Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh visiting AP today

VIJAYAWADA : Top BJP leaders are visiting parts of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday to campaign on behalf of their party nominees, who are contesting the May 13 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in alliance with the Opposition Telugu Desam and Jana Sena. Union home minister Amit Shah will arrive in Dharmavaram and address a public meeting at the CNB Gardens on Bathalapalli Road at 10:30 am in support of BJP nominee Y. Satya Kumar, who is contesting from the Dharmavaram Assembly constituency. Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu will also address the public meeting. Union defence minister Rajnath Singh will address his first public meeting at Yerraguntla in Kadapa at 12:30 pm. He will address another public meeting at Adoni in Kurnool at 3 pm. He will be campaigning in support of BJP nominees from Jammalamadugu and Adoni Assembly constituencies C. Adinarayana Reddy and P.V. Parthasarathi respectively.

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

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

Pawan Kalyan predicts NDA will win 130 seats in AP assembly

VIJAYAWADA : Expressing confidence over the victory of TD-JS-BJP alliance in the upcoming polls in Andhra Pradesh, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan declared that they are concerned about how much majority they are likely to get, like 130 Assembly seats or so out of total 175 seats. Addressing public meetings in Gudivada and Repalle on Saturday, the JS chief said, As we have been touring several parts of AP as part of poll campaign, we have come to an understanding based on the feedback and response from the people that NDA is going to win the polls. We are anxious as to how much majority the alliance will get. He lashed out at the Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress government, alleging that it had reneged several promises made at the time of elections held in 2019. He asked why prohibition of liquor has not been implemented in a phased manner, and why there is no abolition of contributory pension scheme. Pawan Kalyan branded the YSRC government as one which attacks its opponents and abuses them. He said though Jagan Reddy government has renamed erstwhile Krishna district as NTR to show respect for the great personality of N.T. Rama Rao, he questioned the need for renaming NTR University of Health Sciences as Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences. Pawan Kalyan said, My priority is to protect democracy. Liberty of the people should be safeguarded. We are not here just for your votes but to protect AP, develop it and provide welfare to its people. Announcing a series of schemes incorporated in the common manifesto, the Jana Sena chief criticised the state government for not desilting canals and taking up other developmental works in the state. Earlier, cricketer Ambati Rayudu, taking part in the public meeting at Repalle said, I have seen massive craze of people for former Indian captain M.S. Dhoni and Pawan Kalyan. I appeal to all of you to transfer your craze into votes and support Pawan Kalyan, as he is the real hero who has set up a political party to work for the good of people.

TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu Predicts End of YSRCP Administration In 10 Days

TDP Chief Chandrababu Naidu Predicts End of YSRCP Administration In 10 Days The ''anarchy'' of the YSRCP's five-year government will end in 10 days, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu said on Saturday. Addressing a public meeting in NTR district's Nuziveedu as part of his Prajagalam election campaign tour, Naidu also labelled Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy a ''gang leader of robbers and landgrabbers''. ''The anarchy that the state is now facing will end in another 10 days We are coming as an alliance to save the people from these conspirators,'' the leader of opposition in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly said. Elections for the 175-member assembly and the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh will be held simultaneously on May 13. The votes will be counted on June 4. Labelling Reddy a ''gang leader of robbers and landgrabbers'', the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief called on people to dump the fan -- the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) election symbol -- in the dustbin. Naidu alleged Reddy is formulating deceptive strategies to grab people's lands through the Land Titling Act and claimed that Critical River Technology -- a US company -- is maintaining the state's land records. The TDP is contesting the elections as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) with the BJP and the Janasena. Naidu asserted that when the alliance forms the government in the state, he will take all necessary measures to complete the Chintalapudi lift irrigation project and also globally publicise the Nuziveedu mangoes. Observing that his vision was destroyed on the pretext of setting up ''three capitals'', the former chief minister also expressed a desire to make Amaravati the best capital in the country. Had Amaravati been completed, youngsters would have got jobs and the outer ring road would have touched Nuziveedu, Naidu said. He promised to revive the Amaravati project immediately after coming to power. Promising to put his first signature on a mega teacher recruitment drive after regaining power, Naidu also assured to provide 20 lakh jobs in five years.

Andhra Pradesh Distributes Over 99 Percent of Social Security Pensions

Vijayawada: Shashi Bhushan Kumar, principal secretary for panchayat raj and rural development, announced that Andhra Pradesh has distributed nearly all social security pensions for the month. As of Saturday, 99.25% of the state's 65,49,864 pensioners have received their pensions.The government released a total of Rs 1,945.39 crore for disbursement, which began on May 1st. An impressive 99.99% (48,17,718 out of 48,18,104) of pensions were distributed electronically. For those who faced issues with DBT (74,399 pensions), the government shifted to door-to-door delivery. This category saw an increase from 16,57,361 to 17,31,760 pensions, with 97.18% (16,82,989) already disbursed.These figures highlight the state's commitment to ensuring timely delivery of social security benefits to its citizens.

Can Naidu dare to exit NDA over Muslim reservation: CM Jagan

Nellore: YSRCP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday dared N Chandrababu Naidu to walk out of the NDA alliance as the BJP allegedly wants to cancel four percent reservation for Muslims in the state. The Chief Minister issued this challenge at Nellore in the eponymous district during a 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 SEB nabs three with Methamphetamine on Vijayawada-Guntur highway

Vijayawada: The Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) of Vijayawada scored a significant victory in their fight against drug trafficking, arresting three individuals in possession of a substantial amount of methamphetamine. Acting on a tip-off, SEB officials strategically positioned themselves near the D-Mart store on the service road leading from Guntur to Vijayawada, on National Highway 16. This vigilance paid off as they successfully intercepted the three suspects on Friday evening. The apprehended individuals, belonging to Guntur and Krishna districts, were found carrying 88 grams of methamphetamine, commonly known as Meth. The street value of this seized narcotic substance is estimated to be around Rs 5,28,000. Additionally, three mobile phones and a two-wheeler were confiscated from their possession. M. Venkateswara Rao, SEB additional commissioner, Guntur, confirmed the arrests and revealed that the investigation is ongoing. He anticipates further arrests as they delve deeper into the case. The seized Methamphetamine is suspected to have been purchased in Bengaluru and was likely intended for sale along the Vijayawada-Guntur highway. This apprehension highlights the intensified efforts of the Andhra Pradesh Police in curbing the circulation of illicit drugs, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming 2024 Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The SEB's proactive approach demonstrates their commitment to ensuring public safety by dismantling drug trafficking networks within the state.

Surge Swell: Coastal States on Orange Alert

In an absolute contrast to the soaring mercury levels, a yellow alert is on the cards for the state for the next two days as minimum temperatures are likely to be in the range of 11 to 15 C for most of the districts, and a further drop with orange alert at districts like Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem, Mancherial in the coming week. (Representational Image) In an absolute contrast to the soaring mercury levels, a yellow alert is on the cards for the state for the next two days as minimum temperatures are likely to be in the range of 11 to 15 C for most of the districts, and a further drop with orange alert at districts like Adilabad, Kumaram Bheem, Mancherial in the coming week. (Representational Image) Hyderabad: The swell surge that began in the Atlantic Ocean has begun interacting with the Indian coast and the swell is expected to move northward for another 24 hours or so, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (Incois) said on Saturday. Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal on the eastern coast, and Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat on the west coast - were placed on an orange alert till the end of May 5 in view of the swell surge. Fishermen and coastal population were asked to be on the alert from Saturday evening to around Sunday midnight and be watchful for possible intermittent surging of waves in the nearshore/beach region, particularly in the low-lying areas and during high tide and spring tide phases. Incois said small boats and vessels may ply nearshore but with due caution. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as the Lakshadweep archipelago in southern Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, have already experienced the surge swell.

Anakapalli LS Emerges as Political Hotspot Ahead of 2024 Elections

VISHAKHAPATNAM: The Anakapalli Lok Sabha constituency in Andhra Pradesh has transformed into a cauldron of political fervor as the 2024 elections process is currently under way. With prominent leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari actively campaigning for their respective candidates, the political landscape is seeing hectic activity. Nitin Gadkari has already rallied supporters in Anakapalli, setting the stage for further political showdowns. Notable figures like Pawan Kalyan, Chandrababu Naidu and YS Jagan Mohan Reddy have also thrown their weight behind their candidates, adding to the intensity of the electoral battle. The allure of the elections has attracted celebrities like Jabardasth actors and heroine Khushbu, who are lending their support to CM Ramesh, amplifying the excitement surrounding the constituency. This parliamentary constituency, comprising seven assembly segments, has had a significant voter turnout and has historically been a battleground between the Congress, TD and YSRC. In the 2019 elections, Beesetti Venkata Satyavathi from the YSRC won the parliamentary seat with a winning margin of 7.2 per cent over Adari Anand Kumar from the TD. The YSRC secured 47.33 per cent of the vote share, while the TD garnered 40.13 per cent. For the present 2024 elections, the alliance has fielded BJPs Chintakunta Munuswamy Ramesh, who has been a prominent figure in the state's political landscape. Ramesh, who won his second consecutive Rajya Sabha term in 2018, filed his nomination amid much fanfare and in the presence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The ruling YSRC has chosen Budi Mutyala Naidu as its candidate. Naidu is the current MLA of Madugula constituency, he having won the 2019 elections for the YSRC with 78,830 votes against the TD leader Gavireddy Ramanaidu. He had begun his political journey with the Congress Party, but later aligned with the YSRC and is serving as MLA in Madugula, Visakhapatnam from 2014. Additionally, for the first time, local and non-local concerns have surfaced in the constituency. According to sources, there's speculation that leveraging this non-local issue could potentially bolster Budi's chances. The constituency has historically been a battleground between the Congress, TD and YSRC, with the Congress winning it nine times, the TDP five times and the YSRC once -- since 1962.

Can Chandrababu Naidu dare to exit NDA over Muslim reservation: Andhra CM Jagan - The Indian Express

Can Chandrababu Naidu dare to exit NDA over Muslim reservation: Andhra CM Jagan The Indian Express

Challenging the YS family bastion in Pulivendula

Andhra Pradesh CM Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is counting on four decades of family support from constituents, but must grapple with the challenge of his sister, now in the Congress, and a TDP candidate who has been preparing for the last year

Challenging the YS family bastion in Pulivendula - The Hindu

Challenging the YS family bastion in Pulivendula The Hindu

Hyderabad: Railway police arrest man with 7 kg silver ornaments

Hyderabad: The Government Railway Police Secunderabad apprehended a man who was carrying 7 kg silver ornaments from Secunderabad to Miryalaguda. Pogula Vasanth, 63, a resident of Machilipatnam, Krishna district Andhra Pradesh was carrying silver ornaments to Miryalaguda from Hyderabad by Janmabhoomi Express train, but he didnt show any valid documents. The ornaments were handed over 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 .

Worried About My Brother's Mental State: YS Sharmila Jabs Jagan Reddy

Andhra Pradesh Congress chief YS Sharmila Reddy today said she is worried about the mental state of her brother and Andhra Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

YS Sharmila worried over mental state of brother Jagan

YS Sharmila worried over mental state of brother Jagan Kadapa (Andhra Pradesh): Andhra Pradesh unit Congress chief Y.S. Sharmila Reddy said on Saturday that she is worried about the mental state of her brother and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Slamming Jagan Mohan Reddy for the allegation that she joined the Congress party [] The post YS Sharmila worried over mental state of brother Jagan appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Y S Sharmila hits out at brother JaganM Mohan, says 'nobody can control' her - Deccan Herald

Y S Sharmila hits out at brother JaganM Mohan, says 'nobody can control' her Deccan Herald

Jagan keen to implement Land Titling Act to please Prime Minister Narendra Modi, says former Agriculture Minister Vadde Sobhanaadeeswara Rao

Mr. Naidu is the one who least bothers about the farmers issues and welfare

Nijarupa darshan seems to be a sour grape for general public - The Times of India

Nijarupa darshan seems to be a sour grape for general public The Times of India

Time to end atrocious rule of YSR Congress Party, says Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan

JSP entered into alliance with the TDP to consolidate anti-YSRCP votes, he says

Worried About My Brother's Mental State: YS Sharmila Jabs Jagan Reddy - NDTV

Worried About My Brother's Mental State: YS Sharmila Jabs Jagan Reddy NDTV

Tight security to be in place for Modis roadshow in Vijayawada, says Police Commissioner

The Prime Minister will participate in a roadshow on M.G. Road from Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) Stadium to Benz Circle on May 8

CEO directs CID to probe false propaganda on Land Titling Act

Poll Activities Across Andhra Pradesh - Deccan Chronicle

Poll Activities Across Andhra Pradesh Deccan Chronicle

Poll Activities Across Andhra Pradesh

Electoral officials arrange awareness flexes for voters at the entrance of the collectorate in Vijayawada on Saturday. Electoral officials arrange awareness flexes for voters at the entrance of the collectorate in Vijayawada on Saturday.

AP ECET 2024: JNTU releases admit cards at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in for May 8 exam - Mint

AP ECET 2024: JNTU releases admit cards at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in for May 8 exam Mint

TDP-JSP spreading falsehood against Land Titling Act, says Jagan

The Act will ensure that there are no land disputes and farmers get absolute right over their lands, says CM

YSRCPs electoral prospects improved significantly in entire north Andhra region: Y.V. Subba Reddy

TDP turns Land and Titling Act as a political weapon to target YSRCP in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram districts

Congress leader P. Naveen Kumar Reddy joins BJP in Tirupati

He formerly served as a municipal councillor in Tirupati and fought several legal battles against alleged violations of the TTD

GST Fraud: 5 Officials Arrested in Connection

Hyderabad: The detective department (DD) from the city Central Crime Station (CCS) on Saturday arrested five GST officials including a woman in connection with a case registered related to alleged refund fraud. CCS DCP N. Swetha identified the officials as Peetala Swarna Kumar, deputy commissioner, Nalgonda division; assistant commissioners, state taxes, Kelam Venu Gopal (Abids Circle) and Podila Viswa Kiran (Madhapur-1), Vemavarapu Venkata Ramana, deputy state tax officer, Madhapur-2; Marri Mahitha, senior assistant, Madhapur-3. The police had earlier arrested Chiraag Sharma, tax consultant of New Delhi; Vemireddy Raja Ramesh Reddy and Mummagari Giridhar Reddy alias Giri, of Kadapa; and Kondragunta Vineel Chowdary, of Palnadu district in Andhra Pradesh, the DCP said. Police said the accused had claimed that they had started electric bike manufacturing units under the names of various firm, by collecting electricity bills from the premises owners in the twin cities. They got the fake firms registered in the GST portal by submitting fabricated rental agreements, Swetha, said. The accused during interrogation revealed that they conspired with tax consultant Chiraag Sharma, and created fabricated invoices, e-way bills, part-A, part-B and inward supply bills on the name of bogus firms, showing non-existent company as existing and filed GST refunds by offering bribes to the state government GST officials and then claimed refunds, Swetha said.

Sharmila hits out at brother Jagan, says nobody can control her

Kadapa: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila on Saturday, May 4, lashed out at her estranged older brother and YSRCP chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy for allegedly calling her N Chandrababu Naidus confidant, asserting that nobody can control her. Sharmila sought to counter alleged statements by the YSRCP supremo and Chief Minister 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 .

German delegates visit SPMVV, discuss collaboration opportunities

German delegates visit SPMVV, discuss collaboration opportunities - The Hindu

German delegates visit SPMVV, discuss collaboration opportunities The Hindu

Alliance parties will scrap AP Land Titling Act if voted to power, says Naidu

TDP chief tears a copy of the Act to pieces at an election meeting in Prakasam district, saying it was detrimental to the interests of people

Alliance parties will scrap AP Land Titling Act if voted to power, says Naidu - The Hindu

Alliance parties will scrap AP Land Titling Act if voted to power, says Naidu The Hindu

Will Protect Muslim Reservation, Oppose UCC, YSRCP's Vijayasai Reddy Tells News18

Andhra Pradesh will have simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections on May 13. A total of 25 seats in the Lok Sabha and 175 in the assembly will be up for grabs. Reddy is the YSRCP candidate for the Nellore parliamentary seat

Nandyal police seize liquor worth 54 lakh at Gajulapalle check-post amid elections

The liquor was being transported in a truck from Goa to Vijayawada, camouflaged with cattle fodder inside gunny bags, says the SP

Jagan accuses Naidu of making unheard of and unbelievable promises

Creation of 2.3 lakh jobs and disbursal of 2.7 lakh crore to beneficiaries under Direct Benefit Transfer are historic achievement of my government, says YSRCP chief

Postal ballot voting begins in Prakasam district with tight security

A total of 24,631 voters applied for postal ballot and home voting in the district, says District Election Officer and Collector A.S. Dinesh Kumar

Y. S. Sharmila questions Jagans failure to implement total prohibition in Andhra Pradesh

Excise revenue increased from 20,000 crore to 30,000 crore in the State

Y. S. Sharmila questions Jagans failure to implement total prohibition in Andhra Pradesh - The Hindu

Y. S. Sharmila questions Jagans failure to implement total prohibition in Andhra Pradesh The Hindu

TDP and alliance partners will form government, says Nara Rohit

Yogi Adityanath Accuses Congress of Planning to Implement Jizya Tax

Lucknow: Ut tar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticized the Congress party, accusing them of intending to implement the Jizya tax, originally imposed by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb on non-Muslim minorities. Adityanath made these remarks while addressing a public meeting in Madhya Pradesh's Ashoknagar district on Saturday, where he was campaigning for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Jyotiraditya Scindia for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Adityanath referred to the Congress manifesto, highlighting its proposal for an inheritance tax, which he likened to Aurangzeb's Jizya tax. He stated, Even a civilized Muslim family does not name their son Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb was the most cruel Mughal king. Aurangzeb had imposed a tax named Jizya tax. Today, Congress also talks about the Jizya tax in its manifesto. He criticized the Congress further, claiming that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized respecting inherited property, the Congress proposed an inheritance tax in its manifesto. Adityanath asserted that Congress intended to implement the Jizya tax and questioned whether Indians would accept it. Moreover, Adityanath alleged that the Congress aimed to reduce reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Scheduled Castes (SC), citing the party's manifesto. He accused Congress of reducing OBC reservations in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh during their respective governments. Responding to Adityanath's remarks, Congress leader Pawan Khera challenged the accuracy of his claims and asked Adityanath to cite the page number in the manifesto where the Jizya tax proposal was mentioned. Khera emphasized that Yogis, like Adityanath, should speak the truth. The Lok Sabha polls in Madhya Pradesh are being conducted in four phases. The first two phases were held on April 19 and April 26, while the remaining two phases are scheduled for May 7 and May 13. Vote counting is set for June 4. Malaysia Teams Up with MWL to Host Big Religious Conference in Asia Maruti Swift vs. Tata Tiago EV: Features and Price Comparison BJP's Post-Election Strategy: Focus Shifts to West Bengal

Relief from Scorching Heat Expected as Rainfall Forecasted for UP and Bihar

Lucknow: Th e Meteorological Department has announced that relief from the scorching heat is on its way with the prediction of rainfall in many states, including UP and Bihar. The forecast indicates that the heat wave conditions in Eastern India will persist until May 5. However, there is good news for North-East India, with heavy to very heavy rain expected on May 5 and 6, along with a possibility of storms. Eastern UP may also experience rainfall between May 6 and 9. In the last 24 hours, heatwave conditions were observed in Gangetic West Bengal, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The highest temperature recorded was 46.2 degrees Celsius in the Nandyal area of Rayalaseema. Conversely, heavy rain was reported in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Tripura. The Meteorological Department has forecasted light to moderate rain in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura over the next five days. Additionally, warnings for rain, thunderstorms, and lightning have been issued for Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh between May 3 and 5. In North-West India, light rain is expected in Western Rajasthan on May 3 and in Haryana, Chandigarh, and Punjab on May 4. Strong winds are also likely in Uttar Pradesh, Southern Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi on May 3 and 4. Furthermore, light to moderate rain is predicted in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand between May 6 and 9, with an alert for thunderstorms and lightning. In Delhi, the minimum temperature on Friday was recorded at 18.3 degrees Celsius, six degrees below normal. The relative humidity in the national capital was 34 percent at 8:30 am. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted strong winds during the day, with the maximum temperature expected to be around 38 degrees Celsius. Nepal Decides to Print New Rs 100 Currency Note with Controversial Map Yogi Adityanath Accuses Congress of Planning to Implement Jizya Tax Mansukh Mandaviya, BJP Candidate from Porbandar, Equates Party Workers to God

Elect right parties and candidates in elections, Human Rights Forum urges people

BRS, BJP colluding to undermine Congress, alleges Telangana CM Revanth Reddy

BRS, BJP colluding to undermine Congress, alleges Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Saturday alleged that BJP and BRS, with an ''internal understanding'', were conspiring to defeat Congress in the Lok Sabha polls. He was addressing an election rally at Kothagudem in Khammam Lok Sabha constituency. Revanth Reddy, who is also president of Congress in Telangana, referred to BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao's comments that a coalition government would be formed at the Centre and that BRS nominee from Khammam Nama Nageswara Rao would become a Union Minister. Observing that Congress activists would not allow any truck between Congress and BRS, he said BJP is the only option left for BRS to join hands in government formation at the Centre. ''You (Chandrasekhar Rao) are going to join hands with BJP. That is we have been saying and you have been doing,'' he said. BRS had supported the BJP-led government at the Centre on demonetisation, GST, triple talaq, CAA, uniform civil code and others, he claimed. ''Even today, a conspiracy is on in Telangana. With an internal understanding, BJP and BJP are making conspiracies to see that Congress does not win,'' he said. He said the Legislative Assembly elections held in December were a ''semifinal'', while the Lok Sabha polls are the ''final.'' ''In the finals, (the contest is between) Telangana team vs Gujarat team. While Narendra Modi is leading that team, Rahul Gandhi ji is going to lead the Telangana team,'' he said. He alleged that the BJP-led government at the Centre did not implement the assurances made to Telangana in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act like setting up a steel plant, rail coach factory and tribal university. All that the BJP-led government gave to Telangana is a ''donkey's egg'', he claimed, also displaying the picture of a ''donkey's egg.'' The ''donkey's egg'' (denoting zero or insignificant as per a Telugu saying) has been a routine feature in Revanth Reddy's rallies during the ongoing campaign for Lok Sabha polls. Reiterating his allegation that BJP would change the Constitution and abolish reservations, he claimed that BJP General Secretary Dushyant Kumar Gautam talked about making changes in the Constitution and its Preamble. State BJP president G Kishan Reddy and other party leaders have already dismissed Revanth Reddy's claims that BJP would change the Constitution. Taking exception to BRS president Chandrasekhar Rao's alleged comments that the farmers' investment scheme has stopped after BRS stepped down from office, Revanth Reddy asserted that he would apologise if any dues of the scheme are pending for any farmer by May 9.

Chandrababu predicts big lose for YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh

Chandrababu predicts big lose for YSRCP in Andhra Pradesh:- TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu termed

Andhra Bank Telangana IFSC Code and MICR Code

List of Andhra Bank IFSC codes ... Urban Coop Bank Ambarnath Jai Hind Coop Bank Limited Andhra Bank Andhra Pradesh Grameena Vikas Bank Andhra Pragathi Grameena Bank Anz Bank Ap Mahesh Coop ...

'Politics Isn't 5-Minute Noodles, Can't Expect Quick Results': Pawan Kalyan On Andhra Pradesh Polls

Politics is not a five-minute noodles and one can not expect quick results as leaders have to earn the trust of people by withstanding turbulence and setbacks, Janasena founder and actor Pawan Kalyan ...

Rohith Vemula's Mother Seeks Justice from Telangana CM Revanth Reddy

Rohith Vemula's Mother Seeks Justice from Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Rohith Vemula's mother Radhika Vemula met Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy here on Saturday and urged him to see that ''justice'' is done to the family. Reddy assured her that an investigation would be conducted again into the University of Hyderabad student's suicide in 2016 and that justice would be done, an official release said. The chief minister assured that a fair and transparent investigation would be conducted further, Rohith Vemula's brother Raja Vemula told PTI Videos. He expressed confidence that justice would be done to them under the present Congress government. ''We have opposed the closure report submitted by the police. We also raised concerns regarding the issues they have mentioned in the report,'' he said, adding that the competent authority to clarify on the caste status is the district Collector of Guntur in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and not the police,'' he said. Raja Vemula also said they sought cases filed against some other students to be cancelled. Police have filed a closure report before a local court in its probe into the death of Rohith Vemula, a student of the University of Hyderabad, claiming he was not a Dalit and died by suicide in 2016 as he feared that his ''real caste'' would be discovered. Telangana DGP Ravi Gupta has already announced to conduct further investigation into the case in view of the doubts expressed by Rohith Vemula's mother and others on the closure report. A petition will be filed in the court concerned requesting the Magistrate to permit further investigation into the case, he said in a statement on Friday night. The police gave a clean chit to the accused, including incumbent Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, former BJP MLC N Ramchander Rao, and cited lack of evidence in the case.

Five officials held in GST refund fraud case

The Telangana police will be further strengthened to tackle increasing drugs and narcotics related crimes in the state with a two-pronged strategy. (Twitter) The Telangana police will be further strengthened to tackle increasing drugs and narcotics related crimes in the state with a two-pronged strategy. (Twitter) Hyderabad: The sleuths of Central Crime Station (CCS) arrested five GST officials including a woman in connection with a case registered related to GST refund fraud. The five arrested officials have been identified as Peetala Swarna Kumar, a Deputy Commissioner, GST in Nalgonda division, Kelam Venu Gopal, an Assistant Commissioner (State Taxes) in Abids Circle, Podila Viswa Kiran, an Assistant Commissioner (State Taxes) in Madhapur-1 Circle, Vemavarapu Venkata Ramana, a Deputy State Tax Officer, GST in Madhapur-II Circle and Marri Mahitha, a Senior Assistant in Madhapur-III Circle. Explaining the modus operandi, police said the accused started bogus electric bike manufacturing units with various firms names by collecting electricity bills from the premises owners in Hyderabad. They later registered the firms in the GST portal by submitting fabricated rental agreements. Further, the accused conspired with their tax consultant Chiraag Sharma and created fabricated invoices, e-way bills, part-A, part-B and inward supply bills on the name of bogus firms, showing non-existent company as existing and filed GST refunds by offering bribes to the State Government GST officials and claimed refunds. During the process, the accused claimed refund and gained wrongfully and caused the wrongful loss to the government exchequer, without manufacturing of e-Bikes. Being government servants, the above-mentioned GST officials criminally conspired with other accused, accepted bribes, misappropriated the public funds by using their official power deliberately, disobeying rules and procedures laid down in their department. The police earlier arrested Chiraag Sharma, a tax consultant of New Delhi, Vemireddy Raja Ramesh Reddy and Mummagari Giridhar Reddy alias Giri, both natives of of Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh and Kondragunta Vineel Chowdary of Palnadu district in Andhra Pradesh. With the arrest of five GST officials, the total number of persons caught in the case has gone up to nine.

Srikakulam: Collector Denies Reports of Employees Casting Vote Openly

Visakhapatnam: The concept of secret ballot seems to have been given a go bye in Narasannapeta assembly constituency in Srikakulam district on Saturday where government employees used postal ballots. As per reports, groups of employees entered the compartment and cast their ballots openly consulting each other. Video clips of the open ballot went viral in north coastal Andhra Pradesh. Polling had to begin at 7 pm but due to delay in arrival of poll officials, the polling station was opened at 9.30 am. After the opening of the station, there was a rush of employees which led to confusion among the officials and voters. There were also reports of YSRC activists hovering around the polling station and there were no police. Denying the reports of open casting of votes, Srikakulam collector Dr Manazir Jeelani Samoon said the returning officer confirmed him that the ballots were used in secrecy. There was a galata and confusion in the early hours but everything went off smoothly, the collector said.

YS Jagan: TDP chief Naidu resorting to deceitful tactics over Land Titling Act

YS Jagan: TDP chief Naidu resorting to deceitful tactics over Land Titling Act YSRCP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Saturday alleged the opposition TDP leader N Chandrababu Naidu was playing 'dirty politics' over the Land Titling Act. Reddy was speaking at a public meeting at Hindupur in Sri Satyasai district as part of his election campaign tour across the state. ''They are selling fake propaganda in the election campaign and sending IVRS calls to people saying that 'Jagan will grab all your lands.' We give lands to the poor, not grab from them,'' he added. He said the TDP leader had no idea about the Act, which 'will provide full rights to farmers on the land,' calling it a major reform for saving people from running from pillar to post to procure their assets' details. Noting that the last land survey was done a century ago in the southern state, the CM said the YSRCP government is carrying out another survey to properly perch boundary stones and update records with proper sub-divisions. Backed by the new survey, Reddy said the government will 'guarantee' that there would be no disputes on the surveyed lands. Further, he noted that 6,000 revenue villages out of 17,000 have been surveyed so far, promising to complete the remainder too, and added that every farmer should have a proper record for his land. Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled on May 13 and counting of votes will be on June 4.

Adityanath criticizes Congress manifesto, alleges similarities to Aurangzeb's rule

Adityanath criticizes Congress manifesto, alleges similarities to Aurangzeb's rule Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said the Congress manifesto talked of 'jizya' (tax imposed on non-Muslims in medieval India) and promotion of cow slaughter and likened it to the ''cruel rule of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb''. He also accused the Congress of wanting to snatch the quota benefits of SC, STs and Other Backward Classes to please ''its vote bank''. Addressing a rally in Ashok Nagar town of Guna Lok Sabha constituency in support of BJP candidate and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the UP CM hailed the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing respect to faith, bringing welfare schemes for the poor and honour to the country. ''You have heard the name of a cruel Mughal ruler called Aurangzeb. Decent Muslim families don't name their children after him. He levied jizya. What is it? It is inheritance tax being talked about by the Congress,'' Adityanath claimed. On the other hand, PM Modi says heritage should be respected as our movement for Ram temple in Ayodhya continued for 500 years and lakhs of Hindus were martyred, Adityanath told the gathering. ''Forget about respect to heritage, the Congress is talking about levying tax on the wealth of your ancestors. Rahul Gandhi says he will X-ray your property and take half of it after his party comes to power and it will be called virasat tax (inheritance tax). Will you ever give jizya? No Indian can accept this,'' he said. Attacking the Congress manifesto further, he said that party will try to curtail quota benefits of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs and give it to its vote banks as it had done in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Adityanath claimed the Congress wants to give minorities all freedom to eat and drink as per their choice and then went on to link it to cow slaughter and beef consumption. ''Are the food habits of minorities different from that of the majority (community? The general food habits are the same but the majority of society does not eat beef and opposes cow slaughter. Now Congress has stooped so low that it will support cow slaughter,'' UP chief minister alleged. ''This is not the Congress that contributed to the Independence struggle. Will you become a partner in this sin? Will there be cow slaughter in the land of Ram and Krishna?'' he asked the crowd. Hailing Modi, the UP CM cited the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the welfare schemes being run by the Centre. ''Terrorism and Naxalism were at their peak before 2014. But now Pakistan comes forward with a clarification even if a firecracker bursts in India. This is new India. We are not aggressors but we don't spare those who make a move against us,'' Adityanath said. Adityanath hailed the Scindias for their fight against the Afghans several centuries ago and recalled the contribution of Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia, grandmother of the Union minister, in the Ram Temple movement and nation building. Addressing the gathering, Union minister Scindia listed the development works carried out in Guna. He said he had heard about corruption and the presence of the land mafia in Ashok Nagar and warned them of action after the elections. Guna will go to polls on May 7.

Rahul Gandhi is wanted to become Prime Minister by Pakistani leaders: PM Modi in Palamu

In a fervent address at an election rally in Palamu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized past Congress administrations, branding them as feeble in addressing terrorism issues with Pakistan. Modi asserted that previous governments resorted to sending love letters to Pakistan in pursuit of peace, only to receive a surge of terrorists in return. Modi emphasized a decisive shift in India's stance towards Pakistan following the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, attributing it to the power of individual votes. He highlighted Pakistani leaders' aspirations for Rahul Gandhi to assume the role of Prime Minister after the recent parliamentary elections. Gone are the days, Modi proclaimed, when terrorists roamed freely and governments penned conciliatory missives to Pakistan. Instead, he emphasized a resolute New India ethos, symbolized by the refrain, Ghar mein ghus ke maarta hai (We enter their homes and strike). Modi commended the valor of those from Jharkhand and Bihar who safeguard the nation's borders, contrasting it with what he described as the timidity of previous Congress administrations. Highlighting the impact of surgical and Balakot strikes, Modi asserted that they had rattled Pakistan, prompting cries for help. He derided Pakistan's plea for assistance, stating that the country is now beseeching aid while harboring hopes for a Congress-led government under Rahul Gandhi. Modi underscored the need for a robust government to lead India, dismissing Pakistan's desires for a leadership change in India. The Prime Minister reiterated that Naxalism, terrorism, and Article 370 have been uprooted from the nation since 2014. In Jammu and Kashmir, the wall of Article 370 was brought down by the power of your vote. Naxalism and terrorism once plagued states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar, and Andhra Pradesh, spreading fear and bloodshed. But your vote has brought hope to countless mothers and freed these lands from the grip of Naxalite terrorism, he declared. Former Pakistani Minister Fawad Chaudhry praised Rahul Gandhi, highlighting his socialist ideology reminiscent of his great grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru. Rahul Gandhi, like his ancestor, carries the torch of socialism. The problems faced by India and Pakistan remain starkly similar even after 75 years of partition. Rahul ji rightly pointed out that a small fraction of families own a majority of wealth in both India and Pakistan. This inequality underscores the challenges of capitalism, Chaudhry expressed on social media. In Jharkhand, elections will be held across four phases: May 13, 20, 25, and June 1. In the 2019 elections, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured victory in 12 seats, with BJP alone clinching 11. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress each won one seat. The ongoing general elections span seven phases over six weeks, from April 19 to June 1. The first and second phases already took place on April 19 Arrival of Delegates from 23 Countries to Observe Lok Sabha Elections in India Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Big Names Face Critical Tests BJP's Post-Election Strategy: Focus Shifts to West Bengal

AP EAMCET 2024 application correction window opens at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in, direct link to edit - The Times of India

AP EAMCET 2024 application correction window opens at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in, direct link to edit The Times of India

Sale of tickets for Chandanotsavam 2024 begins - Yo Vizag

Sale of tickets for Chandanotsavam 2024 begins Yo Vizag

Heat waves forecast for 227 mandals in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday - The Hindu

Heat waves forecast for 227 mandals in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday The Hindu

DCA seizes overpriced antifungal medicine in Bhadrachalam - NewsTap

DCA seizes overpriced antifungal medicine in Bhadrachalam NewsTap

Heatwave plays spoilsport in Telugu states as campaign enters final leg

Hyderabad/Vijayawada, May 4: With just a week left for campaigning to end, the searing heat wave gripping both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is impacting the canvassing by the political parties. Leaders of the main parties and the candidates are having a tough time running the campaign with maximum temperature at few places in Andhra Pradesh [] The post Heatwave plays spoilsport in Telugu states as campaign enters final leg appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Heatwave plays spoilsport in Telugu states as campaign enters final leg.. - Greatandhra

Heatwave plays spoilsport in Telugu states as campaign enters final leg.. Greatandhra

National Survey: TDP In AP, Surprise In Telangana - M9

National Survey: TDP In AP, Surprise In Telangana M9

Heatwave plays spoilsport in Telangana, AP as campaign enters final leg

Hyderabad: With just a week left for campaigning to end, the searing heat wave gripping both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is impacting the canvassing by the political parties. Leaders of the main parties and the candidates are having a tough time running the campaign with the maximum temperature at a few places in Andhra Pradesh 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 .

Onion Exports Resume with Minimum Price Threshold of USD 550/Tonne

Onion Exports Resume with Minimum Price Threshold of USD 550/Tonne The government on Saturday lifted the ban on onion exports but imposed a minimum export price (MEP) of USD 550 per tonne, amid ongoing Lok Sabha elections in the country. Last night, the government imposed a 40 per cent duty on export of onions. In August last year, India had imposed a 40 per cent export duty on onions up to December 31, 2023. ''The export policy of onions is amended from prohibited to free subject to MEP of USD 550 per metric ton with immediate effect and until further orders,'' the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) said in a notification. On December 8, 2023, the government banned export of onions from March 31 this year. In March, the export prohibition was extended till further orders. In March, the Union Agriculture Ministry released the data for onion production. As per the data, onion production in 2023-24 (First Advance Estimates) is expected to be around 254.73 lakh tonnes compared to around 302.08 lakh tonnes last year. This is due to a decrease of 34.31 lakh tonnes output in Maharashtra, 9.95 lakh tonnes in Karnataka, 3.54 lakh tonnes in Andhra Pradesh and 3.12 lakh tonnes in Rajasthan, the data showed. Last month, in an official statement, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said the government has allowed export of 99,150 tonnes of onion to six neighbouring countries of Bangladesh, UAE, Bhutan, Bahrain, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. Farmers in Maharashtra had protested against the export ban. The Congress last month accused the Narendra Modi government of ''callously neglecting'' Maharashtra's onion farmers reeling due to the ban on onion exports and said that its manifesto promises a predictable import-export policy to prevent such catastrophic last-minute policies being imposed on farmers.

AP LAWCET 2024 Registration Window Closes For Without Late Fee; Check Exam Pattern Here - Jagran English

AP LAWCET 2024 Registration Window Closes For Without Late Fee; Check Exam Pattern Here Jagran English

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.

AP POLYCET Answer Key 2024: Last date to raise objections today, how to apply

Andhra Pradesh State Board released the AP POLYCET 2024 provisional answer key and response sheet. The exam assessed eligibility for polytechnic courses. Candidates can raise objections via email until May 4. Final answer key will be available on May 5.

AP POLYCET Answer Key 2024: Last date to raise objections today, how to apply - The Times of India

AP POLYCET Answer Key 2024: Last date to raise objections today, how to apply The Times of India

AP PGCET 2024 registration deadline today; apply now at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in - Scroll.in

AP PGCET 2024 registration deadline today; apply now at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in Scroll.in

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.

No relief from intense heat in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha as mercury soars - MSN

No relief from intense heat in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha as mercury soars MSN

Weekend Weather (May 4-5): Isolated Rains to Prevail Over Odisha, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh - The Weather Channel

Weekend Weather (May 4-5): Isolated Rains to Prevail Over Odisha, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh The Weather Channel

Andhra Pradesh polls: Politics not 'five-minute noodles', needs patience, says Pawan Kalyan

Pawan Kalyan stresses trust in politics in Visakhapatnam, advocating for NDA in Andhra Pradesh. He urges support for TDP and BJP in the upcoming elections, criticizing YSR Congress and Congress's past decisions.

Politics not five-minute noodles, needs patience: Pawan Kalyan

Visakhapatnam: Politics is not a five-minute noodles and one can not expect quick results as leaders have to earn the trust of people by withstanding turbulence and setbacks, Janasena founder and actor Pawan Kalyan has said. Janasena, TDP and BJP are NDA partners in Andhra Pradesh for the May 13 polls. Comparing the vision of 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 .

Performance brings me a profound sense of satisfaction

HYDERABAD: Her resilient spirit propelled Dr Maddali Usha Gayatri through illness, allowing her to showcase an unwavering strength and dedication to her craft. As a Kuchipudi dancer, she has not only conquered challenges but also inspired countless individuals striving for excellence in their chosen paths. Recently honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2023 by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, Dr Gayatri has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of the nation. In a candid conversation with CE, she shares her remarkable journey thus far. Tell us about your experience of receiving the award from the President. It was an unforgettable experience meeting the President and being honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. My roots in Telangana run deep, as my parents settled in Hyderabad back in 1956, and Ive always felt a profound connection to this place. Being recognised by my country for my artistic endeavours was incredibly meaningful to me. As an artiste, recognition from society, government, and ones own state or country is something we all aspire to. To receive the highest accolade, the Hamsa award, both from the government of Andhra Pradesh, with the blessings of C Narayana Reddy, and later from the President, was truly humbling. It validated decades of dedication and hard work in my field. The moment when the President bestowed the award upon me was one of immense pride and gratitude. It symbolised not just an individual achievement but also a recognition of the artistic community as a whole. Tell us about your journey thus far. My parents, especially my mother, had a vision of nurturing two girls into the world of artistry. My sister, Uma Gayatri, was earmarked to become a Bharatanatyam dancer, while I was destined for Kuchipudi. It was a choice I embraced wholeheartedly, guided by my mothers unwavering support and belief in the power of artistic expression. My journey towards Kuchipudi was sparked by witnessing the mesmerising performance of the legendary Kuchipudi dancer, Padma Shree Dr Vedantam Satyanarayana Sarma, who enthralled audiences with his rendition of Bhama Kalapam at the World Telugu Conference. His artistry left an indelible mark on my soul, drawing me irresistibly towards the rich tradition of Kuchipudi. My mothers words echoed in my mind: to succeed, one must be prepared to fight for recognition. Though I may have been considered too young to make such a significant choice at the age of four, my guru paved the way for me, nurturing my talent and dedication. Today, I impart the same wisdom to my students, guiding them on their own paths of artistic discovery. One of my earliest students, Dr Sailaja Desai, performed her Arangatam on the very day my marriage was arranged, marking a serendipitous convergence of personal and artistic milestones. Since then, Ive choreographed and overseen the performance of 45 Arangatams, each one a testament to the enduring legacy of Kuchipudi, transcending borders and reaching enthusiasts around the globe. Pic: Vinay Madapu Are your sons also following the same path as you? While the field of performing arts may hold great allure, the harsh reality is that it often struggles to provide a stable livelihood. Traditionally, it has been perceived as male-dominated, with men predominantly taking centre stage. However, the landscape has evolved, and the practice of men portraying female roles has largely faded away. In contemporary times, many young men opt for more financially secure paths, such as engineering, leaving behind the pursuit of the arts. As a mother of two sons, Ive witnessed this trend firsthand. One of my sons resides in the US, where his wife practices as a doctor, while my other son has chosen the field of events. Meanwhile, my second daughter-in-law is not only a teacher but also a performer, carrying on the family tradition. I earnestly hope that she continues to nurture her passion for the performing arts and approaches it with the same dedication and seriousness that I did. Its essential for future generations to recognise the intrinsic value of artistic expression and to support those who choose to pursue it. Any performance that is close to your heart? Kuchipudi embodies a fusion of performance and emotional expression, making it a captivating art form. Personally, I am drawn to its ability to convey deep emotions through movement and expression. Before I was impacted by a brain stroke, I had the privilege of being invited to Guntur, where I delivered a heartfelt performance that spanned an hour. Additionally, Ive had the opportunity to showcase these emotionally resonant segments of Kuchipudi in London, where audiences were moved by the depth of expression. Engaging in these performances brings me a profound sense of satisfaction, as they allow me to connect with both my audience and the essence of the art form itself. How did the dance genre evolve over the years? Establishing any dance style requires dedication and a deep connection to the art form. Its essential to wholeheartedly embrace the art and internalise its essence to do justice to what youve learned. The manner in which one learns is crucial; its not merely about mastering the steps but also understanding the soul of the dance. In a world teeming with diverse dance forms and dancers, only a select few rise to prominence. This ascent is fuelled by an unwavering passion for the craft. To truly excel, individuals must commit themselves wholeheartedly, taking their passion seriously and dedicating themselves to continuous improvement. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the artist to foster a connection between people and the art form. Its incumbent upon us to shoulder this responsibility and nurture the growth and appreciation of the art, ensuring its enduring legacy. How supportive was your family? My husband and in-laws were very supportive. Through their support I could go around and perform on stage. They have encouraged me. They took care of everything whenever I was busy with my performances. What message for upcoming artistes? While I may not consider myself too prominent to impart wisdom, I do feel a sense of responsibility to share a message with others. Whatever path you choose in life, whether its in the arts or elsewhere, always strive to give your best and approach it with unwavering passion. Never abandon your connection to your art; treat it like a cherished mother whose embrace will console you through lifes trials. Remain sincere and dedicated, pouring your heart and soul into everything you do. Hard work and sincerity are the cornerstones of success in any endeavour.

Congress promises national status for PRLIS, Medaram Jatara

HYDERABAD: Revival of Information Technology and Investment Region (ITIR), setting up of steel factory at Bayyaram, railway coach factory, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), a Supreme Court bench in Hyderabad, National Sports University and a NITI Aayog regional office are among the 23 promises made by the Congress in its Telangana-specific Lok Sabha election manifesto it released at Gandhi Bhavan here on Friday. The state Congress made these promises in addition to the partys national manifesto Paanch Nyay. AICC Telangana in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi, State Manifesto Committee chairman and IT Minister D Sridhar Babu and members of the committee were present on the occasion. It may be recalled that the BJP government at the Centre had scrapped the ITIR in 2022. The TPCC manifesto also promises to merge five villages in Bhadrachalam Yetapaka, Gundala, Purushottam Patnam, Kannaigudem and Pichukalapadu with Telangana. The villages were merged with Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation. National status for Palamuru- Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS), Medaram Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, new airports, direct transfer of Central grants to sarpanches, Ramagundam-Manuguru railway line, four new Sainik schools, increase in the number of Kendriya Vidyalayas, double Navodaya Vidyalayas, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), National Aviation University, Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) campus, an advanced medical and health research institute under ICMR are among other commitments made by the Congress for Telangana. It also promises to set up solar power generating system in every household. Hyderabad-Bengaluru IT & industrial corridor The other promises included setting up of Hyderabad-Bengaluru IT and industrial corridor, Hyderabad-Nagpur industrial corridor, Hyderabad-Warangal industrial corridor, Hyderabad-Miryalaguda industrial corridor through Nalgonda and Singareni industrial corridor, cultural and entertainment hub with international standards and a dry port. Speaking on the occasion, Sridhar Babu stated that the the Congress within 100 days of coming to power had streamlined the administration, which was allegedly left in a shambles by the BRS. Dasmunshi said that the Congress would fulfil the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act after coming to power at the Centre, including establishment of a railway coach factory at Kazipet, Bayyaram steel plant, IIM in Hyderabad, rapid railway transport system between Hyderabad and Vijayawada and a mining university. She alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi set a target of winning 400 seats with the goal of changing the Constitution.

Politics Not a Quick Fix, Requires Patience: Pawan Kalyan

Politics Not a Quick Fix, Requires Patience: Pawan Kalyan Politics is not a five-minute noodles and one can not expect quick results as leaders have to earn the trust of people by withstanding turbulence and setbacks, Janasena founder and actor Pawan Kalyan has said. Janasena, TDP and BJP are NDA partners in Andhra Pradesh for the May 13 polls. Comparing the vision of the National Democratic Alliance for Andhra Pradesh, and that of the ruling YSR Congress party in the state, he said the former has got more credible leadership, people with commitment and experience. He appealed to the people to vote for the alliance, alleging that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy completely damaged and messed up the state during the last five years. ''You have to understand. We all think that politics is a fast food (and expect) fast food results. You want to make it immediately. You want results immediately. It is not a five-minute Maggi noodles. When I look at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash, when I look at Ramana Lohia, all the elders, even Mr Kanshi Ram, they lost and they gained. So it is like a political journey that goes on,'' the actor-politician told PTI Videos. He further said one has to be trusted by the people to believe that their leader can withstand the political odds, hurdles and turbulence. ''I think I have achieved that part now. The result would be seen evidently in the coming elections,'' the Janasena leader said. On the issue of ''Special Category Status'' for Andhra Pradesh promised by Congress and BJP, during the bifurcation of the southern state, Kalyan said it is ''spilled milk'' and has taken a different form. Replying to a query about the Congress party, he said though he personally admired Rahul Gandhi for his marathon walk from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, the grand old party which was once the backbone to Andhra Pradesh, made a colossal mistake for the state. ''Congress has really made a big mistake. In fact, Andhra Pradesh was a backbone for Congress and they have cut off their own supporting system. Again, they are trying to rebuild it, and people have moved away. Personally, people might like him (Rahul Gandhi), but as a party, still, it doesnt resonate with people,'' he opined. On his ''good'' relations with BJP, Kalyan said he will use them for the betterment of the state. Attacking YSR Congress, he appealed to people to choose and vote carefully this time. ''I want people to decide very cautiously and carefully. One mistake of yours is taking away five years of your time. You have voted for Jagan once and you lost everything,'' he said. As part of a seat sharing deal among NDA partners, the TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies, while the BJP will contest from six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats. Janasena will contest two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats. Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled to be held on May 13.

Andhra Pradesh: Caste equations

An analysis of the caste composition of candidates fielded by the YSRC and the TDP-JSP-BJP combine for the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the State reveals the fact that caste factor is one of the criteria for selection, despite the political parties commitment to ensuring social justice. Total LS seats 25 YSRC ST - 1 (Valmiki) SC - 4 (3 Mala and 1 Madiga) BC - 11 (2 Turpu Kapu, 2 Settibalija, 2 Yadava, 2 Boya, 1 Kalinga, 1 Kuruba and 1 Velama) OC - 9 (5 Reddy, 3 Kapu and 1 Kamma) BJP-TDP-JSP BJP - 6, TDP - 17, JSP - 2 ST - 1 (Valmiki) SC - 4 (3 Mala and 1 Madiga) BC - 6 (2 Boya, 1 Koppula Velama, 1 Turpu Kapu, 1 Yadava and 1 Kuruba) OC - 14 (5 Kamma, 5 Reddy, 2 Kapu, 1 Kshatriya and 1 Velama)

Telangana HC relief for Avinash, father Bhaskar Reddy in Viveka murder case

HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court dismissed a petition that sought to cancel the anticipatory bail granted to Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy, an accused in the YS Vivekananda Reddy murder case. The petition was filed by Shaik Dastagiri, an accused-turned-approver in the case. Justice K Lakshman, who had reserved orders on the petition last month, delivered the verdict. Furthermore, the court has also granted bail to Avinash Reddys father, YS Bhaskar Reddy, in connection with the same case. Initially, Bhaskar Reddy was granted interim bail on health grounds. However, the court has refused to grant bail to other accused individuals, G Uday Kumar Reddy and Yadati Sunil Yadav. In his petition, Dastagiri alleged threats and intimidation by Avinash Reddys associates, claiming they aimed to influence his deposition in favour of the MP. The CBI on the other hand asserted that Avinash Reddy wielded significant influence and had managed to sway certain witnesses in the case. The agency highlighted several complaints lodged by Dastagiri regarding threats to himself and his family members, stating that Avinash Reddy had breached the conditions of his bail. Notably, YS Sunitha Reddy, Vivekananda Reddys daughter, contested the anticipatory bail for Avinash Reddy. Avinashs counsel argued that Dastagiri was already under protection through the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018. Avinash Reddy, who is seeking re-election from Kadapa as the candidate of the YSRCP in the upcoming May 13 election, was initially granted anticipatory bail by the high court on May 31, 2023. Avinash is a cousin of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy. He had approached the high court for anticipatory bail after failing to appear before the CBI three times. The case revolves around the murder of former Minister and MP Vivekananda Reddy, brother of former chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy and uncle of Jagan Mohan Reddy. Vivekananda Reddy was murdered at his residence in Pulivendula town in Andhra Pradesh on March 15, 2019, weeks before elections.

Andhra Pradesh: Perni Nanis son and five others booked

VIJAYAWADA: Machilipatnam police registered a case of attempt to murder against YSRCs Machilipatnam MLA candidate Perni Krishna Murthy alias Kittu and five others following a complaint lodged by Jana Sena leader Karri Mahesh on Friday. It may be noted that Kittu is the son of sitting Machilipatnam MLA Perni Venkataramaiah (Nani). Police said Kittu and five others Chilakalapudi Gandhi, Chilamkurthi Vinay, Seenayya, Dhana Babu and Lanka Ramesh allegedly created ruckus at Maheshs house during the election campaign and injured his wife and mother on Thursday. Mahesh alleged that Kittu and his supporters held a ra y in the eighth division and burst crackers in front of Maheshs house. His wife Hemalatha and mother Gnanaprasunamba asked YSRC leaders not to create any commotion. In a fit of rage, the cadre reportedly entered the house and damaged furniture. They also injured Maheshs family members. Of the six accused, five were taken into custody for questioning, police said.

Steps taken to tackle water scarcity in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA : Directing the officials to take steps to avoid drinking water scarcity, Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy asked them to supply water through tankers for the impacted areas till June. He also suggested the officials to take up works under the Jal Jeevan Mission with the approval of the Chief Electoral Officer after the completion of elections in the State on May 13. Chairing a meeting with the officials of Panchayat Raj and Rural Development (PR&RD) and Municipal Administration departments at the State Secretariat on Friday, Jawahar Reddy said that there should be no scarcity of drinking water in rural and urban areas. Taking stock of the summer storage tanks filled with the water released from canals recently, he also enquired about the groundwater levels in different parts of the State. Reviewing the works being done under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), he directed the officials to expedite the works as the screening committee approved the shelved off projects under the scheme. Informing that drinking water is being supplied through tankers to 281 habitations, Principal Secretary (PR&RD) Shashibushan Kumar said that approvals were given for supply water through tankers for 3,075 habitations till June. He said that 28.56 lakh people engaged in work under NREGS on Thursday (May 2). He said the Election Commission gave permission to spend `29 crore for implementation of summer action plan in drought-affected mandals.

Andhra Pradesh: IMD issues severe heatwave alert in 58 mandals today

VISAKHAPATNAM : As many as 58 mandals, including 12 in Srikakulam, 23 in Vizianagaram, and 14 in Parvathipuram Manyam, one in Visakhapatnam and eight in Anakapalli, are likely to experience severe heatwave conditions on Saturday. Additionally, 169 mandals are expected to record heatwave conditions, as per the forecast by the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA). According to the India Meteorological Departments Amaravati Centres forecast, isolated places in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP), Yanam, South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP), and Rayalaseema regions will experience heatwave conditions on Saturday and Sunday. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are also expected in these areas. However, there is a slight relief in sight as heavy rain is expected in isolated places over NCAP, Yanam, and SCAP on May 7. On Friday, 63 mandals recorded severe heatwave, with Nandyal registering the highest maximum temperature at 46.3 degrees Celsius closely followed by Kadapa at 46.2 degrees Celsius, Kurnool at 45.9 degrees Celsius, Jangamaheswarapuram was 45.2 degrees Celsius, and Anantapur at 44.4 degrees Celsius. While 208 mandals recorded heatwave. Areas on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram received rainfall on Friday evening, providing some respite from the heat.

Palnadu: 1,350 voters to exercise franchise through VfH

GUNTUR : As many as 19,095 employees will administer votes through postal ballot on May 5,6 and 7 in Palnadu district, informed Collector Sivasankar Lotheti. Addressing a press conference, he said that employees who are allotted poll duties are provided with postal ballots to exercise their franchise prior to the polling date on May 13. He also said that the Election Commission of India has introduced Vote from Home (VfH) facility through postal ballots for two categories of voters, individuals aged 85 years and above, apart from persons with disabilities (PwD), with minimum 40 per cent certified differently-abled. Under the provision, two polling officials will visit eligible voters accompanied by a videographer and record the voting process at the voters residences. On May 5, POs, APOs, OPOs and micro observers will administer their votes. In addition to this, home voting will be held on May 8, and 9. A total of 1,350 people, including 714 with age above 85 years and 636 differently-abled can exercise their franchise at their home in the district. As many as 41 special polling teams have been formed including 246 employees and 41 routes have been proposed in seven constituencies. A text message will be sent to the voters a day before the polling on May 7.

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

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

Jagan betrayed all, no vow fulfilled: Sharmila

KADAPA: APCC chief and Kadapa Lok Sabha candidate YS Sharmila Reddy exposed the failures of the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government on all fronts during its five-year rule at an election meeting in the constituency on Friday. Highlighting a wide range of issues, she accused the YSRC government of betraying the people. She pointed out the election promises made by Jagan and his failure to fulfil them. The governments failure to abolish the Contributory Pension Scheme is a breach of employees trust. Instead, it has come up with Guaranteed Pension scheme, which is not of much benefit to the employees. Additionally, it has delayed the implementation of the 12th Pay Revision Commission (PRC), besides reducing the benefits such as House Rent Allowance (HRA) for the State and district-level employees, she pointed out. The nine doubts raised by Sharmila encapsulated the frustration of government employees, ranging from delayed salaries to pending arrears and reimbursement. She reiterated the commitment of the Congress to prioritise the welfare of employees, promising to reinstate the old pension scheme and ensure the protection of employees rights, reminiscent of the policies implemented by the YS Rajasekhara Reddy government. She deplored the undue influence of the ruling YSRC on government officials, misuse of official machinery for its political gains, besides intimidation of people.

Summer arrangements in place at Tirumala

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

AP EAPCET 2024: AP EAMCET correction window opens today at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in - Hindustan Times

AP EAPCET 2024: AP EAMCET correction window opens today at cets.apsche.ap.gov.in Hindustan Times

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.

Dy Election Commissioner takes stock of preps in Andhra Pradesh - The New Indian Express

Dy Election Commissioner takes stock of preps in Andhra Pradesh The New Indian Express