Minister Ponguleti campaigns in SCB in support of Suneetha, Sri Ganesh
Hyderabad: Minister for revenue and I&PR, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy campaigned in Secunderabad Cantonment Assembly constituency on Wednesday in support of Congress candidate for Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency Patnam Suneetha Mahender Reddy and Secunderabad Cantonment Assembly bypoll candidate Sri Ganesh. Addressing the street corner meetings, Srinivas Reddy appealed to voters to ensure victory for Congress in Malkajgiri and Secunderabad Cantonment for the overall development of the constituencies. He slammed the BRS and BJP, which ruled the state and the country for the past 10 years but failed miserably in the development of Malkajgiri Lok Sabha segment and Secunderabad Cantonment areas. Srinivas Reddy said people in Medchal, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad Cantonment areas were facing severe traffic problems for 10 years due to failure in construction of flyovers, widening of roads and abrupt closure of military roads. The Congress government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy focussed on resolving these issues from Day-1 of coming to power in December and Chief Minister Revanth secured Union defence ministry approvals to transfer defense lands to state government to facilitate construction of elevated corridors to ease traffic congestion in Cantonment, Medchal, Malkajgiri areas. Suneetha Mahender Reddy also campaigned in Kukatpally. With a focus on grassroots outreach and community empowerment, Sunitha's campaign has swiftly gained momentum, resonating with residents across the constituency. Drawing upon her extensive experience in governance and her deep understanding of local issues, She has been actively engaging with citizens, listening to their grievances, and outlining her vision for the future of Kukatpally. From door-to-door canvassing to vibrant public rallies, her campaign has been characterised by a fervent enthusiasm to bring about positive change and development.
Celebrities rally behind candidates for May 13 polls
Visakhapatnam : As the clock ticks down to the 2024 Andhra Pradesh elections, a new wave of influencers has emerged, leveraging their star power to provide support for their preferred candidates. From the silver screen to the digital realm, celebrities are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to sway public opinion and boost voter turnout. In a marked departure from the traditional campaign methods, celebrities are harnessing the power of social media platforms to publicise their preferences. Leading the charge is Megastar Chiranjeevi, who recently took to X platform to throw his weight behind brother and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan. Not to be outdone, Chiranjeevi's son, Ram Charan, stepped in, echoing his father's sentiments. But it's not just the Chiranjeevi clan thats making waves online. Other Tollywood luminaries like Nani, Raj Tarun and Tej Sajja have taken to Instagram and other social media platforms to voice their endorsements. Yet, what sets this trend apart is its nuanced approach rather than outright alignment with a specific party. These celebrities are speaking up for candidates with whom they share personal connections. Upasana Kamineni Konidela, daughter-in-law of Chiranjeevi, has emerged as a vocal advocate for informed voting, using her platform to educate her followers on the importance of casting their ballots wisely. In the 2019 elections, veterans of the silver screen such as Nagarjuna and Murali Mohan wield their influence, albeit indirectly, in support of their candidates. With just four days left for the dawn of the voting day on May 13, all eyes are on social media feeds, as celebrities continue to make their voices heard in the arena of state politics.
Botsa Jhansi Attacks BJP on Muslim Reservation
Visakhapatnam : Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha YSRC candidate Botsa Jhansi on Wednesday attacked BJP saying it is the worst of parties in the NDA alliance for announcing that it will cancel reservations currently available to Muslim minorities in Andhra Pradesh. Those who do not cherish such efforts of the YSRC government to help minorities will never be forgiven by people, Jhansi declared while addressing a meeting of Imams and Maulanas who had gathered at the place from various mosques in the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency. The YSRC candidate recalled late YSR saying the late chief minister of united AP had provided the four per cent reservations to benefit the socially and economically backward among Muslim minorities. These reservations have contributed towards raising the standard of living among minorities, Jhansi underlined. She appealed to all, regardless of their caste, religion or political affiliations, to rally behind Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for the latters inclusive approach towards welfare and development. Our CM aims to benefit all deserving individuals. We must all help him secure another term as Chief Minister, the YSRC candidate emphasised.
Excise Department Seizes Banned Substances Worth Rs.94 Crore
Hyderabad : The excise department, which has upped the ante against ganja, ID liquor and non-duty paid liquor, has seized intoxicants worth Rs.94.42 crore in the last three months. Around 396 cases have been filed against 553 persons. While 2,283.76 kg of dry ganja was seized, 427 plants were destroyed. Ganja chocolates, weighing 68.865 kg were confiscated along with 30.33 gm MDMA, 80 gm of heroin, 117.2 gm of charas, and 133 vehicles. The raids were held under the direction of excise enforcement director, Kamalasan Reddy. The department has filed 9,145 cases in raids on country liquor, detained 4,010 persons and seized 47,060 litres of the intoxicant. Jaggery weighing 2,48,094 kg and 29,04,094 litres of jaggery liquid, 14,302 kg of alum, 593 vehicles and Rs.39,15,35,990 worth country liquor and other items were seized by the officials during raids. The other seized substances include opium poppy worth Rs.1.73 crore in the last two days in Shamshabad. A release by the department informed that the substance is also used for making tea and lassi. They recovered gutkas manufactured in Babul Reddy Nagar area. The officials seized 45 kg of ganja that was being transported from Tekulapalli to Yellandu via Bhadrachalam. It is further transported to Delhi via Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Madhya Pradesh. Similarly 13.5 kg ganja was seized near Bhadrachalam in another instance. On March 30, the excise teams seized 70 kg of ganja valued at Rs.10 lakh, apart from a car and two bikes. Between December and March, substantial quantities of illicit liquor, ganja, hash oil, heroin and opium were seized. Non-duty paid liquor worth rupees seven lakh was seized in Peddapalli district on March 10. Liquor in 90 cartons was confiscated from a godown in Sultanabad mandal while seven persons were arrested for selling liquor manufactured illegally in Madhya Pradesh.
'Sworn enemies' turn friends in times of elections in Bihar
Ex-MP Ranjan Prasad Yadav joins arch-rival Lalu Prasad's RJD after two decades, contesting against Lalu in Patliputra LS seat. Bihar's Lok Sabha elections witness unique alliances among parties to secure victory.
Gangavaram port workers urged to allow raw material transportation for Vizag Steel Plant
Gangavaram port workers urged to allow raw material transportation for Vizag Steel Plant As many as 1,000 employees of Vizag Steel Plant here on Wednesday marched to the nearby Adani Gangavaram Port Ltd to plead with its agitating employees to allow raw material shipments. Vizag Steel Plant (VSP), also known as Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL) is currently facing problems due to lack of the most essential raw material, coking coal, which is stuck at the port due to the port workers' agitation. ''Senior officers and trade union leaders (of VSP) have humbly appealed to the agitating workers of Gangavaram port to kindly allow transfer of RINL's coal from Gangavaram Port to RINL immediately,'' said a press release from the steel plant. According to the steel plant, the essential raw material is stuck at the port for nearly a month already, posing a serious threat to its operations, equipment and financial health. Atul Bhatt, chairman and managing director, RINL, wrote a letter to the Visakhapatnam Collector, seeking his intervention in resolving the raw material transportation issue. ''It is a matter of great concern that the court orders for transportation of coal to RINL through conveyor belt system or otherwise, forthwith, is still to be implemented in spite of desperate efforts from RINL side,'' said Bhatt. Highlighting that AGPL, an all-weather deep water port, remains non-committal, Bhatt requested the district administration and police to provide necessary security for the transportation of the raw material in a peaceful manner through its own loaders and dumpers. He noted that the manpower and machinery is ready.
BJP Plans to Divide BJD After Elections: Pandian
BJP Plans to Divide BJD After Elections: Pandian BJD leader and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's close aide V K Pandian on Wednesday alleged that the BJP is fighting elections in the state not to win but to increase its seats with an intention to break the Biju Janata Dal after the polls. The bureaucrat-turned-politician said this while meeting a group of journalists at Gopalpur in Ganjam district on Wednesday. ''They (BJP) had a slogan of securing 120 assembly seats in 2014 but failed. I do not know their target for 2019. But, for 2024, they have been fighting elections to win 50/60 seats and aim to break BJD after the elections,'' Pandian said. After Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh, the saffron party wants to follow this strategy in Odisha, he claimed. Asserting that the BJP's plan will not succeed, Pandian said many people from the national level are coming to campaign in the state, but the people of Odisha have no trust in them. ''Naveen Babu (CM Naveen Patnaik) is the trust of the people,'' he said. Responding to his allegation, senior BJP leader Samir Mohanty said that the saffron party does not need to break the BJD. BJP need not break the BJD. It will break on its own. There are several Eknath Sindhe in BJD who are in constant touch with us, he said. The BJP is contesting the polls to form government in Odisha, Mohanty said. Earlier, asked whether he was confident of Patnaik becoming the chief minister for the sixth consecutive time, Padian asserted that the BJD will win the elections with flying colours. ''Had I not such conviction, I would not have said that Naveen babu will be sworn in as CM on June 9 with blessings of Maha Prabu Jagannath,'' he said. Pandian claimed that BJP has no candidate in 60 of the 147 assembly segments in Odisha. ''They waited for the release of BJD's candidate list so that they could pick up candidates from among the leaders dropped or rejected by us,'' he said. Pandian also came down heavily on Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and accused them of attempting to stop the Shree Mandir Parikrama Project (Jagannath temple heritage corridor project). ''They tried to stall the project through ASI, National Monuments Authority (NMA) and by filing petitions in High Court and Supreme Court. They also hired an expensive lawyer to ensure the project does not take off, Pandian claimed. Targeting Pradhan, Pandian claimed that he was rejected by the people of his own district, Dhenkanal. ''His party lost in panchayat and urban polls. So, he ran away and filed the nomination paper from nearby Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat. He has done nothing for his own district. Had he done something good for Odisha, our CM would have been liberal not to put any candidate against him. But, his report cards were very poor, Pandian said. Who is he? asked Pradhan when reporters queried him about Pandian's comment on his contribution to Odisha. Replying to a question on BJP raising the Odia Asmita (pride) issue during elections, Pandian said, the central government has not given a single rupee for the promotion of Odia language. Though the BJP has 8 MPs in Lok Sabha from Odisha, all of them remained completely silent while the Centre was providing money for the promotion of other languages and not for Odia, he claimed.
Rajnath slams Congress & BJD for neglecting development of Odisha in last 75 years
Bhawanipatna, May 8 (UNI) Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday came down heavily on both the Congress and the BJD for neglecting Odisha during the last 75 years of rule. Addressing an election meeting here, Rajnath said, The people of Odisha have seen what type of development has taken place in the state by... The post Rajnath slams Congress & BJD for neglecting development of Odisha in last 75 years first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .
Odisha: Senior BJP leader and defence minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday launched a broadside on Odishas ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) by calling them out as Bhrast (corrupt) and urged people to give his a party a chance to change the fate of the state. Addressing separate poll rallies at Bhawanipatna under the Kalahandi parliamentary constituency (PC) and Rayagada under Koraput, Rajnath Singh said Odisha continued to suffer from backwardness due to the misgovernance of the BJD and the Congress for decades. A lot of development work has taken place in the country under 10 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. Once the BJP government is formed in Odisha, rapid developments will take place across the state with special focus on Kalahandi which is considered as one of the backward places in the country, said Rajnath. Earlier, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) used to come to Kalahandi as part of their poverty tourism and write articles about its poverty. The Congress was in power here for long. Be it Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi or Manmohan Singh, all of them only claimed to eradicate poverty. Unfortunately, they could not live up to their words. However, after PM Narendra Modi came to power, the Centre has been able to uplift over 25 crore people from poverty, said Singh. The Centre has launched the Ayushman Bharat scheme under which Rs 5 lakh assistance for medical expenses is being provided to the poor. However, the BJD government has deprived the Odisha people of the benefits of the scheme. Once the BJP forms government in Odisha, the party will implement the scheme here along with other schemes, he said. Stating that the Congress and BJD leaders had made a lot of toll promises in the past, the Union minister said Odisha would have been a state had they fulfilled their commitments even partially.
The district administration will conduct a trial run involving all the departments from 2.30 p.m. on May 9, he says
They urge the agitated workers to allow coal to be transferred from Gangavaram port to the steel plant
YSRCP, Opposition TDP and JSP have failed to protect the interests of the State, they say
YSRCP, Opposition TDP and JSP have failed to protect the interests of the State, they say
Odisha: Four arrested for carrying gold worth Rs 2.79 cr in rectum
Four passengers, arriving from Dubai to Bhubaneshwar, were arrested by the officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence at the Biju Patnaik International Airport. Nearly 3.77 kilograms of gold worth Rs. 2.79 crores were seized from them. Also Read13.65 kg of gold seized at Hyderabad airport in February alone All four had attempted to smuggle 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 .
87.61% students qualify POLYCET-2024 in Andhra Pradesh, counselling dates to be announced soon
Six students bag the first rank by scoring 120 out of 120; Visakhapatnam district records the highest pass percentage of 87.17
Once the construction of Bhogapuram airport is completed, Bheemunipatnam will be the most happening place in the Visakhapatnam district, he says
DRI arrested 4 passengers for smuggling gold from Dubai
Globally, gold fell 0.03 per cent to USD 1,297.50 an ounce in Singapore. Globally, gold fell 0.03 per cent to USD 1,297.50 an ounce in Singapore. Odisha: Acting on specific intelligence, officers of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) identified four passengers arriving from Dubai to Bhubaneshwar at the Biju Patnaik International Airport on May 6, 2024. Questioning of the passengers upon arrival revealed that all four of them had attempted to smuggle gold in paste form, by concealing them in their rectum. Investigation resulted in recovery of a total of 12 capsules containing gold in paste form, from the four passengers. Heat treatment of the contraband resulted in compound separation and gold weighing 3.77 kg, valued at Rs. 2.79 crore was recovered. The recovered gold has been seized and the four passengers have been arrested under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Further investigation is in progress.
VK Pandian: Why is Naveen Patnaik's right hand man under fire from PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi
VK Pandian, a former IAS officer hailing from Tamil Nadu, has emerged as a central figure within the BJD party. His rapid ascent and perceived alignment with CM Naveen Patnaik have drawn both attention and criticism from opposition leaders, sparking debates about Odia identity and leadership in the state. As Pandian assumes a key role in the party's campaign machinery, his influence and potential succession to Naveen's legacy are under intense scrutiny.
VK Pandian: Why is Naveen Patnaik's right hand man under fire from PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi
VK Pandian, a former IAS officer hailing from Tamil Nadu, has emerged as a central figure within the BJD party. His rapid ascent and perceived alignment with CM Naveen Patnaik have drawn both attention and criticism from opposition leaders, sparking debates about Odia identity and leadership in the state. As Pandian assumes a key role in the party's campaign machinery, his influence and potential succession to Naveen's legacy are under intense scrutiny.
Suspicious Fire Erupts at Historic Patna Museum Complex
Suspicious Fire Erupts at Historic Patna Museum Complex A fire broke out on Wednesday in a new building of the Patna Museum complex, which underwent a major revamp in the past few years, according to officials. The historic Patna Museum, home to a collection of rich artefacts, rare paintings and 200 million-year-old fossilised tree trunk, has been closed for visitors since June 1 last year to undertake a revamp of its 96-year-old building. ''The fire broke out in a section of a newly constructed building, which is an extension of the old heritage building of the Patna Museum. Several fire tenders were pressed into service. However, no major injury has been reported so far,'' a senior official at the museum said. This new wing, built to the west of the old museum building, will also house a gallery, he said, adding the fire has been contained. It remains to be ascertained if any damage was caused to any artefacts in the incident. A project on redevelopment of the museum building, located on the old Patna-Gaya Road, is currently underway, whose foundation stone was laid by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in August 2020. Besides, refurbishment of the heritage building being done as part of a redevelopment project, its old galleries will be redesigned, rearranged and curated in a new way to showcase the artefacts and other historic items in a better manner, officials had earlier said. Many old artefacts, which were earlier housed in the heritage building of the museum, have been shifted to the storage space located in one of the new extension wings. One of the most striking and recognisable buildings of the capital city, the Patna Museum building was constructed in 1928 with two identical ornate gateways - the 'In Gate' and the 'Out Gate'. The old heritage gates of the museum were recently demolished and replaced with new gates built in similar style, sparking criticism from various scholars and heritage lovers. The 'Out Gate' had suffered damage in early 2023 and later the 'In Gate' was also damaged during the redevelopment work, and heritage lovers had appealed to the government to repair and restore the old gates.
BJP has plans to break BJD after elections: V.K. Pandian
Asserting that the BJP's plan will not succeed, Naveen Patnaik's close aide Pandiyan said many people from the national level are coming for campaigning in the State, but the people of Odisha have no trust on them
Poverty to be fully eradicated from India in next 10-15 years: Rajnath
BHAWANIPATNA (Odisha), May 8: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday claimed that poverty would be completely eradicated from India in the next 10-15 years and this is Modi Ki guarantee. Singh said this while addressing the BJPs Vijay Sankalp rally here in the district headquarters town of Kalahandi. Though Congress leaders beginning from Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru to Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh all have promised to end poverty, all of them have failed. However, our Prime Minister Narendra Modi [] The post Poverty to be fully eradicated from India in next 10-15 years: Rajnath appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Driver of excise dept vehicle dies in attack
Rakesh Kumar died in an attack by liquor smugglers in Munger. The excise team raided Vikrampur village, leading to his tragic demise in a well. Investigation ongoing by Dharhara police under Vikesh Kumar's supervision.
YSRC to file petition in HC on release of welfare scheme funds: Botsa
Congress: Exposing differences within the party, the Congress failed to come up with a common report. Congress leaders from the two regions adopted contrasting viewpoints on bifurcation forcing PCC president Botsa Satyanarayana to Visakhapatnam: Education Minister Botsa Satyanarayana has responded to a lunch motion petition in the AP High Court, challenging the Election Commission's orders to stop the release of welfare scheme funds in Andhra Pradesh during the election period. He has announced that the YSRC party will file a petition in the high court on this matter. At the press conference in Visakhapatnam, Botsa Satyanarayana lamented, The alliance's actions have led to tragic outcomes. The nefariousness of the alliance has resulted in the loss of lives of approximately 40 welfare scheme beneficiaries. Innocent lives are being sacrificed due to the abrupt blocking of pensions in the name of elections. Botsa accused the TD, JS, and BJP of obstructing government schemes, stating, Student fee reimbursement, YSR Asara, Pensions and SHG funds are being blocked due to the TD-led alliances irresponsible meddling. The three thieves in the alliance are creating obstacles in the distribution of welfare funds to the beneficiaries. Botsa accused the Election Commission of showing favouritism to the TD-led alliance. The YSRC believes that the election rules or the constitution are important and the rules should not be violated. But, the EC should investigate the complaint thoroughly as it involves people's welfare. Is it appropriate to cause harm to the people in the name of rules, he asked. Botsa asked the EC whether it heard the language used by Chandrababu against the chief minister in the election meetings. Why did it not take action? What action was taken against those responsible for the deaths of the elderly while they waited in the hot sun to receive the pension, he asked. Botsa also asked why Prime Minister Modi, Chandrababu and Pawan Kalyan did not address the issue of privatization of the Vizag steel plant. Modi read a script from a group of corrupt individuals. This was the same Modi who had, during the last elections, accused Chandrababu of using Polavaram as his ATM. According to Botsa, BJP leaders believe that the Land Titling Act is beneficial to all land-holders. The central government emphasizes the need to formulate land law. Advocates suggest that this act is a Brahmastra, a powerful weapon, to protect the common people, he stressed.
Lyricist Chandrabose And Music Composer RP Patnaik Felicitated In Dallas
Anniversary festivities honouring the Suswara Music Academy take place in Dallas every year.
Record postal ballot turnout in ASR District polls
The EVM counting will be taken up round wise in a pre-determined order. In a statement here on Tuesday, Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo said as per ECI's recent instruction, counting of EVM votes can continue, without waiting for completion of counting of postal ballots. The EVM counting will be taken up round wise in a pre-determined order. In a statement here on Tuesday, Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo said as per ECI's recent instruction, counting of EVM votes can continue, without waiting for completion of counting of postal ballots. Visakhapatnam: The Alluri Sitarama Raju district witnessed a surge in postal ballot usage during the present elections, with a record-breaking 2672 ballots cast on the fourth day. District election officer and collector Vijaya Sunitha confirmed the staggering numbers, highlighting the significant engagement of voters. Some 202 voters availed the home voting facility, with special arrangements made for the elderly and differently-abled individuals. Collector Vijaya Sunitha underscored the importance of ensuring accessibility and facilitating the voting process for all citizens. The enthusiasm for postal voting extended to various categories of officials and staff assigned to election duties, with 2672 individuals exercising their franchise on Tuesday. The district election officer said a breakdown of the postal ballot usage across constituencies revealed a substantial turnout: 870 in Araku Valley, 998 in Paderu, and 692 in Rampachodavaram. Additionally, home voting witnessed significant participation, particularly among voters aged 85 and above. Visakhapatnam district collector Mallikarjuna and joint collector Viswanathan monitored the proceedings. Individuals like V Manasa and L Sridevi lauded the administration's help in this respect. Collector Mallikarjuna urged all remaining employees to vote.
BJP has plans to break BJD, after elections: V K Pandian
BHUBANESWAR: BJD leader and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's close aide V K Pandian on Wednesday alleged that the opposition BJP is not fighting elections in Odisha to win polls but to increase its seat number with an intention to break the Biju Janata Dal after elections. This was stated by the bureaucrat turned politician while meeting a group of television channel journalists at Gopalpur in Ganjam district on Wednesday. They (BJP) had a slogan of securing 120 assembly seats in 2014 but failed. I do not know their target for 2019. But, for 2024, they have been fighting elections to win 50/60 seats and aim to break BJD after the elections. This is their poll strategy, Pandian told journalists. Claiming that the BJP was not fighting elections to form government in Odisha, Pandian said: I openly say that this (breaking BJD) is their internal strategy as they have done in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh. Asserting that the BJP's plan will not succeed, Pandian said many people from the national level are coming for campaigning in the state, but the people of Odisha have no trust on them. Naveen Babu is the trust of the people, he said. BJP cant get 10 percent votes if it names CM face: VK Pandian You have seen in 2014, 2019 and also in 2024, entire army of leaders from across the country come for campaigning. But, the people will not trust them. The people will bless Nabeen babu in a big way, Pandian said replying to a question on the BJP national leaders making queue for campaigning in the state during the twin polls for the Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly. Asked whether he was confident of Patnaik becoming the chief minister of Odisha for the sixth consecutive time, Padian said: I have a strong conviction that Naveen babu will win the elections with flying colours. Had I not such conviction, I would not have said that Naveen babu will be sworn in as CM on June 9 with blessings of Maha Prabu Jagannath, he said. Pandian said that they (BJP) have no candidates in 60 of the 147 assembly segments in Odisha. They waited for the release of BJD's candidate list so that they could pick up candidates from among the leaders dropped or rejected by the regional party. This is the reality of BJP in Odisha, he said. Pandian also came down heavily on Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and accused them of attempting to stop the Shree Mandir Parikrama Project (Jagannath temple heritage corridor project). Replying to a question on BJP raising the Odia Asmita (pride) issue during elections, Pandian said, the central government has not given a single rupee for the promotion of Odia language. Though the BJP has 8 MPs in Lok Sabha, all of them remained completely silent while the Centre was providing money for the promotion of other languages and not for Odia language. Only during election time, the union minister (Dharmendra Pradhan) shows his love for Odia language and talks about Asmita, the BJD leader said. BJP's Baijayant Panda accuses CM Naveen of keeping Odisha poor
BJP has plans to break BJD after elections: Pandian
Bhubaneswar: BJD leader and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaiks close aide Kartik Pandian Wednesday alleged that the opposition BJP is not fighting elections in Odisha to win polls but to increase its seat number with an intention to break the Biju Janata Dal after elections. This was stated by the bureaucrat turned politician while meeting a []
Odisha News | BJP Is Fighting To Break BJD In Odisha': Naveen Patnaik's Aide VK Pandian Alleges
Breaking News: BJP Is Fighting To Break BJD In Odisha': Naveen Patnaik's Aide VK Pandian Alleges | Odisha NewsNaveen Patnaik's aide VK Pandian made a big allegation against the BJP; said, 'BJP is fighting to break BJD in Odisha'. @thabirsamal brings in details to Avantika Singh
Gajuwaka Cop, Citizen Step in for Beggars Last Rites
(Representational image) (Representational image) Gajuwaka cop, citizen step in for beggars last rites A policeman and a local resident ensured respectable last rites for a person, who begged in the Gajuwaka area, after the latter died on Monday. The deceased man, believed to be in his late fifties, had been discovered lifeless on the roadside leading to Himachalnagar. Local residents alerted the Gajuwaka police. Head constable B. Narayana arrived at the scene and completed formalities. He tried to take the body for last rites but none came forward to even touch the body. The head constable then contacted a local social worker who reached out to Tarun, a resident of the area. By then it was late on Monday evening. Tarun held the body as the head constable drove his two-wheeler to the Jogawanipalem crematorium. The two then ensured the last rites for the unknown deceased. Visakhapatnam community appreciated head constable Narayana for his commitment to duty and Tarun for his selfless act in a time of need.
Heavy rains, gales lash several parts of Andhra Pradesh
VIJAYAWADA: Heavy rains lashed the Godavari delta region and other parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, bringing much-needed relief from the scorching summer. The temperature had been soaring above 45 degrees Celsius at a few places over the past couple of weeks, and Tuesdays rains brought down the heat levels. The highest rainfall of 12.45 cm was recorded at Vemagiri in East Godavari district, followed by 12.05 cm in Mandapeta of Konaseema district, 9.2 cm in Rajamahendravaram city, and 7.3 cm in Nuzvid of Eluru district. There were unconfirmed reports of two deaths across the State due to lightning strikes. In Rajamahendravaram, low-lying areas were waterlogged due to rainwater overflowing on the roads, causing traffic jams in different parts of the city. Vehicular traffic was affected at Kambala tank, railway station road, Ademma Dibba, Innispet, Kotagummam, Tummalava, Syamala Center, Sitammapet, and Aryapram areas. In Kakinada and Amalapuram districts, the heavy downpour, which lasted for around 30 minutes, brought much-needed relief from the sweltering heat. But at the same time, it brought agony to orchard farmers, particularly mango and cashew nut growers, as heavy gale winds resulted in fruit drops at several places. The same was the case in Nuzvid of Eluru district, where mango farmers suffered due to unseasonal heavy rains. In Kakinada, when a bolt of lightning struck an apartment, people had a narrow escape. However, several household utensils were rendered useless. A similar situation prevailed across the NTR and Krishna districts. In Vijayawada, it was overcast sky conditions most of the day, and in the evening, there were brief bouts of drizzle in the city and a brief spell of heavy rains on the city outskirts. Rainfall brought much-needed relief from the scorching heat in the north coastal districts on Tuesday. Thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning, affected several parts of Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Alluri Sitarama Raju districts since Monday night. Rainfall and gusty winds were observed in many areas of Visakhapatnam and its outskirts on Tuesday morning, providing respite from the heat. The mild climate persisted throughout the day, while trees were uprooted in some areas in Butchayyapeta of Anakapalli district. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted heavy rainfall at isolated places across the State and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 Kmph likely at isolated places across the State on Wednesday. Thunderstorm activity in isolated places across the state is also likely for the subsequent three days. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), in its daily report, stated that 12 mandals reported heatwave conditions on Tuesday, and one mandal is likely to experience a heatwave on Wednesday. Laddagiri of Kurnool district recorded the highest daytime temperature of 43.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Yendrapalle in Prakasam district with 43.2 degrees Celsius. Thunderstorm activity in parts of State in next 3 days The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted heavy rainfall at isolated places across the State and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 Kmph likely at isolated places across the State on Wednesday. Thunderstorm activity in isolated places across the state is also likely for the subsequent three days
Discerning truth becomes a tough task with rise of Artificial Intelligence
VISAKHAPATNAM: Scrolling through his news feed with a frown, a first-time voter seated in the politically charged milieu of a local tea shop remarks, Every time I come across something online these days, it makes me question its authenticity. Rao, who has voted in every election since he was 18, leans in closer, squinting at the screen. Isnt that clear? It looks pretty real to me, he responds, as a political jingle from a van fades into the background. Such exchanges underscore the dual-edged nature of revolutionising technology, particularly in campaigning. While the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help amplify messages and connect to more voters than ever, it also opens the floodgates to misinformation, turning the task of discerning the truth into navigating a labyrinth. As voters in Andhra Pradesh head to the polls, legal experts are raising an alarm on deep fakes manipulative machine learning tools that can create convincingly false content to impersonate someone. They stress that in the age of generative AI, informed electoral decision-making requires not only access to information but also the vigilance to verify its validity. For instance, a controversial audio clip spread on social media, allegedly featuring Nara Bhuvaneswari berating staffers, triggered a debate recently. While TDP leaders and supporters denounced it as a politically motivated deep fake, some independent fact-checkers insisted the audio was genuine. This incident is just one of many that highlights the confounding and often misleading scenarios an average voter this election season is facing with fast-evolving artificial intelligence. Explaining AIs potential to interfere in elections and ways to tackle deep fakes, cybersecurity expert and Entersoft Security founder Mohan Gandhi notes that moral panic induced by synthetic chaos can indeed create last-minute movements. He believes the answer to counter this novel risk of electoral misinformation, particularly deep fakes, lies in human-centered AI, which is not at all a black-and-white area. Pointing out the technical complexity of regulating AI beyond a local context, as interpretations of fairness and morale greatly differ, he asserts that every tool mirrors the ethical behaviour of its developer and end user. Tech companies lack of requirements for explicit consent and stringent filtering at the software development level, combined with users abuse of these tools, forces reliance on other detection technologies and community vigilance to spot, report, and take down manipulated content. This process, however, can be hit or miss. Mohan details, inexpensive and widely accessible AI tools have made it possible for almost anyone with internet access to create doctored images, videos, robocalls and voice clones. While videos often have subtle signs like discrepancies in audio-video sync and facial anomalies that can signal manipulation, voice-cloning technology has progressed to such a degree of sophistication that distinguishing these imitations from genuine recordings is becoming exceedingly difficult. He says even the AI detection tools often fall short of understanding regional languages and contextual nuances, despite their skills to analyze fake content for inconsistencies at a much more granular level than a human eye. While IT Rules provide a framework to address manipulated content, the effectiveness, according to experts, largely hinges on the operational capabilities of the intermediaries (social media platforms). Because the verification of this reported/flagged content again requires human moderators or AI detection tools. Once an individuals personal information is out there, it opens a Pandoras box. The synthetic chaos just muddies the waters once someone is caught off guard. Mohan asserts the government needs to strictly enforce clear consent mechanisms and ensure tech companies comply, allowing users to control their personal information at the source. He notes that some tools already function this way. Additionally, he believes the government could help combat online misinformation by collaborating with major tech companies like Google or WhatsApp and multiple stakeholders to promote digital literacy and awareness among the public. Mohan shares that they have already tested an algorithm that Meta (formerly Facebook) is releasing on WhatsApp, which can detect AI-generated media. As part of assurances from tech giants such as Google, Meta, and OpenAI to collaborate with the Indian government to safeguard access to accurate information, Meta has partnered with Indias Misinformation Combat Alliance (MCA) to operate a dedicated fact-checking helpline on WhatsApp. The helpline includes support in Telugu. Furthermore, to counter misinformation, particularly deep fakes, Mohan suggests a manual approach to try detecting deep fake audio: paying close attention to background noises. While these technologies are adept at mimicking human voices, they often struggle to seamlessly integrate natural background noises like hum of air conditioning, background traffic, or the faint rustle of papers, he explains, adding that deep fake audio might either completely lack these sounds or present them in an inconsistent manner, where the background noise might suddenly appear or disappear or vary unnaturally throughout the recording. For an individuals own safety and sanity, it is advisable to become ones own watchdog. Digital literacy serves as a defence mechanism, providing better protection against the risks associated with misinformation and data privacy breaches, which are increasingly prevalent, he emphasises. But the entirety of these AI tools must not be looked down upon. In fact, the same tools that are used to spread misinformation can be effectively repurposed to enhance civic participation and democratic processes. By keeping AI human-centred in the political sphere, it can truly serve the electorate, he opines. He further mentions that AI-enabled real-time speech translation connects people across different languages more effectively. Similarly, the use of micro-targeting in political campaigns, when applied ethically, can help address specific issues relevant to voters. Imagine an elderly farmer or a distressed beneficiary having the chance to connect directly with an elected official or their Chief Minister on a one-on-one call that addresses them by name and provides assistance! This makes people feel heard and represented. The assurance and personal connection fostered by this kind of interaction can be more impactful than any public meeting. The key is in ensuring AI is used ethically and responsibly to avoid issues like privacy invasion or misinformation.
Inspection of counting centres and strong rooms in Vijayawada
Vijayawada: NTR district collector S. Dilli Rao, Mylavaram Assembly Constituency returning officer P. Sampath Kumar, and Vijayawada Central Assembly Constituency returning officer Swapnil Dinkar Pundkar visited and inspected the counting and strong rooms located at Nova and Nimra College of Engineering and Technology, Jupudi, Ibrahimpatnam. These facilities will be used for the counting of votes in the seven assembly constituencies of the district and the Vijayawada Parliamentary Constituency, on Tuesday. After the polling on the 13th of this month, the EVMs will be stored in the Nova and Nimra Engineering College buildings. The officials discussed the route map to the counting centres and security arrangements in detail, providing various suggestions. They emphasised the importance of strong security measures for the EVM strong rooms, with strict security protocols in place. They also insisted on continuous surveillance through CCTV cameras. During their inspection, the officials checked the facilities for vote counting in the counting hall and ensured that the counting centre would be adjacent to the strong rooms. They examined the arrangements around the counting tables and the path the polling agents would take, taking into account safety and security measures.
Pawan Kalyan faces tough battle despite his cult following among youth
PITHAPURAM : Puruhutika Puram, which later became Peetikapuram, and now called as Pithapuram, located in the heart of East Godavari district, finds itself a prominent place on the pilgrim map of Andhra Pradesh as well the country. The Kukkuteswara Swamy temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Puruhutika Devi temple, one of Ashta Dasa Shakti Peethas, and the Sripada Srivallabha temple attract devotees in good numbers. Andhra Pradesh LS polls: Pawan Kalyan to sound poll bugle from Pithapuram It, however, was not a big name on the political map of AP. A small Assembly constituency with less than 2.3 lakh electorate, the ballot battle of Pithapuram has now grabbed the entire nations attention. The 2024 election scheduled in less than a week now, is a different one. Now, Pithapuram has joined the likes of big battle constituencies of Kuppam, Pulivendula and Mangalagiri thanks to Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan contesting from the segment. Having lost the last elections from two places, the actor-politician with a cult following is focussing on making it to the State Assembly from Pithapuram, while the ruling YSRC wants to stop the vitriolic leader from being a thorn in their flesh in the legislative body. Here, the factor that decides the winnability of a candidate is caste rather than development. Among the several segments where the Kapu community holds a sway, Pithapuram is one. Consisting of more than 60% of the total population, a leader from the Kapu community has won the seat 12 of the total 16 times that it went to elections. In 2014, SVSN Varma, who belongs to Kshatriya community, won the election. As candidates of both the YSRC and the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance belong to the Kapu community, there is a possibility of split in votes of the community making the votes of other communities equally important for win. The YSRC has fielded sitting Kakinada MP Vanga Geetha from Pithapuram. Incidentally, Geetha won from the same segment in the 2009 elections from Praja Rajyam Party floated by Pawan Kalyans brother Konidela Chiranjeevi. Though a popular film star is in the fray, the contest is unlikely to be a one-sided one. It is not going to be an easy win for Pawan Kalyan. Unlike other communities, Kapus stand divided on political affiliation and this may turn the tide in favour of Geetha, opined S Satyanarayana, a rickshaw puller of Indira Nagar. TNIE visited the constituency and interacted with the local people to solicit views on who stands a good chance to win. Apart from local issues, the fishermen community have their own set of problems, and is likely to rally behind the alliance. Though we have been receiving Matsyakara Bharosa, the State government has not come forward to pay ex gratia for the fishermen who die at sea. They want the body as a proof to pay ex gratia, but how can we get it when people drown at sea? questioned a fisherman. While people choose to talk about the issues, there is a section, particularly youngsters, who have no other choice than their favourite star. When TNIE visited Uppada in U Kothapalli mandal on Sunday, groups of JSP activists from Anantapur and Machilipatnam visited the fishermens village to campaign for the JSP. We (the entire village) have decided to vote for Glass Tumbler. It is better for you to go and campaign in other places. Come back when our leader wins and we will celebrate, Patri Durga Rao, a young fisherman, to the JSP activists. This scenario, however, may not give an edge to the JSP. The working class and those who have benefited still vouch for the YSRC. We are living in the house, which was constructed with the government aid during the YS Rajasekhara Reddy government. After that, no government had helped the poor until YS Jagan Mohan Reddy became the Chief Minister. We are getting all the social welfare benefits now, said Srimanthula Sattibabu, a rickshaw puller. When pointed out that the tripartite alliance has promised more benefits and financial aid apart from development and employment opportunities, his fellow worker Raju was quick to add, We dont believe its promise. The TDP had promised much more doles in 2019, but it failed to fulfil them. When it comes to resolving the peoples problems, Raju said the major issue was lack of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) over the railway track that traverses through Pithapuram. Being a busy line connecting Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam, a good number of trains pass through and the vehicular traffic comes to a standstill whenever the railway gate is closed. It is sitting MP Geetha who has taken the initiative to resolve the problem as Pithapuram come under the purview of Kakinada. She has got funds sanctioned for the flyover. The land has also been acquired for it. If elections are not there, the flyover works would have started by now, Raju added. Another interesting factor on which Pawan Kalyans victory depends is the support being given by former MLA Varma, who at one stage revolted against the TDP leadership for allotting the seat to the JSP as part of alliance. Varma is campaigning for Pawan Kalyan, but how serious is he in extension of support is still doubtful. Will any leader hand over his constituency to another? questioned another local when asked about the former MLAs support to the JSP. For the JSP, the candidature of Pawan Kalyan from Pithapuram itself is an asset. Our leader suffered defeat at two places in the last elections. We wont let him down this time and he is set to enter the State Assembly, asserted a youth. N Krishnaveni of Chitti Karnala Street in Pithapuram, who works in a library, is different when it comes to casting her vote. She has nothing to do with whom she is voting, and which party it is. My two sons and my husband are supporters of Pawan Kalyan, and I will follow them, she said with a smile. Tummala Ramaswamy (Babu), JSP president of the erstwhile undivided East Godavari district, exuded confidence of Pawan Kalyans victory. Every section of people has suffered in Jagans regime. They are not going to vote for the YSRC in the elections, he asserted Not just Pawan Kalyan, our joint manifesto will ensure that NDA wins not less than five Assembly seats each in Kakinada, East Godavari and Konaseema districts. Lack of ROB causes traffic problem The major issue in Pithapuram Assembly constituency is lack of a Road Over Bridge (ROB) on the railway track that traverses through it. Being a busy railway line connecting Vijayawada and Vizag, a good number of trains pass through the town and the vehicular traffic comes to a standstill whenever the railway gate is closed
Jagan Mohan Reddy seeks PMs stand on SCS & VSP privatisation
VIJAYAWADA: Demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a clear stand on granting Special Category Status to the State and on the privatisation of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy questioned the PMs change of heart towards TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu and sought to know the basis on which the three parties had forged an alliance. Visakhapatnam Steel Plant privatisation top concern in AP's Gajuwaka segment Speaking during his election campaign at Gajuwaka and Ichchapuram on Tuesday, the YSRC president reiterated his commitment to the development of North Andhra. Hitting back at the Prime Minister for charging the YSRC government with corruption, Jagan recalled that it was Modi who had once described Naidu as the most corrupt politician and even accused him of using the Polavaram Project as an ATM. Further, he sought to know the rationale behind the BJP joining hands with such a corrupt politician. Asserting that it was because of his efforts that the Centre backtracked from privatising VSP, the Chief Minister questioned Naidu and Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan, Is there an assurance from Modi that SCS will be granted to Andhra Pradesh or that VSP will not be privatised? CEO Meena clarifies on disbursal of aid Asserting that the ECI never stops the implementation of schemes, CEO Mukesh Kumar Meena on Tuesday clarified that the poll panel only asked the government to defer some schemes till the completion of polling on May 13 Vote for TDP will mean allowing privatisation of VSP: Jagan On Modi claiming that the State government had not allotted land for the Railway zone, Jagan maintained that it was the Centre who refused to accept the land offered for the project citing litigations. Appealing to the people to send a strong message to Delhi by electing the YSRC candidate and showing their opposition to the privatisation of VSP, he said, A vote for the TDP will only mean allowing the privatisation of VSP as they will cite their win as a referendum. Seeds of development will bear fruits: CM Jagan Mohan Reddy Rebutting the charges of Opposition that development took a back seat in the State for the past five years, he asserted that Andhra Pradesh is on the path of progress with three industrial corridors, 10 industrial nodes, 17 new medical colleges, four sea ports, ten fishing harbours and six fish land centres coming up. Andhra Pradesh stood number one in the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) for three successive years. MSMEs have received a big boost in the last 59 months. The State received investments worth Rs 1 lakh crore after we came to power as against Rs 32,000 crore during the TDP rule, he said. Reiterating that he will take oath as Chief Minister in Visakhapatnam, which will be established as the executive capital of Andhra Pradesh, Jagan highlighted the activities initiated by his government in the last five years to develop North Andhra. At a public meeting at Rajanagaram earlier, he took a swipe at Naidu for ECI deferring the disbursal of input subsidy to ryots and Vidya Deevena aid with the help of Delhi (referring to the BJP-led NDA government). For the past five years, the elderly have got pensions conveniently at home. Because of Naidu, they are now deprived of this facility. Naidu has landed himself in trouble by orchestrating such plots and a chief minister has to engage in legal battles, he said. Mocking Naidu for stitching the pact, he said, Naidu tried hard to get his rusted bicycle (TDP poll symbol) repaired with the help of his adopted son (referring to Pawan). However, he was only ready to ride a pillion and hold a glass (JSP symbol). Later, Naidu sent his cycle to Delhi (BJP). They brought some mechanics and tried to repair the bicycle, but now there is no handle, no pedals, no seat, no wheels, no tube. They (BJP) asked how can they ride such a rusty cycle?
'Patna most vulnerable to floods in India'
Patna, Murshidabad, Thane, and other districts top the list of worst flood-affected regions in India. The research by IIT-Delhi and IIT-Roorkee highlights historical flood severity and affected populations.
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BJP unleashes top guns to breach BJD fort these elections
BHUBANESWAR: Having failed to make a significant headway in the form of electoral gains in Odisha in the last two occasions despite the Modi wave sweeping the country, the BJP is not leaving anything to chance in its efforts to breach the BJD citadel this time. The party has turned its special focus on the Odisha Assembly election besides the Lok Sabha push as is evident from the manner in which the party has lined up all its top guns to take on the ruling BJD which has been in power for a record five terms consecutively, leaving no breathing space for the Opposition. With the bonhomie between the two parties over after the failed alliance talks, the BJP is going all guns blazing on the regional party, not even sparing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Starting from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is holding back to back election rallies in the state, to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party national president JP Nadda - all have turned unsparing in their criticism of Naveen who till recently was one of their most trusted ally. The announcement of June 10 as the date of formation of BJP government by the prime minister and his extending invitation to the people of the state to be part of the oath taking ceremony is seen as a clear strategy to unnerve the BJD. Besides the intensive campaign tour of the prime minister, the party has pressed senior cabinet ministers into the heat of Odisha polls. Apart from Shah and Nadda, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have already visited the state and taken part in the party campaign. Rajnath, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Assam Chief Minister Hemant Biswa Sharma, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai will be in Odisha on May 8 and 9 to campaign for the party in different constituencies that will go to polls in the states first phase on May 13. According to party insiders, the BJP leadership is all set to deploy its top leaders and vote-catchers across constituencies during all the phases to boost the campaign and invigorate the cadres and organisation to take on the BJD with all their might. The blitzkrieg by the national leaders will not only give power to the local organisation but also sway voters into their fold. It will help intensify the anti-incumbency against the BJD on the ground, they said. The prime ministers visit to Berhampur on Monday was, in fact, notable for two things. This is the second time after Chhattisgarh Assembly election that Modi announced date for government formation in a state during campaigning. He had prophesied government formation in the neighbouring state much to the disbelief of many political pundits who predicted return of the Congress government. The other being - the PM and the national president choosing Berhampur, which comes under Ganjam the home district of Naveen. Modis announcement of BJP government formation from the chief ministers turf is seen as a huge challenge thrown by the saffron party to the BJD. With the PM visiting the state again on May 10 to hold a roadshow in the state capital of Bhubaneswar and address election rally in western Odisha town of Balangir the next day, the intent is clear. Moreover, according to sources, the RSS has also pushed its cadre base in the state to work hard for BJP to motivate and mobilise voters on the ground. During the last two elections the RSS and its affiliates had not been so proactive as they are this time, sources said.
Orissa HC grants bail to man on terms of planting 200 trees
CUTTACK: The Orissa High Court has granted bail to a man facing prosecution in an abetment to a suicide case on the condition that he will plant 200 saplings around his village. Noting that the accused has been in custody since November 19, 2023, Justice SK Panigrahi in his order, delivered on Monday, directed the Kalahandi district nursery to extend the helping hand by supplying plants to him. According to case records, Kartik Majhi is an accused in a case registered under section 451 (house trespassing), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 305 (abetment of suicide) under IPC and section 12 of Prevention of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act (sexual harassment). The Koksara police station had registered the case on the basis of the complaint lodged by father of the victim girl who had allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself after the six accused in the case had forcibly entered their house, abused his brother in obscene language and threatened to rape her. The case is pending before the Additional Sessions Judge-cum-Special Court under (POCSO), Bhawanipatna. Kartik filed his application for release on bail on February 20, 2024. While disposing of the bail plea on Monday, Justice Panigrahi granted Kartik bail on the condition that he shall plant 200 trees like mango, tamarind, etc., around his village - Reinguda under Ampani police station in Kalahandi district. Planting of trees will be in addition to the conditions to be fixed by the trial court while releasing Kartik on bail. Kartik shall start planting trees as soon as the rainy season approaches and will maintain those plants, Justice Panigrahi said while directing the Ampani police station to see whether he has planted the trees or not. The court asked the accused to appear before the local police station once in a week between 10 am to 1 pm. However, Justice Panigrahi cautioned, If the accused indulges himself in any criminal offence while on bail or tampers with evidence of the prosecution in any manner it may entail consideration for cancellation of the bail granted to him. In his order Justice Panigrahi said Advocate PK Satapathy, appearing on behalf of the accused had submitted that he is innocent and no way connected in the said offence. While submitting that the conduct of the accused in custody is satisfactory Satapathy also gave an undertaking that if released on bail he shall plant 200 trees around his village.
All fight should end one day: BJD Patkura candidate Arabinda Mohapatra
The candidature of Arabinda Mohapatra, son of former minister Bijoy Mohapatra, from Patkura Assembly constituency on a BJD ticket was not a surprise. Around six months before the announcement of his candidature, the groundwork had been done for his induction into the BJD. A known critic of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, his father who had fought BJD unsuccessfully for more than last two decades, had also come around. Arabinda talks about all these issues and more with Bijay Chaki in an interview. Excerpts: Your father was a bitter critic of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the BJD. The bitter fallout of the chief minister and Bijoy Mohapatra is well-known. Now you are contesting on a BJD ticket. How are you dealing with such a turnaround ? Every fight must end one day. It cannot continue indefinitely. The chief minister and my father have joined together for the interest of people of Patkura. My father was fighting for a cause, but that has changed now. The area needs development. And, development of the constituency can be achieved in a better way by remaining inside the BJD than by fighting against it. How did the process of your induction to BJD start. Did you know about this before ? I had not decided to join politics. I was working in the US for the last seven years. But father asked me to come back and work for the people here. There was a meeting of supporters in the constituency. There was an offer from BJD. People also wanted me to join. My father and the chief minister were supportive. I think joining BJD was the right decision. Your father had campaigned against the BJD in the constituency for the last two decades. He had contested against the BJD candidates thrice. Is not the changeover difficult ? There has been no problem from the people so far. The BJD people have also accepted me. There is no difficulty. How did the chief minister interact with you when you met him for the first time in Naveen Niwas ? The chief minister called me to the Naveen Niwas after I joined BJD. Mostly, he wanted to know about my life in the US. What I was doing there, my job, and other interests. He talked about places to see in the US. He sent his regards to my father. I had also taken the blessings of the my father. What is your agenda for the constituency. How you want to proceed ? One major problem in the area is shortage of drinking water. Then, I will complete an irrigation project started by my father when he was a minister. Unemployment is a big challenge in the constituency. But, the focus will be on drinking water. This is problem which has persisted for a long period. You are confident of your victory ? I have the blessings of the chief minister and my father. The two powerhouses have come together for the good of people of Patkura. I will definitely win from the constituency.
BJP's Baijayant Panda accuses CM Naveen of keeping Odisha poor
BHUBANESWAR: BJP national vice-president Baijayant Panda on Tuesday asked Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to explain why Odisha is lagging behind many states even after he ruled the state for nearly 25 years uninterruptedly. Lashing out at the chief minister for keeping the state poor despite abundant resources, Panda said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made India the fifth largest economy within 10 years. The next target of Modi is to make it the third largest economy in the world. The chief minister owes an explanation to the people as to why he failed to lift the state to fifth position in the country even after staying in power for a quarter century. Panda who is contesting from Kendrapara Lok Sabha seat said the Prime Minister has rightly pointed out that massive corruption, bribery and PC culture are the major impediments in the path of progress. A change of government in the state has become inevitable to steer it into the path of rapid economic progress. He said the farmers of the state are the worst-affected in the BJD regime due to its anti-farmers policies. While the BJD has miserably failed to fulfill its promise to provide assured irrigation to at least 35 per cent agricultural land in each block of the state, the farmers continue to sustain huge loss in the absence of cold storages. Touching five points of the BJP manifesto, Panda said his party will keep its promise of constructing 75,000 km new roads, develop industrial corridor linking Sambalpur, Rourkela, Dhamra and Paradip, fill up 65,000 out of 1.5 lakh vacant posts in the first two years. Responding to a query on 5T chairman VK Pandians assertion that BJD CM will take oath on June 9, Panda said, only two people cannot make government by travelling in a helicopter.
PM takes a jibe at Lalus Muslim quota remark
PATNA/BHOPAL : Former Bihar chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad on Tuesday stoked a controversy after he favoured full reservation for Muslims, drawing flak from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NDA leaders. Lalu later backtracked on his statement after Modi and other leaders launched a broadside against him even as he countered the PM, asking if he was aware of the recommendations of the Mandal Commission. Referring to Lalus comment, Modi said in MP that the Congress was silent, but one of its allies confirmed the INDIA blocs intentions of giving reservation to Muslims. He also referred RJD president as a leader who ate fodder meant for animals. Speaking to the media in Patna, Lalu alleged that the ruling BJP wanted to do away with reservations by scrapping the Constitution. Reservation toh milna chahiye Musalmano ko, poora... They (BJP) want to finish off the Constitution and democracy of the country, the RJD supremo said. As his remarks triggered a political storm, Lalu put out a video message clarifying that the basis of reservation should not be religion but social backwardness. The basis of reservation is social backwardness and not religion, PM lacks even this much understanding. I have got the Mandal Commission implemented. Whether Modi has ever read recommendations of the Mandal Commission? More than 3,500 backward castes get reservation under Mandal Commission and hundreds of castes from other reservation also have the reservation facility, he said. Obliquely referring to Lalus words, Modi said, The Opposition cant see beyond appeasement. A fodder scam accused leader who is out on bail is advocating reservations for Muslims. He (Lalu) says reservations must be given to Muslims, and that means whatever reservation SCs/STs and OBCs have, they want to give it Muslims. Apparently taken aback by PMs strong comments, the RJD chief said, Is he (Modi) is a bigger and real OBC than me? He has also no more understanding of the problems of the poor, backwards and Dalits. Lalu said, Sanghis (RSS leaders) and BJP leaders have old wish and conspiracy to abolish Baba Saheb`s Constitution and reservation given by Jan Nayak Karpoori Thakur. In 2000, the then BJP-led NDA government at the Centre had even formed Constitution Review Commission. Had they faith in Constitution, they would not have used divisive language, spreading hatred (in the society). Raising the issue of Congress government in Karnataka including the Muslims among the OBC category, Modi said the Congress is eyeing the reservation of SC, ST and OBC. Theyve already done it in Karnataka by bringing all Muslims in the OBC category, which will steal the 27% reservation of existing OBC for its vote bank. The Congress now wants to replicate the same model nationally, isnt it like backstabbing Baba Saheb Ambedkar and disrespecting the countrys Constitution. The PM came down heavily on the Congress, saying that it did not want Baba Saheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar to get credit for making the Constitution. That is why now Congress has started saying that Baba Sahebs contribution in making the Constitution was less, Nehru ji played the biggest role in making the Constitution. Do you agree with this? Modi asked. What Lalu Prasad said Speaking to the media in Patna, Lalu alleged that the ruling BJP wanted to do away with reservations by scrapping the Constitution. Muslims need full reservation... The BJP wants to finish off the Constitution and democracy of the country, the RJD supremo said. After his remarks triggered a political storm, Lalu put out a video message clarifying that the basis of reservation should not be religion but social backwardness.
Lalu Prasad Yadav backs Muslim reservation, PM Narendra Modi says it exposes opposition's intent
PM Modi criticizes opposition's plan to allocate full reservations to Muslims, highlighting the threat to existing SC, ST, and OBC reservation system. He vows to protect these communities' rights against the alleged conspiracy.
Visakhapatnam constituency, Lok Sabha elections: Know polling date, candidatesandmore
The Visakhapatnam One of Andhra Pradesh's 25 Lok Sabha (parliamentary) constituencies is the Lok Sabha constituency.
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Filing of papers for Patna Sahib, Patliputra begins
3rd phase polling peaceful, 2 officials die of cardiac arrest
Jobs, education overshadow BiPaSa this election in state
Psharif terror module: HC rejects pre-arrest bail pleas of 6 accused
Vizags Glass Candidate Retires for BJP, TD
Visakhapatnam : Vadde Shirisha, an independent MLA candidate allotted Glass symbol to contest from Visakhapatnam East and North constituencies, has announced retirement from contesting. Addressing a press conference at the Telugu Desam party office here, Shirisha announced her support to alliance candidates Velagapudi Ramakrishna of Telugu Desam contesting from Visakhapatnam East and Vishnu Kumar Raju of BJP who is contesting from the Vizag North constituency. The independent candidate said she has retired from the contest as she does not want her Glass symbol to cause trouble for the alliance. Glass is the symbol that the Election Commission has allotted to Jana Sena Party in Andhra Pradesh in whichever of the constituencies the party is contesting. The Election Commission allotted the Glass symbol to independent candidates wherever Jana Sena has not put up any candidate. This has the potential of causing confusion among voters that the independent candidate could be a nominee of the Jana Sena Party. Shirisha has urged voters to vote for Vishnu Kumar Raju on Lotus symbol in Visakhapatnam North constituency and to Velagapudi on Cycle symbol in Visakhapatnam East constituency.
Sunitha Reddy Sees Revanth Wave in Malkajgiri
Hyderabad: Congress candidate for Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency Patnam Suneetha Mahender Reddy said a Revanth wave was sweeping the constituency which was stronger than the Modi wave. The 'Revanth wave' will ensure her victory by a good margin in the May 13 Lok Sabha poll in the constituency, she said. Suneetha Reddy was speaking at campaign meetings in Medchal and Malkajgiri on Tuesday. At street corner meetings, the people elected Revanth Reddy as MP in the 2019 elections when Congress was going through a difficult phase. This helped the Congress come to power in the Assembly polls in 2023 under the leadership of Revanth Reddy, who became TPCC president and, later, the Chief Minister. She appealed to voters to give her a chance to serve as MP and speed up the development of Malkajgiri which was neglected by BRS and BJP which were in power for 10 years. Suneetha Reddy said that BJP candidate Etala Rajendar had no connection with Malkajgiri. Etala belongs to Huzurabad. He went to Gajwel in the Assembly polls. The people of Huzurabad and Gajwel defeated him. Now he surfaced in Malkajgiri and he will meet the same fate, she said.
Modi Accuses I.N.D.I.A Bloc of Aiming to Redirect SC, ST, OBC Reservations to Muslims
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav over his remarks favouring reservation benefits to Muslims and said the I.N.D.I.A bloc wants to snatch all quotas of SC, ST and OBCs and give them to their vote bank as part of a deeper conspiracy. Speaking to reporters in Patna, Yadav had said that he was in favour of extending reservation benefits to Muslims and alleged that the ruling BJP at the Centre wanted to do away with reservations by scrapping the Constitution. Should not Muslims to get reservations (aarakshan to milna chahiye na Muslamanon ko), was Yadavs terse reply to journalists. Slamming Yadav, the Prime Minister addressing a public rally in Madhya Pradeshs Dhar, said that a big alliance partner of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc has endorsed what he used to say about their plan to end the reservations for SC, ST and OBCs. Their leader who has eaten the animals fodder and convicted by the court, even by the Supreme Court in the corruption case and out on bail due to health. Congress is making him dance on their head. He is saying not only Muslims should get reservations but all the reservations should be given to Muslims. Means they want all the reservation to Muslims by snatching it from SC, ST and OBC, Modi said. Meanwhile, the BJP labeled the Opposition partners fundamentally anti-Hindu and anti-Ram, and claimed that there is a fight within the I.N.D.I.A. bloc for Muslim votes and it has become a fashion to abuse the Sanatana culture of India for appeasement politics. The ruling party claimed that the suspicion being raised by the Prime Minister and the BJP about the Oppositions plan to change the Constitution to give reservations to Muslims from the share of the SCs, STs and OBCs is turning out to be true from the RJD supremos statement. Accusing the I.N.D.I.A. bloc members of being fundamentally anti-Hindu and anti-Ram, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing an election rally in Sitapaur said, SP people oppose Lord Rama, shoot at Ram bhakts, support terrorists, celebrate the death of Ram bhakts and shed tears when mafias die... Training guns at the SP and other Opposition members, Adityanath said It has become a fashion to abuse the Sanatana culture of India, to challenge the existence of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. And about this, I will only say that Vinash kale viprit buddhi...
Rich tributes paid to revolutionary freedom fighter Alluri Sitharama Raju in Visakhapatnam
Odisha people will not like their CM being remote controlled by Delhi: Pandian
Berhampur: Bureaucrat-turned-BJD leader Kartik Pandian Tuesday said the people of Odisha would not like a chief minister who will be remote-controlled by Delhi. The comment of Pandian, a close aide of Chief Minister and BJD president Naveen Patnaik, came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the BJP will select its CM on []
Dharmendra Pradhan challenges CM Patnaik for open debate
Bhubaneswar: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Tuesday challenged Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for an open debate on various issues faced by the state despite being a recipient of huge financial aid from the Central government. Speaking at a press meeting in Sambalpur, Pradhan said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised a few questions regarding the []
Lalu favouring 'full quota' for Muslims triggers political storms
Lalu supports Muslim reservation, sparking controversy with PM Modi. BJP aims to polarize Hindu voters. JD(U) opposes, highlighting Mandal Commission's secular principles amidst Bihar caste survey contradictions.
Rains Lash AP, Lightning Kills 3
Visakhapatnam: Moderate to heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lightning struck parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema districts in Andhra Pradesh during the last 24 hours claiming three lives. However, the rains provided the much-needed reprieve from the searing heat wave that had engulfed the state since the last two weeks. Nandyal, Kurnool, Kadapa and Anantapur recorded average temperature of 42 degrees Celsius. A 41-year-old Parasa Rama Rao died on the spot when lightning struck him at Yadavalli village under Lingapalem mandal in Eluru district. Rama Rao was grazing cattle near a field when the incident took place. In another incident, lightning killed a woman Bondala Nagendramma (52) and her 25 year old daughter Y Nagarani when they were returning from a farm field at Vutukuru under Krosuru mandal of Palnadu district. A trough running from east Vidarbha to south Tamil Nadu brought rains and thunderstorms in the state on Tuesday. The system is set to bring more rains on Wednesday Normal life was thrown out of gear and more than six places reported mild water logging, with trees and power poles uprooted at few localities as heavy rain accompanied with gusty winds lashed at Rajahmundry town in East Godavari district on Tuesday. An unexpected hailstorm brought cheers to the people in a few villages under Chintapalli and Paderu mandals in ASR district. Though the rains have brought down the mercury levels by 2 to 6 degree Celsius on Tuesday, the summer rain caused damage to chili, maize, and mango crops in parts of the state. The IMD said Vemagiri in Rajahmundry recorded 12.4 cm rain, Palasa (Srikakulam district) and Palamaner (Chittoor district) recorded 6 cm rainfall each between Monday night and Tuesday morning, followed by 5 cm each in Tekkali (Srikakulam), Atmakur (Nandyal) and 4 cm in Arogyavaram (Annamayya). Parvathipuram (Manyam), Madanapalle (Annamayya), Atlur (Kadapa) and some places in the state recorded rainfall between 1 cm and 3 cm. The IMD has predicted moderate rainfall and thundershowers at few places across the state on May 8 (Wednesday) which include Chittoor, Annamayya and Tirupati districts of Rayalaseema region and Nellore. ASR and Srikakulam district of CAP will receive heavy rainfall.
Can NDA guarantee special status to Andhra Pradesh, Jagan's poser to PM Modi
Visakhapatnam: The ruling YSR Congress Party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi if the NDA can guarantee special category status to Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Minister was speaking at a public meeting at Gajuwaka in Visakhapatnam as part of an intense election campaign across the state. PM Modi blamed Chandrababu Naidu in the previous elections for turning Polavaram into an ATM (corruption). Interestingly, the very Prime Minister who called Chandrababu Naidu highly corrupt is now praising him because of their alliance with the TDP, said Reddy. He said it is for the people to reflect on the depth of political manoeuvring and the extent to which allegiances shift according to circumstances, hinting at the turnarounds of the NDA partners over the years. The ruling party chief cautioned the people of the port city, saying that if they vote for NDA then the alliance would privatise Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and urged them to vote for YSRCP if that should not happen. Earlier at Rajanagaram in East Godavari district, he alleged that TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu along with BJP state president D Purandeswari was stalling the distribution of welfare schemes in Andhra Pradesh. They are putting pressure on the Election Commission to stall direct benefit transfer (DBT) financial assistance on ongoing welfare schemes of the state like pensions and input subsidy, among others, he said at a meeting. Noting that people were witnessing the 'drama' being orchestrated by Naidu, Reddy observed that the opposition leader is allegedly making use of Delhi-based alliance partner (BJP) to stir up major controversies for inflicting sufferings on people. People who received welfare pensions at their doorsteps for the past five years were now compelled to run from pillar to post to collect them, he charged. Considering these hardships, the CM asked elderly people to respond with double vigour while voting to bring him back to power for reinstating pension services. Claiming that the TDP chief is behind these plots, the YSRCP chief noted that this marks a new low in democracy. Moreover, Reddy asserted the YSRCP will regain power on June 4 and within a week expedite all welfare schemes distribution.TDP, BJP and Janasena are part of the NDA in Andhra Pradesh. Elections for the 175 Assembly constituencies and 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state are scheduled on May 13.
Vote-from-home begins in Visakhapatnam district
Elderly persons express happiness over the facility
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and 11 other MLC take oath
Patna,May 7 (UNI) Chief Minister Nitish Kumar along with eleven newly elected Members of the Bihar Legislative Council took oath as the members of the Upper house here on Tuesday. The Chairman of the Council Devesh Chandra Thakur administered the oath of office to the members in the presence of Bihar Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore... The post Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and 11 other MLC take oath first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .
Andhra University releases AUEET-2024 results, all top 3 rankers are from Visakhapatnam
Andhra University releases AUEET-2024 results, all top 3 rankers are from Visakhapatnam - The Hindu
Andhra University releases AUEET-2024 results, all top 3 rankers are from Visakhapatnam The Hindu
Keen contest is on the cards in the constituency as TDP candidate P.G.V.R. Naidu, who won twice from the seat, is facing YSRCP candidate Adari Anand Kumar and CPI candidate Attili Vimala
Patna emerges as India's most flood-prone city, reveals recent study
Patna emerges as India's most flood-prone city, reveals recent study Patna experiences the worst floods in India, followed by West Bengal's Murshidabad and Maharashtra's Thane, according to a district-level flood severity index (DFSI) developed by researchers at IIT-Delhi and IIT-Roorkee. The index takes into account the historical severity of floods based on the number of affected people, the spread and duration of floods. The researchers said the top 10 districts where flood severity is the highest are: Patna, Murshidabad, Thane, North 24 Parganas (West Bengal), Guntur (Andhra Pradesh), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Ballia (Uttar Pradesh), East Champaran (Bihar), and East Medinipur (West Bengal). These are followed by Muzaffarnagar (Bihar), Lakhimpur (Assam), Kota (Rajasthan), Aurangabad (Maharashtra), Malda (West Bengal), Rajkot (Gujarat), Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Aurangabad (Bihar), Bahraich (Uttar Pradesh), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Jalpaiguri (West Bengal), Darjeeling (West Bengal), Dibrugarh (Assam), Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh), Chamoli (Uttarakhand), West Champaran (Bihar), Amravati (Maharashtra), Medinipur West (West Bengal), and Samastipur (Bihar). Though Chamoli in Uttarakhand does not face recurrent floods, it appears on this list because of a few isolated highly damaging flood events. Among the 30 districts facing the highest risk of floods, 17 are in the Ganga basin and three are in the Brahmaputra basin. Among all the Indian river basins, the Ganga basin has the highest population, and its high flood proneness is worrisome, said the researchers, including Manabendra Saharia, an assistant professor at IIT-Delhi. Assam experiences the highest number of floods in India, having faced more than 800 flood events over 56 years. The other flood-prone states, in descending order of flood events, include Kerala, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Data from 1967 to 2023 shows that Thiruvananthapuram has experienced more than 231 floods or more than four events per year on average. Five districts -- Thiruvananthapuram, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Kamrup, and Nagaon -- have been categorised as ''severely flood-prone,'' having recorded more than 178 floods, or more than three events per year on average. The researchers said localised intense rainfall events are likely to rise in the future due to climate change, and therefore, more flash floods are expected. Under the warming climate, the frequency of cyclones will increase, and coastal and nearby inland areas will face more instances of intense rainfall and floods. It is also likely that areas that are not currently flood-prone may begin to see flooding. The researchers said human fatality due to floods is nearly stable or has come down in recent times due to better management despite an increase in the population in India. The number of deaths is around 1,000 per year since 2015, the data showed.
Former Congress Leader Radhika Khera and Actor Shekhar Suman Induct into BJP
Former Congress Leader Radhika Khera and Actor Shekhar Suman Induct into BJP Former Congress leader Radhika Khera and actor Shekhar Suman joined the BJP on Tuesday. Khera, the former national coordinator of the Congress's media department, resigned from the party's primary membership on Sunday, days after her altercation with another leader at the party's Chhattisgarh office. In her resignation letter to Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Khera also claimed she was facing opposition in the party for her visit to the Ram temple in Ayodhya. Suman, a popular TV actor who also worked in many Bollywood films, has returned to politics after a gap of about 15 years. He had fought the 2009 Lok Sabha elections from Patna Sahib seat in Bihar on a Congress ticket but came third in the contest which was won by Shatrughan Sinha, who was then with the BJP. Both Khera and Suman joined the BJP at its headquarters here in the presence of its senior leaders, including party national general secretary Vinod Tawde and national media department in-charge Anil Baluni. Addressing a joint press conference with the BJP leaders, Khera claimed she left the Congress as she was being mistreated since she visited Ayodhya along with her family members for 'darshan' of Lord Ram. She also alleged that the Congress has become ''anti-Sanatan and anti-Hindu and anti-Ram''. ''I could reach here due to a safe and secured government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (at the Centre). I could not have reached here if I had not got protection from the BJP government in Chhattisgarh,'' she claimed. ''I was punished in Congress for being a Hindu, a Sanatani girl and a devotee of Lord Ram. This is no more Mahatma Gandhis Congress,'' she charged. Suman expressed gratitude towards God for guiding him to join the BJP, saying one has to do what Lord Ram desires. ''Until yesterday, I did not know that I would be sitting here. I have come here with a very positive thought. I thank God who ordered me to come here,'' he told reporters. Suman hailed Modi and said under his leadership, India has witnessed significant development over the past decade, with its ''position, status, and fortune undergoing positive transformations''. ''It is the duty of every Hindustani to be part of this stream and energy,'' he said, adding, ''I am fortunate that I have got the opportunity''. He thanked Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP chief JP Nadda and other leaders of the party for giving him an opportunity to fulfill his social responsibility and commitment to fostering a positive change. Suman, who is well known for a number of TV series including ''Dekh Bhai Dekh'' and late night show ''Movers n Shakers'' hosted by him, is in limelight with Leela Bhansali's web series Heeramandi. He is portraying the character of Nawab Zulfikar in the web series. Welcoming Khera and Suman to the BJP fold, Tawde said he was confident that they will contribute to achieving Modi's resolve of making India a developed country. Referring to Suman's famous ''Movers n Shakers'' TV show, the BJP leader said in lighter when, ''We will see who will move and shake now''.
BJP lines up national leaders, Union ministers, CMs for campaign in Odisha
As Odisha polls near, BJP intensifies campaign with star campaigners like Modi, Shah, and Rajnath. BJD relies on Patnaik and Pandian. Campaign events include roadshows, rallies, and public meetings across the state.
Jagan reiterates resolve to make Visakhapatnam executive capital of Andhra Pradesh
Expressing confidence that welfare schemes will help his party win the elections, the YSRCP president says that he will take oath as Chief Minister on June 4
Jagan reiterates resolve to make Visakhapatnam executive capital of Andhra Pradesh - The Hindu
Jagan reiterates resolve to make Visakhapatnam executive capital of Andhra Pradesh The Hindu
Lalu Prasad clarifies Muslim quota pitch, says social backwardness is basis for reservation
Lalu Prasad clarifies Muslim quota pitch, says social backwardness is basis for reservation Patna: Hours after his remark that people from the Muslim community should get full reservations triggered a political row, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav clarified in a video statement that the Mandal Commission recommendations provide reservations to more [] The post Lalu Prasad clarifies Muslim quota pitch, says social backwardness is basis for reservation appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Patna most vulnerable to floods in India, finds new research
The researchers said the top 10 districts where flood severity is the highest are: Patna, Murshidabad, Thane, North 24 Parganas (West Bengal), Guntur (Andhra Pradesh), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Ballia (Uttar Pradesh), East Champaran (Bihar), and East Medinipur (West Bengal).
Authorisation letters given to polling agents of political parties did not bear the signature of the RO, he says
AUEET 2024 Results Announced: Check Your Ranks Now at audoa.andhrauniversity.edu.in
The Directorate of Admissions, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, has announced the AUEET 2024 result. Candidates can now view their ranks online at audoa.andhrauniversity.edu.in. Discover the top performers and learn how to access and download the AUEET rank card for further proceedings.
AUEET 2024 result out at audoa.andhrauniversity.edu.in, direct link here
The Andhra Pradesh University, Visakhapatnam, has announced the AUEET 2024 results on its official website at audoa.andhrauniversity.edu.in. The exam took place across eight locations in Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Rajamahendravaram, Vijayawada, Guntur, Tirupati, and Kadapa. Uppada Sai Eeswar from Visakhapatnam secured the top position with a score of 69 marks. The AUEET determines admission to BTech programs at Andhra University's College of Engineering. Kondaji Sai Praneeth and Giduturi Mohan Sai Sampath, both from Visakhapatnam, tied for second place with 64 marks.
Lalu Prasad bats for Muslim reservation, Samrat Choudhary hits back
Patna: With the third phase of Lok Sabha elections underway on Tuesday, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav said that people from the Muslim community should get full reservation. The BJP leaders are provoking the people by talking about Jungle Raj in Bihar. They are simply scared of losing the elections and that 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 .
Muslims should be given reservation : Lalu
Patna, May 7 (UNI) RJD chief Lalu Prasad on Tuesday vouched that the Muslims should definitely be extended reservation facilities. Strongly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his allegation that INDIA bloc would extend reservation to Muslims from the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) quota in government services at national level if voted to power, Prasad... The post Muslims should be given reservation : Lalu first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .
Indian navy ships arrive at Singapore
A view of Visakhapatnam beach. (Image source:Facebook) A view of Visakhapatnam beach. (Image source:Facebook) Visakhapatnam: Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan led by Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet arrived at Singapore on Monday to a warm welcome by personnel of Republic of Singapore Navy and the High Commissioner of India in Singapore, said a release issued by Eastern Naval Command on Tuesday. The release said the visit is part of the Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea. This visit is poised to further strengthen the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two maritime nations through a series of engagements and activities. During the ships' stay in harbour, various activities planned to be undertaken include interactions with the High Commission of India, professional interactions with the Republic of Singapore Navy as also academia and community outreach amongst other activities, reflecting the shared values of both navies. The Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy have had robust relations spanning three decades of cooperation, coordination and collaboration with regular visits, exchange of best practices, and reciprocal training arrangements. The current deployment underscores the strong linkages between both the navies, the release added.
'Local vs outsider' in Khagaria contest
Should not Muslims get benefits of reservation? asks RJD chief Lalu Prasad
PATNA: RJD president Lalu Prasad on Tuesday said he was in favour of extending reservation benefits to Muslims. He alleged that the ruling BJP at the Centre wanted to do away with reservations by scrapping the Constitution. The BJP is against the provision of reservations made in the Constitution. Hence, it wants to do away with both, Prasad told reporters at the legislative council premises. The ailing septuagenarian, who nowadays prefers to stay indoors, was attending a swearing-in ceremony where his wife Rabri Devi took oath as an MLC. Others who took oath included Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Prasad's arch rival who heads the JD(U). Altogether 11 people were elected unopposed to the Upper House of legislature in Bihar in the biennial polls held earlier this year. On BJP's charge that if voted to power, the Congress, RJD and other allies would steal reservations meant for OBCs and divert these to Muslims, Prasad said, ut should not Muslims get the benefit of reservations? (Aarakshan to milna hi chahiye Musalmanon ko). He also said the BJP was indulging in scaremongering (bhadka rahe hain) by raising the bogey of jungle raj at election rallies. He also mocked the abki baar 400 paar claim of Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying woh khud hi paar ho gaye hain (he is on his way out). The poll outcome will be in our favour.
Muslims should get reservations, says Lalu
Patna: RJD president Lalu Prasad on Tuesday said he was in favour of extending reservation benefits to Muslims. He alleged that the ruling BJP at the Centre wanted to do away with reservations by scrapping the Constitution. The BJP is against the provision of reservations made in the Constitution. Hence, it wants to do away 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 .
DLSA Patna Para Legal Volunteer (PLV) Recruitment 2024: Apply for 150 Vacancies
District Legal Service Authority (DLSA), Patna, is offering a remarkable opportunity for individuals seeking to contribute to legal aid and community service. The authority has released an employment notification for the recruitment of Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs). If you fulfill the eligibility criteria and are eager to make a difference in society, read on to learn more about this exciting opportunity.
BJDs move to placate dissidents, Samir appointed Dhenkanal LS seat observer
BHUBANESWAR : Even as discontentment over denial of tickets and replacement of candidates has become a grave concern for BJD, the party on Monday appointed two leaders to organisational posts. While sitting MLA from Nimapara, Samir Ranjan Dash has been appointed as an observer for Dhenkanal Parliamentary seat, Arundhati Kumari Devi, wife of Nitesh Ganga Deb, Sambalpur MP of BJP was announced as a general secretary of the party. Dash, a three-time MLA from Nimapara, was denied ticket by the party for the upcoming Assembly election. The party had nominated Dilip Nayak who had quit BJP and joined BJD only on April 4 after he was denied a ticket from the Assembly segment. There was widespread discontentment among a section of BJD in Nimapara following the development prompting Dash to announce he is yet to decide on his next course of action. Supporters of Dash were putting pressure on him to file his nomination as an Independent. Sources said that by appointing Dash as an observer for Dhenkanal Lok Sabha seat, BJD has tried to placate him. However, Dash was unavailable for his comments on the development. Similarly, Arundhati was announced BJDs candidate for the Deogarh Assembly seat and she had also started campaigning. Arundhati had joined BJD recently along with her son and had met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the Naveen Niwas. However, there was large-scale resentment within the party over her candidature. Sources said BJD was forced to change her candidature as local leaders were not in a mood to accept her. There was a strong possibility that the resentment of local leaders would have affected the performance of the party in Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat from where its organisational secretary is pitted against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The party had replaced Arundhanti with Romancha Ranjan Biswal who had unsuccessfully contested the 2019 Assembly election against Subash Panigrahi of BJP. The saffron party has renominated Panigrahi this time.
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant privatisation top concern in AP's Gajuwaka segment The New Indian Express
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant privatisation top concern in AP's Gajuwaka segment
VISAKHAPATNAM: In the upcoming general elections, the Gajuwaka constituency in Visakhapatnam stands as a significant battleground, owing to its economic importance and the array of challenges it faces. In the previous election, YSRCs Nagireddy Tippala secured victory, defeating Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan by a margin of 16,753 votes. This time, the stage is set for another intense face-off, with sitting Anakapalle MLA and State IT minister Gudivada Amarnath, representing the YSRC, squaring off against TDPs Palla Srinivas Rao, backed by the BJP and the JSP. The Gajuwaka constituency encompasses notable areas such as Aganampudi, Chinagantyada, Pedagantyada, BHPV, Auto Nagar, Duvvada, Gangavaram, Kanithi, Mindi, Kurmannapalem, Srinagar, Steel Plant Township, Vadlapudi, and Yarada, among others. At the heart of Gajuwaka lies the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), more commonly known as the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, a cornerstone of the regions industrial landscape. However, recent years have seen mounting tensions as Ukku protesters have been rallying against the governments proposal to privatise RINL. The livelihoods of over one lakh families, directly or indirectly dependent on VSP and its affiliated sectors, hang in the balance. None of the political parties have assured the people that they can stop privatisation of VSP. Despite the TDP being in an alliance with the BJP and its candidates speaking out against privatisation, including MP candidate Sribharat, the party hasnt managed to get higher-ranking BJP officials to spell out their stand on the matter. Similarly, candidates from the YSRC, like MP candidate Botcha Jhansi, have voiced opposition, but their promises dont inspire confidence among the public. People feel these parties are just using the issue to gain votes. They see it as a political stunt during elections. The second-largest constituency in the State, Gajuwaka grapples with pollution challenges attributed to the burgeoning presence of pharmaceuticals and other industries. Additionally, narrow roads, heavy traffic, inadequate street lighting, stray dog menace, insufficient drinking water facilities, and the need for improved public transport connectivity are among the pressing concerns in the region. The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporations (APIIC) Industrial Area Local Authority (IALA) at Auto Nagar in Gajuwaka hosts a multitude of micro, small, and medium industries, providing sustenance to thousands of employees. Amarnath recently unveiled a distinct manifesto, Vijaya Vaaradhi, focusing on addressing various issues specific to his constituency, Gajuwaka. Emphasising priorities such as skill training for youth and employment opportunities, the manifesto pledges to tackle key issues, including infrastructure development, traffic management, pollution mitigation, and the establishment of skill development centres and business incubation facilities. The legislator announced plans to relocate Auto Nagar from Gajuwaka to Koduru in the near future. However, public sentiment on this matter differs. Srinivas, a Gajuwaka resident, highlighted the stark contrast in air quality between their locality and the city centre, noting pervasive pollution issues. He expressed frustration at politicians addressing these concerns only during elections, emphasising that pollution has long plagued the region. This pollution leaves black layers of dust on the floors inside our homes. It is concerning that politicians only seem to address this issue during elections, talking about pollution and tree planting as if it were a new problem. In reality, pollution has been a problem for years, he stated.
Muslims should get full reservation: Lalu Prasad
RJD leader Lalu Prasad advocated for Muslim reservation during a press interaction in Patna ahead of the third phase of Lok Sabha elections. Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks about the INDI alliance possibly extending SC/ST reservations to Muslims, Prasad accused the BJP of fearmongering due to their dwindling electoral prospects. He asserted that the BJP's warnings of 'Jungle Raj' stem from their apprehension, aiming to sow discord and undermine democratic principles.
YSRC demands clarification on five issues from PM Modi
VIJAYAWADA: On the day of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Andhra Pradesh, the YSRC launched a digital campaign, demanding answers for five critical issues in the State. Taking to social media platform X, (formerly Twitter), all the leaders spoke in unison and posted, @ncbn (TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu), there are five deceitful points that you are uttering repeatedly. If its the truth as you claim, then the people of Andhra Pradesh want your boss Mr Modi to declare that they are a part of the joint agenda of the BJP-TDP-JSP alliance. If Mr Modi fails to clarify on these issues, then its proven that you are a hypocritical and unprincipled illusionist whose promises are as unreliable and two-faced as his politics. Over 120 YSRC leaders, including Vishakapatnam MP candidate Botcha Jhansi and MLA Avanthi Srinivasa Rao, shot off tweets challenging PM Modi to address these pressing concerns. The five issues that the ruling party demanded the Prime Minister to include in the agenda of the alliance were -- the NDA alliance in Andhra Pradesh will not remove 4% reservation for Muslims under the OBC quota; it will not privatise the Vizag Steel Plant; CAA-NRC will not be implemented in its current form and Muslims will be included; Andhra Pradesh will get the Special Category Status; the TDP and its allies will repeal the Land Titling Act as promised in their manifesto, by directly disregarding the Central government guidelines that led to the formation of this Act. PM Modi accuses YSRC & Congress of corruption
Seeds of development will bear fruits: CM Jagan Mohan Reddy
VIJAYAWADA: Asserting that May 13 will decide the fate of Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday appealed to the people to think about what the TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu had not done for them and the State when he served as chief minister for 14 years and what he (Jagan) had done in the last 59 months. He said: If you believe in Naidu, it will be like awakening Chandramukhi to suck your blood. It will be like putting your head in the mouth of Anaconda. Addressing election rallies at Repalle in Bapatla district, Macherla in Palnadu district, and Machilipatnam in Krishna district, he said a vote for TDP in the next weeks election will put a full stop to the plethora of welfare schemes, while choosing YSRC will help continue the saga. Elucidating that he planted saplings of happiness in every household, took care of their welfare, and development of the State five years ago, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy asserted that they will grow into most remarkable trees and bear fruits in the next 10 to 15 years, elevating the lives of the poor on a very big scale. YSRC fulfilled 99.5% of election promises in last 59 months: Jagan Likening himself to a committed farmer, he said that the people had given him the responsibility of cultivating the agricultural field known as Andhra Pradesh five years ago and he sowed a slew of welfare schemes and reforms in the education, administrative, and medical health sectors. He said that the ensuing elections are not just meant for electing MLAs and MPs, but they will also decide the peoples future for the next five years. The YSRC has fulfilled 99.5% of its election promises and implemented various welfare schemes in the last 59 months, while Chandrababu Naidu dumped his manifesto after winning the elections in the past. Chandrababu Naidu turned vicious on Land Act: Jagan Mohan Reddy Jagan said that his government has disbursed `2.70 lakh crore through DBT under various welfare schemes and delivered social security pensions at the doorstep through the volunteer system, empowered women, farmers, and self-employed persons, besides taking healthcare to the doorstep of people. He further said his government created 2.31 lakh government jobs and distributed 31 lakh house site pattas, besides constructing 22 lakh houses for weaker sections. The YSRC president listed out various reforms introduced by his government in education and health sectors, revamping government schools with better infrastructure, introducing English medium, bilingual textbooks, implementing Amma Vodi, Vidya Deevena, Vidya Kanuka, digitalisation of classrooms, introduction of IB and CBSE syllabus, village clinics, family doctor, increasing 108, 104 services. Jagan lambasted the TDP chief and his friendly media for their disinformation campaign on key issues, unmindful of the fact that it destroys the stature of the State. On the disinformation campaign launched against the AP Land Titling Act by the TDP through phone calls and messages, he said that even TDP MLA Payyavula Keshav highlighted the importance of the Act in the Assembly and the good it would do for the landholders. Elaborating, Jagan said the Act was meant to give a guarantee of dispute-free ownership of land to the landholders by updating records, mutations, and subdivisions, and in the event of disputes, the owners would be paid compensation and insurance. My government initiated resurvey after 100 years to set right the records and save time and money to the landholders who are suffering from litigations, he clarified, adding that the resurvey, being undertaken by nearly 15,000 surveyors, has already been completed in 6000 villages and would be completed in the next two years in the rest of the revenue villages. BJP doesnt agree with Naidu's promises: Jagan Mohan Reddy
