SC stays court's gag order on ex-MP's murder

Supreme Court stays Andhra Pradesh court's gag order on discussing Y S Vivekananda Reddy's 2019 murder, citing violation of natural justice. Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta criticize Kadapa court's order for lack of hearing. YSRCP president's petition led to the order.

SC Stays Kadapa District Court Order Imposing Curbs on Making Comments on Viveka Murder

Supreme Court of India (Photo: PTI) Supreme Court of India (Photo: PTI) Vijayawada: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the order issued by the district court in Kadapa in AP, imposing curbs on AP Congress chief Y.S. Sharmila and others, for making comments on the murder of former minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy. A two-judge bench comprising Justices Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai and Sandeep Mehta held the hearing on the plea of Sharmila in New Delhi on Friday, challenging the order of the AP High Court which had disposed the district courts order given on April 16. Sharmilas counsel Gaurav Agarwal prayed for the issue of a stay order. The court observed that the district court even without providing any opportunity for being heard to the defendants, including Sharmila, had passed the order of injunction which was having serious ramifications. It opined that the injunction would curtail the rights of the freedom of speech and expression of the defendant and expressed its inclination to stay the order of Kadapa court. It posted the next hearing of the matter after summer vacation.

ECI finally releases APs poll percentage

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. (PTI File Image) Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. (PTI File Image) Vijayawada: Election Commission of India has finally released details of poll percentage recorded in Andhra Pradesh, which witnessed polling in its 175 assembly and 25 parliamentary constituencies on May 13. According to the figures released by ECI on Friday, AP has registered the highest poll percentage of 81.86 in the country, 80.66 per cent through EVMs and 1.2 per cent through postal ballots. This is the highest poll percentage recorded in a state during the last four phases of polling. The poll percentages released Lok Sabha constituency-wise are Amalapuram (SC) 83.85, Anakapalle 82.03, Anantapur 80.51, Araku (ST) 73.68, Bapatla (SC)- 85.48, Chittoor (SC) 85.77, Eluru 83.68, Guntur 78.81, Hindupur 84.79, Kadapa 79.57, Kakinada 80.30, Kurnool 76.80, Machilipatnam 84.05, Nandyal 80.61, Narasapur 82.59, Narasaraopet 85.65, Nellore 79.05, Ongole 87.06, Rajahmundry 80.93, Rajampet 79.09, Srikakulam 74.43, Tirupati 79.10, Vijayawada 79.37, Visakhapatnam 71.11 and Vizianagaram 81.05. Thus, among all the parliamentary constituencies of Andhra Pradesh, Ongole recorded the highest 87.06 per cent polling, while Visakhapatnam registered the lowest polling percentage of 71.11.

Post-poll violence: Police throw security blanket in Tadipatri, bring situation under control

Close to 100 people have so far been arrested and shifted to Kadapa prison; surveillance stepped up all over Anantapur district; newly appointed DIG Shemushi takes additional charge as Superintendent of Police

Avinash Reddy appears before CBI court in Viveka murder case

Hyderabad: Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy, his father YS Bhaskar Reddy and other accused appeared before the CBI court here on Friday in the YS Vivekananda Reddy murder case. Avinash Reddy, Bhaskar Reddy and Devireddy Shiva Shankar Reddy, who are on bail, appeared before the CBI court at Nampally Criminal Court Complex. Four other accused 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 .

YS Viveka Murder Case: YS Avinash, Co- accused Attend CBI Court in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy and co-accused YS Bhasker Reddy, Shivashanker Reddy have appeared before the CBI court in connection with the YS Vivekananda Reddy murder case. The other four accused in the case who were lodged in Chanchalguda jail appeared before the court through video conference. The court postponed the matter for further hearing to June 11.

Andhra Premier League season 3 to begin on June 30

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) is gearing up for the third season of the Andhra Premier League (APL). Following the successful organisation of the previous two editions, ACA is set to continue the league with six teams. ACA secretary SR Gopinath Reddy confirmed the participation of six teams: the Bejawada Tigers, Uttarandhra Lions, Godavari Titans, Rayalaseema Kings, Vizag Warriors, and Coastal Raiders. A total of 19 matches will take place between these teams, hosted in Kadapa and Visakhapatnam districts. The league, set to commence on June 30, will feature a total of 19 matches, with seven hosted in Kadapa and 12 in Visakhapatnam. APL 2024 will follow the round-robin format in the group stage. A mini-auction was held in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, which saw 408 players selected across four categories, with six franchisees competing for talent. In a media conference, the ACA Secretary expressed the associations goal of elevating Andhra players to international prominence through the APL. He also outlined plans to expand the league to three locations across the State in future seasons, including Vizag, Kadapa, and Mangalagiri. Under the leadership of ACA President P Sarath Chandra Reddy, the organisation has successfully conducted the first two seasons of APL. The tournament will feature six teams comprising a total of 120 players, categorised with base prizes of Rs 1 lakh for category A, Rs 50,000 for category B, and Rs 25,000 for categories C and D. Additionally, ACA provided a platform for emerging cricketers through Rising Stars trials, resulting in seven players earning spots in the league. APL Season-3 matches will be telecast live on Star Sports Telugu and Star Sports First, with an estimated audience of around 30 lakh viewers. The association has implemented the latest software to store comprehensive player information, ensuring efficient management of the tournament. Amidst the anticipation surrounding APL Season-3, Nitish Kumar Reddys record-breaking auction bid has captured attention. The 20-year-old was hailed as a breakout star for the SunRisers in the ongoing IPL. He made history by fetching the highest price ever recorded in the leagues auction history. Representing the Marlin Godavari Titans, Nitish was acquired for a staggering Rs 15.60 lakh. Watching the proceedings unfold from his hotel room, Nitishs reaction to the news of his record-breaking acquisition quickly went viral on social media.

Uneasy calm prevails in Palnadu and Tirupati

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

TD leader JC Prabhakar Reddy falls sick

Anantapur : Municipal chairman and Telugu Desam leader J.C. Prabhakar Reddy fell sick under the impact of police-fired tear gas shells during a clash between YSRC and TD cadres at Tadipatri on Tuesday. The police action came after a circle inspector and a constable were injured in stone-pelting by rival groups in the college ground area in Tadipatri town. Police said Prabhakar Reddy tried to stage a protest against YSRC candidate K. Pedda Reddy over an attack on TD leader Muni. This led to clashes and firing of teargas shells. Prabhakar Reddy complained of breathing problems and was shifted to a private hospital in Hyderabad. He has a lung infection, the hospital said. Meanwhile, Kiran, a computer operator at Prabhakar Reddys office, was beaten up by the police. He suffered serious injuries. Kiran, a physically challenged, said he was hauled by cops from Reddys office and produced before the DSP. The DSP and his team allegedly beat him up even as he had difficulty getting into the police vehicle. He was shifted to a hospital in Anantapur. In view of violence due to provocation from YSRC candidate Pedda Reddy, TD leader J.C. Prabhakar Reddy and their close aides, the police ordered these leaders to stay away from Tadipathri. Cases were registered against MLA Pedda Reddy and municipal chairman Prabhakar Reddy based on a statement from circle inspector Murali Krishna who suffered injuries during the stone pelting by rival groups. Both groups used crackers, not crude bombs, to create panic. Police said the situation was under control and additional security units including central forces have been posted at all sensitive areas in Tadipatri. Meanwhile, high tension continued in the Jammalamadugu, a faction-hit constituency in Kadapa district since Tuesday after YSRC and TD gangs tried to confront each other. At least 500 cops were deputed in Jammalamadugu. Kadapa TD LS candidate Bhupesh Reddy has been arrested. So was C. Adinarayana Reddy at Devagudi village in Jammalamadugu mandal. YSRC candidate Sudhir Reddy was kept under house arrest at his native village Neetichupi in Jammalamadugu mandal to prevent clashes in the faction hit villages. Police imposed a ban under 144 Section in the Jammalamadugu Assembly segment. Kadapa SP, Siddarth Kausal, who rushed to Jammalamadugu supervised the preventive steps. He asked the leaders to remain in their homes. YSRC candidate and sitting MLA Sudhir Reddy, TD Kadapa LS candidate Bhupesh Reddy and Jammalamadugu BJP candidate Ca Adinarayana Reddy were allotted 3+3 gunmen security cover in view of the tense situation and they were asked by the police to remain confined to their houses.

Cross Voting Fear Grips Candidates in Rayalaseema

ANANTAPUR: Cross-voting fear is evident among major political party candidates in Rayalaseema and this is likely to impact the outcome in a few assembly segments. This time, several voters opted for cross-voting and avoided casting both their parties to one political party. Their decisions were based on consideration of their liking for a candidate as also cast preferences. Also, many slum and rural voters, who received cash from both parties, tried to do justice by casting their votes to those parties, separately, vis-a-vis the LS and assembly polls. Unlike the previous elections, the YSRC and TD opted to field a majority of the Lok Sabha candidates based on caste equations in Anantapur, Hindupur and Kurnool constituencies, targeting BC votes -- mainly the Boya and Kurbua sections. The YSRC fielded Penukonda MLA Shankara Naryayana of Kuruba as LS candidate from Anantapur while TD fielded Hindupur-based leader Ambika Lakshmi Narayana of Boya community. Also, the YSRC fielded Karnatakas former MP, J Santha, a Boya, from Hindupur LS, while the TD fielded BK Parthasarthi of the Kuruba community. There were less such changes vis-a-vis assembly candidates in many segments. TD fielded Kamma candidates from Kalyandurg and Anantapur urban segments, who were new to those areas. Similarly, YSRC fielded sitting MP Talari Rangaiah of the Boya community from Kalyandurg assembly segment. YSRC did an experiment by fielding Kuruba community woman Deepika from Hindupur assembly segment against film star Nandamuri Balakrishna. Analysts say a large number of voters opted for cross-voting -- either voting for the YSRC in the assembly and the TD candidate for Lok Sabha, or vice versa, but they were confused in several polling stations as to whom they should vote for. The Congress had fielded Kuruba leader Mallikarjuna from Anantapur LS, and this had an impact on the Anantapur urban segment where a section of people voted for Congress candidate. Meanwhile, large-scale cross-voting was reported from the Kadapa Lok Sabha segment where APCC chief YS Sharmila is the Congress nominee. A video of her mother YS Vijayamma seeking support for Sharmila impacted voters across the Kadapa area. Many voters from Pulivendula did cross voting for assembly candidate Jagan Mohan Reddy and LS candidate Sharmila. A group of TD activists too reportedly voted for Sharmila as they were unhappy with the TD leadership and the YSRC.

Assembly polls: Andhra Pradesh records 78.46 percent voter turnout

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

Violent incidents mar polling at a few places in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: Scattered incidents of violence were reported across the State on Monday as polling to elect legislators for 175 Assembly seats and 25 members of the Lok Sabha took place.YSRC and TDP workers were involved in clashes, verbal duels and attacks with deadly weapons in a few parts of the State. At several polling stations, the voting process had to be halted due to the disruption caused by the clashes. Police, deployed in large numbers, swung into action and brought the situation under control. Polling began on a smooth note at 7 am. In the afternoon, supporters of both TDP and YSRC began accusing each other of instigating violence at multiple locations throughout the State. The election-related clashes were most intense in Palnadu, NTR, Krishna and Guntur districts. Cadres of the political parties suffered injuries in Pithapuram, Nellore, Anantapur, Tirupathi, Srikakulam, Annamaya, Kadapa, Kurnool districts as they attacked each other with stones and sickles, and vandalised cars and electronic voting machines (EVMs). According to sources, more than 20 persons were injured in the violence that erupted in around 12 places in faction-ridden Palnadu district. Some of these regions include: Macherla, Cheemalamarri, Tangeda, Narasaraopet and Dachepalli. Despite the Election Commission of India (ECI) taking elaborate security measures, multiple instances of violence and disruptions were reported. The atmosphere was particularly tense in Narasaraopet, where a number of TDP cadres attacked YSRC candidate Dr Gopireddy Srinivasa Reddy at his residence after clashes between supporters of the TDP and ruling YSRC raged. Miscreants damaged EVMs at Pullampet TDP leaders destroyed several cars on their way to his home after they were stopped from entering a polling centre by YSRC agents, resulting in violence. In a fit of rage, they carried out a protest against him and vandalised his car and other vehicles by pelting stones. Though police officials tried to stop them, the mob became very aggressive and even attacked the police by pelting stones at them. As the situation went out of control with people running helter-skelter for safety, police fired rubber bullets first and then opened fire to disperse the mob. After one hour, the situation improved. Armed forces were posted at all problematic locations to prevent further break down of law and order. In Tangeda village of Dachepalli mandal under Gurazala constituency, unidentified miscreants hurled molotov cocktails at shops and thatched houses around 6 pm following a clash at a nearby polling station. Though no one got injured, this triggered a panic in the village. However, the police confirmed that no petrol bomb was set off, but a dilapidated thatched house in the village was set on fire by some miscreants to express their angst at the police and their rival political party. On learning about the incident, Guntur range IG Ch Srikanth, Palnadu SP Bindu Madhav, Macherla constituency Returning Officer and district joint collector A Shyam Prasad rushed to the spot and inspected the situation. The officials immediately set up other EVMs and restarted the polling process within a few hours. TDP leaders were attacked in Rentala by YSRC cadres even before polling commenced in the morning, when both groups came across each other. Macherla TDP candidate Julakanti Brahmanandaiahs car was set on fire. In another incident, Macherla YSRC candidate Pinnelli Ramakrishna Reddy was attacked by TDP members and clashes broke out between two groups. Additionally, clashes were reported in Guntur, Ponnur, Tadikonda, and Nizampatnam in Bapatla district. In Veldurthi, Sattenapalli, Muppalla, Thondepi, Madala, Dammalapadu, Loyapalli, Mokkapadu and Acchampeta incidents of attacks were reported outside polling stations. YSRC cadre allegedly also ransacked the vehicles of Narasaraopet TDP MP candidate Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayulu in Dondaparru village. In Krishna district, supporters of Gannavaram Assembly candidates clashed in Mustabada village with slippers and stones. Similarly, in Penamaluru TDP contender Bode Prasad and his supporters created a flutter when they were prevented from entering a polling station. In Mandi Krishnapuram village in Chittoor district, a YSRC polling agent was allegedly stabbed by a TDP supporter in broad daylight. In Annamaya district, YSRC and TDP leaders attacked one another and damaged their vehicles in a fit of rage. Also, TDP polling booth agent Subash in Papakkagaripalle lost his eye in the clash with YSRC leaders.

Andhra Pradesh: Governor, CEO & other VIPs cast their votes

VIJAYAWADA: VIPs exercised their electoral franchise in their respective constituencies, including Governor Justice S Abdul Nazeer and First Lady Sameera Nazeer, who exercised their electoral franchise by participating in voting at the Green Polling Station at Railway Function Hall in Vijayawada Central Constituency on Monday. CEO Mukesh Kumar Meena exercised his vote at 7.30 am at Railway Function Hall Polling Station 155, Suryaraopeta in Vijayawada Central Constituency. Meanwhile, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy exercised his voting franchise at the Bhaskarapuram polling station in Pulivendula, along with YS Bharathi Reddy. TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu exercised his voting franchise at a polling station in Undavalli, along with Nara Bhuvaneswari, Mangalagiri TDP candidate Nara Lokesh, and Nara Brahmani. BJP State President and Rajahmundry BJP Parliament candidate exercised her voting rights in VR Puram, Polling station, Rajahmundry. JSP chief Pawan Kalyan, along with Ana Konidala, exercised their voting franchise at the Tribal Welfare Corporation Polling station, Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Colony, Mangalagiri. APCC chief and Kadapa INC MP candidate YS Sharmila, along with her spouse Anil Kumar, exercised her voting franchise in Idupulapaya, Pulivendula constituency. TDP leader and Hindupur TD candidate Nandamuri Balakrishna, along with Nandamuri Vasundhara Devi, exercised their voting franchise in Hindupur, Satya Sai district. Gopalapuram YSRC MLA candidate and Home Minister Taneti Vanitha also exercised her franchise.

Lok Sabha polls: Four rounds done, three more to go to elect the next government

After elections to 96 constituencies spread across 10 states and Union Territories in the 4th phase, polling to 381 seats is over. West Bengal recorded a turnout at 75.94%, the highest among states/UTs in this phase. This newspaper takes a look... Madhya pradesh Eight Lok Sabha seats on Monday clocked around 72% polling, 3.5% less than that of 2019 elections, marking the conclusion of voting for the 29 seats in Madhya Pradesh. Male voters (75.01%) outnumbered the female voters (68.45%) by more than 6.5%. In seven seats in Malwa-Nimar region, maximum 75.79% voting was reported in Khargone (ST), followed by 74.86% in Dewas (SC), 74.50% in Mandsaur, 73.03% in Ujjain (SC), 72.86% in Ratlam (ST), 71.50% in Dhar (ST) and 70.72% in Khandwa, according to turnout figures till 6 pm. Indore constituency reported lowest 60.53% voting against 69.31% in 2019. With the battle for Indore ending up as a contest between BJP MP Shankar Lalwani and NOTA (after withdrawal of papers by Congress nominee Akshay Kanti Bam), the voting percentage dropped, particularly in all five urban assembly segments. Lowest 56.54% voting was reported in Indore-3, 57.19% in Indore-5, 58.03% in Indore-2, 59.84% in Indore-1 and 61.89% in Indore-4. Bihar The fourth phase of polling for five Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar concluded peacefully on Monday under tight security. The overall voter turnout was 56.85% across the constituencies of Darbhanga, Ujiarpur, Samastipur (SC), Begusarai, and Munger. Begusarai recorded the highest turnout at 58.40%, followed by Samastipur at 58.10%, Darbhanga at 56.63%, Ujiarpur at 56%, and Munger at 55%. In comparison, the 2019 Lok Sabha polls saw a 59.20% voter turnout. The electoral fate of 55 candidates, including two Union MinistersGiriraj Singh from Begusarai and Nityanand Rai from Ujiarpurhas been sealed in the EVMs. JD(U)s former president, Rajiv Rajan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, is contesting from Munger. The CEOs office received 62 complaints, all of which were resolved promptly. Tragically, a polling officer named Onkar Kumar Choudhary passed away at a polling station in Munger before the mock poll began. No other untoward incidents were reported. Jharkhand As the polling for the first round of elections in Jharkhand concluded on Monday, Singhbhum recorded the highest voting percentage at 63.14 per cent, followed by Khunti with 65.82 per cent, Lohardaga with 62.60 per cent, and Palamu with 59.99 per cent. Interestingly, three villages Tirilposi, Rengdahatu, and Boroi under the Singhbhm Lok Sabha seat witnessed polling for the first time in the last 20 years. Notably, since the region was Maoist-infested for the last 20 years, the district administration in Singhbhum used to relocate the polling booths of these villages to safer zones. But, after the police launched an intensive campaign against the Maoists by setting up CRPF camps in the area, the red rebels were compelled to go on the back foot. According to the police, Singhbhum had a maximum of 524 vulnerable booths, and hence adequate deployment of security personnel was made during the polling on Monday. Andhra pradesh A ruling YSRCP MLA on Monday slapped a man waiting to cast his vote at a polling booth Amaravati only to receive it back himself. The MLA had hit the man who questioned him for jumping the queue. Not pleased at the MLA being slapped, his supporters vented out their anger on the man. Further, Tenali police in Guntur district registered a case under relevant sections in connection with a scuffle that broke between YSRCP MLA A Siva Kumar and a voter at Tenali in Guntur district. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena took serious note of clashes reported between ruling YSRCP and opposition parties in Tenali, Macherla and Anantapur, and directed officials to enforce house arrests wherever required, including registering cases. The TDP and YSRCP traded violence allegations against each others supporters and cadres at multiple locations in the state, especially in Palnadu, Kadapa and Annamayya districts Uttar pradesh Uttar Pradesh, politically the most crucial and population-wise the largest state of the country, recorded a voter turnout of nearly 58% during phase 4 voting across 13 Lok Sabha constituencies on Monday. The polling in this phase in 2019 was close to 58.9%. Lakhimpur Kheri, Dhaurahra, and Sitapur were among the seats with the highest turnout with 63.07%, 63.19%, and 61.17% polling, respectively. Kanpur remained at the bottom with 52.49%. Union minister Ajay Mishra Teni, whose son is an accused in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, is eyeing a hat-trick from Kheri. Moreover, the high-profile seat of Kannauj, from where Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav trying his luck, recorded nearly 59% polling till 5 pm. Akbarpur recorded 57.28% polling, Bahraich 57.57%, Etawah 56.19%, Farrukhabad 58.90%, Hardoi 57.51%, Misrikh 55.65%, Shahjahanpur 53.08%, and Unnao 55.32%, according to EC data. Kanpur remained at the bottom of tally with lowest turnout. The SP, a key member of the opposition INDIA bloc, has fielded candidates on 11 Lok Sabha seats in this phase, and the Congress on two seats. In the previous election, the SP-BSP-RLD grand alliance had failed to win a single seat in this phase. Maharashtra In the fourth phase of Maharashtras Lok Sabha elections, eleven seats were up for contention, with an overall voter turnout of approximately 52.63%. Nandurbar saw the highest participation at 60.60%, while Pune, a metro and IT hub, had the lowest turnout at 44%. The INDIA alliance, representing the Opposition, released several purported videos on Monday, alleging that the ruling BJP engaged in vote-buying during the Maharashtra Lok Sabha elections. Rohit Pawar, an NCP (SP) MLA, shared a series of videos on social media, accusing the ruling coalition of splurging money to secure victory against Opposition candidates in constituencies like Ahmednagar, Shirur, Beed, and Jalna.Pawar remarked, Envelopes containing cash were offered in exchange for votes in the Ahmednagar Lok Sabha constituency. However, individuals with self-respect not only rejected the cash and associated materials but also returned them. Voting and self-respect go hand in hand. Pawar drew attention to a video where CCTV footage from the EVM strong room in Baramati mysteriously became blurry, fueling suspicions of deliberate tampering. In response, BJP minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, whose son contested the Ahmednagar seat against NCP (SP)s Nilesh Lanke, dismissed the accusations as unfounded. Telangana The Collector of Hyderabad district said on X that a case is registered in Malakpet Police Station against BJP candidate Madhavi Latha under different sections of the IPC and the Representation of the People Act. This follows an allegation that she checked the identity of burqa-clad women voters by asking them to show their faces. In Telanganas Kodangal, a polling officer welcomed people with roses at a wedding-themed poll station. Women-managed pink booths were seen across all constituencies. Prominent faces also stepped out to vote; former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, film actors Chiranjeevi, Allu Arjun and Junior NTR were among the prominent persons who voted. Polling was also held at the Secunderabad Cantonment assembly constituency. The bypoll was necessitated due to the death of sitting BRS MLA G Lasya Nanditha in a road accident few months ago. Odisha Lok Sabha and assembly elections are being held simultaneously in Odisha. Official said Dabugam assembly segment in Nabarangpur district reported the highest turnout of 71.30 per cent while only 47.90 per cent of electors cast their votes in Berhampur assembly seat in Ganjam district. Chief Electoral Officer N K Dhal said EVM glitches were detected in several places and the machines were replaced within 30 minutes. Dhal said there was brisk voting in Swabhiman Anchal, once a Maoist hotbed in Malkangiri district. The CEO said the Election Commission received reports of poll boycott from some places over local issues. A report from Ganjam district said at least two persons were injured in a clash between rival groups during polling in Chikiti assembly segment. Meanwhile, the EC suspended three polling officials and directed police to arrest two of them for serious dereliction of duty. So far, five polling officials have been suspended for misconduct during the election.

Heavy Turnout for Rayalaseema Elections

Anantapur: A heavy turnout was reported even from the urban areas of Rayalaseema region for the general elections on Monday. Unlike the poll violence that blended with faction politics in previous polls, the polling was peaceful in most parts of Rayalaseema region, but for the few incidents of violence this time. Long queues were witnessed from the first hour of polling and this continued till 6pm in tens of hundreds of polling stations. For instance, the long queue continued from 7am to 6pm at a polling station in Vijayanagar Law College. It was complained that a congested room was allotted for both women and men voters. Further, the voters, after casting their votes, had to exit from the same way, which led to delay in the polling process. Software engineer R Reddy from Mumbai came to cast his vote in the queue line and observed that it took more than one and a half hour for him to cast his votes. Kadapa district witnessed a huge turnout. The Jammalamadugu assembly segment recorded 78.55 per cent polling by 5pm while it was 78.19 per cent in Mydukur assembly segment, 75.8 per cent in Pulivendula, 75.16 per cent in Kamalapuram and 73.25 per cent in Badvel assembly segment. The queue lines continued till 6pm. Huge crowds, mostly women, waited in the long queues to cast their votes. In Hindupur Lok Sabha constituency, an average of 74.70 per cent polling was recorded at 6pm whereas the Penukonda Assembly segment recorded a 78.77 per cent polling, followed by Dharmvaram with 76.10 per cent, Puttaparthi with 75.23, Hindupur with 73.32 and Madakasira with 74.25 per cent polling. Uravakonda assembly segment recorded a maximum polling of 75 per cent by 6pm. Long queues were observed at many village polling booths and officials permitted people in queues to cast their votes even after 6pm. The Anantapur urban segment witnessed a larger turnout of voters compared to the previous elections. Interestingly, in Kalyandurg assembly segment, only 55.04 polling was recorded by 4pm but it improved to 67.05 per cent by evening. Sources said the polling per cent was very poor since the morning. At Jammanipalle polling station in Madakasira mandal, 94 per cent of women (460 voters) cast their votes.

Stone Pelting Mars Polling in Tadipatri

Anantapur: Tension prevailed in Tadipatri town after TD and YSRC groups hurled stones at each other in Om Santhi Nagar Colony. Security forces intervened and dispersed the groups. A BSF jawan got injured and two cars damaged. Polling went on peacefully in the town till the afternoon when YSRC candidate K. Pedda Reddy and TD leader J.C. Prabhakar Reddy came across each other at a polling station in Om Santhi Nagar Colony. Police forces intervened at the midpoint and dispersed the two groups at both the ends. However, a BSF Jawan suffered injuries and two vehicles got damaged. Collector Vinod Kumar said polling otherwise went on peacefully. They extended time of polling till 6 p.m., so that voters standing in queues could exercise their franchise. As per reports from other areas in Rayalaseema, Jana Sena activists damaged two EVMs at Dalavai village in Railway Kodur assembly constituency after YSRC men kidnapped their party agent Raja Reddy from the polling station. Polling resumed after additional forces reached the place. Police registered attempt to murder and SC / ST atrocity cases against Mydukur MLA Raghurami Reddys close aide for attacking TD agents at the ZP High School in Guravalur village under Chaapadu mandal of Kadapa district. SP Siddarth Kausal, who rushed to the spot, said cases have been registered against the attackers. Kurnool range DIG Vijaya Rao said polling had been peaceful except for a few incidents. In Chilamathur mandal of Hindupur assembly segment in Satya Sai district, TD activists attacked a YSRC leader and damaged two cars belonging to Chilamathur MPP Purushotham Reddy. Naveen Kumar, a YSRC party worker, suffered injuries in the attack.

Kadapa 2024 lok sabha election news : Constituency profile, candidate information, voter turnout and polling date. - The Hindu

Kadapa 2024 lok sabha election news : Constituency profile, candidate information, voter turnout and polling date. The Hindu

Polling largely incident-free in Kadapa district

Kadapa Lok Sabha segment registers a huge polling percentage of 60.57 by 3 p.m., which jumped to 72.85% by 5 p.m.; Siblings Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and Y.S. Sharmila Reddy register their votes in Pulivendula

LS polls 4th phase: High voter turnout of over 62% amid violence in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal

LS polls 4th phase: High voter turnout of over 62% amid violence in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal A voter turnout of more than 62 per cent was recorded till 5 pm on Monday in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha polls in 96 constituencies spread over 10 states and Union Territories amid incidents of violence in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. According to the Election Commission, a voting percentage of 62.31 was recorded till 5 pm. The voting will continue till 6 pm. Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the lowest voting percentage till 5 pm with 35.75 per cent of voters exercising their franchise, while West Bengal recorded the highest with 75.66 per cent. Among other states, Andhra Pradesh recorded 68.04 per cent polling, Bihar 54.14 per cent, Jharkhand 63.14 per cent, Madhya Pradesh 68.01 per cent, Maharashtra 52.49 per cent, Odisha 62.96 per cent, Telangana 61.16 per cent and Uttar Pradesh 56.35 per cent. BJP candidate in Telangana's Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat K Madhavi Latha was booked by election authorities after a video clip surfaced online in which she was purportedly seen asking burqa-clad women voters to show their faces to compare with the photo identity cards. In Andhra Pradesh, the TDP and YSRCP traded charges and accused each other of resorting to violence, especially in Palnadu, Kadapa and Annamayya districts. YSRCP also wrote to the EC, alleging poll code violations by rival TDP in several assembly segments, including Vemuru, Darsi, Icchapuram, Kuppam, Macherla, Markapuram, Palakonda and Pedakurapaudu. Polling for 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha constituencies in the coastal state is taking place simultaneously. The YSRCP alleged that TDP leaders captured five polling booths in the Vemuru constituency as it requested additional police forces and immediate action. The ruling party also claimed that the polling officer of booth number 57 in Kuppam colluded with the opposition TDP leaders to allow them to rig elections. YSRCP leader and Tenali MLA A Shiva Kumar allegedly manhandled a voter in Tenali following an argument, police said, adding the voter also retaliated. At Dalavaipalli village in Railway Kodur constituency, an EVM was destroyed while cars belonging to the ruling party and TDP were damaged, a police official said. A TDP agent was attacked at Nakkaladinne village in Myduruku constituency, leading to his hospitalisation. The YSRCP alleged that party agent Suresh Reddy was stabbed at Mandi Krishnapuram village in Chittoor's Gudipala mandal. It also alleged that TDP supporters attacked party member B Anji Reddy at Aravallipadu in the Darsi constituency. TDP MLC Mohammed Ahmed Shariff wrote a letter to Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena, complaining about alleged attacks by YSRCP cadres on TDP supporters at Rentala village in Rentichintala mandal of Palnadu district. TDP activists allegedly damaged the vehicle of senior YSRCP leader Nandigam Suresh, the YSRCP said in a statement. It further alleged that TDP supporters attacked party member B Anji Reddy at Aravallipadu in the Darsi constituency, resulting in a head injury. Meanwhile, TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu alleged that there was ''no peaceful atmosphere in the state for people to exercise their franchise''. ''I severely condemn the violence reported since morning. YSRCP is implementing its plots in a concerted manner. Local police officials failed in averting violence in Macherla constituency,'' he said in a post on 'X'. In Uttar Pradesh, there were instances of poll boycotts with people in some villages of Shahjahanpur keeping away from the process to protest against the lack of roads and development. Sporadic incidents of violence marred the fourth phase of Lok Sabha polls in the eight parliamentary constituencies of West Bengal as TMC and BJP workers clashed in various areas under Birbhum and Bardhaman-Durgapur Lok Sabha seats. Although the poll panel claimed that voting in the state has been peaceful, it received 1,088 complaints from different political parties alleging EVM malfunctioning and agents being stopped from entering booths. Stones were thrown at the BJP's Bardhaman-Durgapur candidate Dilip Ghosh's convoy in two places. Ghosh was also heckled by TMC activists, sources claimed. In Nanoor under Birbhum Lok Sabha seat, BJP workers clashed with TMC activists after saffron party polling agents were allegedly stopped from entering booths. Tension also prevailed in Chapra area of Krishnanagar constituency as BJP workers were allegedly beaten by TMC activists. BJP candidate Amrita Roy accompanied two injured persons to Chapra police station. The TMC has denied the allegations. The TMC, BJP, and Congress-CPI (M) alliance lodged separate complaints of poll violence, voter intimidation and assaults on poll agents in the first few hours of polling, sources said. EVM glitches were also reported in several places in Odisha. An official said 65 Ballot Units, 83 Control Units and 110 VVPATs have been replaced so far and most of the replacements were done during the mock poll exercise before starting of real voting at 7 am. The Election Commission suspended two polling officials in Odisha for dereliction of duty, the chief electoral officer said. In Jharkhand, security forces thwarted an attempt by Maoists to obstruct voter access to polling booths by felling a tree and blocking a road leading to remote Sonapi and Morangponga areas of West Singhbhum district. Voting was peaceful in Jammu and Kashmir where three generations of the Abdullah family cast their vote in the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency. Polling has been held in all 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana, all 25 seats in Andhra Pradesh, 13 in Uttar Pradesh, five in Bihar, four in Jharkhand, eight in Madhya Pradesh, 11 in Maharashtra, four in Odisha, eight in West Bengal and one in Jammu and Kashmir. Till phase three of the Lok Sabha elections, polling was held in 283 seats out of 543. After today's round, polling will conclude in 379 seats. The voter turnout in the first three phases of the Lok Sabha elections was 66.14 per cent, 66.71 per cent and 65.68 per cent, respectively. Polling for the next three phases in the country will be held on May 20, May 25 and June 1. The counting of votes is on June 4.

Clash between alliance and YSRCP activists sparks outrage in Kadapa district

A case has been booked against Mydukur MLA S. Raghurami Reddy and his followers, says SP

Fourth Phase of Lok Sabha Elections Sees 62% Voter Turnout Across 10 States and Union Territories

New Delhi: The fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections witnessed over 62% voter turnout till 5 pm on Monday across 96 constituencies in 10 states and Union Territories. West Bengal recorded the highest polling with 75.66% voter turnout, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 68.01%. However, Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra reported lower turnouts with 35.75% and 52.49% polling, respectively. In other states, Andhra Pradesh saw 68.04% polling, Bihar 54.14%, Jharkhand 63.14%, Odisha 62.96%, Telangana 61.16%, and Uttar Pradesh 56.35%. Although the polling was largely peaceful, some incidents of violence were reported in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. Additionally, there were reports of EVMs malfunctioning at some booths in West Bengal and Odisha. In Andhra Pradesh, the TDP and YSRCP traded allegations of violence, especially in Palnadu, Kadapa, and Annamayya districts. YSRCP accused TDP of violating the poll code in various constituencies and capturing polling booths. Conversely, TDP alleged that YSRCP workers damaged vehicles belonging to their candidate and assaulted their agents. In Tenali, YSRCP MLA A Shiva Kumar allegedly slapped a voter after an argument broke out over the lawmaker jumping the queue. Meanwhile, Srinagar voted amid rising concerns about low voter turnout and the campaigns increasingly acrimonious tenor. The ruling BJP isnt contesting the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat or the two other parliamentary constituencies from the Muslim-majority Kashmir region. Several displaced Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu were unable to cast their votes as their names were missing from the electoral rolls. The voter turnout in the first three phases of the Lok Sabha elections was 66.14%, 66.71%, and 65.68%, respectively. Heavy Rain and Hailstorm Hit Multiple Madhya Pradesh Districts, Expected to Continue for 5 Days Delhi Court Reserves Order on Umar Khalid's Bail Plea in Delhi Riots Case Three Naxalites, Including Two Females, Killed in Encounter in Gadchiroli, Maharashtra

Clash between alliance and YSRCP activists sparks outrage in Kadapa district - The Hindu

Clash between alliance and YSRCP activists sparks outrage in Kadapa district The Hindu

AP registers 40.32% poll percentage by 1 pm

Vijayawada: A large number of voters including the aged and also specially abled braving the sweltering heat to reach the poling stations to cast thier vote across AP on Monday. As the poll percentage registered at 40.25 at 1.00 pm, it indicates that the voters are showing a lot of interest to exercise their franchise in favour of the political parties they support. Voters are being seen waiting in long queues at several polling booths for their turn to cast vote while the election authorities have made elaborate arrangements like setting up pandals and arranging fans and chairs for the benefit of voters to ensure that they do not fall victim to the sun stroke. The election authorities are keeping the polling booths under electronics surveillance to monitor any issues of electoral malpractices and poll-related violence. Poll violence reported from several parts of AP including Chittoor, Kadapa, Kurnool, Anantapur, Bapatla, Palnadu, Prakasam and others involving mainly clashes between the supporters of both the YSRC and Telugu Desam. Moreover, the voters who cast their vote at several polling booths are hinting at their preference for the incumbent YSR Congress stating that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy wold continue the welfare schemes if elected to power while those supporting the NDA claim that TD chief Chandrababu Naidu would build capital city Amaravati and create jobs for the benefit of especially the youth and the manifestos of both the YSRC and NDA are also having their impact on the voting trends.

I am confident of Congress victory here, Andhra Pradesh Congress President and Kadapa candidate, YS Sharmila

The News Mill

Andhra Pradesh Sees 23.1% Voter Turnout in LS Elections, 23% in Assembly Polls by 11 am

Andhra Pradesh Sees 23.1% Voter Turnout in LS Elections, 23% in Assembly Polls by 11 am Andhra Pradesh recorded 23.1 per cent voter turnout for the 25 Lok Sabha seats while it was 23 per cent for the 175-seat Assembly at 11 am in the state, an Election Commission app said on Monday. YSRCP leader and Tenali MLA A Shiva Kumar allegedly manhandled a voter at Tenali following an argument with voters, which also resulted in the voter retaliating, according to police. Polling began at 7 am in the state and will go on till 6 pm, barring at a few places where it will conclude one or two hours earlier. Governor S Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu along with their respective family members, were among the early voters in Andhra Pradesh on Monday. Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y S Sharmila cast her vote at Idupulupaya, preceded by a visit to her father and former chief minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy's grave. TDP and YSRCP traded violence allegations against each other's supporters and cadres at multiple locations in the state, especially in Palnadu, Kadapa and Annamayya districts. At Dalavaipalli village in Railway Kodur constituency, an EVM was destroyed. Cars belonging to the ruling party and TDP were damaged, said a police official. A TDP agent was attacked at Nakkaladinne village in Myduruku constituency, leading to his hospitalisation. The YSRCP alleged that party agent Suresh Reddy was stabbed at Mandi Krishnapuram village in Chittoor's Gudipala mandal. TDP activists allegedly damaged the vehicle of senior YSRCP leader Nandigam Suresh, YSRCP said in a statement. Further, it alleged that TDP supporters attacked party member B Anji Reddy at Aravallipadu in Darsi constituency, resulting in a head injury. Meanwhile, TDP MLC Mohammed Ahmed Shariff wrote a letter to Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena, complaining about alleged attacks by YSRCP cadres on TDP supporters at Rentala village in Rentichintala mandal of Palnadu district. TDP MLC P Anuradha wrote to the CEO alleging IVRS calls being made in the name of YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy and leader V Rajini. She claimed it was a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state. As part of a seat-sharing deal among NDA partners, the TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies while the BJP is contesting from six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats. Actor Pawan Kalyan-led Janasena is contesting two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats.

Andhra CM JM Reddy says to vote for governance which will lead to bright future

The CM cast his vote at Jayamahal Anganawadi Polling Booth No. 138 in the Kadapa Constituency.

Sharmila Denounces Brother, Cousin

Y S Sharmila's message to voters in Kadapa is brief: 'I am YSR's daughter, my brother Jagan has ruined Andhra, vote for me, vote for Congress.' A Ganesh Nadar listens in.

Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan, TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu among early voters

Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu along with their respective family members, were among the early voters in Andhra Pradesh Monday. Jagan Mohan Reddy cast his vote at Bhakarapuram in Pulivendula constituency of Kadapa district Monday while Chandrababu Naidu and his wife exercised their []

Early Voters Include Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan and TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu

Early Voters Include Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan and TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu along with their respective family members, were among the early voters in Andhra Pradesh on Monday. Jagan Mohan Reddy cast his vote at Bhakarapuram in Pulivendula constituency of Kadapa district on Monday while Chandrababu Naidu and his wife exercised their franchise in Amaravati. Speaking to mediapersons after casting his vote, Jagan Mohan Reddy said the people have seen the best governance during the past five years. ''You have seen the governance and if you think you have benefited from this governance then vote for that governance which would lead to a brighter future,'' he told reporters. The polling is scheduled from 7 AM to 6 PM in the state, barring a few places where it will conclude one or two hours earlier. Jagan Mohan Reddy (Pulivendula), TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu (Kuppam) and Janasena chief and actor Pawan Kalyan (Pithapuram), among others, are in the Assembly poll race. Andhra Pradesh Congress president and Jagan's sister YS Sharmila (Kadapa) and BJP state chief D Purandeswari (Rajamahendravaram), among others, are in Lok Sabha poll fray. The YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state. As part of a seat-sharing deal among NDA partners, the TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies while the BJP is contesting from six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats. The Janasena is contesting two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats.

Vote for that governance, which will lead to brighter future: Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy

Vote for that governance, which will lead to brighter future: Andhra CM Jagan Mohan Reddy Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday cast his vote and said that vote for that governance, which would lead to a righter future. He cast his vote at Kadapa Constituency's Jayamahal Anganawadi Polling Booth No. 138. You have seen the governance in the last 5 years and if you think you have benefited from this governance, then vote for that governance, which would lead to a brighter future, Andhra CM told reporters. Congress's YS Sharmila, TDP's Chadipiralla Bhupesh Subbarami Reddy and YSRCP's YS Avinash Reddy are contesting elections from this seat. YSRCP's YS Avinash Reddy is the sitting MP from Kadapa. Sitting MP YS Avinash Reddy of the YSR Congress Party is pitted against state Congress chief YS Sharmila. Sharmila is the daughter of former Andhra CM YS Rajasekhara Reddy and sister of YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy. Avinash Reddy is the cousin of Sharmila and Jagan. The Telugu Desam Party, which is in alliance with the BJP in the state, has fielded Chidipiralla Bhupesh Reddy for the seat. Voting for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in 96 Parliamentary Constituencies across nine states and one Union Territory began on Monday at 7:00 am. Polling for all 175 seats of the State Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh and 28 seats of the State Legislative Assembly of Odisha also started simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls. Of the 96 Lok Sabha seats, 25 are from Andhra Pradesh, 17 from Telangana, 13 from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, eight each from Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, five from Bihar, four each from Jharkhand and Odisha, and one from Jammu and Kashmir. According to the poll body, a total of 4,264 nominations were filed for 96 parliamentary constituencies across. Of the 96 Lok Sabha seats, 25 are from Andhra Pradesh, 17 from Telangana, 13 from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, eight each from Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, five from Bihar, four each from Jharkhand and Odisha and one from Jammu and Kashmir. The fourth phase is witnessing key contests in various constituencies. Leaders such as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC leader Mahua Moitra, BJP leader Giriraj Singh, JDU's Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), TMC leaders Shatrughan Sinha and Yusuf Pathan. BJP leaders Arjun Munda and Madhavi Latha, and Andhra Pradesh Congress Chief YS Sharmila are also looking for electoral success. So far, till phase 3 of the Lok Sabha polls, polling has concluded smoothly and peacefully in 283 Lok Sabha seats. (ANI)

Election frenzy chokes bus, railway stations across Andhra Pradesh

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

Andhra Pradesh: Seats that matter

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

Note for vote rampant in Andhra Pradesh

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

Polling Commences for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly Seats in Andhra Pradesh

Polling Commences for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly Seats in Andhra Pradesh Polling for 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh is underway with voters standing in queues to exercise their franchise on Monday. After an intense campaign marked by fervent speeches from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, and several other prominent leaders across political parties over the past several weeks, polling began at 7 am today. YSRCP president Jagan Mohan Reddy (Pulivendula), TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu (Kuppam) and Janasena chief and actor Pawan Kalyan (Pithapuram), among others, are in the Assembly poll race. Andhra Pradesh Congress president and Jagan's sister YS Sharmila (Kadapa) and BJP state chief Purandeswari (Rajamahendravaram), among others, are in Lok Sabha poll fray. According to a note from the Chief Ministers Office (CMO), Jagan Mohan Reddy is expected to cast his vote in Bhakarapuram in Pulivendula constituency of Kadapa district on Monday and head back to Tadepalli by 10 am. The YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state. As part of a seat-sharing deal among NDA partners, the TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies while the BJP is contesting from six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats. The Janasena is contesting two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats. The YSR Congress campaign centred around the welfare measures that it implemented during the past five years while the NDA highlighted the ''failures'' of the state government and the doles it would provide, if voted to power in the state and the job creation it would do. Besides PM Modi, several union ministers including Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi undertook poll campaigns for their respective party candidates. For the smooth conduct of the polls, the Election Commission has deployed 1.06 lakh security personnel, who included 3,500 Karnataka police, 4,500 Tamil Nadu police, 1,614 ex-servicemen and 246 retired police personnel, among others. The polling is scheduled from 7 AM to 6 PM in the state, barring a few places where it will conclude one or two hours before. The total number of voters in the southern state is 4.14 crore, which includes 2.02 crore male, 2.1 crore female, 3,421 third gender voters and 68,185 service electors. As many as 454 candidates are in the fray for Lok Sabha and 2,387 for Assembly polls, according to Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer MK Meena. The YSRCP won 151 seats, TDP 23 and Janasena claimed one in the last Assembly polls while the ruling party emerged victorious in 22 and Chandrababu Naidu-led party in three Lok Sabha seats in the 2019 elections.

Live: Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 4

Representational picture. Representational picture. Voting for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in 96 Parliamentary Constituencies across nine states and one Union Territory began on Monday at 7:00 am. Polling for all 175 seats of the State Legislative Assembly of Andhra Pradesh and 28 seats of the State Legislative Assembly of Odisha also started simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls. Of the 96 Lok Sabha seats, 25 are from Andhra Pradesh, 17 from Telangana, 13 from Uttar Pradesh, 11 from Maharashtra, eight each from Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal, five from Bihar, four each from Jharkhand and Odisha, and one from Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 1,717 candidates from 10 States/UTs will contest elections in phase 4 of the Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission of India said. According to the poll body, a total of 4,264 nominations were filed for 96 parliamentary constituencies. The Election Commission further stated that the maximum number of nomination forms were received from Telangana (1488) followed by Andhra Pradesh with 1103 nominations from 25 constituencies. Malkajgiri Parliamentary Constituency in Telangana received a maximum of 177 nomination forms, followed by 13-Nalgonda and 14-Bhongir in the same state with 114 nomination forms in each. The fourth phase is witnessing key contests in various constituencies. Leaders such as AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, West Bengal Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC leader Mahua Moitra, BJP leader Giriraj Singh, JDU's Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), TMC leaders Shatrughan Sinha and Yusuf Pathan. BJP leaders Arjun Munda and Madhavi Latha, and Andhra Pradesh Congress Chief YS Sharmila are also looking for electoral success. Baharampur, Hyderabad, Krishnanagar, Begusarai, Munger, Srinagar, Asansol, Kannauj, Kadapa, and Khunti are some of the prominent Lok Sabha seats where voting is underway. The Election Commission on Sunday informed that polling time in certain assembly segments of 17 Parliamentary Constituencies of Telangana was increased by the Commission (from 7 am to 6 pm) to increase voters' participation.

Live: Lok Sabha Polls Phase 4 | Fate of candidates in 96 seats to be decided

May 13, 2024. Monday. A total of 96 constituencies across 10 states and union territories goes to the polls in the fourth phase of the 82-day long, seven-phase polling. The fate of 283 seats were sealed in the first three phases held on April 19, April 26, and May 7. The voters turnout recorded in the first three phases reads as 66.1%, 66.7%, and 61%, respectively. Phase-IV will witness simultaneous elections for the Andhra Pradesh assembly (175 seats) and the Lok Sabha (25 seats). In Telangana, 17 Lok Sabha seats are up for grabs. Key candidates The key candidates in the fray in Phase IV include Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, TMC's Mahua Moitra, Shatrughan Sinha and Yusuf Pathan, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and YS Sharmila of the Congress. For the BJP, big names include Union ministers G Kishan Reddy, Arjun Munda, Ajay Mishra Teni, Giriraj Singh and Nityanand Rai, along with party leaders Sakshi Maharaj, Dilip Ghosh, Pankaja Munde, Bandi Sanjay, Madhavi Latha, and Daggubati Purandeswari, who will feature on the ballot. Srinagar Srinagar, witnessing the first parliamentary polls since the revocation of Article 370, will see a three-cornered contest between the National Conference's Agha Ruhullah, People's Democratic Party leader Waheed Para and the Altaf Bukhari-led Apni Partys Mohammad Ashraf Mir, who is contesting as an NDA candidate. The counting of votes will be taken up on June 4 nationwide. Phase IV Andhra Pradesh: All 25 seats Telangana: All 17 seats Jharkhand: 4 out of 14 seats Odisha: 4 out of 21 seats Uttar Pradesh: 13 out of 80 seats Madhya Pradesh: 8 out of 29 seats Bihar: 5 out of 40 seats Maharashtra: 11 out of 48 seats West Bengal: 8 out of 42 seats Jammu and Kashmir: 1 out of 5 seats Andhra Pradesh: All 175 assembly seats Andhra votes for Lok Sabha, Assembly polls in single phase Phase 4 will see elections being held for the 175-member Andhra Pradesh assembly, along with the 25 Lok Sabha seats from the state. YSRCP president Jagan (Pulivendula), TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu (Kuppam) and Janasena chief and actor Pawan Kalyan (Pithapuram), among others, are in the Assembly poll race. AP Congress president and Jagan's sister YS Sharmila (Kadapa) and BJP state chief Purandeswari (Rajamahendravaram), among others, are in the Lok Sabha poll fray. The YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state. As part of a seat-sharing deal among NDA partners, the TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies, while the BJP will contest from six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats. The Janasena will contest two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats. As many as 454 candidates are in the fray for Lok Sabha and 2,387 for Assembly polls, according to Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer MK Meena. Telangana: All 17 seats in fray after electrifying campaign After a high-decibel campaign, including by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the top leaders of Congress and BRS, the stage is now set for polling on Sunday to elect 17 Lok Sabha members from the state in a single phase. The Election Commission has also made arrangements to conduct a bypoll for the Secunderabad (Cantonment) Assembly seat to be held tomorrow. As many as 625 candidates, including Union Minister and Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy, the party's national general secretary Bandi Sanjay Kumar and senior leader Etala Rajender are among the saffron party candidates while the Congress fielded among others, BRS turncoats Danam Nagender and K Kavya. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi is seeking re-election from the party's bastion of Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency and the BJP has fielded a political novice but enthusiastic K Madhavi Latha who has begun a spirited campaign. The former IPS officer RS Praveen Kumar and sitting MP Nama Nageswar Rao, among others, are in the poll fray from former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao-led BRS. Apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several union ministers including Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Mallikrajun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy canvassed for their respective party candidates. Over 3.31 crore voters are expected to exercise their franchise in 35,356 polling stations across the state. Telangana recorded 62 percent voter turnout in the 2019 parliamentary elections. The BRS (then TRS) won nine seats, BJP four, Congress three and AIMIM one seat in the 2019 general elections. Uttar Pradesh: Akhliesh's legacy in play as 13 seats go to polls Voting for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, covering 13 parliamentary constituencies, will take place on Monday, with all eyes on the prestigious Kannauj seat from which Samajwadi Party president and former MP Akhilesh Yadav is seeking re-election. Another prominent candidate in the fray in this round is Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra Teni, who is contesting from Kheri. Voting will take place in Shahjahanpur (SC), Kheri, Dhaurahra, Sitapur, Hardoi (SC), Misrikh (SC), Unnao, Farrukhabad, Etawah (SC), Kannauj, Kanpur, Akbarpur and Bahraich (SC). A total of 130 candidates are in the poll fray in this phase. Among the 13 poll-bound constituencies, Kannauj will see a contest between the SP chief and sitting BJP MP Subrat Pathak, while in Unnao, incumbent BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj (Swami Sachidanand Hari Sakshi) is pitted against SP's Annu Tandon (a former Lok Sabha MP from Unnao). Of the 13 parliamentary constituencies going to polls in the fourth phase, the BJP has reposed its faith in 11 sitting MPs by giving them tickets, while it has fielded new candidates Ramesh Awasthi from Kanpur and Anand Kumar from the Bahraich-SC seat. In the INDIA bloc, the SP has fielded candidates from 11 Lok Sabha seats in this phase, while on two seats -- Kanpur (Alok Misra) and Sitapur (Rakesh Rathor) -- candidates of the Congress are in the fray. Four BJP candidatesUnion minister Teni (Kheri), Rekha Verma (Dhaurahra), Mukesh Rajput (Farrukhabad) and Devendra Singh alias Bhole (Akbarpur)are eyeing a hat trick, while Rajesh Verma is eyeing a fifth term from Sitapur. Maharashtra: 11 seats in action Maharashtra, with its 48 Lok Sabha seats, is the second-largest contributor to the Lower House of Parliament after Uttar Pradesh. In the fourth phase, polling will take place across 11 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state. These Lok Sabha constituencies are Nandurbar, Jalgaon, Raver, Jalna, Aurangabad, Maval, Pune, Shirur, Ahmednagar, Shirdi, and Beed. In the first phase of voting for the general polls, Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur, and Chandrapur were in the fray. The voter turnout in this phase stood at 63.71 percent. Buldhana, Nanded, Akola, Amravati, Wardha, Yavatmal-Washim, Hingoli and Parbhani went to the polls in the second phase. The final polling percentage in this phase was 62.71 percent. In the third phase on May 7, voting took place across 11 constituencies - Raigad, Baramati, Osmanabad, Latur, Solapur, Madha, Sangli, Satara, Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg, Kolhapur, and Hatkanangle. The voter turnout in this phase stood at 63.55 percent. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP won 23 out of 25 contested seats, while the undivided Shiv Sena secured 18 out of 23 seats. Elections to the 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra will be held in five phases on April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, and May 20. West Bengal: Fate of several star candidates to be decided Congress' Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, TMC's Shatrughan Sinha, Mahua Moitra and Yusuf Pathan, BJP's SS Ahluwalia and Dilip Ghosh will be among the candidates whose fates will be decided in the EVMs as eight Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal will go to the polls in the fourth phase on Monday. Spread over Murshidabad, Nadia, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman and Birbhum districts, the problems flagged by voters in these constituencies vary from migrant labour, drinking water supply and drying up of industries, while the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) notification is a bone of contention between the TMC and BJP in some places. Polling will be held in Baharampur, Krishnanagar, Ranaghat (SC), Bardhaman Purba (SC), Bardhaman-Durgapur, Asansol, Bolpur (SC) and Birbhum in West Bengal in the fourth round of the Lok Sabha polls. Film star-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha is seeking re-election from Asansol and is pitted against the BJP's veteran leader SS Ahluwalia. In Krishnanagar, the TMC has put up its outspoken leader Mahua Moitra, who was expelled from the 17th Lok Sabha last December, against BJP's Amrita Roy, a member of the Krishnanagar royal family. Former Bengali cine celebrity Satabdi Roy is seeking a fourth term from the Birbhum seat, which is now shorn of its maverick TMC leader Anubrata Mondal, lodged in Tihar jail in connection with an alleged cattle smuggling case. Congress' leader in the outgoing Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, fighting for a sixth consecutive term from Baharampur, is set to see his clout tested in the seat considered his fortress for the last three decades, with the TMC having fielded former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan and the BJP's Nirmal Kumar Saha. BJP's former West Bengal president Dilip Ghosh, whose controversial comments on various issues and against TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee have often made headlines, is contesting from Bardhaman-Durgapur, having been shifted by the saffron party from Kharagpur, where he had won in 2019. Trinamool Congress has put up former Indian cricketer Kirti Azad from the seat, while CPI(M) has fielded Sukriti Ghosal. BJP's Jagannath Sarkar is seeking re-election from Ranaghat constituency, which has a significant Matua population. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) has been a profound issue of debate here between the saffron party and the TMC. TMC announced the candidature of Mukut Mani Adhikari for the seat soon after he joined the party, leaving the BJP, of which he was an MLA from Ranaghat Dakshin assembly segment. Asit Kumar Mal is seeking re-election from Bolpur on a TMC ticket, having been pitted against Priya Saha of BJP and Shyamali Pradhan of the CPI (M). In Bardhaman Purba, TMC fielded psychiatrist Sharmila Sarkar against BJP's folk singer candidate Ashim Kumar Sarkar, who is the saffron party's MLA from Haringhata Assembly segment, and CPI(M)'s Nirav Kha. Jharkhand: Four reserved seats in fray The stage is set for voting in Jharkhand's four Lok Sabha constituenciesSinghbhum, Khunti, Lohardaga and Palamuon Monday amidst heavy security deployments in all polling booths. Of the four Lok Sabha seats, three are reserved for Schedule Tribe (ST), while Palamu is reserved for Schedule Caste (SC) candidates. Interestingly, the number of female voters is higher than the number of male voters in three tribal seats. More than 64.37 lakh electors, including 32.07 lakh female voters, are eligible to exercise their franchise in the four constituencies in the state, an election official said. A total of 45 candidates, including seven from Khunti, 15 from Lohardaga, nine from Palamu and 14 from Singhbhum, are in the poll fray. An interesting fight is likely in all three tribal seats as the JMM-led ruling alliance and the BJP-led opposition in Jharkhand have put all their efforts into galvanising people's support in their favour. In Singhbhum, BJP's Geeta Kora, who had won the seat on Congress ticket in 2019, has locked horns with INDIA bloc's Joba Manjhi, who is a JMM MLA from Manoharpur assembly seat. Khunti is heading for a direct fight between Union Minister and BJP nominee Arjun Munda and the INDIA bloc's Kalicharan Munda. The Lohardaga seat might see a triangular contest after JMM's Bishunpur MLA Chamra Linda filed nomination as an Independent candidate against BJP's Samri Oraon and INDIA bloc's Sukhdeo Bhagat. The Palamu seat is set for a direct fight between the BJP's sitting MP Vishnu Dayal Ram and RJD's Mamta Bhuiyan as INDIA bloc candidate.

Andhra: Kadapa to witness a family face-off between YSRCPs YS Avinash Reddy and Congress YS Sharmila

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4.14 Crore Voters Involved in AP Polling Today

Voters showing their voter identity card before casting their votes at a polling station in Nagpur on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI) Voters showing their voter identity card before casting their votes at a polling station in Nagpur on Wednesday. (Photo: PTI) Vijayawada: Nearly 4.14 crore voters would decide the political fate of 2,841 candidates across 175 assembly and 25 Lok Sabha constituencies in Andhra Pradesh on Monday. The results will be known after the counting of votes on June 4. The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements for the polling from 7 am to 6 pm in 169 assembly segments and from 7 am to 5 pm in three segments--Palakonda (SC), Kurupam (SC), and Salur (ST) -- and from 7 am to 4 pm in Araku Valley (ST), Paderu (ST) and Rampachodavaram (ST). Polling for all the seats in AP is being held in the fourth phase of the nationwide general elections. As many as 46,389 polling stations have been set up, including auxiliary polling stations. Of these, 12,438 are critical polling stations while 31,385 sensitive stations will have the webcasting facility. Out of the total 4.14 cr voters, nearly 2.03 crore are male and 2.10 crore female while 3,421 voters are transgenders. YSR Congress president and chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is contesting from Pulivendula, Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu from Kuppam, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan from Pithapuram, state BJP chief D Purandeswari from Rajahmundry LS and state Congress chief YS Sharmila Reddy from Kadapa LS. Political parties have made a series of promises during the weeks-long campaign to woo the voters. Chief electoral officer Mukesh Kumar Meena called upon the voters to cast their vote in a free and fair manner and ensure peaceful polling. The EC is using 1.60 lakh EVMs across 46,389 polling stations and keeping nearly 20 per cent of the EVMs on standby to meet any machine snag or exigency. It aims at 83 per cent polling in the state against the 79.84 per cent in 2019 polls. The election authorities are providing drinking water, wheelchairs and ramps, first-aid centres, separate queue lines for male and female voters, and wheelchairs for the aged and special-needs persons.

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

Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency in Andhra Pradesh, India, contains seven assembly segments in YSR Kadapa district. YS Avinash Reddy emerged victorious in the 2019 election and is set for the upcoming poll on 13th May 2024.

Andhra Pradesh set to go for Lok Sabha, assembly polls in single phase

AP Congress president and Jagan's sister YS Sharmila (Kadapa) and BJP state chief Purandeswari (Rajamahendravaram), among others, are in Lok Sabha poll fray. The YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state. As part of a seat sharing deal among NDA partners, the TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies while the BJP will contest from six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats.

Only Congress can get Special Category Status to Andhra: Rahul

KADAPA: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reiterated that only with Congress at the helm of affairs, Andhra Pradesh will get the Special Category Status. Addressing an election rally at Kadapa on Saturday after paying tributes to former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy in Idupulapaya, Rahul called upon the people of Kadapa to elect Congress candidate YS Sharmila Reddy, whom he called as his sister, so the genuine voice of AP can be heard in Lok Sabha. Recalling that YSR was a close friend of his father Rajiv Gandhi, the Congress leader said YSRs Padayatra was an inspiration for his Bharat Jodo Yatra. He said he learned several lessons from YSR, who gave more importance to social justice. However, today, it is found lacking in the State, he observed. Today, Andhra Pradesh is run by the B team of BJP. The BJPs B team means B for Babu, J for Jagan, and P for Pawan. Remote control of these three persons is with Narendra Modi, he said, taking a dig at the three parties. Rahul further said these leaders were under Modis control as the latter had ED, CBI, and other enforcement agencies at his disposal. He asserted that soon after coming to power, the INDIA government would keep all the promises made to Andhra Pradesh including the implementation of Special Category Status, completing the Polavaram Project, and construction of the Kadapa Steel Plant. On the issue of the inclusion of the YSR name in the CBI chargesheet filed in the disproportionate assets cases against Jagan, Rahul maintained that YSR was an out-and-out Congress leader and his ideologies were that of Congress. Why would Congress include his name in the chargesheet? It has not done any such thing, he maintained. Lashing out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress leader said Modi is bent on destroying the Constitution, and Congress is fighting against such oppressive tactics of NDA with all its might. Rahul said as promised, women from poor families will be credited with Rs 1 lakh per annum, and increase wages under NREGA to Rs 400 per day.

YS Vijayamma urges people to vote for Sharmila

VIJAYAWADA: YS Vijayamma, wife of former Chief Minister late YS Rajasekhara Reddy on Saturday made a fervent appeal to the people of Kadapa district to elect her daughter YS Sharmila as Kadapa MP. In a video message released to the media and posted on social media, former Pulivendula MLA Vijayamma reminded the people of Kadapa about the contribution and service of YS Rajasekhara Reddy. I urge the people of Kadapa who loved, adored, and respected YS Rajasekhara Reddy to support his daughter Sharmila. Bless her and send her to the Parliament to serve the people of Kadapa like her father, Vijayamma said. Sharmilas cousin Nareddy Suneetha, who is the daughter of slain former minister YS Vivekananda Reddy, also urged the people of Kadapa to support them in getting justice and elect Sharmila to power. My father and his brother YS Rajasekhara Reddy strove for the welfare and development of Kadapa. As their daughters, we both sisters are urging the people of Kadapa to help us in getting justice by voting for Sharmila, Suneetha said and called upon people to press the Hand (Congress election symbol) button in the Lok Sabha elections. Earlier, addressing the election rally along with Rahul Gandhi, APCC chief YS Sharmila reiterated that Congress is the only party committed to the welfare and development of Andhra Pradesh. In the last 10 years, not a single promise made to Andhra Pradesh was fulfilled. BJP deceived the people of the State and Jagan supported that party. All the states have capitals, but Andhra Pradesh has none. Why? Chandrababu Naidu deceived people in the name of a capital like Singapore and Jagan promised three capitals, but all the State got was a big zero, APCC chief YS Sharmila lambasted.

Andhra Pradesh to Hold Simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections in Single Phase

Andhra Pradesh to Hold Simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly Elections in Single Phase After an intense campaign marked by fervent speeches from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, and several other prominent leaders across political parties, the stage is set for polling on Monday to elect the 175- member AP assembly and also 25 Lok Sabha seats from the state. YSRCP president Jagan (Pulivendula), TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu (Kuppam) and Janasena chief and actor Pawan Kalyan (Pithapuram), among others, are in the Assembly poll race. AP Congress president and Jagan's sister YS Sharmila (Kadapa) and BJP state chief Purandeswari (Rajamahendravaram), among others, are in Lok Sabha poll fray. The YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state. As part of a seat sharing deal among NDA partners, the TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies while the BJP will contest from six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats. The Janasena will contest two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats. The YSR Congress campaign centred around the welfare measures that it implemented during the past five years while the NDA highlighted the ''failures'' of the state government and the doles it would provide, if voted to power in the state and the job creation it would do. Besides PM Modi, several union ministers including Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge undertook poll campaigns for their respective party candidates. For the smooth conduct of the polls, the Election Commission has deployed 1.06 lakh security personnel, who included 3,500 Karnataka police, 4,500 Tamil Nadu police, 1,614 ex-servicemen and 246 retired police personnel, among others. The polling will start at 7 AM and end at 6 PM in the state, barring a few places where it will conclude one or two hours before. The total number of voters in the southern state is 4.14 crore, which includes 2.02 crore male, 2.1 crore female, 3,421 third gender voters and 68,185 service electors. As many as 454 candidates are in the fray for Lok Sabha and 2,387 for Assembly polls, according to Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer MK Meena. Exuding confidence about winning the polls, the YSRCP chief asserted that he is no Abhimanyu to succumb to the alleged political conspiracies plotted by the opposition parties. In a post on Saturday on 'X', Reddy called himself Arjun, who is accompanied by Lord Krishna-like people to emerge triumphant. Opposition leader Naidu in a post on 'X' had appealed to the people of the state to exercise their franchise on May 13 as it is crucial for the future direction of Andhra Pradesh. The YSRCP won 151 seats, TDP-23 and Janasena-1 in the last Assembly polls while the ruling party emerged victorious in 22 and Chandrababu Naidu-led party in three Lok Sabha seats in the 2019 elections.

Land Titling Act poses no threat at all: Sajjala

Levelling allegations against the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government over the Andhra Pradesh Land Titling Act is nothing but a mischief, asserts YSRC general secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, in an interview with Harshita Nagpal and P Hareesh. Finding fault with the Election Commission of India (ECI) for seeking clarifications from the State government for issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the distribution of welfare aid, he alleges that the NDA is influencing the poll panel. Excerpts: The Land Titling Act seems to the burning issue right now. What is your take? It is not a burning issue at all. In a democracy, how can an individual take away others land and mortgage it or sell it as alleged by the Opposition. The Act is beneficial to the title holder and helps resolve land disputes. The government has assured the people that the Act will not be implemented now. Land resurvey will be completed first in the State. Once boundaries are demarcated, documents will be made and then there will not be any litigation in the future. So far, land resurvey in 6,000 villages has been completed. We will implement the Land Titling Act only after the survey is done. So, where is the threat? The ECI has sought clarification on why the government wants to release the welfare aid three days before polling even though the announcement about the release was made earlier itself. What is your response? The ECI seems to be crossing its limits. We respect the ECI decision, irrespective of whether it gives us permission or not. After the TDP entered into an alliance with the BJP, the ECI had started pressurising the YSRC government. Additionally, the ECI did not prevent any other government from disbursing welfare aid. Why this discrimination? Will APCC chief YS Sharmilas entry into the poll fray from Kadapa have an adverse impact on YSRC prospects? Not at all. When the YSRC was floated, the Congress had divided the family and at that time also we won comfortably. Not only as the natural heir of YS Rajasekhara Reddy, but as a natural leader, Jagan has proven his mettle.

Send my sister Sharmila to LS, Rahul to Kadapa people - The Hans India

Send my sister Sharmila to LS, Rahul to Kadapa people The Hans India

Ph 4 campaign for 96 seats in 10 states ends amid heatwave conditions

Among the notable contestants in this round are Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav (Kannauj), NCPs Omar Abdullah (Srinagar), Union ministers Giriraj Singh (Begusarai) and Nityanand Rai (Ujiarpur), Congresss Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury (Baharampur), Trinamools Mahua Moitra (Krishnanagar) and Shatrughnan Sinha (Asansol), AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi (Hyderabad), and AP CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddys younger sister YS Sharmila of Congress (Kadapa).

Andhra Pradesh Elections: Thunderous Campaign Concludes, Polling Commences May 13

Andhra Pradesh Elections: Thunderous Campaign Concludes, Polling Commences May 13 A high-decibel campaign by political parties for the May 13 simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and Assembly ended at 6 PM on Saturday. As many as 503 candidates are in the fray for Lok Sabha and 2,705 for Assembly polls, according to Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer MK Meena. The total number of voters in the southern state is 4.41 crore, which includes 2.02 crore male, 2.1 crore female, 3,421 third gender voters and 68,185 service electors. YSRCP president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (Pulivendula), TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu (Kuppam) and Janasena chief and actor Pawan Kalyan (Pithapuram), among others, are in the Assembly poll race. Andhra Pradesh Congress president and Jagan's sister YS Sharmila (Kadapa) and BJP state chief Purandeswari (Rajamahendravaram), among others, are in Lok Sabha poll fray. The YSR Congress campaign centred around the welfare measures that it implemented during the past five years while the NDA highlighted the ''failures'' of the state government and the doles it would provide, if voted to power in the state and the job creation it would do. YSRCP chief Reddy and TDP supremo Naidu held several poll rallies across the state. Other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several union ministers including Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi undertook poll campaigns for their respective party candidates. For the smooth conduct of the polls, the Election Commission has deployed 1.06 lakh security personnel, who included 3,500 Karnataka police, 4,500 Tamil Nadu police, 1,614 ex-servicemen and 246 retired police personnel, among others. Meanwhile, exuding confidence in winning the polls, the YSRCP chief asserted that he is no Abhimanyu to succumb to the alleged political conspiracies plotted by the opposition parties. In a post on 'X', Reddy called himself Arjun, who is accompanied by Lord Krishna-like people to emerge triumphant. Opposition leader Naidu in a post on 'X' appealed to the people of the state to exercise their franchise on May 13 as it is crucial for the future direction of Andhra Pradesh. Requesting every individual to mobilise four more voters, he called on Andhra Pradesh people living in other states also to come and vote, adding that the NDA alliance has a clear-cut blueprint to herald development. The YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state. As part of a seat sharing deal among NDA partners, the TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies while the BJP will contest from six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats. The Janasena will contest two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats. The YSRCP won 151 seats, TDP-23 and Janasena-1 in the last Assembly polls while the ruling party emerged victorious in 22 and Chandrababu Naidu-led party in three Lok Sabha seats in the 2019 elections.

One Crore Star Campaigners Spread Out in Support of YSRC Across AP

VIJAYAWADA: The Jagan Kosam Siddham election campaign launched by the YSRC has turned into a mega hit with the participation of over one crore commoners as Star Campaigners across the 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh. These campaigners are carrying Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's transformative 'Navaratnalu Plus' vision to every corner of the state and to every household. YSRC says the districts that recorded the most-overwhelming responses were Visakhapatnam, Bapatla, Krishna, Chittoor, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Satya Sai and Kadapa. As election campaigning drew to a close in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, the YSRC emerged as the undisputed leader in voter outreach. With an astounding support of over 1 crore individuals rallying behind the party as 'Star Campaigners' under the Jagan Kosam Siddham campaign, the final door-to-door outreach was done with much fervour. Executed on the ground predominantly by a spirited cadre of over 2.5 lakh partymen across 47,000 booths, these foot soldiers worked hard for nearly two weeks. Along the way, they roped in commoners as 'Star Campaigners', who joined leaders, candidates and party members in canvassing door-to-door, highlighting Jagan Mohan Reddys 2024 manifesto promises in the form of Navaratnalu Plus. Names of 12 star campaigers were registered with the Election Commission along with names of the Chief Minister and other political heavyweights like Botsa Satyanarayana, V.Y. Subba Reddy, Vijayasai Reddy and Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy. Jagan Mohan Reddy, in his Siddham public meetings, had sought the support of his welfare scheme beneficiaries and had asked them to be his star campaigners. As part of the campaign, the YSRC cadre visited every household with a 'Star Campaigner Booklet', seeking public approval for Jagan Mohan Reddys five years of governance. Additionally, the cadre carried a 'Siddham pen' and a 'Siddham Badge'. Each household received YSRCs 2024 Manifesto Table Calendar, designed to fit into a photo frame, along with mobile and door stickers. Individuals interested in becoming Star Campaigners were asked to give a missed call to 96120-96120 and receive an SMS confirmation with a unique Star Campaigner ID (for example FAN150004). Subsequently, a Star Campaigner ID Card was issued, symbolising their dedication to the party's mission. Star Campaigners S. Lakshmi, D. Ramu and others said that despite the scorching sun or lashing rain, the outreach penetrated down to the remotest villages, with women supporters more energetically rallying behind Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Watch | Kadapa: A contest for YSRs legacy | Lok Sabha polls 2024

Andhra Pradesh Resident Editor Appaji Reddem on the constituency that has been a bastion of YS Rajashekhar Reddys family

Andhra: YS Vijayalakshmi urges Kadapa voters to support daughter Sharmila in Lok Sabha polls

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Rahul Alleges BJP Control Over AP Leadership, Promises Development in Kadapa

Rahul Gandhi accuses Jagan, Naidu, and Kalyan of BJP influence, pledges special status for AP, farm loan waivers, and welfare schemes

AP CM compromised with Centre due to his corruption cases: alleges Rahul

Kadapa, May 11 (UNI) Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi has alleged that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has compromised with the BJP led government at the centre due to his corruption cases. Addressing an election meeting flanked by APCC President YS Sharmila here on Saturday, the Wayanad MP said that the AP... The post AP CM compromised with Centre due to his corruption cases: alleges Rahul first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

2024 LS polls: Campaigning ends in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, voting on May 13

HYDERABAD: A high-octane campaign by political parties for the May 13 Lok Sabha polls in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh ended at 6 PM on Saturday. In Telangana, the Election Commission has also made arrangements to conduct a bypoll for the Secunderabad (Cantonment) Assembly seat to be held on May 13. Earlier in the day, State Chief Electoral Officer of Telangana Vikas Raj at a press conference said all election campaigns including public meetings have to come to a halt after 6 PM today. About Rs 320 crore worth of cash, freebies and other articles have been seized so far, he added. A press release from Telangana DGP's office said over 73,000 civil police, 500 sections of the state special police, 164 companies of central armed police forces, three companies of Tamil Nadu police, 2,088 officials from other departments and 7,000 home guards are deployed as part of security measures. All vehicles carrying EVMs and VVPATs are fitted with GPS systems and provided invariably with armed security by Central forces, a press release from the CEO said today. Over 3. 31 crore voters are expected to exercise their franchise in 35,356 polling stations across the state. As many as 625 candidates, including Union Minister and Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy, the party's national general secretary Bandi Sanjay Kumar and senior leader Etala Rajender are among the saffron party candidates while the Congress fielded among others, BRS turncoats Danam Nagender and K Kavya. AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi is seeking re-election from the party's bastion of Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency and the BJP has fielded a political novice but enthusiastic K Madhavi Latha who has begun a spirited campaign. The former IPS officer RS Praveen Kumar and sitting MP Nama Nageswar Rao, among others, are in the poll fray from former Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao-led BRS. Coming to Andhra Pradesh, as many as 503 candidates are in the fray for Lok Sabha and 2,705 for Assembly polls, according to State Chief Electoral Officer MK Meena. The total number of voters in the southern state is 4. 41 crore, which includes 2. 02 crore male, 2. 1 crore female, 3,421 third gender voters and 68,185 service electors. YSRCP president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (Pulivendla), TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu (Kuppam) and Janasena chief and actor Pawan Kalyan (Pithapuram), among others, are in the Assembly poll race. Andhra Pradesh Congress president and Jagan's sister YS Sharmila (Kadapa) and BJP state chief Purandeswari (Rajamahendravaram), among others, are in Lok Sabha poll fray. The counting of votes will be taken up on June 4 nationwide. Campaign war Other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several union ministers including Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Mallikrajun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy undertook poll campaigns for their respective party candidates in Telangana. The Congress campaign centered around reservations for SC, ST and OBC alleging that BJP, if voted to power at the Centre again, will try to abolish quota for the above sections. It also highlighted that the Congress government in Telangana implemented five out of the six Assembly poll guarantees. The BJP focussed mainly on how the grand old party allegedly will try to snatch away reservations and allot the same to Muslims and controversial comments by Congress leader Sam Pitroda on race and skin colours of Indians. The BRS campaign, led by former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, highlighted the failures of the incumbent Congress government, besides attacking the BJP on various issues. Telangana recorded 62 per cent voter turnout in the 2019 Parliamentary elections. The BRS (then TRS) won nine seats, BJP - four, Congress - three and AIMIM - one seat in the 2019 general elections. In Andhra Pradesh, the YSR Congress campaign centred around the welfare measures that it implemented during the past five years while the NDA highlighted the failures of the state government and the doles it would provide, if voted to power in the state and the job creation it would do. YSRCP chief Reddy and TDP supremo Naidu held several poll rallies across the state. Other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several union ministers including Rajnath Singh and Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Mallikrajun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi undertook poll campaigns for their respective party candidates. The YSRCP is contesting in all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha segments in the state. As part of a seat sharing deal among NDA partners, the TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies while the BJP will contest from six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats. The Janasena will contest two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats. The YSRCP won 151 seats, TDP-23 and Janasena-1 in the last Assembly polls while the ruling party emerged victorious in 22 and Chandrababu Naidu-led party in three Lok Sabha seats in 2019 elections.

Y.S. Vijayamma roots for daughter Sharmila, urges Kadapa people to vote for her in the elections

The video clip of Vijayammas appeal to the voters posted in Congress partys official social media group is considered a shot in the arm for Sharmilas prospects in the Lok Sabha constituency, wherein she is locking horns with sitting YSRCP MP Avinash Reddy, who is also an accused in Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy murder case

AP polls: Y S Vijayamma appeals to supporters to vote for daughter Sharmila

Chief Minister Jagan's mother, YS Vijayamma, has resigned from the post of honorary president of the YSR Congress and said she would now stand with her daughter YS Sharmila's YSRTP in Telangana. (Photo: DC) Chief Minister Jagan's mother, YS Vijayamma, has resigned from the post of honorary president of the YSR Congress and said she would now stand with her daughter YS Sharmila's YSRTP in Telangana. (Photo: DC) Amaravati: Y S Vijayamma, wife of the late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, on Saturday appealed to the Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency people to vote for her daughter and Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila. Sharmila is pitted against Avinash Reddy, the incumbent MP and YSRCP candidate from the Kadapa constituency, and also an accused in the unresolved Y S Vivekananda Reddy murder case. Vivekananda Reddy was a former Kadapa MP and the younger brother of former Andhra Pradesh CM Y S Rajasekhar Reddy. He was murdered on March 15, 2019 in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. Vijayamma, in a video message, urged the supporters of YSR to vote for her daughter Sharmila, who is campaigning against her son and YSRCP supremo and Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. I am your Vijayamma and I am appealing to all the people who love Y S Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), his fans and all the Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency people to bless her (Sharmila) and send her to the Parliament, said Vijayamma in the video message shared by the Congress party. Reminding of the love and affection showered on YSR, she asked for similar support to Sharmila in the forthcoming elections. Sharmila has come before the electorate seeking support like her late father, Rajamma said, and appealed to supporters to give her daughter an opportunity to serve them like YSR. The Communist Party of India (CPI), Congress and CPI(M) are INDIA bloc partners in Andhra Pradesh. Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled on May 13.

Andhra Pradesh Elections: Y S Vijayamma Appeals to Voters to Support Daughter Sharmila Reddy's Party

Andhra Pradesh Elections: Y S Vijayamma Appeals to Voters to Support Daughter Sharmila Reddy's Party Y S Vijayamma, wife of the late Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, on Saturday appealed to the Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency people to vote for her daughter and Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila. Sharmila is pitted against Avinash Reddy, the incumbent MP and YSRCP candidate from the Kadapa constituency, and also an accused in the unresolved Y S Vivekananda Reddy murder case. Vivekananda Reddy was a former Kadapa MP and the younger brother of former Andhra Pradesh CM Y S Rajasekhar Reddy. He was murdered on March 15, 2019 in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls. Vijayamma, in a video message, urged the supporters of YSR to vote for her daughter Sharmila, who is campaigning against her son and YSRCP supremo and Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy. ''I am your Vijayamma and I am appealing to all the people who love Y S Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), his fans and all the Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency people to bless her (Sharmila) and send her to the Parliament,'' said Vijayamma in the video message shared by the Congress party. Reminding of the love and affection showered on YSR, she asked for similar support to Sharmila in the forthcoming elections. Sharmila has come before the electorate seeking support like her late father, Rajamma said, and appealed to supporters to give her daughter an opportunity to serve them like YSR. The Communist Party of India (CPI), Congress and CPI(M) are INDIA bloc partners in Andhra Pradesh. Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled on May 13.

Rahul Gandhi tries to wash off anti-YSR scar on Congress

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses public meeting in support of Chelli Sharmila in Kadapa

Rahul Gandhi Accuses YSRCP, TDP, Janasena of Being BJP's Allies

Rahul Gandhi Accuses YSRCP, TDP, Janasena of Being BJP's Allies Hitting out at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and other opposition parties in the state, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said BJP stands for Babu (TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu), Jagan and Pawan (Janasena founder Pawan Kalyan). Addressing a poll rally in Kadapa, the Congress leader alleged the remote control of the three leaders is with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Invoking the name of former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), Rahul Gandhi said the former's marathon political walkathon (padayatra) across Andhra Pradesh was the inspiration for his nationwide Bharat Jodo Yatra. ''Today, Andhra Pradesh is run by the 'B' team of BJP. The BJP's 'B' team means B for Babu, J for Jagan and P for Pawan. Remote control of these three people is with Narendra Modi,'' Gandhi said, taking a dig at the three parties. He further said these leaders were under Modi's control as the latter has ED, CBI and other enforcement agencies at his disposal. The Gandhi scion said Rajasekhara Reddy was like a brother to his father Rajiv Gandhi and both leaders shared a personal relationship also. As and when the INDIA bloc comes to power at the Centre after the 2024 general elections, he claimed it will accord a 10-year special category status to Andhra Pradesh and fulfil other promises such as completing the Polavaram project, Kadapa steel plant and others. Canvassing for party candidates for the Assembly polls in the southern state, he promised to waive select farm loans, free education from kindergarten to post graduation, Rs 5 lakh housing loan for poor people and others. Also, on assuming power at the Centre, Gandhi promised to take two revolutionary steps never done before, which include making a list of all the poor people of India and a woman from each of those families will be credited with Rs 1 lakh per annum. He also promised to raise Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) wages from Rs 250 to Rs 400 per day. Further, Gandhi promised minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, 30 lakh government jobs and doubling the income of Anganwadi and Asha workers, among others. He called on the people of Kadapa and Andhra Pradesh to send his 'sister' and Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila to the Lok Sabha so that she can voice the values of YSR. Communist Party of India (CPI), Congress and CPI(M) are INDIA bloc partners in Andhra Pradesh. Assembly elections will be held simultaneously with the 25 Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh on May 13.

Reddy Family Rivalry Intensifies in Pulivendula, TDP Seeks Political Advantage

Reddy Family Rivalry Intensifies in Pulivendula, TDP Seeks Political Advantage This nondescript town in Andhra Pradesh's arid Rayalaseema region has long been the unquestioned bastion of the state's powerful Reddy clan. But as voters gear up for crucial assembly and parliamentary polls on May 13, all eyes are on the high-stakes battle in Pulivendula, an assembly constituency that has been a Reddy family stronghold for over four decades. Late Chief Minister, the iconic Y S Rajasekhara Reddy won the seat for the first time in 1978 on a Congress ticket. Since then, members of his family have consecutively emerged victorious in 13 elections, including three by-polls. Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, the incumbent chief minister and head of the ruling YSR Congress Party, is vying for a hat-trick win here. But his path to victory has been obstructed by none other than his estranged sister, Y S Sharmila Reddy. Sharmila, who recently merged her YSR Telangana Party with the Congress, has thrown down the gauntlet against her brother. Contesting from the Kadapa parliamentary seat, which encompasses Pulivendula among its seven assembly segments, she has vowed to unseat Jagan from their hometown turf and dislodge his party from power in Andhra Pradesh. The faceoff has infused the electoral contest with an intense personal dimension, setting the stage for a fierce battle as Sharmila challenges her brother's formidable political legacy built on the pro-poor, farmer-friendly image of their late father, Rajasekhara Reddy. ''We are telling people that the current YSR Congress is a fake Congress party...the real successor of Rajasekhara Reddy's Congress is his daughter Sharmila,'' said Dhruva Reddy, Sharmila's young protg fielded against the chief minister in Pulivendula. Jagan faces a challenge from Mareddy Ravindranath Reddy (Btech Ravi) of the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), who defeated Jagan's uncle Y S Vivekananda Reddy in the 2017 legislative council polls. The sibling rift that has plagued the Reddy family in the aftermath of Rajasekhara Reddy's tragic death in 2009 has now spilled onto Pulivendula's streets. ''Sibling rivalry will benefit TDP. We hope to get good results if elections are held democratically,'' Ravindranath Reddy said, eyeing prospects of the Reddy family's divided voter base. Voters elected Jagan in 2019 riding on the name of his father, Ravindranath Reddy said, adding that the chief minister has failed to live up to expectations by not developing either the constituency or the state after coming to power. Sharmila claimed that had the Congress been in power post-2014 bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh would have got all the promises like special status and a new capital, but a decade later ''people see what they lost by not voting Congress.'' She also lashed out at her brother for re-nominating her cousin Avinash Reddy as the YSRCP candidate from Kadapa despite a CBI probe naming him accused in the murder case of her uncle Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy. ''My uncle was murdered five years ago, and the CBI has named the incumbent MP as an accused. Yet, Jagan has fielded him again. This is something the family cannot digest. So, this battle is about justice,'' Sharmila said. Exuding confidence of winning from Kadapa, Sharmila said her goal is to project the Congress as the only alternative to what she termed the ''Andhra BJP'' - comprising N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP, Jagan's YSRCP, and Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena. As verbal volleys are traded, loyalties tested, and caste equations realigned in the divided family's fiefdom, Pulivendula finds itself torn between blood ties and long-held political affiliations in this high-decibel contest. There are 2.24 lakh voters in Pulivendula assembly segment. Jagan had won by 90,110 votes in 2019 elections, and by 75,243 votes in 2014 polls. TDP had secured up to 27 per cent votes in the previous polls.

YSRCP, TDP, Janasena are B team of BJP in Andhra: Rahul Gandhi

Kadapa: Hitting out at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and other opposition parties in the state, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said BJP stands for Babu (TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu), Jagan and Pawan (Janasena founder Pawan Kalyan). Addressing a poll rally in Kadapa, the Congress leader alleged the remote control of 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 .

Rahul Accuses YSRCP, TDP, Janasena of Being 'B' Team of BJP in Andhra Pradesh

Rahul Accuses YSRCP, TDP, Janasena of Being 'B' Team of BJP in Andhra Pradesh Hitting out at Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and other opposition parties in the state, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said BJP stands for Babu (TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu), Jagan and Pawan (Janasena founder Pawan Kalyan). Addressing a poll rally in Kadapa, the Congress leader alleged the remote control of the three leaders is with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Invoking former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, Rahul Gandhi said the former's footmarch across Andhra Pradesh was an inspiration for his Bharat Jodo Yatra. ''Today Andhra Pradesh is run by the 'B' team of BJP. The BJP's 'B' team means B for Babu, J for Jagan and P for Pawan. Remote control of these three people is with Narendra Modi,'' Gandhi said, taking a dig at the three parties. He further said these leaders are under Modi's control as the latter has ED, CBI and other agencies. The Gandhi scion said Rajasekhara Reddy was like a brother to his father Rajiv Gandhi and both leaders shared a personal relationship also.

Reddy Family Feud Transforms Pulivendula into Political Battlefield, TDP Seeks Opportunity

Reddy Family Feud Transforms Pulivendula into Political Battlefield, TDP Seeks Opportunity This nondescript town in Andhra Pradesh's arid Rayalaseema region has long been the unquestioned bastion of the state's powerful Reddy clan. But as voters gear up for crucial assembly and parliamentary polls on May 13, all eyes are on the high-stakes battle in Pulivendula, an assembly constituency that has been a Reddy family stronghold for over four decades. Late Chief Minister, the iconic Y S Rajasekhara Reddy won the seat for the first time in 1978 on a Congress ticket. Since then, members of his family have consecutively emerged victorious in 13 elections, including three by-polls. Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, the incumbent chief minister and head of the ruling YSR Congress Party, is vying for a hat-trick win here. But his path to victory has been obstructed by none other than his estranged sister, Y S Sharmila Reddy. Sharmila, who recently merged her YSR Telangana Party with the Congress, has thrown down the gauntlet against her brother. Contesting from the Kadapa parliamentary seat, which encompasses Pulivendula among its seven assembly segments, she has vowed to unseat Jagan from their hometown turf and dislodge his party from power in Andhra Pradesh. The faceoff has infused the electoral contest with an intense personal dimension, setting the stage for a fierce battle as Sharmila challenges her brother's formidable political legacy built on the pro-poor, farmer-friendly image of their late father, Rajasekhara Reddy. ''We are telling people that the current YSR Congress is a fake Congress party...the real successor of Rajasekhara Reddy's Congress is his daughter Sharmila,'' said Dhruva Reddy, Sharmila's young protg fielded against the chief minister in Pulivendula. Jagan faces a challenge from Mareddy Ravindranath Reddy (Btech Ravi) of the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), who defeated Jagan's uncle Y S Vivekananda Reddy in the 2017 legislative council polls. The sibling rift that has plagued the Reddy family in the aftermath of Rajasekhara Reddy's tragic death in 2009 has now spilled onto Pulivendula's streets. ''Sibling rivalry will benefit TDP. We hope to get good results if elections are held democratically,'' Ravindranath Reddy said, eyeing prospects of the Reddy family's divided voter base. Voters elected Jagan in 2019 riding on the name of his father, Ravindranath Reddy said, adding that the chief minister has failed to live up to expectations by not developing either the constituency or the state after coming to power. Sharmila claimed that had the Congress been in power post-2014 bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh would have got all the promises like special status and a new capital, but a decade later ''people see what they lost by not voting Congress.'' She also lashed out at her brother for re-nominating her cousin Avinash Reddy as the YSRCP candidate from Kadapa despite a CBI probe naming him accused in the murder case of her uncle Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy. ''My uncle was murdered five years ago, and the CBI has named the incumbent MP as an accused. Yet, Jagan has fielded him again. This is something the family cannot digest. So, this battle is about justice,'' Sharmila said. Exuding confidence of winning from Kadapa, Sharmila said her goal is to project the Congress as the only alternative to what she termed the ''Andhra BJP'' - comprising N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP, Jagan's YSRCP, and Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena. As verbal volleys are traded, loyalties tested, and caste equations realigned in the divided family's fiefdom, Pulivendula finds itself torn between blood ties and long-held political affiliations in this high-decibel contest. There are 2.24 lakh voters in Pulivendula assembly segment. Jagan had won by 90,110 votes in 2019 elections, and by 75,243 votes in 2014 polls. TDP had secured up to 27 per cent votes in the previous polls.

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

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

Unkept promises disappoint Jammalmadugu voters

KADAPA: Jammalmadugu, a name familiar across the two Telugu States and once synonymous with factionalism, has seen a decline in its influence over the years. Despite its historical significance, many longstanding issues within the Assembly constituency remain unresolved and promises made during elections often forgotten. Key developmental projects such as the establishment of a steel plant, textile park, and Gandikotas transformation into a tourism hub have remained elusive. Encompassing the mandals of Yerraguntla, Jammalmadugu, Peddamudium, Mailavaram, Muddanuru, and Kondapur, the area is home to a diverse demographic, including a significant population of SCs, Reddys, Weavers, BCs, and minority communities. Notable tourist attractions include the Jain temples in Gandikota and Danavulapadu, Kanyatheertham, Agasteshwara Kona, the Gandikota project, and the Mailavaram reservoir. Since 1955, the Jammalmadugu constituency has witnessed 15 elections, with members of the Reddy community prevailing in all, but two instances. The areas political landscape has been historically dominated by figures such as Ponnapureddy Shiva Reddy and Tatireddy Narasimha Reddy, with factionalism gradually waning over time. In recent years, the competition has intensified with Dr Sudheer Reddy and C Adinarayana Reddy vying for electoral success. While the YSRC has re-nominated sitting MLA Sudheer Reddy, the BJP, which is contesting the elections in an alliance with the TDP and JSP, has roped in Adinarayana Reddy, who has won from the segment thrice - in 2004 and 2009 on a Congress ticket and in 2014 on a YSRC ticket. Despite successive governments pledges, critical infrastructure projects such as the proposed steel plant and textile park have failed to materialise, leaving residents disillusioned. Prominent leaders, including late YS Rajasekhara Reddy and current Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, have laid foundation stones for these initiatives, yet progress remains stagnant. The weavers community, concentrated in the Mailavaram mandal, continues to await the realisation of assurances made regarding a textile park, while unresolved land acquisition issues further exacerbate local grievances. Despite its rich mineral resources, the constituencys economic potential remains largely untapped, driving many residents to seek employment opportunities elsewhere. The Gandikota project has faced numerous setbacks, despite promises made by successive governments. While the previous administration provided compensation to submerged villagers, additional pledges by the current leadership remain unfulfilled. In Peddamudium mandal, recurring floods exacerbate the plight of affected communities, highlighting the urgent need for flood management measures and adequate compensation. M Sudheer Reddy, YSRC Despite the regions abundant mineral resources, the lack of industries has led to significant unemployment, forcing many to seek opportunities outside the State. Further, the envisioned transformation of Gandikota into a bustling tourism hub has fallen short of expectations. Despite attracting tourists and film productions, the area lacks essential amenities and infrastructure to support sustained tourism growth. Efforts to kickstart development projects, such as the luxury resort and ropeway in Gandikota, have stalled, casting doubt on the governments commitment to revitalising the area. Similarly, promised initiatives like the grand canal and RTC bus service remain unrealised, further undermining the prospects of Gandikotas development as a premier tourist destination. The failure to deliver on these promises underscores the need for greater accountability and concerted efforts to address the longstanding challenges facing Gandikota and other tourist destinations in the district. Without meaningful action, the potential economic and cultural benefits of tourism in the region will continue to remain unrealised. Chadipirala Adinarayana Reddy, BJP Chadipirala Adinarayana Reddy, BJPIn the upcoming elections, the contestants are seeking to capitalise on their track record of service, promising to address longstanding issues and foster development within the constituency. However, with competing visions and unresolved challenges, the path to progress for Jammalmadugu remains fraught with obstacles.

Kadapa: Avinash Reddy locked in a triangular contest

KADAPA: After more than a decade, Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency is set to witness a triangular contest. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address a public meeting in support of the party nominee and APCC chief YS Sharmila in Kadapa on Saturday, the last day of the election campaign. Sitting YSRC MP YS Avinash Reddy is seeking re-election from the Lok Sabha constituency. Tripartite alliance nominee Chadipiralla Bhupesh Subbarami Reddy is also in the fray, resulting in a three-cornered contest for the key Lok Sabha seat in Andhra Pradesh. The focal point of the electoral showdown seems to be revolving around the former minister YS Vivekananda Reddy murder case. Avinash Reddy, backed by seven strong MLA candidates from the parliamentary constituency, and a robust party machinery, is likely to benefit from the split in anti-incumbency vote between Congress nominee Sharmila and TDP candidate Bhupesh to achieve a hat-trick victory. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddys prediction on his sister Sharmilas prospects of losing her deposit in the election, has boosted the morale of YSRC cadres. Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency comprises Kadapa, Mydukur, Proddatur, Jammalamadugu, Pulivendula, Kamalapuram and Badvel Assembly segments, with a total electorate of 15,96,923. Historically, Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency witnessed its first triangular contest in 1952. Jagans resignation from the Congress in 2009 and subsequent formation of the YSRC had reshaped the political narrative. In the byelection in 2011, Jagan achieved landslide victory over DL Ravindra Reddy of Congress and MV Mysoora Reddy of TDP. Avinash Reddy seems to be leveraging his past electoral triumphs, notwithstanding the allegations against him pertaining to Vivekananda Reddys murder, to consolidate his strength and win the election. Conversely, Sharmila, in her electoral debut, has emphasised the Vivekananda Reddy murder case as a central issue, criticising Avinash Reddys candidature, to win the peoples support. Bhupesh seems to be hopeful that the vote split in YSR support base between Avinash Reddy and Sharmila will benefit him, besides the combined strength of tripartite alliance. Despite division within the YS family, Sharmila and Avinash Reddy are leaving no stone unturned to win the trust of people. The scheduled visit of Rahul and senior Congress leaders is likely to help Sharmila strengthen her prospects as she is highlighting the grand old partys commitment to development and welfare.

Police tighten vigil to ensure law and order on polling day in Kadapa district

Returning Officer K. Kauser Bano said all arrangements related to polling stations and strong rooms had been completed

I am Battling with the Oppositions Conspiracy Strategies: CM Jagan

VIJAYAWADA : Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has said he is battling with the Oppositions conspiracy strategies during the present polls. During the election cycle, the Opposition presents a manifesto with fake promises. What legal action should be taken against them, he asked. The Chief Minister addressed election meetings for the YSRC in Mangalagiri, Nagari and Kadapa on Friday. Addressing the people in Kadapa in support of his LS candidate Y.S. Avinash Reddy, the Chief Minister said, Those who claim to be the heirs of YSR have joined hands with his enemies to destroy Avinash Reddy's life. They want to create a political vacuum in Kadapa district, but I have faith in Avinash, who will win with a huge majority. In a bid to tarnish the YSR family's political legacy, they unleashed every investigation agency against us. Now, the very same Congress plans to pay respects at YSR Ghat in Idupulapaya. The party that degraded my father and falsely imprisoned me for 16 months is now visiting his grave. Voting for the Congress will be a betrayal of the YSR legacy. Chandrababu deals with the BJP by day and the Congress by night. They want to split our votes and enable Chandrababu win the election. People should decide the politics of Kadapa, not the party that got fewer votes than NOTA and divided the state, the Chief Minister said. Jagan Mohan Reddy asked why Chandrababu was still a part of the NDA even as the BJP was against minority reservations. It is not right to play with Muslim reservations for politics. We stand by the minorities in issues like NRC and CAA. But Chandrababu joined hands with the BJP to cancel the 4 per cent reservation for Muslims. Can Babu say there should be Muslim reservations in PM Modi's presence? The four per cent Muslim reservation, he stressed, is not based on religion but on their backwardness. This election will determine the development and continuation of schemes for the next five years, Jagan Mohan Reddy said. The Chief Minister asked, We initiate legal proceedings against individuals who have committed crimes. When there is fraud, we file cheating cases against the perpetrators. During the election cycle, the Opposition presents a manifesto with impossible-to-implement promises to cheat the people. What legal action should be taken against them? Their deceitful actions and conspiracies reached a point wherein the welfare measures of the YSRC are being halted. They have resorted to the disruption of the pension distribution and other welfare schemes, which had been reaching the doorsteps of the people. It has been two months, and these schemes haven't reached the beneficiaries, since the opposition is playing games with the poor, said Jagan Mohan Reddy. He continued, I did not start the welfare assistance just before elections. It has been distributed according to the welfare calendar for the last five years. A government is elected for 5 years, but at 57 months, they want to strangle the administration. It is not my government that they are throttling, but the voices of the poor students, women and farmers. If you want to change the lives of the poor, vote for Fan. Chandrababu looted the exchequer during his term as chief minister. Now, he is giving handouts of `2,000 to `5,000 for people to vote for his party and alliance. Accept the cash, since the money belongs to the public, but think twice before voting. If you vote for Jagan Mohan Reddy, all the schemes will continue, but if you vote for Chandrababu by mistake, all the schemes will end, said the CM.

Congress entering Andhra to help TDP come to power: CM Jagan

Kadapa: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) supremo YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday, May 10, cautioned people against the Congress and said that it has suddenly set its feet in AP politics after hibernating for almost 15 years only to help the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) come to power. Accusing TDP 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 .

Kadapa LS: YSRC candidate Avinash Reddy says he banks on his good image in public life

Anantapur : Many leaders of Rayalaseema are rough in their dealings and have the legacy of the Palegar culture, but Kadapa MP, YS Avinash Reddy, is made of a different mettle. His soft nature and affable manners with those who meet him with grievances are his plus points in public life. He calls everyone Anna (brother), to cement this personal bond. Despite facing a series of attacks from his sister and APCC chief YS Sharmila, who accused him of a role in the YS Vivekananda Reddy murder, Avinash Reddy remains cool. Many see this as a winning strategy in successive polls. Avinash Reddy, even as he initiated steps to solve many issues including the Kadapa district head quarter issues and issues of other assembly segments, he has given importance to the local MLAs in their respective constituencies without trying to spread his weight around. As the LS candidate of the YSRC in Kadapa, Avinash Reddy is facing a triangular contest involving TD candidate C Bhupesh Reddy and Congress candidate and his sister YS Sharmila. Asserted Avinash Reddy, I have not indulged in any criminal activity and never spoke ill of my political rivals. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, he said he has been involved in solving the grievances of the people of Kadapa LS constituency and Pulivendula assembly segment, as their incharge for the past five years. On the exclusive development of Kadapa airport, Avinash Reddy said the decades-old airport has been the air-link for the people of Rayalaseema region. The airport is designed to accommodate 700 passengers along with night landing facilities. The airport terminal is designed on lines similar to the Gandikota fort, the grand canyon of South, to resemble the historic notes of 1153, he said. Referring to Kadapas development, Avinash Reddy said that about `2400 crore of state and central funds were spent on massive development of the district headquarters, with erection of the ring road, flyovers and amusement parks in the past five years. Kadapa district got a boost as the major irrigation source of GNSS project is connected to Gandikota and Chitravati reservoirs, supplementary lift irrigation channels have improved ground water sources and dry lands have turned into orchards in remote areas. Being incharge of Pulivendula assembly segment, Avinash Reddy claimed there was huge development in all sectors through the Pulivendula Urban Development Authority. Pulivendula now stood as a model for the state, he said. As for the pending Railway line between Kadapa and Bengaluru, which could be helpful to thousands of people including software techies and other professionals, the YSRC candidate said he has submitted a representation to the railway minister to sanction a new railway line with modifications so as to reduce distance between the two cities, and stressed that it would lessen the burden on both states vis-a-vis the cost of land acquisition. We ensured a boost to the tourism sector by concentrating on Gandikota, he said. Reacting to the verbal attack on him by APCC chief YS Sharmila vis--vis the Viveka murder case, Avinash made it clear that he had no role in it and the people of Kadapa knew him well. I had explained the facts of the case to the people of Kadapa who see me as a representative of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, he said. Avinash Reddy said he had never encouraged quarrels, faction-related crimes and, instead, directed police stations to solve issues on merit, irrespective of who are involved in those.

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

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

Kadapa Lok Sabha constituency polls- an acid test for YSRCP, Congress

After witnessing a significant erosion in the Congress vote bank in the State post-bifurcation, the party hopes to make a comeback by winning this constituency; Congress MP Rahul Gandhis scheduled to visit Kadapa on May 11, the last day of the campaign, is expected to act as a catalyst in turning the tide in favour of the party

Kadapa: YS family's electoral bastion braces for a fierce first-of-its-kind fight

YS Sharmila, the daughter of former CM of undivided Andhra Pradesh YS Rajasekhar Reddy and the current Congress chief, is contesting in her maiden election. She is facing off against her cousin, YS Avinash Reddy, the incumbent YSRCP MP, in the Kadapa constituency. Consequently, Sharmila finds herself not only competing against Avinash but also indirectly against her own brother, Jagan

Kharge, Yechury to address rally in Vijayawada on May 10

Rahul Gandhi to campaign for APCC chief and party contestant for Kadapa Lok Sabha Y.S. Sharmila on May 11

Heavy Rain Forecast for Rayalaseema on Polling Day

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

Sharmila says Kadapa parliament polls a referendum between crime and justice

Kadapa Court Fines Sharmila, Sunitha in Viveka Case

Anatapur: Kadapa District Sessions Court on Wednesday fined APCC chief Y.S. Sharmila and Dr. N Sunitha 10,000 for violation of its order not to talk about the Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy murder case during their election campaign, as the case is pending with the CBI court. The court dismissed petitions filed by Sharmila, Sunitha and Pulivendula TD candidate B. Tech Ravi in the AP High Court contesting against the Kadapa court directions. The High Court had recently directed the petitioners to approach the Kadapa court in the matter. Taking up the issue on Wednesday, the Kadapa sessions court imposed a fine of 10,000 on Y.S. Sharmila, N. Sunitha and B. Tech Ravi, ruling that the petition they had filed contains false information. The sessions court ordered that they pay a penalty to the District Legal Cell.

Sharmila takes exception to remark of Bharathi

KADAPA : Taking strong objection to comments of YS Bharathi, wife of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy that the YSRC is the single player in Kadapa, APCC chief YS Sharmila asked if Bharathi wants to axe all the opponents. Is this her strategy? she questioned. Sharmila, who has been going aggressive against her brothers Jagan and Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy, trained guns on Bharathi on Wednesday. She also sent a radio as a gift to Prime Minister Narendra Modi before his arrival in Rayalaseema as part of the NDA election campaign. Posing 10 questions to Modi, she said he has cheated the people of Andhra Pradesh. You should also listen to Mann Ki Baat of Andhra people. You should apologise to people for deceiving them with empty promises. You come only at the time of elections, but have you come to ensure development in the State, she asked, while addressing a press conference in Kadapa. Offended by the claims of her sister-in-law, the Congress State chief said Bharathi should axe YSRCs opponents to emerge as the only player in the district politics. On Avinash Reddy, she said realising that he would be defeated in the election, he is readying fake passports to leave the country. Avinash is worried that he would be arrested if he is defeated, and is now preparing the ground to flee the country, Sharmila claimed.

Viveka case: Sharmila, Suneetha fined for violating court orders

KADAPA : APCC president YS Sharmila Reddy and her cousin Nareddy Suneetha, daughter of former minister YS Vivekananda Reddy, suffered a setback in Kadapa court on Wednesday. Taking a serious view of YS Sharmila, Suneeta, and TDP candidate for Pulivendula Assembly constituency B Tech Ravi, for violating the court orders directing them not to make any remarks related to the Viveka murder case and also misleading the court with false information, the Kadapa court imposed a `10,000 fine on each of them. On April 16, hearing the petition filed by Kadapa district YSRC president K Suresh Babu that the accused in the Vivekananda Reddy murder case were being referred to as murderers, the Kadapa court issued an ad-interim injunction against making defamatory remarks against the YSRC and its leader. On April 22, Sharmila and Suneeta went for an appeal in the High Court against the injunction order. Even before the appeal came for hearing, on April 30, Sharmila, Suneeta, and B Tech Ravi filed separate petitions. On May 3, the appeal of Sharmila and her cousin, and B Tech Ravi came up for a hearing before the High Court. Appeals against the interim ex-parte order were also filed before the trial court and the same are being considered by the lower court. Stating that it would be proper for the trial court to decide on the petitions, the High Court dismissed the petitions, while asking the lower court to dispose of the case by May 8. The injunction order was issued on April 16 and it will be in force till June 19.

Sharmila Accuses Naidu and Jagan of Sacrificing Andhra's Interests for BJP's Favor

Sharmila Accuses Naidu and Jagan of Sacrificing Andhra's Interests for BJP's Favor Launching a scathing attack, Y S Sharmila Reddy has accused both N Chandrababu Naidu's TDP and her brother Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led ruling YSRCP of compromising Andhra Pradesh's interests to remain in the ''good books'' of the BJP at the Centre. Daughter of late Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and recently-appointed Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief, Sharmila slammed the two parties for ''not fighting'' for commitments made during bifurcation like special status, Polavaram project, a new capital and economic package. ''They didn't fight for special status, Polavaram project, new capital or economic package - all promised during bifurcation,'' Sharmila charged while campaigning for the upcoming polls.'' Speaking to PTI, she accused Naidu and her brother Jagan of putting personal ambitions and ties with the BJP ahead of the state's interests. Sharmila, who merged her YSR Telangana Party and took over as its state unit chief ahead of elections, has sought to project her party as the only force capable of safeguarding Andhra's rightful claims and fulfilling bifurcation commitments. Her no-holds-barred attack comes as the political battle heats up in the state with all parties vying to woo voters ahead of the crucial polls on May 13. She claimed that had Congress been in power post-2014 bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh would have got all promises like special status and new capital. ''But 10 years on, people see what they lost by not voting Congress.'' She also lashed out at Chief Minister Jagan for re-nominating their cousin Avinash Reddy as the YSRCP candidate from Kadapa despite a CBI probe naming him as an accused in her uncle Y S Vivekananda Reddy's murder case. ''My uncle was murdered five years ago, and the CBI has named the incumbent MP as an accused. Yet, Jagan has fielded him again. This is something the family cannot digest. So, this battle is about justice,'' she said. Exuding confidence of winning from the Kadapa Parliamentary segment, Sharmila said her goal is to project Congress as the only alternative to the ''Andhra BJP'' comprising Naidu's TDP, Jagan's YSRCP and Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena. However, battle lines have been drawn within the family too with Jagan accusing TDP chief Naidu of fueling Sharmila and her cousin Sunita's quest for justice. Sharmila dismissed it as ''baseless rumours'' stemming from Jagan's ''obsession'' with Naidu. Dismissing dynasty politics criticism, Sharmila argued there is nothing wrong if a child takes up parents' profession, like a doctor's offspring. On the Congress' prospects, she expressed hope of winning ''at least in double digits'' in the assembly polls but didn't hazard a guess on her Kadapa margin, saying ''we'll bring back Congress' glory soon.'' Stating Congress got less than 2 per cent votes in 2019, Sharmila said raising it is ''a real challenge, but we'll get there.'' As the sibling rivalry plays out, Sharmila admitted it is ''a little sad'' but ''this is the reality.'' Her mother is ''neutral'' as ''it is hard to choose between the right or left eye.'' Sharmila hopes more women will support her cause given the ''justice sentiment'' involved but admitted there was a long road ahead for women's empowerment in politics. The Congress is contesting 23 of Andhra Pradesh's 25 Lok Sabha seats while allies CPI and CPM are contesting one each as part of the India bloc. For the 175 assembly seats, Congress has fielded candidates in 157 segments with the Left contesting the rest. Simultaneous assembly and Lok Sabha polls will be held in the state on May 13.

YSRC Encouraged Mafia Dominance: PM Modi

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

Sharmila urges Modi to listen to Mann ki baat of people of Andhra Pradesh

By remaining a mute spectator to issues related to VSP privatisation, Kadapa steel plant project, illicit liquor, plundering of natural resources and corruption, the NDA government has proved to be hand in glove with the YSRCP government, alleges the APCC president

Kadapa Lok Sabha Election 2024: Intense Family Feud in This Andhra Pradesh Constituency - News18

Kadapa Lok Sabha Election 2024: Intense Family Feud in This Andhra Pradesh Constituency News18

PM Modi cheated Andhra for 10 years, ineligible to enter state: Y S Sharmila

Kadapa: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ineligible to enter the state as he has allegedly cheated it for the past 10 years. Sharmila alleged that Modi is shedding crocodile tears for Andhra Pradesh because of the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. You are 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 .

Kadapa Municipal Commissioner Inspects Various Development Projects in the City - The Hans India

Kadapa Municipal Commissioner Inspects Various Development Projects in the City The Hans India

I want to change tone and tenor of Kadapa: TDP's first non-minority woman candidate Reddeppagari Madhavi - NewsMeter

I want to change tone and tenor of Kadapa: TDP's first non-minority woman candidate Reddeppagari Madhavi NewsMeter

BJP Renews Hope in Rajampet Amid Anti-Incumbency and Water Crisis

BJP Renews Hope in Rajampet Amid Anti-Incumbency and Water Crisis The arid plains of Rajampet, a drought-stricken region in Andhra Pradesh, have become a battleground where the ruling YSRCP government's perceived failure to address the severe water crisis is fueling an anti-incumbency wave, setting the stage for a potential political upheaval. In this parched belt, where acute drinking water shortages and inadequate irrigation facilities have crippled economic growth and job opportunities, a perfect storm is brewing. The BJP, bolstered by its alliance with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena coalition, is seizing the moment, capitalizing on the prevailing discontent to make inroads into this arid region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address an election rally in Kalikiri, Pileru assembly constituency, in support of BJP's Rajampet MP candidate, N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who was the former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh. This underscores the saffron party's determination to quench the electorate's thirst for change. From Rajampet in Annamaya district to Rayachoti in Kadapa, and Tamballapalle, Madanapalle, and Punganur in Chittoor, the lack of water has become the primary concern for the electorate. Despite several projects being initiated, none have materialized, hampering economic activity and depriving the region of much-needed job opportunities. Midhun Reddy, the incumbent MP and the YSRCP's floor leader in the Lok Sabha, acknowledges the water woes of the region but blames the TDP for the stalled projects. However, he promises to complete the projects if elected for a third term, asserting that about 50 per cent of the work has already been completed. ''About 50 per cent of the work has been completed, the rest will be finished in the next two years,'' Midhun told PTI while he was on a door-to-door campaign. The priority area is to implement the drinking water and irrigation projects, he added. One of the major projects, the Avulapalli reservoir project, envisioned as a panacea for the region's water woes, has been mired in controversy. Land acquisition issues, legal battles with the National Green Tribunal, and inadequate compensation for displaced families have eroded the goodwill of the YSRC government in at least four out of seven assembly seats in the Rajampet Parliamentary segment. Land acquisition for the project, spanning a vast 1,522 acres, was underway until May last year when all work came to a grinding halt due to legal hurdles. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a staggering Rs 100-crore penalty on the state government for alleged violations of environmental norms, casting a shadow over the project's future. While the Supreme Court provided temporary relief by staying the NGT order pending appeal, it mandated the state to deposit Rs 25 crore with the Krishna River Management Board (KRMB), with the final amount subject to the court's judgment. The uncertainty surrounding the project's fate has left the region's residents in limbo, their hopes for a reprieve from the water crisis hanging by a thread. The BJP is pinning its hopes on Kiran Kumar Reddy, who resigned from the Congress in 2014 to protest the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh. After his own political party failed to win any seats and was dissolved in 2018, Reddy rejoined the Congress briefly before switching to the BJP in April 2023, ahead of the elections. ''The BJP alliance with TDP and Jana Sena will help Kiran Kumar win. There are 100 per cent chances,'' says a resident of Rajampet, Syed Jalal. Local BJP leaders are confident that the alliance with TDP and Jana Sena, coupled with Reddy's clean image and administrative skills, will help them secure the Rajampet seat. They claim to have a vote share of around 10 per cent, while the TDP has 40 per cent, and Jana Sena has less than 5 per cent in the constituency. There are 17 lakh voters in Rajampet Parliamentary segment. The polling for assembly and Lok Sabha elections is scheduled on May 13 in the state.

Badvel Police Book Case Against Sharmila Over Viveka Case

Anantapur: Badvel police have registered a case against APCC president and Kadapa Lok Sabha Congress candidate Y.S. Sharmila for violating the court orders against commenting on former MP Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy murder case during the elections campaign, as the matter is sub-judice. The case has been booked against Sharmila based on her comments during her campaign on May 2. Nodal officer and municipal commissioner of Badvel in Kadapa district had filed the complaint against the APCC president. Kadapa Sessions Court had issued orders asking contestants or campaigners not to speak anything about the Vivekananda Reddy murder case as the court is hearing the matter. YSRC leaders had moved the sessions court in this regard a few days ago. The court directed APCC chief Sharmila, TD president N. Chandrababu Naidu, BJP state unit president D. Purandeswari, Pulivendula TD candidate B. Tech Ravi and several others not to talk about the case during their campaign as the court is hearing the case. However, as per reports in media, political leaders are continuing to mention the case as well as the names of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, Kadapa YSRC candidate Y.S. Avinash Reddy and several YSRC leaders in the case. Badvel nodal officer has so far lodged a complaint against Sharmila over her violation of court orders. Police registered case under IPC Section 188 against her. TD chief Chandrababu Naidu has continued to blame Jagan Mohan Reddy and Avinash Reddy during his public meetings and road shows. On Tuesday, Sharmila, continued her attack, blaming a Rs 40 crore deal for the murder of Vivekananda Reddy. She says Avinash Reddy is silent about the case, when all evidence has been wiped out after the murder.

Rains Lash AP, Lightning Kills 3

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

Sharmila terms Kadapa parliament elections a battle between justice and crime, draws huge crowds at Kamalapuram roadshow

YS Sharmila criticizes YSRCP for neglecting irrigation projects in Kadapa. She accuses relatives of prioritizing personal interests over farmers' welfare. Sharmila appeals for Congress party support, highlighting the promise of special category status for AP.

Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy's recorded voice stars in Sharmila's Kadapa campaign

Congress leader Y.S. Sharmila Reddy campaigns in Proddatur, invoking her fathers legacy to win Kadapa parliamentary constituency