Heat waves forecast for 227 mandals in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday

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

Naidu asked to seek votes based on deeds, not promises

VIJAYAWADA: AP State Planning Board vice chairman and YSR Congress MLA Malladi Vishnu has challenged Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu to ask for votes based on what the TDP government had done for welfare of people and development of Andhra Pradesh. Campaigning in Vijayawada Central constituency, he dared Naidu and TD leaders to have the courage to talk about the 600 promises that the former chief minister had made during the previous elections. Vishnu said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has fulfilled all his poll promises. They are hence going to every house with the Navaratnalu Plus manifesto and seeking votes on basis of fulfilling their promises. He maintained that it is the responsibility of everyone to make Jagananna, who is providing welfare schemes, the Chief Minister again, so that living standards of poor could improve further and real development come about. The State Planning Board vice chairman criticised Chandrababu Naidu for never thinking about the economic development of poor and women during his 40 years of political history, including 14 years as the CM. He maintained that under Jagananna government, progress has been made in every aspect of development, including education, medicine and housing.

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

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

Videography at 68% problematic polling stations in Bapatla district

VIJAYAWADA: General election observer Parimala Singh attended a meeting that deputy Election Commissioner Nitish Vyas held with election observers, collectors, and SPs. At the meeting, district collector P. Ranjit Basha told ECI that the final list of voters has been released as per the Election Commission schedule. Slips are being distributed to voters across the district. Postal ballot voting is being conducted from May 5 to May 8. Videography equipment has been installed at 68 per cent of problematic polling stations. District SP Vakul Jindal said the election code of conduct is being strictly implemented. So far liquor, jewellery, gifts and cash, among others, worth 4.87 crore have been seized.

Naidu faults Andhra CM & Chief Secy for hardships of pensioners

VIJAYAWADA : Finding fault with Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy for the hardships being faced by the aged in getting pensions, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday wondered if a government officer could act at the behest of a political party and cause inconvenience to the pension beneficiaries. In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, Naidu pointed out the memo issued by the poll panel on April 2 that the pension be distributed on time to the beneficiaries without causing any inconvenience to the aged, the physically challenged and the widows. He said as the Chief Secretary neglected the memo, the pension beneficiaries were forced to stand in long queues last month before the village secretariats resulting in the death of 33 innocent persons. He said this month too these pensioners are forced to make rounds to the banks under the scorching sun causing a lot of inconvenience to them. Though the rural parts of the state have a system that can easily distribute the pensions in just one day, the pension money was deposited in their bank accounts, Naidu said. He said the employees can be asked to pay the pensions amount directly to the beneficiaries without crediting them to the bank accounts. He said that this was nothing but a political conspiracy. On one hand, bank accounts of lakhs of pensioners have become inoperative as they have not been active for a very long time and on the other hand the banking staff are demanding the pensioners to produce either their Aadhar cards or PAN Cards for the KYC updation which again causing difficulty for them, he said. This apart, some pensioners have both individual and joint accounts and they are not aware in which account their pensions have been deposited, he said. Naidu said it was part of a conspiracy to deliberately subject the pensioners to various kinds of problems. This is part of your agenda to benefit the ruling dispensation and this clearly proves your partisan attitude towards the diabolical game being played by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy, Naidu told the CS in his letter. He said while 33 pensioners died last month and this month, in a single day six persons lost their lives. Jagan should be named accused number 1 and Jawahar Reddy as accused number 2 for the pensioners deaths, he said and added it was unthinkable how pensioners who are above 60 were asked to collect their money even as temperatures are rising up to 480 Celsius. Advising the Chief Secretary and the government to stop politicising the issues at the expense of valuable lives, Naidu demanded immediate measures to be initiated to distribute the pensions to the beneficiaries at their doorstep.

Just one more month, Andhra Pradesh CM tells pensioners

VIJAYAWADA : Blaming the TDP for the hardships being faced by the elderly in getting their pensions, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday asked the beneficiaries to bear with the problems caused by Naidu, for a month. He said after assuming power on June 4, he will put his first signature on the file relating to the reinstating of volunteer system. After June, the volunteers will commence door-to-door distribution of pensions, he said during his election campaign in Narasapuram. Jagan was speaking during election rallies at Narasapuram in West Godavari, Pedakurapadu in Palnadu and Kanigiri in Prakasam districts. Elaborating on his governments initiatives, he said, Volunteers were deployed for every 60-70 households. Pensions, civil services, and schemes were delivered at the doorsteps of the beneficiaries. There was no need for beneficiaries to grease the palms of the staff or face discrimination. We have directly deposited Rs 2.70 lakh crore into the bank accounts of beneficiaries for various schemes. On TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidus unkept promises made in the 2014 manifesto, Jagan said Naidu had sent the manifesto copy to each household and now it is for the people to decide whether the promises were implemented or not. Jagan pointed out, He (Naidu) promised that his first signature will be on waiver of farm loans worth Rs 87,612 crore, but that didnt happen. He also promised loan waiver for Self-Help Groups for about Rs 14,205 crore, depositing Rs 25,000 under the Mahalakshmi scheme after a girl child is born in a family. He failed to fulfil any of his promises. The YSRC president reiterated that there was a class war and not a caste war going on in the State. Vote for YSRC to reinstate volunteer system: Jagan The YSRC president reiterated that there was a class war and not a caste war going on in the State. I appeal to even those who didnt vote for me in the last election to discuss among your family members. Discuss who has delivered good governance and worked for the welfare of the State without leaving any scope for corruption before casting votes, Jagan asserted. The Chief Minister asked the people to cast their two votes for YSRC for good governance, and for the institution of volunteers which is delivering services to the people at their doorsteps. For the continuance of all the welfare schemes in implementation now, help the YSRC win all the 175 assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in the State. Jagan said the upcoming election will decide the future of the State for five years with the continuation of welfare schemes. He added the present election is not a routine affair to elect MPs and MLAs. Kurukshetra war is going to happen in the next 10 days. If you vote for Jagan in this election, all the schemes will continue. If you vote for Naidu, it will be the end of the schemes, Jagan said. Naidu often says that he was the Chief Minister for three terms. But if you mention his name, will any poor person in this State remember at least one good thing he did? Jagan asked and listed out the welfare schemes he had implemented in the last 59 months.

Vijayawadas growth is my only agenda: Nani

VIJAYAWADA : Asserting that development of Vijayawada Lok Sabha constituency is his only agenda, sitting MP Kesineni Srinivas (Nani) has said he is contesting the election on YSRC ticket to save the city and people from his brother Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni), who is the TDP candidate. Speaking to TNIE, the two-time MP said the personal and family differences between him and his brother Sivanath have been there for the past two decades. The differences suddenly took a political turn soon after he raised objections to TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidus decision to hand over the party reins to Lokesh. Nani also opined that some TDP leaders were behind the political rise of his brother. It really surprises me the way the TDP and its supported media channels and dailies are portraying Sivanath as a man of service and integrity. While the affidavit submitted by him along with his nomination papers shows the list of his properties and debts, some dailies are portraying him as a businessman and spending crores of rupees for the development of Vijayawada, he said. Sivanath is a criminal and no less than notorious Charles Sobhraj. I urge the people of Vijayawada not to vote for Sivanath. He has committed many financial irregularities, including trademark violation and forgery during the company registration and many others, Nani alleged. Nani further revealed that the Telangana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) had imposed fine on Kesineni Developers and Sahithi Infra for collecting money through launching offers. Explaining the development works implemented during his tenure as an MP, Nani said he played a crucial role in the greenfield express highway project from Vijayawada to Nagpur. With the contacts I have in the Central government, I presented the idea of a separate highway connecting Machilipatnam port and Nagpur. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari was impressed with the idea of connecting the city, which is located in the middle of the country and to the port in Andhra Pradesh. The road project will be completed in two years. The project is my brainchild and it gives me a immense satisfaction, he claimed.

As a local, Im always accessible to people: Kilari Venkata Rosaiah

Kilari Venkata Rosaiah, sitting YSRC MLA of Ponnur, and son-in-law of former Union minister Ummareddy Venkateswarlu, is contesting from Guntur Lok Sabha constituency. He started his political career with the Praja Rajyam Party. He made his electoral debut in 2009 and unsuccessfully contested from Tenali. Later, he joined the YSRC, and won from Ponnur in 2019 elections, defeating five-time MLA Dhulipalla Narendra of TDP. In an interview with Bandhavi Annam, Kilari Venkata Rosaiah reiterated his commitment to the growth of Guntur as a local How did you feel when the YSRC leadership fielded you from Guntur Lok Sabha constituency replacing your brother-in-law? It did not come as a surprise to me because in the last elections, I was initially selected as an MP candidate for Guntur. The party leadership shifted me to Ponnur Assembly constituency just 28 days before the elections due to various reasons. As an MLA, I strove for the development of Ponnur in the last five years. When I was ready to contest from Ponnur for the second consecutive time, the YSRC leadership had selected me as the MP candidate for Guntur after conducting various surveys at the ground level on probables. What is your reply to the TDPs allegation that you were involved in large scale illegal gravel mining in Ponnur? Ponnur did not achieve any development though Dhulipalla Narendra of TDP represented the constituency for two-and-a-half decades. He did not fulfil even a single election promise. I have fulfilled all the election promises made to the people and basic infrastructure has been developed in the constituency, besides executing several development projects. Every household in the constituency is aware of the good work done by me as an MLA. Unable to seek votes in the name of development, Dhulipalla and other TDP leaders have resorted to mudslinging on me. Do you think the three-capital proposal of the YSRC will affect your winning prospects as Guntur Lok Sabha constituency comes under the purview of Capital Region Amaravati? Absolutely not. Because, if anyone thinks logically, he can understand the fact that construction of a capital in Amaravati, which is neither in Guntur nor in Vijayawada is not viable. Farmers of the capital region have not suffered not because of the YSRC government, but due to former Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidus ambitious act of taking over 55,000 acres of fertile land, which is unfit for the construction of capital. The State cannot afford such huge investment on construction of the capital, which he envisaged, and it is practically impossible. He and his people had made the capital as their own real estate venture. The YSRC is committed to safeguard the interests of farmers of Amaravati who gave their lands for the construction of State capital. Do you expect a tough fight from Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar of TDP? The TDP used to field a non-local candidate from Guntur Lok Sabha constituency, who after winning the election does not even bother to think about its development. After Galla Jayadev, now it is Pemmasani. If we observe his affidavit, all his asserts are in the US and he is a tax payer of that country, but not India. So, how can people believe that, leaving his entire fortune and businesses in the US, he will stay in Guntur and work for their welfare. Being a doctor, where was he during the Covid-19 pandemic? Galla only became an MP to better safeguard his businesses, and Pemmasani also has the same intentions, and the people are well aware of the fact that non-locals are not really committed to development of the constituency, which is evident in the past one decade. How do you rate your winning chances? I was born and brought up here. I have served the people in various capacities, besides having political experience, unlike Pemmasani, whose name was not known to the people of Guntur till a month ago. I am confident of my victory in the Lok Sabha election. What is your poll strategy? My strategy is to be honest and fair. Im a local and I live here. I am available to the people all the time. My father-in-law has done a lot for the development of the region. My father Kilari Koteswara Rao, who worked as a vice-chairman of the municipality, had a vision for the development of Guntur. Following in their footsteps, I will work for the comprehensive development of the constituency not only in urban parts, but also rural areas. I truly believe that people will bless me with their mandate. What are your growth plans for Guntur? My priority will be to resolve traffic congestion in the city by constructing RUBs and ROBs, extension of Sankar Vilas bridge and other major roads in the city. Apart from this, renovation and construction of new irrigation canals and drainage system in agriculture fields will be taken up to prevent crop loss during floods and cyclones. I will plan to promote agri-based industries in a big way to ensure remunerative prices to farmers for their produce and generate employment to local people.

2347 voters to cast votes through home voting in Guntur District

VIJAYAWADA: Guntur collector Venugopal Reddy supervised the EVM allocation; webcasting in 1309 booths, Home Voting for Elderly and Disabled for the Guntur Parliament Elections at a meeting held at the VC meeting hall in the Collectorate on Friday. District Election Officer M Venugopal Reddy informed the candidates that ballot units, control units, and VVPAT units allocated for the Guntur Parliament Elections were distributed through the first randomization. Out of 1915 polling booths in the district, webcasting will be conducted in 1309 polling booths, and micro observers have been appointed for 372 critical polling stations.

DRI Seizes 4.8 kg Gold in Sports Car

Hyderabad: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Friday arrested four persons for smuggling 5.9 kg gold, worth Rs.4.31 crore, in a sports car at Pantangi toll plaza of Choutuppal. The gold was concealed in a secret cavity inside the vehicle. The gold along with the vehicle were seized. The car coming from Kolkata was being tracked on the Vijayawada-Hyderabad highway.

Jagan Kosam Siddham Campaign with 2.5 Lakh YSRC Foot Soldiers Across 47,000 Booths Hit the Ground

Vijayawada: On day 1 of the Jagan Kosam Siddham election campaign, the YSRCs army of 2.5 lakh foot soldiers spread across all 47,000 booths, hit the streets with unparalleled enthusiasm, carrying forward the message and vision of CM Jagan Mohan Reddy to every nook and corner of the state. Furthermore, an astonishing 9 lakh commoners, who have directly benefited from CM Jagan's schemes, have volunteered to be star campaigners, showcasing their unwavering support for Jagan Reddy, YSRC leaders claimed.

Complaint against Naidu and Pawan for abusing Jagan

Vijayawada: The YSRC leaders, led by MLA Malladi Vishnu, lodged three complaints with the Election Commission on Friday against Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena founder Pawan Kalyan for abusing Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy personally by using objectionable words like psycho, among others. Vishnu stated that Naidu used the objectionable words against Jagan Mohan Reddy at a public meeting in Rayachoti on Thursday. He further said that Pawan Kalyan made inappropriate comments and baseless accusations against the CM in Visakhapatnam South and Palakonda public meetings on May 2. The MLA said that they have lodged another complaint against TD-friendly vernacular dailies for publishing articles against the CM and YSRC leaders and asked the Election Commission to treat them as paid articles.

Only 3 per cent eligible voters opted for home voting in AP

Vijayawada : As many as 28,591 voters aged over 85 years and specially-abled so far availed the home voting facility that began in AP on May 2. The process would conclude on May 8. As the Election Commission of India announced the phased poll schedule on April 16 and introduced the home voting concept for the first time for certain category of people, teams of officials visited the voters aged over 85 years and also specially-abled persons up to April 22 and collected 12D forms from them. Accordingly, 7,28,484 voters were identified to be eligible to avail home voting option; and, of them, only 28,591 opted for home voting which comes to just three per cent of voters from the total number of eligible voters. The less percentage of voters opting for home voting indicates that the voters irrespective of their advanced age and disability are willing visit their polling booths concerned to cast their vote on May 13. On the other hand, though the home voting is scheduled to start on May 1, it was delayed by a day and commenced on May 2 following the legal tangle involving Jana Sena seeking to reserve its Glass Tumbler symbol only for its nominees and not to allot it to independents and others from registered unrecognized political parties. This resulted in delay in printing the ballot paper. However, as ECI clarified on the issue by issuing an order subject to the acceptance of the AP High Court on Thursday, the state election authorities went ahead to print the ballot papers. The state election authorities say that the home voting commenced in the districts where the ballot papers were printed.

CS assures 3,075 habitations water through tankers till June

Vijayawada: AP chief secretary Dr. K.S. Jawahar Reddy has directed officials of panchayat raj, rural development and municipal departments to ensure that there is no drinking water problem anywhere in the state. Reviewing with officials the drinking water situation in rural and urban areas, he ordered that water be supplied through tankers, wherever there is difficulty in supplying water through other means. The chief secretary underlined that officials take necessary approvals from the chief electoral officer of the state while making provisions for drinking water. Principal secretary (Panchayat Raj and Rural Development) Shashi Bhushan Kumar informed the CS that permission has been given to supply drinking water to 3,075 habitations in Andhra Pradesh till June. He explained the Election Commission has approved a summer action plan in drought-affected zones. He said that the 39 crore for implementation of the summer action plan in drought-affected zones. Special chief secretary (Finance) S.S. Rawat and engineer-in-chief (Water Resources) Narayana Reddy were among the officials who participated in the meeting.

CPM, Congress warn against corporates influencing politics

Vijayawada: During their joint election campaign in Machavaram area of Vijayawada Central constituency, CPM candidate Ch. Babu Rao and Congress leader V. Gurunadham cautioned voters about dangers posed by BJP, YSRC or Telugu Desam once they come to power. Addressing meetings in the constituency, they said these parties favour big corporates like Ambani and Adani. They are not bothered about common people, including those residing along canal bunds. Babu Rao pointed out that these parties are leasing public assets like railways and Vijayawada railway station to private entities, while neglecting public welfare, including construction of a fresh water reservoir in Machavaram area. Gurunadham regretted that despite living for long years along canal bunds, their residents are being denied property titles. Their election campaign concluded with airing slogans for change. They urged voters to elect leaders who prioritise welfare of people over corporate interests.

15 teams for voting from homes in Mangalagiri

Vijayawada: Mangalagiri assembly constituency returning officer and joint collector Rajakumari Gania has appointed 15 teams to facilitate voting from home in Mangalagiri assembly constituency. According to her, Mangalagiri has 212 voters who are over the age of 85 and 240 voters with disabilities exceeding 40%. These 452 persons have opted for voting from home. For the purpose, 15 polling teams have been appointed, each team consisting of a presiding officer, an assistant presiding officer, one micro observer, a police security officer and one videographer. These teams are scheduled to visit homes of voters from May 3 to May 6, 2024 to collect votes. If any voter is not present at home, the teams will visit again between May 7 and May 8, 2024. Candidates contesting the election or their election agents or booth-level agents can observe this process of voting, the returning officer added.

97.91% social security pensions distributed in AP

Vijayawada: Principal secretary (Panchayat Raj and Rural Development) Shashi Bhushan Kumar on Friday said 97.91 per cent of social security pensions have already been distributed in Andhra Pradesh on Friday. He said the government has released 1,945.39 crores for disbursement of social welfare pensions to 65,49,864 pensioners in the state. The pension distribution started on May 1. As on date, 64,13,200 pensions (97.91 per cent) have been disbursed. Shashi Bhushan said under door to door disbursement, 15,95,482 pensions (96.27 per cent) have been disbursed out of 16,57,361 pensions. Under direct benefit transfer (DBT) mode, 48,17,718 pensions (98.47 per cent) have been disbursed out of 48,92,503 pensions. 74,399 pensions could not be transferred to the account of the pensioners due to inactive bank accounts. The principal secretary said the government has decided to convert DBT failure (74,399) pensioners into the door-to-door distribution category. Instructions have been issued to all district collectors to disburse these pensions door-to-door on May 4 and May 5.

DRI seizes gold worth 4.31 crore on Vijayawada-Hyderabad highway

DRI seizes gold worth 4.31 crore on Vijayawada-Hyderabad highway - The Hindu

DRI seizes gold worth 4.31 crore on Vijayawada-Hyderabad highway The Hindu

Withdrawal of welfare schemes likely if TD alliance wins power: CM Jagan

Vijayawada : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has cautioned the people that if the TD-led alliance wins power in the present polls, it would withdraw all the ongoing welfare schemes including the social security pensions in the state. Addressing the people at three locations of Narasapuram, Narasaraopeta and Kanigiri as part of his YSRCs electioneering on Friday, he said, The upcoming elections are not just to elect the MPs and MLAs. They are so important to decide whether to continue the ongoing welfare schemes and developmental works or to allow these to be discontinued. By chance, if the TD-JS-BJP gets elected to power, it is like keeping ones head into the mouth of a python and also like waking up Chandramukhi and Pasupathi, who will knock at your doors to suck your blood. Jagan Mohan Reddy listed out the series of welfare schemes that are being implemented in the last 59 months, including distribution social security pension worth `3,000 to the beneficiaries at their doorstep on the first day of every month, development of government schools, introduction of English medium, providing a online private education players content, Tabs to Class VIII students, CBSE syllabus to IB, digital classrooms, insulation of IFBs, supply of bilingual textbooks and financial aid to students to pursue higher studies. He also cited the steps like providing financial assistance worth `2.70 lakh crore to women under various schemes, sanction of 31 lakh house sites and construction of 22 lakh houses, setting up RBKs, village health clinics, introduction of e-crop, enhancement of Aarogyasri coverage to `25 lakh, setting up village/ward volunteer system, support to MSMEs and several others. Claiming that he has initiated several welfare schemes and developmental works in an unprecedented manner in the history of AP, Jagan Mohan Reddy asked the people to find out what schemes and developmental works were taken up by the Telugu Desam chief Chandrababu Naidu during his 14 years reign and also as a CM for three times in AP. He displayed the manifesto of TD in 2014 and read out the important promises like farm loan waiver of `87,612 cr, Dwcra women loan waiver worth `14,205 crore, deposit of 25,000 for girl child, a job to every house and unemployment stipend of 2,000 if no job is given, sanction of three cents of land and construction of a pucca house, allotment of `10,000 cr for BC sub plan and several others. He asked the people whether Naidu was able to fulfil any of those promises made in the party manifesto of 2014; and when the people replied by saying no, he asked them whether they would trust him again and vote for the NDA. Jagan Mohan Reddy told the people that Naidu had come up with a new drama by forging an alliance with JS and BJP to seek votes from the people again. Referring to the NDAs new manifesto for 2024 polls, Jagan Mohan Reddy said that again the NDA was coming up with Super Six and Super Seven and making promises which were highly impractical to implement. He said, AP is witnessing a class war and every vote is important. You consult your family members and find out who is getting what kind of benefit and decide to whom to vote. I appeal to you all to support the YSRC in the polls to ensure continuation of all schemes. We need to get all 175 Assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha seats to help serve the people in a better way. Referring to the hardships the aged pensioners were undergoing to collect their social security pensions of late, he slammed Naidu for lodging a complaint with the ECI through his loyalist Nimmagadda Ramesh and got the withdrawal of volunteers from the job of reaching pensions to the doorsteps of the beneficiaries. It is important to re-elect YSRC to power to restore volunteers to deliver a series of services including pensions at the doorsteps of the people, he stressed.

PM Modi to take up poll campaign in AP on May 6, 8

Vijayawada: NDA leaders announced the schedule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit parts of AP on May 6 and 8 to take part in the electioneering for the upcoming polls in AP. BJP leader Lanka Dinakar, Telugu Desam former MLC Ashok Babu and Jana Sena leader Gautam disclosed the details of Modis tour programme. Accordingly, PM Modi will address a public meeting at Vemagiri near Rajahmundry at 3.30 pm on May 6, to support the candidature of BJP Rajahmundry Lok Sabha nominee and AP BJP chief D. Purandeswari and also nominees from the NDA contesting in the seven Assembly seats failing under the Lok Sabha seat. TD chief Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan will also join Modi to address the gathering. On the same day, Modi will address a public meeting at a place located at Ugginapalem gram panchayat of Kasimkota mandal in Anakapalli district at 5.55 pm to support the candidature of BJP nominee C.M. Ramesh from Anakapalli Lok Sabha seat and also other nominees from the Assembly seats falling under its jurisdiction. Modi will be joined by Naidu and Pawan Kalyan. On May 8, Modi will address the public at Kalikiri at 3 pm to support the candidature of Rajampet Lok Sabha nominee N. Kiran Kumar Reddy and other nominees from the Assembly seats falling under its purview. TD chief Naidu and JS chief Pawan Kalyan to join Modi. At 5 pm, Modi, joined by Naidu and Pawan Kalyan will take out a road show from Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium to Benz Circle in the city to support the candidates of NDA nominees in the elections.

Jagan vs Naidu: Who will win the battle for Andhra Pradesh? Ground report from Vijayawada - India Today - India Today

Jagan vs Naidu: Who will win the battle for Andhra Pradesh? Ground report from Vijayawada - India Today India Today

CPM Protests Penalty Over Minimum Balance

Vijayawada: CPM state secretary V. Srinivasa Rao has demanded that banks stop collecting minimum balance charges from social security pensioners. He pointed out that 65.49 lakh people are receiving pensions in the state through their bank accounts. But 48.92 lakh of them are being forced to pay penal charges ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 400 for their inability to maintain minimum balance or other reasons. The CPM leader said no penalties must be collected from such pensioners. Further, penalties collected from these pensioners must be refunded. He further said elderly individuals who cannot access banks should receive pensions directly at their home. Srinivasa Rao asked TDP, BJP and YSRCP not to politicise pension disbursement. Instead, they should work towards easing the difficulties faced by the pensioners.

Kesineni Nani lists contributions to Vijayawada constituency, claims no MP has done as much

Hyderabad: Four held for smuggling 6 Kgs gold worth Rs 4.3Cr

Hyderabad: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) here seized huge quantities of gold from a car on the Vijayawada-Hyderabad highway. The vehicle, a Ford Eco Sport car, was travelling from Kolkata with four people in it. The vehicle was intercepted by officers at Panthangi Toll Plaza, Choutuppal, Telangana on Friday. On questioning the occupants and 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 .

Vijayawada Rly. Division nets 7.96 cr. through ticket-checking drive in April

44,249 cases of ticketless travel and 51,271 of irregular travel have been booked, says Sr. DCM

Lok Sabha elections: Telangana Congress releases manifesto with 23 promises

Hyderabad: Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) here on Friday released a separate manifesto with 23 promises for the State in view of the Lok Sabha elections. One of the crucial promises was bringing back five villages that were merged with Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation to Telangana paving the way for development of the famous Sree Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Temple in Bhadrachalam on all fronts. Getting Investment Technology Investment Region (ITIR) that was cancelled by the NDA government, to Telangana, setting up of Railway Coach Factory in Kazipet, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Hyderabad, Fast Rapid Rail system along Hyderabad-Vijayawada national highway and University of Mining as per Andhra Pradesh State Reorganization Act were included in the manifesto. Getting national status for Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme and setting up of regional office of Niti Ayog in Hyderabad apart from taking up new airports, constructing Ramagundam-Manuguru new railway line, besides establishing four military schools were also figured. Establishing Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Indian Institute of Science Education, and National Aviation University and Research in addition to doubling the strength of Navodaya schools and constructing National Sports University and increasing central schools were among a few promises made in the manifesto along with developing Hyderabad-Nagpur Industrial Corridor, Hyderabad-Warangal Industrial Corridor and Singareni Industrial Corridor. AICC Telangana in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi released the manifesto in the presence of IT Minister D Sridhar Babu and other senior leaders. Speaking on the occasion, Sridhar Babu said the manifesto was prepared keeping in view the interests of all sectors.

CPM Candidate Releases Manifesto For Vijayawada City

Vijayawada Central Assembly constituency candidate Ch Babu Rao from CPIM released a manifesto promising significant improvements across various sectors. His aims are to establish a 200-bed ESI hospital and a mini general hospital in Rajiv Nagar, along with the creation of a central library and the promotion of science museums. A pledge is to remove illegal cases filed against activists, leaders and citizens involved in public movements. Babu Rao aims to address unemployment by conducting a Mega DSC to fill 40,000 teacher posts and 2.5 lakh government job vacancies, while advocating a monthly unemployment allowance of `5,000. He also plans providing free drinking water to the poor with white card holders. He advocated the expansion and development of Dharna Chowk for peaceful protests. The manifesto advocates a minimum wage of `26,000 for workers, regularization of contract employees, removal of liquor shops and bars between residences, prohibition of cannabis and intoxicants, and protection from blade batches. The manifesto outlines plans to allocate 20 acres of railway land and garbage dumping sites as residential plots, with the government taking responsibility for the maintenance of poor apartments built by them. Educational institutions will be established with assistance from central and state governments. A bridge over the railway line between Maduranagar Pappulamillu and the old and new Rajarajeshwaripet is another promise. Construction of foot bridges over canal embankments is also promised.

A.P. CM stone pelting case: Prime accused Satish moves bail plea in Vijayawada court

Satish contended that Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy suffered the small laceration injury above his left eye when a big garland was being laid around his neck with the help of a crane but the injury was not caused by any stone

A.P. CM stone pelting case: Prime accused Satish moves bail plea in Vijayawada court - The Hindu

A.P. CM stone pelting case: Prime accused Satish moves bail plea in Vijayawada court The Hindu

Killing of family of four: Patamata police probing doctors financial status

VIJAYAWADA : As the reasons behind the extreme step taken by 40-year-old Orthopaedic surgeon Darawath Srinivas, who died by suicide after killing four of his family members on April 30, remained suspicious, the Patamata police are probing Srinivas financial and business transactions to ascertain the reasons. According to police and family members, Srinivas killed his mother Ramanamma, wife Usha Rani and two children Sailaja and Srihan before ending his life at his residence in Gurunanak Colony under Patamata police station limits on Tuesday morning. The preliminary investigation carried out by Patamata circle inspector DKN Mohan Reddy reported, He, Srinivas, has been planning to kill himself and family members for the past ten days and was seen depressed. His phone and other electronic gadgets were seized and sent for analysis to ascertain the financial and business transactions, said the Patamata police. Srinivas earlier worked in various private hospitals as an orthopaedic surgeon and later started a hospital of his own. He opened Srija hospitals in Kasturibaipet some months ago and could not achieve the expected outcome. For setting up the hospital, he took loans from various banks and private financiers. After the hospital ran into losses and incurred huge debts, Srinivas was depressed and handed over the hospital to another person in order to reduce the financial burden. Patamata police sent viscera samples of four family members to the forensic laboratory to ascertain whether Srinivas gave any sedative before slitting their throats.

No change in Muslim quota: Chandrababu Naidu

VIJAYAWADA : Taking a dig at the claim of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy that his government fulfilled 99% of the promises made in the YSRC election manifesto, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday sought to know how could he make such tall claims after ignoring majority of peoples issues in the last five years. Addressing an election meeting at Rayachoti in the erstwhile Kadapa district as part of Praja Galam, along with former Chief Minister and Rajampet BJP candidate N Kiran Kumar Reddy, the TDP chief mentioned that though Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had pressed the button, he never publicised like how Jagan has been trumpeting it. Did Jagan implement total prohibition? Did he abolish the contributory pension scheme? Did he release the job calendar? he asked. Assuring the Muslims of continuing the 4% reservation for them, Naidu asserted that the TDP is committed to the welfare of minorities. The TDP supremo questioned Jagan as to why he is publishing his photos on pattadar passbooks, and announced that the Land Titling Act will be repealed soon after the formation of the TDP-led NDA government in the State. We are going to win the elections to lay the foundation for development of the State, he averred. Asking the people whether their living standards have improved in the past five years or whether their income has gone up, he said the YSRC government did nothing for the development of the backward Rayalaseema region. Though officials had submitted a report on prevailing drought in several mandals of Kadapa district, the Chief Minister simply ignored it, he alleged. Naidu urged the people to question Jagan whether their properties belong to them or him to publish his photo on pattadar passbooks. Everyone in the State knows who killed Babai (uncle), he said, while mentioning the murder of YS Vivekananda Reddy. If Jagan continues in politics there is no security for the lives and properties of the people. Already, Jagan has completely destroyed the State. Hence, the NDA has designed its manifesto in such a way that it takes care of the safety and security of all sections of people, besides ensuring their welfare, he said. Listing out the benefits the people will get once the TDP-led NDA comes to power in the State, he said it will allocate `1.5 lakh crore for BC welfare.

Take money, but dont vote for YSRC: Sharmila

VIJAYAWADA : Painting the YSRC as a party mired in corruption, APCC chief YS Sharmila asked the people to take the money offered by the ruling party to vote for it without any hesitation. Addressing an election meeting in Jammalamadugu on Thursday, she said after taking the amount dont vote for the YSRC as it had robbed them of their money. Think and vote, she urged. Asserting that she and her party do not have the ill-gotten money, but only will to fight for justice and sincerity to serve the people, the APCC chief urged the people to give their mandate to the grand old party. Reminding the gathering that she was born at Campbell Hospital in Jammalamadugu, Sharmila said earlier in the day she interacted with RTPP staff and was astonished to learn that the promise of regularising their jobs was not fulfilled. Stating that Jagan is not accessible to the people, the APCC chief observed, We may get appointment of the God, but not Jagan. On Kadapa steel plant, Sharmila said her father YSR laid the foundation stone for it, but till now, there has been no progress. Ironically, Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone as the Chief Minister, and later Jagan also laid another foundation, but the project has not moved an inch, she said. Stating that had the Special Category Status given to the State 10 years ago, there would have been several industries by now. The Congress promises to give the Special Category Status and keep every promise made to AP at the time of State bifurcation, she said, seeking the peoples mandate for the party.

Andhra Pradesh: 97 per cent pensions disbursed in two days

VIJAYAWADA : As much as 96.67 per cent of the social security pensions were disbursed to the beneficiaries in the last two days. In a press release, Principal Secretary (Panchayat Raj and Rural Development) Sasibhushan Kumar said that the State government has released an amount of Rs 1,945.39 crore for the disbursement of social welfare pensions to 65,49,864 pensioners in the State. The pension distribution started on May 1 and as of date, 63,31,470 pensions (96.67%) have been disbursed. According to him, as many as 15,13,752 pensions (91.34%) have been disbursed out of 16,57,361 at the doorsteps of beneficiaries, while, 48,17,718 pensions (98.47%) have been disbursed out of 48,92,503 into the bank accounts of pensioners through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Stating that pension amounts for as many as 74,399 beneficiaries could not be transferred due failed transactions citing inactive bank accounts, the Principal Secretary in the statement clarified that the pensions to these beneficiaries will be provided at their doorsteps. The required funds for the failed transactions will be made available to the respective village/ward secretariats on May 3 and door-to-door disbursement will take place on May 4. Meanwhile, huge crowds of people at banks were observed at several places across the State on Thursday to verify if the pension amount was credited to their accounts. On Wednesday, a 80-year-old man identified as Mudragada Subbanna, a resident of Pichkaguntapalle in Kakularam village in Lakkireddyapalle mandal of Annamayya district, reportedly collapsed due to severe heat while returning from the bank. The man visited the bank to check if his pension was credited to his bank account. But, with banks closed on the account of May Day, he was returning when he collapsed near the bank and died.

Jagan not fit for seeking votes: Pawan

VIJAYAWADA : Lambasting YSRC president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for stating that he will fulfil the dreams of people with his schemes, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan sought to know what dreams has the YSRC fulfilled. Addressing an election meeting in Palakonda on Thursday, he asked, Has he (Jagan) fulfilled the dreams of youth, who aspired to get government jobs, by conducting a mega DSC? Has he fulfilled the dreams of the farmers in the region by modernising the Thotapalle project? Charging the CM with hiking the price of liquor Rs 60 to Rs 200 per quarter, the actor-politician found fault with Jagans lack of response to the missing of 30,000 women in the State. How can such a person fulfil our dreams? Is he even qualified to ask for votes? he lashed out. Reiterating that Uttarandhara and its dialect are dear to his heart, Pawan recalled the contribution of noted poet Sri Sri, and linguist Gidugu Ramamurthy. I learnt the basics of acting from this region, he said. The JSP chief found fault with the YSRC government for stopping the TRICOR (Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Tribes Co-operative Finance Corporation Limited) loans and subsidies for operating small businesses. Instead of providing employment, the ruling party has snatched away job opportunities, he alleged.

YSRC launches Jagan Kosam Siddham door-to-door campaign

VIJAYAWADA: The YSRC has embarked on yet another door-to-door campaign, Jagan Kosam Siddham (We are ready for Jagan), to take the promises made under the YSRCs manifesto - Navaratanalu Plus - to all 1.67 crore households in the State. Previously, under the partys Siddham and Memanta Siddham campaigns, YSRC president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy toured the length and breadth of the State, highlighting the initiatives taken by his government over the past 58 months. Launching the new campaign, YSRC general secretary and government advisor (Public Affairs) Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said, As part of Jagan Kosam Siddham, the partys activists will visit every household and tell people about how Jagan had fulfilled 99% of the promises made in the 2019 manifesto. They will also tell people what Jagan will do for them, if voted to power once again. He explained that the party members will personally visit every household and deliver Jagans vision directly to the common people. The message will be taken to the 47,000 booths set up by the party across the State. Through this campaign, ordinary citizens will also be declared as Jagans star campaigners, Sajjala said. He added, We have already selected 12 commoners as our star campaigners. While other parties choose movie stars, we have chosen people of the State to be our star campaigners. They will be campaigning for the party and spread the word on how Jagan is working to uplift the society.

Andhras updated electorate stands at 4.14 crore

VIJAYAWADA: As per the updated electoral roll on April 25, the total electorate of Andhra Pradesh is 4.14 crore, State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena said on Thursday. The qualifying date for updation was April 1. The State will go for simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and Assembly on May 13. The number of female voters is more than seven lakh compared to the number of male voters. While the number of female voters is 2.10 crore, the number of male voters is 2.03 crore. The number of polling stations in the State, including 224 auxiliary polling stations, is 46,389. The value of the seizures is Rs 203 crore since March 16. Of the total 26 districts, Anantapur district, comprising eight Assembly constituencies, stood top with 20.20 lakh voters. With 7.71 lakh voters Alluri Sitharama Raju district is at the bottom. Speaking to mediapersons at the State Secretariat on Thursday, the CEO said there is a net increase of 5,94,631 electors, when compared to the 4,08,07,356 electors in the final electoral roll published under SSR, 2024 on January 22. In polling stations, where the upper limit of electors has exceeded 1,500, 224 auxiliary polling stations have been created in the same location of the main polling station. As a result, the polling stations number has gone up to 46,389 from the earlier 46,165 polling stations. With regard to the Home voting, the CEO said that the facility was provided to persons aged above 85 years and Persons With Benchmark Disability (PWBD). Of the total 2,11,257 eligible (aged above 85) electors, 14,577 opted for the vote from home option. Similarly, under PWBD category, of the total 5,17,227 eligible electors, only 14,014 opted for the facility, which commenced in some districts from Thursday, he said. Under the Home voting concept, a team of officials will reach the houses of the voters, hand over ballot papers to them. They will then drop it in the ballot box after exercising their franchise. He said that the Home voting process will be completed by May 8. Stating that as many as 16,345 complaints were received through C-Vigil app, the CEO said 10,403 complaints which were ascertained as genuine were resolved. Similarly, 864 FIRs were filed with regard to the violation of Model Code of Conduct, he added. In the election related violence, two persons died and 156 others were injured. Electors were requested to check their names and their polling stations on https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/ website and in Voter Helpline App / voters.eci.gov.in after registering with their mobile number.

Sajjala demands BJPs stand on Land Titling Act

VIJAYAWADA : The YSRC on Thursday demanded the State BJP unit to spell out its stand on scrapping the Land Titling Act, an election promise of in the manifesto of its allies - TDP and JSP. Stating that the Land Titling Act was based on the recommendations of the NDA government at the Centre, YSRC general secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu is alleging that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy would usurp the lands of the people through the Land Titling Act. Is Naidu implying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to take away the lands of the people in the entire country, Sajjala asked and demanded the BJP State unit to question its poll partner on this count. Sajjala produced the documents and office memorandum of the NITI Aayog, which in a meeting on October 16, 2019 constituted a committee to draft the Model Act and Rules on Conclusive Land Titling with the former special chief secretary of Telangana, VK Agarwal, as its chairman. Sajjala also produced the communication of the then NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant to Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba where he mentioned the need of an Act for documenting ownership of land. In the communication, Kant had noted that land continues to be one that has enormous economic, social, and symbolic relevance for the majority of poor, especially the marginal farmers, tribals and other backward categories. He clearly mentioned that based on the directions of the Union Government, the NITI Aayog has drafted the Model Act on Conclusive Land Titling and Rules. He had hoped that they would be able to assist the State governments in amending their respective revenue codes and set up an alternative mechanism for land titling and transition towards provision of conclusive titles to their people. Sajjala also demanded the TDP to spell out its stand on 4% reservations to the Muslims, which the BJP has opposed.

Viscera samples of doctor, his family members preserved, says police

Dr. Srinivas, was found hanging and his family members were murdered at his home in Vijayawada on April 30

Viscera samples of doctor, his family members preserved, says police - The Hindu

Viscera samples of doctor, his family members preserved, says police The Hindu

Andhra Pradesh Specialty hospitals to stop EHS services from tomorrow

Vijayawada: The members of Andhra Pradesh Specialty Hospitals Association (ASHA) here on Thursday informed that their network hospitals decided to stop cashless EHS services from Saturday. In ...

Labourers in the lurch

With construction projects in Vijayawada stagnating due to the governments new sand policy, labourers are struggling to secure daily wages, exacerbating unemployment rates. Despite efforts to access welfare schemes, the lack of employment opportunities highlights the widening gap between development initiatives and the plight of workers in the informal sector, writes Nellore Sravani

Buying Train Tickets Through UTS Mobile App Made Easy

Vijayawada : In a huge relief to passengers, the Railways has relaxed distance restriction for purchasing tickets through the UTS Mobile App. With the removal of the restriction, passengers can purchase unreserved tickets from any place beyond five meters of the railway station. Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager, South Central Railway has stated that railway passengers, particularly those travelling in unreserved compartments, would benefit by using the UTS mobile APP with the relaxation of the distance limit. They could purchase tickets from any location without standing or waiting in queues for buying tickets at stations, he added. Arun Kumar explained that the previous outer distance limit for using the App to purchase unreserved paperless tickets from 20 kms to 50 kms for suburban and non-suburban stations was removed. The train commuters could purchase tickets from any place without any distance restriction, he added. Accordingly, now paperless unreserved journey/platform/season tickets can be purchased from any location beyond five meters from the railway premises for both suburban and non-suburban stations. Narendra A Patil, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada explained that a huge segment of passengers travel by purchasing unreserved tickets for whom, UTS mobile APP would be a more convenient option to obtain hassle-free train tickets. He further explained that the APP works on smartphones with Android, IOS and Windows versions of operating systems and the same can be downloaded free of cost and payments could be made through wallets like R-Wallet, traditional wallets or internet banking.

Modi to visit AP on May 6 and 8

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

EC raises objection over TDs plea for reserving Glass Tumbler to Jana Sena

The Election Commission has allotted Glass Tumbler as the symbol for the Jana Sena in 32 Assembly segments from where it intends to contest the upcoming polls in Telangana. (Twitter) The Election Commission has allotted Glass Tumbler as the symbol for the Jana Sena in 32 Assembly segments from where it intends to contest the upcoming polls in Telangana. (Twitter) Vijayawada : The Election Commission has told the Andhra Pradesh High Court that since the election process has started already, any plea to reserve the Jana Sena symbol Glass Tumbler to the regional party is not maintainable. A single judge bench of Justice B. Krishna Mohan held hearing here on Thursday on a petition filed by the Telugu Desam urging the court to direct the EC to do this in all Lok Sabha and Assembly segments in the state. The court was informed by EC that the election process had begun and it would not be possible for any change at the present juncture. Any issue of an order by the court on the issue would be tantamount to disputing the election process. Senior advocate representing Telugu Desam, Dammalapati Srinivas, urged the court to give some time to consult the petitioner. He said party symbol would play a key role in the elections as the illiterate voters would recognise the party they intend to support based on its symbol. ECIs counsel Avinash Desai argued that there was no provision in the law to recognise the alliance of political parties and reiterated that the election process had already begun. After hearing both the parties, the court adjourned the next hearing on the matter to May 6.

TD slams YSRC for neglecting development in Penamaluru

Vijayawada: Telugu Desam Penamaluru MLA candidate Bode Prasad on Thursday hit out at the YSRC for ignoring the development of the state in the last five years of its governance. He highlighted the previous TD governments successful construction of major roads, including the Pantakaluva Road (NTR Marg) and Yanamalakuduru bridge. Prasad emphasized that the comprehensive nature of their manifesto, covering various aspects such as student beneficiary schemes and pension enhancements. He highlighted the pension scheme that offers Rs 15000 for the disabled and IT Jobs to educated youngsters from their Super 6 manifesto. Bode Prasad also appealed to the people to carefully select volunteers and ward members to ensure true representation of the peoples problems. Prasad promised swift development initiatives post-election, significant improvements for the constituency.

Naidu and alliance leaders responsible for hardships of welfare pensioners, says YSRC

Vijayawada: YSRC general-secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy has said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has put all the possible promises in the YSRC election manifesto but the Chandrababu alliance put all the impossible promises in its joint manifesto. Ramakrishna Reddy held Naidu and alliance leaders responsible for the present problems of elders in receiving social security pensions. Addressing the media on Thursday, he said that the people knew the manifesto announced by Chandrababu was a hoax and that the YSRC is acting as a responsible party in fashioning its manifesto. Ramakrishna Reddy asked why there were no photos of the BJP in the alliance joint manifesto and why did the BJP AP unit incharge refused to hold the manifesto at its release event. He recalled that the photos of PM Modi and BJP leaders were printed on the alliance manifesto in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh states. The BJP has understood that Chandrababu's manifesto promises cannot be implemented and hence it did not want to take any responsibility thereof. Ramakrishna Reddy said Chandrababu was spreading lies on the Land Titling Act which should be implemented by the BJP government at the Centre, and if there are any doubts about that Act, then Naidu should ask his alliance partner about the Act instead of accusing the YSRC and CM Jagan. He said Naidu did not understand what is happening and who formulated the Act and spread falsehood. Chandrababu alleged that through the Land Titling Act, all the land will be taken away by the government. If so, PM Modi should grab all the land and sell those after the Act is in force, according to the statement of Chandrababu. The YSRC leader asked the BJP state and national leaders to give clarity on Land Titling Act. On Nov 25, 2019, NITI Aayog has constituted a committee to draft the Model Act and the rules on Conclusive Land Tilting that includes six senior officers from across the country. He said the YSRC understood the financial situation of the state and announced only what can be implemented. He recalled that in 1999, the TD promised to provide one crore jobs to the unemployed youth in the undivided Andhra Pradesh but it deceived them. During Chandrababu's rule, two months before the elections, the pension was enhanced to `1000 but he failed to deliver it properly. Ramakrishna Reddy stated that the opposition alliance moved the court, complained to EC and stopped the volunteers from keeping the pensioners to various difficulties. Naidu and the alliance are responsible for the hardships being faced by the senior citizens and the disabled, he stressed. He said, The volunteer system will be totally removed and the TDs Janmabhoomi Committees will be back to show hell to the poor and marginalised if TD returns to power. Chandrababu is angry that people defeated TD in the 2019 elections and is ready to mess with the lives of the poor.

Rahul Will Arrive in AP for Election Campaign Soon

Vijayawada: AICC in-charge for the Congress in AP, Manickam Tagore, has noted that the Telugu Desam has forgotten the Special Category Status demand, and avoided its inclusion in its election manifesto following its electoral tie-up with the BJP. The joint manifesto of the alliance is a mixture of the manifestos of the TD and Jana Sena, he said. Tagore said the Congress party if elected, will grant SCS to Andhra Pradesh for ten years. Can Chandrababu Naidu make this promise, he asked. He said Rahul Gandhi would be arriving in AP soon for the election campaign and the dates would be announced in a day or two. Manickam Tagore asked Naidu whether he would dare announce Muslim reservations in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at any public meeting. The Congress party would form the government at the Centre by repeating the 2004 results and Rahul Gandhi would be the next PM, he said. So far, two phases of the seven-phase general election have been completed. The Congress party-led INDIA bloc would have an edge over the BJP and win 60 per cent of the Lok Sabha seats. The Congress party is contesting 158 assembly seats while the CPI, CPM, and CPI (ML) have some more seats. Tagore alleged that the YSRC and Telugu Desam are making money through corporate politics in the state. Corporate giants Adani and Ambani are supporting the TD-JSP-BJP alliance and YSRC respectively. The YSRC has allotted a Rajya Sabha seat to the Ambani family, he pointed out. He said the Congress party has promised to provide 4 per cent reservations for Muslim minorities. Chandrababu Naidu is the trusted son of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while Jagan Mohan Reddy is his adopted son. The TD politics is backed by Adani and the YSRC politics by Ambani. However, there is no difference between the YSRC and TD, he said and urged the people to vote for the Congress-led INDIA bloc.

Elaborate arrangements in place for elections in AP: CEO

Vijayawada: The Election Commission of India (ECI) will set up as many as 46,389 polling booths to enable 4.14 crore voters including 65,707 service voters cast their vote during general elections to be conducted in Andhra Pradesh on May 13. Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena said elaborate arrangements were being made to facilitate 1500 voters to cast their vote in each polling station. If voters strength increases 1500 then an auxiliary polling booth would be provided to them, he said. We have already sent proposals to the ECI for setting up of over 224 auxiliary polling booths in the State, he said. The Election Commission has received 16,345 complaints including 200 related to distribution of money and liquor through C vigil app. Of the 16,345, 10,403 complaints were resolved. Over 864 FIRS were also issued for violating Model Code of Conduct (MCC). So far, two persons lost their lives while 156 people suffered injuries in the election related violence. More than Rs.203 crore in cash was seized across the State after issuing the election notification, Meena said, adding that 150 inter-State check posts were also established in Andhra Pradesh to keep a tab on those moving suspiciously along with vehicles.

YSRCP launches Jagan Kosam Siddham campaign to ensure manifesto reaches every house in AP

Vijayawada: After successful conduct of Siddham and Memantha Siddham election campaigns drawing the attention of thousands of people, the YSRCP has launched its final door-to-door campaign titled Jagan Kosam Siddham. The main objective of the latest election campaign of YSRCP was to ensure that its manifesto-2024 reaches every house in Andhra Pradesh thereby seeking support from the people during the elections. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy ensured that our manifesto is kept on all official and party offices. This is a daily reminder of our responsibility. Similarly, with Jagan Kosam Siddham campaign, YSRCPs cadre will give Jagananna Navratanalu Plus (YSRCPs 2024 manifesto) to every household, said Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, YSRCP General Secretary. On April 27, Jagan Mohan Reddy released the manifesto with nine crucial promises at the Tadepalle party office in Guntur. Promising to continue existing welfare schemes aimed at benefiting people across the State, he said that the pensions to elderly persons would be increased from Rs.3,000 to Rs.3,500 in two phases. The pension amount of Rs.250 will be increased in January 2028 and another Rs.250 will be increased in January 2029 totaling to Rs.3,500. No State government in the country was giving pensions to elderly persons like in Andhra Pradesh, he said. The YSRCP government was spending Rs.24,000 crore for giving pensions to 66 lakh while neighbouring Telangana was spending only Rs.12,200 crore for giving pensions to 43 lakh people. As many as 66 lakh elderly people are presently getting a pension of Rs.3,000 each, he said. Stating that the amount of Ammavadi scheme would be increased from Rs.15,000 to Rs.17,000, while three lakh people would get loans under YSR Zero Paisa Interest scheme, he said.

Andhra assembly polls: Sitting TDP MLA did nothing, says YSRCP Vijayawada East candidate Devineni Avinash

The News Mill

Chandrababu Naidu turned vicious on Land Act: Jagan Mohan Reddy

VIJAYAWADA: A day after the tripartite alliance announced in its manifesto that it would scrap the Land Titling Act, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that Opposition Leader N Chandrababu Naidu had started a vicious campaign against the Act. He said that the Act was intended to resolve the centuries-old land disputes and provide clear land titles to the land-holders. Addressing a public meeting in Bobbili of Vizianagaram district on Wednesday, he said people were flooded with messages and IVR calls regarding the Land Titling Act. They are using every possible medium to tarnish my image, he observed. He said, The Act aims to provide land rights to individuals. It was during the British rule that the lands were surveyed last time. We are doing what no one had done in the past. Over 15,000 staff are surveying the lands across 15,000 village secretariats. The Chief Minister said due to the gross negligence of the previous governments, sub-divisions were carved out without proper boundaries, leading to difficulties for the public in property transactions and legal disputes with the revenue department. CM Jagan during a public meeting at Bobbili on Wednesday | Express I take side of poor and Naidu leading feudal forces, says Jagan I am the one who gives land to the poor unlike the TDP chief, who usurps land from the poor, he asserted. Jagan, who also addressed public meetings at Payakaraopeta and Eluru, termed the 2024 elections a choice between his agenda, which is progressive and Naidus, which is regressive. The Chief Minister said the choice before the people is between his credibility, who initiated various welfare measures through DBT, and the hypocrisy of Naidu who has no consistent policy. Naidu has scant respect for manifesto and election promises, he remarked. Jagan said Naidus frustration reached new heights and he has even started speaking in terms of eliminating me. Such talk stems from desperation and helplessness. I will not be cowed down by such lame threats as I have the blessings of the people in abundance. They stand as a shield to me, he averred. The coming elections are a war between classes and not castes. I am taking the side of the poor and Naidu is leading the feudal forces, he said and reeled off welfare schemes, amount spent while bringing in revolutionary changes in various sectors. Our government has distributed Rs 2.70 lakh crores through DBT with full transparency. Our government has ushered in an unprecedented revolution in the administration, and in several other sectors, including education through English medium in schools and implementing a plethora of schemes like Amma Vodi, Jagananna Vidya Deevena and Vasathi Deevena, he added.

31 Andhra Pradesh mandals to face severe heatwave on May 2

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

Andhra Pradesh: SCRWWO felicitates women staff in May Day fete

VIJAYAWADA: To mark International Workers Day (May day), to express heartfelt gratitude and warm appreciation towards the Women Employees for rendering invaluable and excellent services in ensuring smooth functioning and aiding in its day-to-day activities, South Central Railway (SCR) Womens Welfare Organisation (SCRWWO), Vijayawada, felicitated 12 Group D Women Employees belonging to various Departments on Wednesday. Dr Varsha Patil, President, SCRWWO, Vijayawada, who was chief guest on the occasion said, that Group-D employees are the real heroes, who work behind the scenes to keep Indian Railways running smoothly. She further said that Group D staff play a pivotal role in the image building of Indian Railways and it is our responsibility to recognize the good work done by the staff and boost their morale. She highlighted the importance of May Day and said that it serves as a reminder of the long-standing fight for workers rights, fair wages, and improved working conditions. Varsha Patil thanked the women employees for their tireless efforts and dedication towards their duty. The 12 Group-D employees were honored with appreciation certificates and gifts for their hard work and commitment on occasion.

Andhra Pradesh: Planting of saplings marks periyar swim race victory

VIJAYAWADA: Hundreds of swimmers and nature enthusiasts gathered on the riverbank on Wednesday to commemorate the unexpected triumph of homegrown swim trainees at the Awara Swim And Rescue Academy (ASARA). Amidst the celebration, they embarked on a mission to enhance the verdant beauty of the riverbank by planting numerous saplings, extending from Vaaradhi to upstream of Prakasam barrage. The occasion marked the remarkable achievement of two women swimmers from ASARA at the recent Florid Kochi Swimmathon, held in the Periyar River last Sunday. Sakuntaladevi Donavalli, a coach specialising in women and child training at ASARA, clinched the third position in the 40-49 womens category, while Padmapriya Narra, a late learner, secured third place in the Womens 60-69 years age group. These accomplished swimmers owe their success to the dedicated coaching and mentorship provided by Prof Ajay Katragadda, a environmentalist and founder of AWARA. Under the guidance of Professor Ajay, they honed their skills through the Swim Sundays in Nature program, a weekly initiative conducted every Sunday from 6 am to 8 am on the Krishna River for the past five years.

Vibrant James Street of Secunderabad

HYDERABAD : A photograph taken by Lala Deen Dayal between December 1887 and February 1888 captures a picturesque wide street bustling with people and carts. In the centre of this image stands a structure topped with a colonial-style clock tower. The street, originally named James Street in honour of James Achilles Kirkpatrick, the third British Resident in Hyderabad, is now known as Mahatma Gandhi Road. It remains a vibrant thoroughfare in Secunderabad, adorned with prominent landmarks like the Gandhi Statue, Chermas, Asrani Hotel, Paradise, and the Parsi Fire Temple. The bustling General Bazaar and residences flank its sides. The clock tower and the building that once served as a police station were generously donated by the munificent benefactor of Secunderabad Dewan Bahadur Seth Ramgopal Malani, after whom the area on the west of the road was named Ramgopalpet. (Described as such in City of Secunderabad, published by Secunderabad Municipal Corporation, 1955) His old house still stands a few metres away from the police station building, all newly painted red and green like a bride. Additionally, James Street is home to a railway station bearing the same name. Established in 1874 by the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, Mahboob Ali Khan, this station was part of the railway project that connected Secunderabad to Wadi Junction. It was the second station constructed along this important route after Secunderabad. The Nizam agreed to finance the initial construction costs, and the capital for the line was raised through the issuance of redeemable mortgage debentures. Construction commenced in 1870, and in 1874 the Secunderabad-Wadi Line was completed. Subsequently, between 1874 and 1889, this line was extended first to Kazipet and then to Vijayawada. Initially being carried out by the Indian Peninsular Railways under the British, the project was later taken over by the Nizam with the formation of a management company and with a guarantee by the Nizam to pay 5% of the companys revenue to the British. In 1899, the broad gauge connection between Bezwada (Vijayawada) and Madras (Chennai Central) was established, facilitating rail travel between Hyderabad and Chennai. Subsequently, in 1916, the Kachiguda Railway Station was built as the railways headquarters. The area is also known for some of the oldest bazaars that came up in a sprawling British cantonment in the 20th century. General Bazaar was known for its gold and silver jewellery and Regimental Bazaar extended to Alexandra Road, (now Sarojini Devi Road), which intersected with Oxford Street, now Sardar Patel Road. The area now known as Ranigunj was named after Queen Victoria.

KDCA launches summer cricket camp in Vijayawada

VIJAYAWADA: Childrens basic skills will improve through summer Cricket camps, said Dr E Thrimurthy, Secretary, Sports Board of DR YSR University of Health Sciences (YSRUHS). He was the chief guest of the inaugural function of the camp organised by the Krishna District Cricket Association (KDCA), held Wednesday, which saw a gathering of esteemed personalities from the cricketing fraternity. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Thrimurthy said, They are happy that their Siddhartha Medical College ground is so useful for the summer camp organised by KDCA every year. This is a good opportunity for every budding cricket player as the coaches take special care. He lauded the efforts of the coaches in providing specialised training, recognising the camp as a valuable opportunity for aspiring players to refine their game. Former KDCA Secretary Ella Rao, former KDCA Joint Secretary Bapuji, Krishna District Cricket Head and former Andhra Ranji Captain Vijay Saradhi, Krishna District Adhak Committee Chairman Trinath Raju, and Krishna district Adhak Committee Convenor M Ravi Shankar graced the occasion as special invitees. Trinath Raju, in his address, expressed gratitude to the parents for their unwavering support in encouraging their children to participate in the camp. He emphasized the integral role of such programs in promoting cricket development and fostering a spirit of sportsmanship among the youth. Ella Rao underscored the importance of instilling discipline and dedication in young athletes through sports camps, highlighting the holistic benefits of such initiatives beyond skill development.

Will repeal Land Titling Act: Chandrababu Naidu

VIJAYAWADA: Asserting that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy had ushered in land grabbing Act in the name of AP Land Titling Act, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu cautioned the people of the State that if they vote for the YSRC their properties will be taken over by the YSRC chief. Addressing a public meeting at Chirala of Bapatla district as part Praja Galam on Wednesday, Naidu said, After coming back to power, my first signature will be on Mega DSC and my second signature will be on revoking the land grabbing Act introduced by the Jagan. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who is in the driving seat of the State, taking it in reverse direction as he does not know how to drive, Naidu said, adding that the Chief Minister is benefiting at the expense of the people by hitting them below their belt. Stating that Jagans rule is much worse than the British regime, he said that even Britishers did not impose so many taxes on the people like Jagan did. Alleging that this Chief Minister has started his ruling by demolishing the Praja Vedika, the TDP supremo said Jagan has been continuing his administration as a dictator by simply subjecting the people to various kinds of threats and terrorising the common man. The NDA will take the responsibility to rule the State democratically by ending this dictatorial regime, he said. The financial condition of the State is so pathetic that the State is bearing a burden of Rs 13 lakh crore debt and even the salaries of the government employees are not being paid on time, he regretted and said that revenue can be generated only by creating assets and Jagan Mohan Reddy is raising loans by mortgaging the assets created during the TDP regime. NDA government will abolish Land Titling Act: Chandrababu Naidu Chandrababu Naidu made an appeal to the people to go through the NDA election manifesto. Only the NDA has the ability to take the State forward on the road to development, besides taking care of the peoples welfare. Had Amaravati been completed, it would now have become a source for revenue to take up all kinds of welfare programmes, the TDP supremo said. Exuding confidence that the people are eagerly waiting for the polling day to vote for the NDA, the TDP supremo said that 10 per cent reservations will be provided for the economically weaker sections in upper castes. If you want jobs, Babu should be back, and you should vote for NDA. This psycho implying Jagan Mohan Reddy should be sent home, he said. He asserted that the Super-Six programme will be implemented with commitment.

Andhra Pradesh High Court says poll contenders should publish details of assets

VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday made it clear that in accordance with the Supreme Court judgment, the contesting candidates for the elections should publish the details of their assets and criminal history if any in newspapers and their respective party websites. Political parties and the Election Commission are responsible for following the apex court judgment. Advocate Avinash Desai, appearing for the Election Commission sought some time to submit the details whether the candidates contesting the elections in Andhra Pradesh have published those details or not. The hearing was adjourned. Telugu Bashodyama Samakya honorary president Samala Ramesh Babu filed a public interest litigation in the High Court seeking directions to the Election Commission to have the candidates publish the details of their assets and criminal cases against them in Telugu language. Advocate K Indraneel Babu appearing for the petitioner said after filing nominations, a candidate has to publish the details of assets and criminal cases against him three times, as per the Supreme Court judgement.

Jagan destroyed future of Andhra Pradesh: Pawan Kalyan

VIJAYAWADA: Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan said for giving one chance in 2019, Jagan destroyed the future of Andhra Pradesh and questioned where is the point of the people of the State giving him any chance again. Anarchy in Andhra Pradesh under CM Jagans rule: Pawan Kalyan Addressing public meetings at Atchutapuram in Elamanchali Assembly constituency and in Pendurthi Assembly constituency on Wednesday, the JSP chief went hammer and tongs against the ruling party. He said it is time for the people to think of their future and vote for the alliance. He said he only knows to fight for the interests and rights of the people. You vote for the alliance. I will take up the responsibility to ensure those you elected to keep the promises they made, he assured. Describing the Land Titling Act as a Land Grabbing Act, Pawan Kalyan said now the ruling party is conspiring to hold the Centre responsible for the Act. He said YSRC is intending to rob the people.

Polavaram, Resettlement and Rehabilitation package to influence Eluru LS poll outcome

VIJAYAWADA: Polavaram Irrigation project, the Resettlement and Rehabilitation (R&R) package for the project-displaced families, and Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation will be the main issues that will be on the minds of the electorate in the Eluru Lok Sabha constituency, when they exercise their franchise on May 13. Formed in 1952, Eluru Parliamentary constituency was spread across the erstwhile Krishna and West Godavari districts before the reorganisation. Later, it was formed as a district with seven Assembly segmentsUngaturu, Denduluru, Eluru, Polavaram, Chintalapudi, Nuzvid and Kaikaluru. Of the seven Assembly segments, Polavaram is reserved for the Scheduled Tribes (ST) while Chintalapudi is reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC). Out of the seven Assembly constituencies, only three are urban local bodies. With agriculture and horticulture as the mainstay of the economy, the Parliamentary constituency has people belonging to Kapu, Kamma, and Backward classes like Yadavs, SCs, and STs in considerable numbers. However, BC and OC voters have been dictating the outcome of the elections for the past several decades. Though there are several issues in this important Lok Sabha segment, three main issuesPolavaram Project, R&R settlement package, infrastructure, mainly road networktop the list. Every year floods in Godavari affect the infrastructure, particularly in Polavaram Assembly segments, explained Satyanarayana, a businessman in Jangareddygudem. Polavaram is one of the important issues on the poll agenda of all the political parties in the fray in Andhra Pradesh. Jana Sena, which is fielding its candidate C Balaraju from the Polavaram Assembly constituency, proposed a new cess, R&R Cess, to fund the R&R Package for the Project Displacement Families, which is estimated to require approximately Rs 30,000 crore. TDP, an ally of JSP, is assuring early completion of the project and addressing the issues of the project displaced, while the YSRC party is largely silent on the issue, except for its assurance to complete the project at the earliest. As western parts of Eluru are upland areas, farmers in the region have been demanding the completion of the Chintalapudi Lift Irrigation project. However, there has not been much progress. The project started by the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy hit a roadblock, though balancing reservoirs and canal network is in place. The Parliament constituency was represented for the first time by CPI leaders Bayya Suryanarayana Murthy and Konduru Subba Rao. In 1957, Congress candidate Mothey Veda Kumar became MP. However, CPI retained the seat in 1962, only to lose in 1967. Till 1984, Congress represented the constituency. It is worth noting that in 1989, film actor Krishna won the seat on the Congress ticket, but lost in the 1991 elections to a TDP candidate. Though the Yellow Party won the 1996 elections, it lost in 1998 and retained the seat in 1999. In 2004 and 2009, Kavuri Sambasiva Rao of Congress won the seat. In 2014, TDP candidate Maganti Venkateswara Rao won the elections and in 2019, Kotagiri Sridhar of YSRC emerged victorious. For the 2024 elections, TDP and YSRC decided to field BC candidates. TDP fielded Putta Mahesh Yadhav, son-in-law of former minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and YSRC fielded Karmuri Sunil Kumar Yadha, son of minister of civil supplies Karumuri Nageswara Rao. Interestingly both the candidates are not locals. Hence political observers think that it is political parties that matter rather than the candidates in the fray.

Andhra Pradesh: YSRC trying to create mistrust on manifesto, alleges TDP leaders

VIJAYAWADA: Even as the YSRC claims that the joint manifesto released by the TDP and JSP does not have the acceptance of the BJP, leaders of the TDP in their internal talks felt it was only meant to create a rift among the NDA partners. If the YSRC leaders feel that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had no confidence in the TDP implementing the manifesto going by the experience in 2014 elections, it will only remain a futile attempt to sow seeds of mistrust among the NDA constituents. The TDP leaders argued that if it was the case, then it should be the BJP that has to be blamed as it did not deliver on its promise of granting SCS, which is the major demand, and which forced the TDP to exit the from then NDA. In fact, the YSRC leaders appear to be targeting the BJP and Modi by shooting with the gun from our shoulders, a TDP leader observed. As of now, we dont want to prolong the issue as we are an ally of the BJP, he added. When asked whether the decision of the BJP not to associate with the TDP-JSP joint manifesto, damaged the election prospects of the tripartite alliance, one TDP leader told TNIE that the BJP leaders are announcing that they are endorsing the joint manifesto but in practice, they are not. We have explained to the Telugu Desam cadre the line taken by the saffron party that it will confine to the manifesto at the national level and support manifestos by its allies in the States, another TDP leader said.

Naidu vows to abolish Land Titling Act

Vijayawada : Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday vowed to append his second signature on the file to abolish the AP Land Titling Act once the three-party alliance gets the peoples nod to form the next government. Addressing a large gathering as part of Prajagalam at Chirala in Bapatla district, he alleged that the act would result in illegal grabbing of lands of the people and demanded an apology from Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for framing the law. Naidu had already announced to sign the first file for issue of a notification for conduct of DSC to recruit teachers in government schools. The TD chief called upon the people to read the manifestos of both the NDA and the YSRC to find out difference. He listed out a series of welfare schemes mentioned in the manifesto including the 10 per cent reservation for EBCs in education and employment, sanction of `10 lakh loan to Dwcra women to set up units for their financial self-sustenance, a health insurance coverage for `25 lakh per family, setting up generic drug stones and supply of free medicines to patients suffering from high blood pressure and blood sugar, a BC Declaration and financial aid to the weavers. Naidu targeted the CM by saying that Jagan Mohan Reddy allowed upward revision of power tariff nine times in the last five years, resulting in the tariff going up from `200 per month to `1,000 and causing hardships to the commoners. He also listed out how prices of fuels, essential commodities including rice, dals, sugar and others had gone up. He asked the people whether the cost of cheap liquor a quarter from `60 rose to `200 and alleged that Jagan Mohan Reddy was supplying his own brands. Naidu alleged that Jagan Mohan Reddy sucked the blood of the poor by supplying substandard liquor and causing situations of several women becoming widows. He also asked whether sand was available at present and alleged that a tractor load of sand, which used to cost just `1,000, is now priced at `5,000 under the YSRC rule. Naidu castigated Jagan Mohan Reddy for beginning his governance soon after getting elected to power in 2019 by destroying the Praja Vedika and alleged that he was associated with the sand, liquor, mining mafia. Claiming that he has the knowledge on how to generate wealth, Naidu alleged that Jagan Mohan Reddy did not know it, and hence he raised loans worth `13 lakh crore for AP. He said that there was no money with the state government even to pay wages to its employees and even to clear the bills for the Aarogyasri scheme. He promised to develop Chirala by developing a tourism centre, an IT tower and set up a textile park and several amenities if elected to power. In another public meeting held in Guntur, Naidu announced several sops to the Muslims. They are: pension at 50 years of age, land to be allotted for construction of Idgahs and Khabarastans, financial aid of Rs 1 lakh to take up Haj Yatra, corpus fund for Rs 100 crore per annum, interest free loan up to Rs 5 lakh, Imams and Mousis to be given honorarium of Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 respectively per month, Rs 5,000 for maintenance of masjids, efforts to protect proposed four per cent reservation to Muslims as it is pending in the Supreme Court, allotment of house sites and construction of houses, sanction of Tidco houses and others. He said Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy was trying to take away capital city from Amavarati when a large number of Muslims stay in parts of Guntur and Vijayawada.

A silent wave of support to alliance parties picking up in State, says Kesineni Chinni

The TDPs candidate for Vijayawada Lok Sabha constituency says his election battle with his brother Kesineni Nani of YSRCP and Valluri Bhargav of Congress might look like a familial fight but it is a fight between development and destruction

AP Records Highest Temperature of 46.2 C

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

HC satisfied with ECI order on JS Glass Tumbler case

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Wednesday ruled out any further hearing following an order of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on allotment of Glass Tumbler symbol to the Jana Sena Party and others. According to the submission made by ECI to the single judge bench headed by B. Krishnan Mohan, returning officers of constituencies in the state have been ere instructed not to allot Glass Tumbler symbol to independents or others in the assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies, where Jana Sena has fielded its candidates. In a related development, Telugu Desam has moved the High Court with a plea to issue an interim order to reserve the Glass Tumbler symbol for Jana Sena in all Assembly and Lok Sabha segments in the state. The petitioner said as TD-JS-BJP are contesting as an alliance, the JS symbol should be reserved only for Jana Sena. This petition is likely to come up for hearing before the single judge bench headed by Justice B. Krishna Mohan on Thursday.

ECI orders freezing of allotment of Glass Tumbler symbol to others

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

Navaratnalu Plus promises new vision for Andhra Pradesh, says Shaik Asif

The YSRCP Vijayawada West Assembly candidate calls his political opponent from TDP-JSP-BJP alliance Y. Satyanarayana (Sujana) Chowdary Andhra Mallya ; says that BJP leaders at the Centre made no qualms in admitting that they were opposed to reservations to Muslim minorities

SCR honours women staff on May Day

Vijayawada: Vijayawadas South Central Railway Women's Welfare Organisation (SCRWWO) felicitated 12 Group-D women employees of various departments on occasion of the International Workers Day (May Day) on Wednesday. SCRWWO president Dr. Varsha Patil said the Group-D women employees are the real heroes who work behind the scenes and keep Indian Railways running smoothly. She underlined that May Day is a reminder of the long-standing fight for workers' rights, fair wages and improved working conditions. The Group-D employees received appreciation certificates and gifts on the occasion.

Another GMC Staff Dismissed for Electioneering

Vijayawada: Guntur East assembly constituency returning officer (RO) Kirti Chekuri on Wednesday removed from service another contract employee of Guntur Municipal Corporation (GMC) for taking part in electioneering, thereby violating the Model Code of Conduct. The RO said that public health worker Garlapati Lakshmi, working with the 16th sanitary division of 140 ward secretariat of Guntur Municipal Corporation, participated in the election campaign taken up by the YSRC candidate in Guntur East constituency. Lakshmi has hence been immediately dismissed from service. Kirti Chekuri pointed out that according to Election Commission regulations, government employees, outsourced staff working for the government, and those working for government organisations should not participate in any kind of political campaign or meeting. The RO reiterated that those who violate these norms will face immediate dismissal.

Andhra Doctor, Facing Financial Troubles, Found Dead With 4 Family Members

Five members of a family including a financially struggling doctor were found dead in their home at Vijayawada, police said on Wednesday.

Family of five including doctor found dead in Vijayawada

Family of five including doctor found dead in Vijayawada

Andhra doctor, four family members found dead

Vijayawada: Five members of a family including a financially struggling doctor were found dead in their home at Vijayawada, police said on Wednesday. While four were found with slash injuries, one hung to death, said Vijayawada East deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Adhiraj Singh Rana, adding that the bodies were discovered by them on Tuesday 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 .

Vijayawada railway division commissions advanced ABS for a stretch of 14.82 km

VIJAYAWADA: In yet another major development and advanced infrastructural upgrade, Vijayawada Division, South Central Railway has commissioned an advanced Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) System for a stretch of 14.82 km between Nidadavolu and Kovvur stations. This aims to enhance safety along the divisional railway network. A total of Rs 21.83 crore will be invested within nine months to execute and materialise this ambitious project in the most congested section of the Nidadavolu-Kovvur section. The project was executed by Gati Shakti Unit of Vijayawada Division. The ABS system in Indian Railways is a method of railway signalling that divides a railway line into successive track sections or blocks. The system controls the movement of trains between these blocks using automatic signals. ABS operation allows trains to operate automatically, enhancing sectional capacity. It helps to accommodate more trains in a section thus reducing the detention of trains and swift movement of rail traffic than regular Intermediate Block or Absolute Block Signalling System working. The 37.7 km stretch is equipped with an ABS system across the division. Other stretches commissioned in the division are between VijayawadaGannavaram and VijayawadaKrishna Canal Junction.

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

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

Andhra Pradesh: Election Commission of India will take action on JSPs representation

VIJAYAWADA: The Election Commission of India has informed the court that it would take a decision on the representation made by Jana Sena challenging the allocation of Glass Tumbler, the symbol of JSP, to independents and other party candidates where the party is not contesting. The JSP has filed a petition in the High Court challenging the inclusion of Glass Tumbler in the Free Symbol list where the JSP is not contesting. JSP general secretary T Shivshankar Rao filed a petition directing the ECI to reserve the Glass Symbol to the party. Senior counsel YV Raviprasad representing the JSP said that the party is contesting in alliance with a national and a regional party. It informed the court that the JSP is contesting 21 Assembly and two MP seats The counsel said that the ECI issued proceedings in January allocating Glass Tumbler to JSP. As the symbol was included in free symbol list by which independents would be allocated the symbol. ECI counsel Avinash Desai said they have received a representation and a decision would be taken in 24 hours. The court posted the matter for hearing on Wednesday.

BJP not part of alliance manifesto but supports it: Siddharth Nath Singh

VIJAYAWADA: While TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and JSP chief Pawan Kalyan released the manifesto, BJP State in-charge Siddharth Nath Singh, who was present on the dais, refused to hold a copy along with the two leaders and confined himself to answer a few questions at the end of the programme. Asked why the BJP is distancing itself from the manifesto and what kind of support it is going to provide in the future in the direction of fulfilling the issues mentioned in the manifesto, Singh replied, Dont get confused...It is the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance. TDP and JSP have released their manifesto and I am here to support it. In fact, the banner set up behind the dais has pictures of Naidu and Pawan without any leader of the saffron party, neither Prime Minister Narendra Modi nor BJP national president JP Nadda. On his part, Naidu said the BJP only released the NDA manifesto at the country level and it is not associated with the manifestos at the State-level. It only gave some suggestions, which were added in the manifesto. I welcome the Praja Galam our Manifesto, and under the leadership of Shri Chandrababu Naidu garu in association with Shri Pawan Kalyan garu and the @BJP4Andhra will win the upcoming elections with a thumping victory. Together, we are committed to realising the vision of a Arun Singh ( ) (@ArunSinghbjp) April 30, 2024 On X, BJP State co-coordinator Arun Singh said: I welcome the Praja Galam Manifesto and under the leadership of Shri Chandrababu Naidu garu in association with Shri Pawan Kalyan garu and the @BJP4Andhra will win the upcoming elections with a thumping victory.

AAG slams Andhra Pradesh Congress committee chief for taking u-turn on YSR in FIR

VIJAYAWADA: Additional Advocate General (AAG) Ponnavolu Sudhakar Reddy criticised Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee chief YS Sharmila for taking a u-turn on her previous remarks, pertaining to the addition of YS Rajashekar Reddys name in FIRs filed by the CBI. The FIRs were filed in connection with the quid pro quo cases and other financial irregularities filed against Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Speaking to mediapersons on Tuesday, the AAG came down heavily on Sharmila for changing her words and sought to know what made her to charge baseless allegations against him and his brother YS Jagan. He said despite giving clarification on certain allegations levelled by Sharmila, she did not stop her accusations. It was Congress MLA Shankara Rao and TDP leader Kinjarapu Yerrannaidu, who wrote and filed numerous petitions with the High Court seeking the CBI to add YS Rajashekhar Reddys name in the FIRs, Ponnavolu added. He further alleged that Sharmila intentionally targeted him for political gains over her brother YS Jagan.

BJP doesnt agree with Naidu's promises: Jagan Mohan Reddy

VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday said the BJP, the alliance partner of the TDP-JSP, is not a party to the manifesto released by the NDA alliance. In the 2014 manifesto, the photos of TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan were there. There were the signatures of the three leaders and the signed pamphlet was sent to every household in the State, Jagan said and claimed that before Naidu unveiled the manifesto, the BJP headquarters notified him not to use the Prime Ministers photo. This proves that his promises are unattainable, and the BJP dont agree with it, Jagan said. Lashing out at the Opposition, Jagan said the difficulties in the distribution of pensions were due to the complaint lodged by Naidu with the ECI. Listing out the achievements of his government in the past 58 months, Jagan on Tuesday sought votes on the performance of his governance. The Chief Minister, as part of his campaign for the coming elections, held public meetings at Kondepi, Mydukur and Pileru Assembly segments where he lashed out at the Opposition alliance. Jagan said the Opposition is in frustration, disarray and dismay and lost coherence in speech and attitude. Naidu and his gang are so frustrated that they are hurling abuses at me and even went to the extent of speaking about eliminating me. They are venting out their anger as I had asked them to name their achievements as they have none, he said. Not just the alliance partners but even the Congress has been letting out its frustration in many ways and the elections are not a war between Jagan and Naidu but a battle between pro-people YSRC and feudal forces led by TDP and its allies. People, who can not deliver, get angry when they realize their helplessness and the outbursts of Naidu and his gang stem out of their endless frustration. People should be aware of the deceitful nature of Naidu and his allies who fought the 2014 elections in alliance and took the people for a ride after winning the polls, he said. The CM, in his address, listed out the gains achieved through volunteer system, village and ward secretariats, RBKs and the implementation of slew of welfare schemes like Amma Vodi, Rythu Bharosa, Jagananna Vidya Deevena and the reforms carried out in education and health and medical sectors. He said they gave YSRC a clear edge over the Opposition. He said while only 32,000 government jobs were created during the TDP regime, their number went up to 2.31 lakh during the last 58 months when the YSRCP was in power. The rural economy has picked up with administration being taken to the doorstep of people. We have fulfilled 99.7 percent of election promises. The TDP had back-stabbed and betrayed peoples aspirations by throwing the party manifesto into the dustbin after winning the elections in 2014 with with false promises, he alleged. The elections are not just meant to elect MLAs and MPs but they are crucial in deciding the peoples fate for the next five years, he stated, underscoring the fact that a vote for the YSRCP will result in continuation of all welfare schemes while a vote for TDP will lead Naidu to wind up all of them unceremoniously. The CM said that he is seeking the blessings of the people again based on his performance and progress report of his administration and sought the peoples support to ensure a clean sweep of all 175 assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats.

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

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

Kapus to decide fate of YSRC & JSP in Tadepalligudem segment

RAJAMAHENDRAVARAM: Known for its commercial centres in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Tadepalligudem Assembly constituency, one of the seven Assembly segments in West Godavari district, has been grappling with significant developmental challenges. While on one side YSRC has fielded Endowment Minister and sitting MLA Kottu Satyanarayana to retain the seat, on the other hand, as part of the tripartite alliance, Jana Sena nominated former Tadepalligudem municipality chairman Bolisetty Srinivas to contest the constituency. With little more than 30 per cent, the Kapu community has been detrimental in dominating the constituency politically, socially and economically. It is interesting to note that the segment has been branded as an endowment ministers constituency, as for the past 40 years, three MLAs who were elected to the Assembly from Tadepalligudem have served as endowment ministers in the State cabinet. With hundreds of rice mills and godowns for fruits, onions and chilli exports located in the town, Tadepalligudem is considered to be one of the most prosperous and wealthy towns in the western delta. There are 2,13,229 voters in the constituency, including 1,04,059 male and 1,09,160 female voters. Tadepalligudem is a bastion of TDP since the inception of the party in 1982. While Telugu Desam won the seat in the 1983, 1985, 1989, 1994 and 1999 elections, Congress emerged victorious in the 1987 by-elections and 2004 general elections, Praja Rajyam in 2009, BJP in 2014, and YSRC in 2019 elections. Though people of the region are venting out their dissent over the incomplete poll promises, the region has not seen any concrete efforts from the governance end. The electorate laments that there is no second summer storage tank in the region to tackle the water shortage. Though every year, the rural areas of Tadepalligudem suffers severely due to the Yerra Kaluva floods, leaders continue to promise to address the issue by constructing retaining walls. However, the promises are only confined to papers, the people rued. In addition to this, with no halt for long distance trains at Tadepalligudem railway station, the commuters are forced to board the train either at Rajamahendravaram or Vijayawada. With all these issues, the political analysts are opining winning the seat is not a cake walk for the candidates.

New NTR District Police Chief Stresses on Free and Fair Polls

Vijayawada: Recently appointed police commissioner P.H.D. Ramakrishna on Tuesday reviewed necessary arrangements and duties for ensuring a peaceful, free and fair poll in the NTR district. Key topics under discussion included deployment of various staff at polling stations, particularly sensitive ones, security arrangements, deployment of various specialised units, such as special striking force, securing strong rooms and accommodating staff. The commissioner cautioned parties against disrupting traffic during rallies. He said activities, such as burning effigies of leaders, is prohibited. He wanted political parties to follow the guidelines for meetings, cessation of campaign after a particular hour, and control over placement of flags, banners and slogans on private property. Ramakrishna underlined that liquor shops must be closed 48 hours prior to polling. He advised police officers to discharge duties with impartiality and integrity. They must ensure that voters exercise their right to vote in a fearless environment.

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

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

Vijayawada: Dance performances enthral audience - The Hans India

Vijayawada: Dance performances enthral audience The Hans India

Chandrababu Naidu, Pawan Kalyan unveil please-all manifesto

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

AP government warns against baby gender tests

Representational image Representational image VIJAYAWADA: Krishna district medical and health officer (DMHO) Dr. Geetha Bai has warned against conducting gender determination tests at hospitals or diagnostic centres, as it would lead to action against them. Dr. Geetha Bai carried out surprise checks at several hospitals, diagnostic centres and clinics in the district, including in Kanuru, Pamarru and Kuchipudi. She inspected the functioning of clinics and ultrasound equipment. She advised the staff about the guidelines to be followed under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sax Selection) Act,1994, while conducting various tests. The DMHO advised private hospitals, nursing homes and laboratories about maintenance of proper records. She verified their permits. Dr. Geetha Bai stressed on the importance of fire safety equipment at healthcare facilities. Any lapses in adhering to fire safety regulations will result in strict action, she warned.

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

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

AP polls: Commoners working as star campaigners for YSRC

VIJAYAWADA: Amid the popular trend of enlisting film stars and celebrities as star campaigners for elections, the YSR Congress has adopted a reverse model of introducing commoners as the partys main campaigners. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, as YSRC chief, has taken this decision, a historic first in the country. The commoners will campaign with top guns of the YSRC, including the CM himself, stalwarts like Botsa Satyanarayana, Dharmana Prasada Rao, Ummareddy Venkateswarlu, Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, YV Subba Reddy, V Vijayasai Reddy, Md Abdul Hafeez Khan and others in the present state-wide election campaign. The YSRC has submitted a list of 12 commoners to the Election Commission, designating them as YSRCs official Star Campaigners' for the polls. The party said these 12 will represent each and every one of the approximate 5 crore people of Andhra Pradesh. At a broader level, the YSRC believes that every person in the state is its star campaigner. These individuals, hailing from humble backgrounds, will campaign for the party on the ground and help propagate Jagan Mohan Reddys messages till the last mile. Notably, even before the Siddham campaign, Jagan Reddy had said, My star campaigners are the ordinary people, and I dont want anyone else to campaign for me or the party. He slammed the Opposition for stitching unholy alliances and trying to get as many film stars, influencers etc on board to campaign for them. Throughout his visits to various constituencies as part of the Siddham and Memantha Siddham campaigns, the CM sought blessings from the beneficiaries, whom he called his Star Campaigners, who he expects would go door-to-door in the coming days and help him have a resounding victory. Out of the twelve YSRC star campaigners, four are homemakers, two are farmers, one is an auto driver, one a tailor and four are former government volunteers. Star campaigner Pandalaneni Sivaprasad, Avanigadda constituency, Krishna district, hails from a simple family of farmers; Katari Jagadish, Anakapalli constituency, Anakapalli district, runs a roadside shop sewing seat covers for two-wheelers; Anantha Lakshmi, Rajahmundry city constituency, East Godavari district campaigns in her village. Through Jagananna Chedodu, a neighbour set up a clothing shop that supports her family. Syed Anwar, Nellore Rural, Nellore district, is another of Jagans star campaigners. Challa Eswari, Mylavaram constituency, NTR District, worked as a government volunteer. They are all eager to campaign for the YSRC and CM Jagan. Eswari was all praises for CM Jagans commitment to uplift every poor person in the state and for his focus on women's empowerment. She highlighted the ease of accessing government services, citing the swift issuance of caste certificates under the Jagananna Suraksha programme. Eswari hails CM Jagan's vision for the state. She has seen families in her cluster starting successful businesses with the financial support they received from state government schemes. She believes he runs a people's government where the downtrodden and the underprivileged were prioritized for governmental support and care.

Vizag Muslims want representation in Assembly

Visakhapatnam: Ruling YSRC leaders are holding meetings with leaders of the Muslim community in Visakhapatnam as the polling date is fast approaching. Those who are organising the meetings include north Andhra regional coordinator and Rajya Sabha member Y.V. Subba Reddy, Visakha Lok Sabha candidate Botsa Jhansi Lakshmi, Vizag North ruling party candidate K.K. Raju. During their meetings, YSRC leaders are stressing on Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's commitment to development of Muslims. They point out that the party has given tickets to seven Muslim candidates MD. Khaleel Ahmad in Nellore City, Nisar Ahmad in Madanapalle, Amzath Basha Shah Shaik Bepari in Kadapa, A.M. Imtiaz in Kurnool, Kadiris Maqbool Ahmad, Shaik Asif in Vijayawada West, and Shaik Noori Fatima in Guntur East. However, Muslim community leaders in Visakhapatnam have been forthright in pointing out that after Rahman, no other Muslim candidate has been given an MLA ticket from Vizag. They point out that the political contribution of Muslim community in Visakhapatnam-I have been significant. Authorities constituted the assembly constituency in 1967. But it ceased to exist in 2008. The constituency saw two Muslim candidates emerging victorious. In 1972, M. R. Deen won as MLA member in the Indian National Congress ticket. In 1994, TD candidate Abdul Rehman Sheku emerged victorious with 35,344 votes. He defeated INC candidate Gudivada Gurunandha Rao, who received 32,180 votes.

Vijayawada railway brings additional ABS system

VIJAYAWADA: In yet another advanced infrastructural upgrade, Vijayawada division of the South Central Railway has commissioned another advanced Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) system over a 14.82-kilometre stretch between Nidadavolu and Kovvur stations. Divisional railway manager (DRM) Narendra A. Patil said commissioning of the ABS system at a cost of 21.83 crore within nine months further enhances safety and efficiency along their divisions most congested section along the Nidadavolu-Kovvur section. Automatic Block Signalling system in Indian Railways is a method of signalling that divides a railway line into successive track sections or blocks. ABS operation allows trains to automatically operate with enhanced safety and sectional capacity. With this, a 37.7-km stretch is equipped with ABS across Vijayawada division. The other ABS stretches commissioned in Vijayawada division are between Vijayawada-Gannavaram and Vijayawada-Krishna Canal Junction. The DRM pointed out that Nidadavolu-Kovvur section is a vital part of the railway network, serving both passenger and freight traffic. He commended the Gati Shakti team led by chief project manager Ch.P.R. Vital for commissioning of the Automatic Block Signalling system. ABS system utilises advanced technology to ensure precise and reliable train control. It reduces the risk of accidents, thereby improving the overall operational performance.