case of NEET PG exam in the year 2012 and went to jail. He was also incarcerated the same year after Shahbad Dairy police station, Delhi arrested him for getting the paper of SBI exam out.

UP BEd JEE 2024: Revised Dates Announced; Check the Updated Schedule Here

The Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, has made significant revisions to the schedule for the UP BEd Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) 2024. This decision, communicated through the official website of UP BEd JEE 2024 - bujhansi.ac.in, aims to accommodate the upcoming Indian General Elections 2024,

YSRC will oppose steel plant privatization: YV

Visakhapatnam: Regional coordinator for YSRC, YV Subba Reddy, has said his government would stand by its word and continue to oppose privatisation of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Addressing an election meeting held in Gajuwaka on Sunday, YV Subba Reddy noted that the chief minister told Narendra Modi during his visit to Visakhapatnam and in the presence of thousands of people that AP would not compromise on the privatization of the steel plant. The chief minister promised the PM that the state government would cooperate in procurement of raw material to reduce the steel plants capital costs, Subba Reddy said. He said the state government would protect not only the steel plant but all the public sector units in Visakhapatnam. Subba Reddy asked the people to question the Jana Sena and TD leaders on their stands on privatisation. The BJP is already committed to privatizing the steel plant. These two parties joined the BJP. These two parties have no public interest. They allied to protect their self interests, Subba Reddy said. Appealing to the people to support Gajuwaka assembly candidate Gudivada Amarnath, Subba Reddy said an amount of `1,800 crore was spent on social welfare schemes in the constituency during the last five years. Visakhapatnam MP candidate Botsa Jhansi Lakshmi said the YSRC government and the people would not give up the sentiment of Visakha Ukku Andhrula Hakku. She pointed out that the AP assembly passed a resolution against privatization of VSP. She said the TD-Jana Sena-BJP alliance would do more harm to Visakhapatnam than good. Minister and Gajuwaka assembly candidate Gudivada Amarnath said the YSRC government gave 25,000 house site pattas to the residents of Gajuwaka. District president of YSRC Kola Guruvulu, sitting MLA Tippala Nagi Reddy and a large number of local leaders were present. Later YV Subba Reddy, MP candidate Botsa Jhansi Lakshmi and other leaders attended the Iftaar party hosted by Visakhapatnam North assembly candidate KK Raju.

Will leave no stone unturned to protect VSP, assures YSRCP MP candidate Botcha Jhansi

Jhansi Lakshmi said that it was the YSRCP which responded immediately following the VSP privatisation proposal and asked the centre not to privatise it.

Nomination of SP's Khajuraho candidate rejected; Akhilesh calls it murder of democracy

Nomination of SP's Khajuraho candidate rejected; Akhilesh calls it murder of democracy In a jolt to the opposition's INDIA bloc in Madhya Pradesh, nomination of the Samajwadi Party's (SP) candidate from Khajuraho Lok Sabha constituency, Meera Yadav, was on Friday rejected by the returning officer. The development left the SP fuming with its chief Akhilesh Yadav terming it a ''blatant murder'' of democracy and demanding judicial probe. Meera Yadav would challenge the rejection in the High Court, her husband Deep Narayan Yadav said. Congress, the main opposition party in the BJP-ruled state, had left the Khajuraho seat for SP as per the seat-sharing arrangement within the INDIA bloc. Polling will be held for the seat in the second phase, on April 26. The Panna district collector, who is also the election returning officer, rejected Meera Yadav's nomination as she had not signed the `B form' and also failed to attach a certified copy of the 2023 Assembly elections voters' list, a senior official said. The BJP has fielded its state unit president and sitting MP Vishnu Dutt Sharma who is seeking a second term from Khajuraho. Yadav's husband Deep Narayan told reporters that they would move the high court against the returning officer's order. ''The form was verified yesterday after scrutiny. There is a rule that if there is any discrepancy, it is the duty of the returning officer to get it rectified even if the candidate is illiterate,'' he said. ''Yesterday, the form was found to be alright. Today, two shortcomings were pointed out. First, the voters' list attached with the form is not certified or it is old. Signature was supposed to be made at two places, but it was made only in one place,'' he added. Yadav also claimed that they did not get a certified copy of voters' list till April 3, and hence attached a copy that was available. ''We requested him (collector) that we still had time as we had come before (the deadline of) 3 pm, and it could be rectified. He should have told us yesterday about it and we could have done it by now,'' Yadav added. To a question, he said there were 15 other candidates in the fray, and ''we will support one of them after consulting our senior leaders.'' The election will be contested under any circumstances, he added. Taking to X , SP chief Akhilesh Yadav tweeted,|'' The rejection of INDIA bloc's SP candidate from Khajuraho seat was a blatant murder of democracy. ''It is being said that it (nomination form) was not signed. Why the officer looking after |(such things) accepted the form. This is all just excuses and frustration of the defeated BJP,'' he stated. There should be a judicial probe as the rejection of a candidate's nomination is a crime in democracy, Yadav wrote. Notably, the SP had announced on March 30 that Manoj Yadav, who belongs to Shikohabad in Uttar Pradesh, would be given ticket from Khajuraho. But two days later, it replaced him with Meera Yadav, a local face, to take on V D Sharma who had won Khajuraho seat by more than 4.5 lakh votes in 2019. Meera Yadav had won from Niwari assembly seat, part of Khajuraho Lok Sabha constituency, as SP candidate in 2008. Her husband Deep Narayan was the SP MLA in 2007 and 2012 from Garautha in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, which shares a border with MP's Niwari district. He has also been the SP's Madhya Pradesh unit chief. The BJP has been winning the Khajuraho seat since 2004.

YSRC MP, MLA Seek Voter Support in Vizag

Visakhapatnam : YSRC Visakhapatnam MP and MLA candidates Botsa Jhansi and MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar have appealed for public support in the upcoming elections. During a roadshow campaign event in the 34th ward in Achimmapeta on Wednesday, Ganesh Kumar encouraged voters to press the fan symbol, for both MP and MLA positions. The campaign, led by 34th ward corporator Thota Padmavathi and attended by the city mayor, Golagani Hari Venkat Kumari, was aimed at impressing voters and demonstrating the YSRCs commitment to addressing their concerns. Botsa Jhansi expressed gratitude for the people's faith in the YSRC government, stating that their support motivates her to work even harder. While, Ganesh Kumar assured further advancements in the old town under Jagan Mohan Reddy's leadership. He outlined his vision for the 34th ward, which included road widening works, drainage, and the construction of a new hospital, marriage halls, and social buildings, all while continuing Jagan Mohan Reddy's welfare initiatives to directly aid people with lakhs of rupees to their accounts, without corruption.

Five dead, 3 critical in road accident in Madhya Pradesh's Chitrakoot

Tragic accidents in Madhya Pradesh: 5 dead, 3 critical in dumper-auto collision on Jhansi Mirzapur National Highway. Another incident injures 30 in bus overturn near Morena on National Highway 44.

How can I be called a non-local when I was brought up here, asks YSRCPs Visakhapatnam MP candidate Botcha Jhansi

Will spare no effort in developing Visakhapatnam, says the YSRCP leader who had served as a Lok Sabha MP twice in the past, representing Bobbili and Vizianagaram

Ganesh, Jhansi urge voters to re-elect YSRC

As part of their election campaign, they promised to allocate 10 acres of land for an alternative wholesale market, addressing the demands of the Convent Junction Wholesale Market traders

The Return of controversys child in Mandi

The girl from Bhambla in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh was always ambitious, and a little outspoken. She wanted to be in medical profession, but failed to clear the pre-medical test. The teenager was restless and reached Delhi to become a model, and then Mumbai to become an actor. And thus Kangana Ranaut was reborn, being increasingly seen as a rebellious rabble-rouser by her critics. Controversies have followed her on and off-screen as an element of devilment replenished her persona, year after year. It was director Anurag Basu who spotted Kangana and signed her for her first movie Gangster when she was 18 years old. She gave many hits such as Tanu Weds Manu, Manikarnika The Queen of Jhansi and Tejas. Finally, Kanganas full-throated Jai Shri Ram at the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya gave away that part of her life thats unfolding in Mandi. The BJP candidate has arrived back home, fully loaded and unforgiving. Her actions have followed the roles that she has played of two most powerful women politicians in the country: Thalaivii in 2021 showed her as J Jayalalithaa, and the yet-to-release Emergency where she is portraying the role of former prime minister Indira Gandhi. Like all other times, controversy again followed her: the latest was when Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate allegedly posted an offensive comment against her on social media which she later deleted. Kangana responded saying she was considering legal action. She said the remarks made against her were insulting for Mandi, its public and the lands hugely revered saints and seers. If a young man gets a party ticket, his ideology is attacked, and if a young woman gets a nomination, her sexuality is attacked. Any derogatory word about a woman, be it a teacher, actress, journalist, politician or a sex worker, is condemnable. The dignity of a woman should always be maintained, especially when Mandi is also known as Mini Kashi, she asserted. Kangana admires Swami Vivekananda who has instilled nationalism in her and Sadhguru who has inspired her to become a karmayogi. She supported CAA before joining the BJP. She calls herself a common party karyakarta and is an ardent Narendra Modi fan. Dont think Kangana is a heroine, that she is a star. Consider Kangana your sister, your daughter. Everyone is my family, she said as she hailed PM Modi with Jai Shri Ram and asserted that the BJPs main agenda is development. Her name had figured among the probable party candidates in the 2021 bypolls for Mandi parliamentary seat after BJP MP Ram Swaroop Sharma died. Kangana, 37, is known for taking on bigwigs of Bollywood. Lyricist Javed Akhtar filed a defamation case against her in the court of the metropolitan magistrate in Mumbai in November 2020. He said that Kangana dragged his name while referring to an existing coterie in Bollywood during a TV interview after the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. Actor Aditya Pancholi and his wife Zarina Wahab filed separate criminal defamation complaints against Kangana in an Andheri court in October 2017. Her strong views on farmers agitation landed her in the soup as Mahinder Kaur of Bathinda filed a defamation case against her in January 2021. Kaur alleged in an X post that Kangana compared her, when she was participating in the farmers protests on the Delhi-Haryana borders, with the Dadi at Delhis Shaheen Bagh. A case was registered against Kangana on November 23, 2021 at the Khar police station in Mumbai for allegedly portraying the Kisan Morcha as a Khalistani movement and calling the Sikh community Khalistani terrorists on the complaint of Amarjeet Singh Sandhu, a Mumbai-based businessman. The Himachal Pradesh BJP has posted the details of these cases on its X handle, @BJP4Himachal, in compliance with the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.

Mukhtar Ansari lived in constant fear in jail

Mukhtar Ansari lived in constant fear in jail At least four of gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari's close aides were killed in custody since 2018, making him fear for his own life. The five-time Mau MLA's son Umar Ansari had even filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court apprehending the ''assassination'' of his father in jail. The 63-year-old Mukhtar Ansari was brought to the Rani Durgavati Medical College in Banda from the district jail in ''an unconscious state'' on Thursday evening and died at the hospital following a cardiac arrest. The noose around Mukhtar Ansari, who had over 60 cases lodged against him, began tightening after the BJP government came to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017. A year after the change of government Ansari, the five-time MLA from Mau, got a blow when his close aide Prem Prakash Singh alias Munna Bajrangi was killed in Baghpat jail. Bajrangi was killed by another gangster Sunil Rathi on July 9, 2018, a day after he was brought to Baghpat jail from Jhansi jail. According to senior police officials, Mukhtar Ansari was jittery after the sensational murder and his lawyers began making efforts to get him shifted outside Uttar Pradesh. In January 2019, he was taken to Ropar Jail in Punjab in connection with an extortion case. Despite 23 reminders to the Punjab government, Mukhtar Ansari stayed in Ropar Jail for almost two years. The then Congress government in Punjab led by Capt Amarinder Singh kept avoiding his transfer from Ropar Jail citing his medical condition. Ansari was eventually brought back and sent to Banda Jail in April 2021 following the Supreme Court orders. Just weeks after Mukhtar Ansari returned, his two aides Merajuddin and Mukeem Kala were shot dead by another gangster inside Chitrakoot jail. Anshu Dixit, the gangster who killed the duo, was also gunned down by the police. In June last year, gangster Sanjeev Maheshwari alias Jeeva, another aide of Mukhtar Ansari, was shot dead by an assailant inside the court premises in Lucknow in broad daylight. Maheshwari had 26 cases lodged against him, including the murder of BJP lawmaker Brahm Dutt Dwivedi. Along with Munna Bajrangi, Jeeva was also a co-accused with Mukhtar Ansari in the murder of sitting BJP MLA Krishnanad Rai. The murders of Jeeva and Munna Bajrangi were also mentioned in the writ petition filed by Umar Ansari in the Supreme Court in December last year. Apprehending that the state government was planning to ''assassinate'' his father in Banda jail, Umar Ansari had appealed to transfer Mukhtar Ansari to a jail outside the state. In response to the writ petition, the Uttar Pradesh government on December 15 assured the apex court that ''necessary augmentation of security as needed will be made'' to ensure that no harm is done to Mukhtar Ansari while in custody. While his aides were being killed the state government kept the heat on Mukhtar Ansari. According to information provided by the police headquarters, the police took action against 292 people linked to Mukhtar Ansari. Several of these associates were booked under the Gangsters Act while 186 were arrested, till December 2023. The state government also attached properties worth crores linked to Mukhtar Ansari or his aides across the state and broke the financial backing that supported his criminal empire, senior officials said.

One-Day Trip: Explore these wonderful places located around Gwalior in a one-day trip

One-day trip near Gwalior: Almost everyone likes to travel. Whenever someone gets 3-4 days, he goes out to visit some place or the other. Travelling for 3-4 days is a different kind of fun, but for those who do not have much time, their dream of travelling remains only a dream. In such a situation, if you live in Gwalior and around Gwalior, then your dream of travelling can be fulfilled. In this article, we are going to tell you about some wonderful places around Gwalior, that you can visit one day to turn your dream of travelling into reality. Shivpuri Shivpuri is one of the few places in Madhya Pradesh where not only Indians but also foreign tourists come to visit. Yes, Shivpuri is a beautiful hill station in Madhya Pradesh. If you like to visit a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of Gwalior, then you should reach Shivpuri. This is no less than a beautiful paradise for nature lovers. Here you can come to spend quality time with family, friends or partner. Distance-The distance from Gwalior to Shivpuri is about 115 km. Orchha If you want to explore any historical place on a day trip from Gwalior, then you should reach Orchha. Situated on the banks of Betwa River, this city is also called the royal city of Madhya Pradesh. In Orchha, you can explore many famous sites like Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Ram Raja Temple, Raj Mahal and Chaturbhuj Temple. You can also enjoy river rafting in Betwa River. Apart from this, you can see many animals including tigers, jackals, monkeys, and peacocks in Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary. Distance-The distance from Gwalior to Shivpuri is about 120 km. Madhav National Park If you are planning to visit around Gwalior, then you should reach Madhav National Park to explore. It is a world-famous park. It is said that this park was once a hunting ground for Mughal emperors and Maharajas. Madhav National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Madhya Pradesh. Here you can see many animals closely. Many extinct trees and plants can also be seen in the park. Here you can also enjoy a jeep safari. Distance- The distance of Madhav National Park from Gwalior city is about 123 km. Jhansi If the name of any historical city located around Gwalior city is taken, then the name of Jhansi city is definitely included. Although Jhansi is a city in Uttar Pradesh, due to its proximity to Gwalior, it can be easily explored on a day trip. Jhansi city is today known as the place where the Queen of Jhansi lived. The stories of the bravery of Rani of Jhansi still resonate in the streets of the city. In Jhansi, you can explore the best places like Jhansi Fort, Rani Mahal, Jhansi Museum, Raja Gangadhar Rao Ki Chhatri, St. Jude Church, Karguwan Jain Temple and BaruaSagar. Distance- The distance from Gwalior city to Jhansi is about 101 km.

Lights, camera, politics and, for some, cut

Ramayans Ram, Arun Govil, and Jhansi ki Rani Kangana Ranaut are BJP LS candidates. How do actors fare in politics? A short history As Kangana prepares to play the real-life role shes long eyed ...

Subba Reddy Says CM Will Take All Measures to Stop VSP Privatisation

Visakhapatnam: YSRC north Andhra regional coordinator and Rajya Sabha MP Y.V. Subba Reddy on Wednesday assured that the Jagan Mohan Reddy government will take all measures to stop privatisation of the Visakha Steel Plant (VSP). Addressing a meeting of key party leaders in Gajuwaka constituency, he said BJP is ready to privatise VSP even though it will hurt the sentiments of Telugu people, who had fought for establishment of the steel plant. The YSRC MP said Telugu Desam and Jana Sena have formed an alliance with BJP despite knowing the latter wants to privatise the Visakha steel plant. If people vote for the NDA alliance, it will mean giving up the steel plant, he remarked. Subba Reddy asserted that Jagan Mohan Reddy will come back to power and will stop the privatisation of VSP. He pointed out that the Chief Minister has already solved many problems of Gajuwaka, which had remained unresolved for 40 years. Speaking on the occasion, education minister Botsa Satyanarayana said many had disbelieved when Jagan Mohan Reddy had spoken about various welfare schemes. These schemes are now being implemented. Jagan does what he says, he remarked. YSRC Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha candidate Botsa Jhansi Lakshmi said it is because of CM Jagan that women of AP have become financially independent. Gajuwaka constituency MLA candidate Gudivada Amarnath pointed out that Jagan Mohan Reddy has stood by workers of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant by not interfering with their years long agitation. He appealed to all leaders and cadres to understand that the CM has stood by the steel plant workers. Sitting MLA Tippala Nagireddy, former legislator Tippala Gurumurthy Reddy, mayor Golagani Hari Venkata Kumari and corporator Urukuti Chandu, Urukuti Apparao, Kola Guruvulu and others participated in the programme. Subba Reddy also campaigned for Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, YSRC MLA candidate in Visakhapatnam South constituency. The campaign began with traditional ceremonies at Kanakadurgamma Temple, where Kumar, along with other political leaders such as Vizag MP candidate Botsa Jhansi and senior leaders, offered prayers. The YSRC party coordinator asked voters to be cautious of the strategies of Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan, who are part of the opposition alliance. He underlined that only YSRC can safeguard the states interests, particularly in opposing the privatisation of crucial assets like the steel plant. Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, the MLA candidate, echoed Subba Reddys thoughts. He highlighted the significant progress that has taken place in the South constituency under the YSRC government.

Kos Minar In Delhi, Gunner Burkill`s Tomb In Jhansi: Why ASI Is `Delisting` Some Old Monuments?

In a notable move marking a significant shift in policy, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to delist 18 centrally protected monuments from its registry, citing their diminished national significance. This decision stems from a compilation of 24 untraceable monuments identified by the Union Ministry of Culture, which was presented to a parliamentary committee in the preceding year.

Honoured, gratitude: Kangana Ranaut and Arun Govil on being fielded for LS polls by BJP

Honoured, gratitude: Kangana Ranaut and Arun Govil on being fielded for LS polls by BJP Actors Kangana Ranaut and Arun Govil, who were named as part of the list of 111 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls by the BJP on Sunday, expressed happiness and gratitude to the political party for nominating them for the upcoming elections. While Ranaut will contest on a ticket for the Bharatiya Janata Party from Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency, her birthplace, Govil has been fielded by the party from the Meerut Lok Sabha seat. The news of Ranaut taking the political plunge comes months after she hinted at entering electoral politics when she offered prayers at Gujarat's Dwarkadhish temple in November 2023. Ranaut, a four-time National Award winner known for films such as ''Fashion'', ''Queen'', and ''Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi'', said she is elated to officially join the BJP and is looking forward to being a reliable public servant. ''My beloved Bharat and Bhartiya Janta's own party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have always had my unconditional support, today the national leadership of BJP has announced me as their Lok Sabha candidate from my birthplace Himachal Pradesh, Mandi (constituency),'' said Ranaut, who has been a vocal supporter of the ruling party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. ''I abide by the high command's decision on contesting Lok Sabha polls. I feel honoured and elated to officially join the party. I look forward to being a worthy 'karyakarta' and a reliable public servant. Thanks,'' the 37-year-old actor wrote on her Instagram Stories. In 2022, Ranaut said she has a keen interest in politics but has no plans to enter it professionally. Govil, best known for playing the role of Lord Ram in Ramanand Sagar's classic TV serial ''Ramayan'', thanked PM Modi for entrusting him with such a big responsibility. ''Heartfelt gratitude to Shri Narendra Modi ji and the selection committee who have given me such a big responsibility by making me the MP candidate of Meerut. I will make every effort to fully live up to the trust of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the expectations of the public Jai Shri Ram @narendramodi @BJP4India @BJP4UP,'' the 66-year-old actor, who essayed PM Modi in the recently released film ''Article 370'', wrote in an X post. Govil along with singer Anuradha Paudwal recently joined the BJP. Ranaut, Govil and Paudwal were some of the several film personalities who attended the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya in January.

Digvijaya Singh, Karti Chidambaram In Congress' 4th List of Candidates

New Delhi: The Congress on Saturday released its fourth list of 45 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, fielding its Uttar Pradesh unit chief Ajay Rai from Varanasi to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.While the Congress fielded veteran leader Digvijaya Singh from Madhya Pradesh's Rajgarh, it nominated newly-inducted leader Lal Singh from Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur to take on Union minister Jitendra Singh. MLA Vikas Thakare will take on Union minister Nitin Gadkari in Maharashtra's Nagpur, according to the list. In its fourth list, the party announced candidates for 12 seats of Madhya Pradesh, nine of Uttar Pradesh, seven of Tamil Nadu, four of Maharashtra, two each of Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir, and one each of West Bengal, Assam, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mizoram and Chhattisgarh. The Congress has left the Nagaur parliamentary constituency in Rajasthan for the Hanuman Beniwal-led Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP). The tie-up with the RLP is significant as the Congress looks to boost its position in the desert state, where it lost the Assembly polls recently and had not won a single seat in 2019 Lok Sabha election. The party is looking to expand its support base among the jats with the tie-up with Beniwal, who has a significant following among the community. For Uttar Pradesh, where the Congress is in an alliance with the Samajwadi Party (SP) and contesting 17 seats, it has announced candidates for nine seats. These include Rai from Varanasi, Danish Ali from Amroha, Imran Masood from Saharanpur and Alok Mishra from Kanpur. The suspense over whether Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest the polls from Amethi and Raebareli respectively continued. There is speculation that Rahul Gandhi may also contest the polls from Amethi, besides his declared seat of Wayanad in Kerala, and Priyanka Gandhi from Raebareli, a seat which was previously held by her mother, Sonia Gandhi. This will be Rai's third direct contest against Modi in the general election after 2014 and 2019. He had lost both times to the prime minister by big margins. Amethi and Raebareli are considered bastions of the Gandhi family and the local units of the Congress have demanded that the two scions of the family contest the polls from there. In Uttar Pradesh, the Congress has also fielded Ram Nath Sikarwar from Fatehpur Sikri, Pradeep Jain Aditya from Jhansi, Tanuj Punia from Barabanki (SC), Akhilesh Pratap Singh from Deoria and Sadan Prasad from Bansgaon (SC). In Tamil Nadu, the party has renominated Karti Chidambaram from Sivaganga, Manickam Tagore from Virudhunagar, S Jothimani from Karur and Vijay Vasanth from Kanniyakumari, among others. In Madhya Pradesh, the party has fielded Digvijaya Singh from Rajgarh, Kantilal Bhuria from Ratlam (ST), Akshay Bam from Indore and Arun Shrivastav from Bhopal, among others. Singh had last contested the polls from Bhopal but lost to the BJP's Pragya Thakur in 2019. Among other significant nominations by the party, it has fielded Kawasi Lakhma from Bastar (ST), Raman Bhalla from Jammu, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam from Inner Manipur, Alfred Kanngam S Arthur from Outer Manipur (ST), Anil Chopra from Jaipur Rural, Bhajanlal Jatav from Karauli Dholpur, former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat's son Virender Rawat from Haridwar and Piya Roy Chowdhury from Coochbehar (SC). With this, the Congress has declared a total of 183 candidates for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls starting April 19.

In UP, 'cradle' of Holi decks up for festival of colours

Erach, 70km from present-day Jhansi, is believed to have been King Hiranyakashipu's capital where Holika sat in a fire with Prahlad and was reduced to ashes, while Prahlad came out unscathed. Erach, revered as a major Buddhist site, is mentioned in Buddhist scripture Petavatthu as Erikachha or Erakachha and was a prominent city in the Dasanna janapada.

Women Benefited Most Under YSRC: Jhansi

Visakhapatnam: Ruling YSRCs Lok Sabha candidate from Visakhapatnam Botsa Jhansi has declared that women have benefited the most during the rule of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy during the last five years. Addressing an election meeting in Tallavalasa under Bheemili assembly constituency on Saturday, she said all social welfare schemes have been targeted at women. This has resulted in women regaining their self-respect within their families. Jhansi slammed the opposition parties for neglecting women when their parties had been in power. She underlined that Jagan Mohan Reddy must be re-elected if the social welfare schemes targeting women and others are to continue. Speaking on the occasion, former minister and Bheemili MLA Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao asked people to chase away opposition parties, which are desperately trying to come back to power by making false promises to the people. He pointed out that the government has recently spent 25 crore on laying internal roads and construction of the Rythu Bharosa Kendram. District YSRC president Kola Guruvulu said YSRC has protected the interests of backward classes. Hence, BCs should ensure that YSRC wins with a huge majority in the ensuing elections. All the three leaders interacted with the people of Tallavalasa and surrounding areas. They inquired about their well-being and the welfare schemes they have been receiving. Response from women in these areas has been good, Jhansi told reporters.

LS polls: Cong releases 4th list of candidates, fields Ajay Rai to take on Modi in Varanasi

LS polls: Cong releases 4th list of candidates, fields Ajay Rai to take on Modi in Varanasi The Congress on Saturday released its fourth list of 45 candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, fielding its Uttar Pradesh unit chief Ajay Rai from Varanasi to take on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the Congress fielded its veteran leader Digvijaya Singh from Madhya Pradesh's Rajgarh, it nominated newly-inducted leader Lal Singh from Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur to take on Union minister Jitendra Singh. Vikas Thakare will take on Union minister Nitin Gadkari in Nagpur, according to the list. In its fourth list, the party announced candidates for 12 seats of Madhya Pradesh, nine of Uttar Pradesh, seven of Tamil Nadu, four of Maharashtra, two each of Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir, and one each of West Bengal, Assam, Andaman and Nicobar, Mizoram and Chhattisgarh. The Congress has left the Nagaur parliamentary constituency in Rajasthan for the Hanuman Beniwal-led Rashtriya Loktantrik Party. For Uttar Pradesh, where the party is in alliance with the Samajwadi Party and is contesting on 17 seats, the Congress announced candidates for nine seats. These include Rai from Varanasi, Danish Ali from Amroha, Imran Masood from Saharanpur and Alok Mishra from Kanpur. Suspense over whether Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will contest from Amethi and Raebareli continued. There is speculation that Rahul Gandhi may also contest from Amethi, besides his declared seat of Wayanad in Kerala, and Priyanka Gandhi from Raebareli, a seat which was previously held by Sonia Gandhi. Both the seats in Uttar Pradesh are considered bastions of the Gandhi family and the local units of the Congress have demanded that the two scions of the Gandhi family should contest from there. In Uttar Pradesh, the Congress has also fielded Ram Nath Sikarwar from Fatehpur Sikri, Pradeep Jain Aditya from Jhansi, Tanuj Punia from Barabanki (SC), Akhilesh Pratap Singh from Deoria and Sadan Prasad from Basgaon (SC). In Tamil Nadu, the party has renominated Karti Chidambaram from Sivaganga, Manickam Tagore from Virudhunagar, S Jothimani from Karur and Vijay Vasanth from Kanniyakumari, among others. In Madhya Pradesh, the party fielded Digvijaya Singh from Rajgarh, Kantilal Bhuria from Ratlam (ST), Akshay Bam from Indore and Arun Shrivastav from Bhopal among others. With this, the Congress has now declared a total of 183 candidates for the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls beginning on April 19.

Campaign Yet to Pick Up Momentum

Chennai : Campaign for the April 19 elections to the Lok Sabha is yet to pick up momentum though most of the candidates have been finalized for all the 39 constituencies in the State, barring the nine seats that have been allotted to the Congress by the DMK-led alliance, as the candidates and the local party units were involved in preliminary work. Almost all the candidates were meeting up with local office-bearers of the alliance partners and their own party seniors in the constituency to formally invite them for the campaign that will start with full gusto once the nominations are filed in the next few days. Political parties, too, were making the last minute changes in the candidate list and the AIADMK replaced its nominee for the Thoothukudi constituency, Shimla Muthuchozhan, with a local leader, M Jhansi Rani, who is the town panchayat president of Tisaiyanvilai. Shimla Muthuchozhan, who hails from a traditional DMK family, had joined the AIADMK just about three weeks ahead of his nomination for the Thoothukudi seat. Whether she was changed because the party felt the need to field a local candidate against DMKs Kanimozhi Karunanidhi or did not want to nominate her because she has the reputation of being J Jayalalithaas opponent in Kolathur Assembly seat once. The TMC, which is an ally of the BJP, announced the Thoothukudi South district president S D R Vijayseelan as its candidate for Thoothukudi constituency to face the two women opponents of the DMK and AIADMK. AMMK founder T T V Dhinakaran is now contesting from Theni constituency as announced by AIADMK splinter group leader O Panneerselvam, who is fighting the election from Ramanathapuram in an independent symbol. He does not want to contest in the BJPs Lotus or the AMMKs Pressure Cooker because he is still making a claim to the leadership of the AIADMK in the court. The chosen candidates have also started the process of setting up the election offices within the constituency by renting premises and appointing office staff. Once the nominations are filed, probably on Monday, the campaign work will start. Star campaigners of the party have already announced their tour plans. DMK president and Chief Minister M K Stalin had already started his tour and was in Thanjavur, meeting several groups of people, besides addressing meetings. The DMK also announced the whirlwind tour programme of its star campaigner and State Minister Udhaynidhi Stalin from Saturday. Udhaynidhi Stalin will be delivering back-to-back campaign speeches till Wednesday covering several places like Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Theni, Dindigul, Madurai, Kanchipuram, Aarani, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore and Arakkonam.

Ankita Lokhande's candid chat on Swatantra Veer Savarkar: Researched a lot for Yamuna Bai

Ankita Lokhande is set to return to the silver screen after her successful stint on the reality show Bigg Boss 17, with the upcoming film 'Swatantra Veer Savarkar'. Her last outing was also a periodic film, 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' alongside Kangana Ranaut, where Ankita played Jhalkarli Bai. In an exclusive chat with ETimes, Ankita expresses her gratitude for the positive response received for her character 'Yamunabai Savarkar' and her experience working with Randeep Hooda and more.

Ankita Lokhanda's candid chat on Swatantra Veer Savarkar: Researched a lot for Yamuna Bai

Ankita Lokhande is set to return to the silver screen after her successful stint on the reality show Bigg Boss 17, with the upcoming film 'Swatantra Veer Savarkar'. Her last outing was also a periodic film, 'Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi' alongside Kangana Ranaut, where Ankita played Jhalkarli Bai. In an exclusive chat with ETimes, Ankita expresses her gratitude for the positive response received for her character 'Yamunabai Savarkar' and her experience working with Randeep Hooda and more.

After failed BSP experiment in 2019, SP pins hope on Congress tie-up to stop BJP juggernaut in UP

After failed BSP experiment in 2019, SP pins hope on Congress tie-up to stop BJP juggernaut in UP The coming general election may throw some surprising results in Uttar Pradesh with the SP-BSP alliance now replaced by the SP-Congress pact under the INDIA bloc. The Samajwadi Party-Bahujan Samaj Party alliance in 2019 had offered some resistance to the BJP on a handful of seats in the western and eastern parts of UP, but failed to make a big impact. With BSP supremo Mayawati deciding to duke it out alone this time, it will be up to the SP and Congress to stop the marauding juggernaut of the NDA, which has now has RLD on its side, as well as a number of caste-based regional parties in the Poorvanchal region. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP and allies won 73 out of 80 Lok Sabha seats in the state. The party ceded some ground in the 2019 general election, when the opposition parties scraped their combined tally to 16. Even with the conventional anti-incumbency apprehensions at work, the saffron party laid its claim on the state winning 62 seats, bolstered further by two more won by its ally Apna Dal (Sonelal). In 2019, the maximum seats -- 23 -- for the BJP came from the state's western part, where the SP-BSP alliance could manage to win only four seats each. The BSP won Saharanpur, Bijnor, Amroha and Nagina (SC seat) in the western UP, while the Samajwadi Party emerged victorious in Sambhal, Moradabad, Mainpuri (first held by Mulayam Singh Yadav then by Dimple Yadav in a bypoll) and Rampur that year. The central region of the state has prominent parliamentary constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli -- both long considered bastions of the Congress. In 2019, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi retained her Rae Bareli seat, while her son Rahul Gandhi lost the long held Amethi constituency to Union minister Smriti Irani. Defence minister Rajnath Singh won from Lucknow. The BSP won only one seat from this region in Ritesh Pandey, who bagged Ambedkarnagar Lok Sabha constituency. The SP scored a zilch. The BJP won 13 seats from the region, which includes the coveted Faizabad Lok Sabha seat, the epicentre of a Hindu reverie that drowned parts of the nation in a collective religious fervour after the Ram Temple consecration. Varanasi, represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha, is one of the 30 seats in the eastern part of the state. From this region, the BSP won five seats, while the SP won one, Azamgarh. Apna Dal (Sonelal) won two seats from here. The Bundelkhand region was swept in 2019 by the BJP, which won all four Lok Sabha seats of Jhansi, Banda, Hamirpur, and Jalaun-SC. The parched Bundelkhand region has been seeing the start of some irrigation projects and its residents getting safe drinking water. Expressways, new airports in different parts of the UP have narrowed the regional disparity the state has witnessed for a long time.

35-year-old killed in road accident in Gurugram

35-year-old killed in road accident in Gurugram An employee of a private company was killed after a car hit his motorcycle near the Shankar Chowk on the Delhi-Gurugram Expressway, police said. The accident happened around 7 pm on Friday. Police said after hitting the motorcycle, the car collided with a divider. Dharmender (35) was killed in the accident, they said. An FIR has been registered against the car's driver, who is at large, police said. Dharmender was a native of Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi district and was working with the company here, they said. He was rushed to a hospital after the accident but was declared brought dead, according to the police complaint from a colleague of the victim.

15.34 crore eligible to vote in UP's seven-phase election; Polling in Varanasi, Gorakhpur in final phase

15.34 crore eligible to vote in UP's seven-phase election; Polling in Varanasi, Gorakhpur in final phase Around 15.34 crore people are eligible to vote in Uttar Pradesh - a politically crucial state with 80 Lok Sabha seats where elections will be held in seven phases from April 19. According to the poll schedule announced by the Election Commission on Saturday, single-phase polling will be held in 15 states and seven Union Territories, while staggered elections will be held in the rest of the 13 states and Jammu and Kashmir. Elections will be held in seven phases in the three states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. ''At present, there are around 15.34 crore voters in Uttar Pradesh, of which 8.17 crore are males and 7.17 crore are females. ''There are 6,638 third gender voters, while there are more than 12.51 lakh divyaang voters,'' State Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa told reporters. He said there are 92,587 polling stations in the state, while there are over 1.62 lakh polling booths. According to the election schedule, eight parliamentary constituencies in UP will vote in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls on April 19. These are Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina (SC), Moradabad, Rampur and Pilibhit. The seventh and final phase of polling will be held on June 1, and among the seats it will cover are Varanasi -- represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- and Gorakhpur, the pocket borough of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Voting in the second phase will take place on April 26 and it will cover eight parliamentary constituencies of Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautambuddh Nagar, Bulandshahr (SC), Aligarh and Mathura. Ten parliamentary constituencies of Sambhal, Hathras (SC), Agra (SC), Fatehpur Sikri, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Etah, Budaun, Aonla and Bareilly will go to polls in the third phase on May 7. The fourth phase of the Lok Sabha polls in UP will witness voting on May 13 and will cover the 13 constituencies of Shahjahanpur (SC), Khiri, Dhaurahra, Sitapur, Hardoi (SC), Misrikh (SC), Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah (SC), Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur and Bahraich (SC). State capital Lucknow will go to polls on May 20, in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. The other (13) seats going to polls in the fifth phase in the state are --- Mohanlalganj (SC), Rae Bareli, Amethi, Jalaun (SC), Jhansi, Hamirpur, Banda, Fatehpur, Kaushambi (SC), Barabanki (SC), Faizabad, Kaisarganj and Gonda. The sixth phase of the general elections will cover 14 seats of Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Phoolpur, Allahabad, Ambedkarnagar, Shravasti, Domariyaganj, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Lalganj (SC), Azamgarh, Jaunpur, Machhlishahr and Bhadohi. Voting in the sixth phase will be held on May 25. Apart from Varanasi and Gorakhpur, the other parliamentary constituencies that will go to polls in the seventh phase are Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Deoria, Bansgaon (SC), Ghosi, Salempur, Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Mirzapur and Robertsganj (SC). The counting of votes will be held on June 4. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 62 seats and its ally Apna Dal (S) two seats, brushing aside the challenge of the SP-BSP alliance. The Congress won the lone Rae Bareli seat of Sonia Gandhi. The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) was the biggest gainer in the alliance with 10 seats. Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party won five seats and the smallest partner Rashtriya Lok Dal couldn't open its account in the polls.

YSRCP announces candidates for LS, assembly in Andhra

YSRCP unveils candidates for Andhra Pradesh elections at Y S Rajasekhar Reddy's 'samadhi' in Kadapa district. Bapatla MP Nandigam Suresh reveals Lok Sabha candidates, while Revenue Minister D Prasada Rao discloses Assembly candidates. Notable names include B Jhansi Laxmi, G Uma Bala, and V Vijayasai Reddy. Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy present at announcement event.