YSRCP heavyweight Peddireddis stoic silence ruffles cadre

A trusted lieutenant of the Andhra Pradesh CM, Ramachandra Reddy has always proved his mettle as a troubleshooter during times of crisis

Elections unlocked: Can Jagan Reddy beat anti-incumbency in Andhra Pradesh?

Elections unlocked Can Jagan Reddy beat antiincumbency in Andhra Pradesh

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.

Andhra Pradesh: Teen Siblings Drown in Nandigama Quarry Pit

Picture used for representational purpose (Photo: DC archives) Picture used for representational purpose (Photo: DC archives) Vijayawada : Two teenage siblings drowned after they accidentally fell into a water-filled quarry pit at Donabanda in Kanchikacherla mandal of NTR district on Wednesday. The deceased have been identified as Liwan Lakshmi Johny (15) and her sister Johny Radha (14), who had gone to wash clothes at the KMC quarry. According to police, Lakshmi Johny and Johny Radha are from Odisha and studying in Class X and Class IX. Their parents work as daily wage labourers at the quarry. The two had gone to the water-filled pit to wash their clothes. One of the girls slipped and fell into the pit. In an attempt to save her, the other girl too drowned. On coming to know about the incident, locals rushed to the spot and fished out the bodies. On receiving information, police shifted the bodies of the two sisters to Nandigama government hospital for post-mortem.

Vote INDIA Alliance to End Modi's Barbarian Rule: Sitaram Yechury

Vijayawada : Secularism and fundamental rights guaranteed to Indian citizens under the Constitution are facing a severe threat from Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government, underlined CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury here on Wednesday. Campaigning in support of the INDIA alliance candidates in Tadepalli of Guntur district, Yechury said, The Prime Ministers latest remarks on Adani and Ambani are a sign that he and BJP are fearing defeat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This has led to the PM making baseless allegations against the INDIA bloc. The CPM general secretary accused the PM and BJP of encouraging communal violence and using religion to consolidate their Hindutva vote bank. To stop BJP from further dividing the country, people of Andhra Pradesh and India should vote for the INDIA alliance candidates and defeat parties which do politics on the basis of religions, Sitaram Yechury stated. He asked AP voters to defeat the TD-JS alliance, which has teamed up with BJP, as well as the ruling YSRCP, which has never opposed the BJP's decisions at the centre.

Road Show of PM Modi a Big Hit in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's maiden roadshow in the political capital of AP here on Wednesday night was a big hit. The show was held from the IGMC stadium to the Benz Circle, to the accompaniment of Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan. The road show was in support of the NDA candidates for the Andhra Pradesh Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Later, the Prime Minister held a brief meeting with Naidu and Pawan to discuss the election prospects. Flanked by Naidu and Pawan Kalyan in a top-open vehicle, Modi waved at the cheering crowds by, at times, raising both his hands. Naidu and Pawan Kalyan responded to people's cheers with folded hands. Large throngs were present on both sides of the Bandar Road to hail the three leaders. Every inch of space was filled with the public along the Bandar road. TD, BJP and JS rank and file stood even on the footpaths, front spaces of shops and on buildings to cheer the three. Some people were carrying flags of their parties as also placards in their hands. The big attraction was a group of women walking ahead of the leaders' vehicle, holding PM Modi's posters in their hands and wearing the BJP's saffron colour sarees. TD candidate from Vijayawada LS, Kesineni Sivanath alias Chinni and NDA candidates from the seven Assembly segments also participated in the road show. Several placards sporting the Abki Baar 400 Paar slogan greeted the Prime Minister as the vehicle moved slowly under close watch of thousands of police personnel including the armed guards. The road was heavily barricaded for security reasons. Several people expressed their views on the present polls. Shakila Begum, a beautician supporting the TD, emphasised the benefits of the BJP and TD schemes like Ujwal and loans for private sector workers. She criticised YSRC's Amma Vodi scheme as a temporary feature. She felt the TD's experience in administration was beneficial for initiatives like capital development in each region. Vinila, a housewife and TD supporter, dismissed the notion of BJP exploiting religious beliefs for political gains. She praised the strong coalition of BJP, TD and Jana Sena, and said this would be beneficial for students' job prospects. She expressed confidence in ChandraBabu's capability to develop a capital equal to Hyderabad. Jyothi, a private sector employee supporting TD, praised TD's schemes and criticised Jagan Mohan Reddys lack of experience in implementing government policies. Nagendra Rao, a private sector employee supporting the YSRC, juxtaposed the differences between Modis and Jagan Mohan Reddys rallies and their respective schemes. He appreciated the YSRC government's initiatives. Ramzani, a housewife, favoured Jagan Mohan Reddy due to his initiatives such as Amma Vodi, Nadu Nedu programmes and distribution of welfare pensions. Despite admiring Pawan Kalyan and supporting Modi, Ramzani said she was more in favour of the welfare programmes and state-level initiatives of Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Corrupt YSRCP govt in AP will be thing of past after Jun 4: PM Modi

Vijayawada: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh will be a thing of the past after June 4 as people are fed up with corruption, cronyism and mafia raj. Modi said this after a roadshow here. Due to its strong link with Congress culture, YSRCP has only furthered corruption, 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 .

PM Modi Slams 'Corrupt' YSRCP Government in Andhra Pradesh, Promises Change After June 4

PM Modi Slams 'Corrupt' YSRCP Government in Andhra Pradesh, Promises Change After June 4 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh will be a thing of the past after June 4 as people are fed up with ''corruption, cronyism and mafia raj''. Modi said this after a roadshow here. ''Due to its strong link with Congress culture, YSRCP has only furthered corruption, cronyism and Mafia Raj. Andhra Pradesh is totally fed up of the YSRCP. Come 4th June, their government will be a thing of the past,'' he said in a post on 'X'. The prime minister said that after travelling across the southern state recently, he was convinced that people were voting for the NDA alliance of the TDP, BJP and the Janasena in large numbers. Women and young voters are propelling this surge of support, he said, calling the roadshow memorable. Modi said the BJP and the TDP have worked together in the past and their alliance was committed to futuristic development, while the active support of the Janasena has further fortified the coalition. He noted that the people of Andhra Pradesh view the NDA alliance as one that is capable of fulfilling aspirations. ''We want to improve agricultural productivity, boost industrial growth and ensure AP (Andhra Pradesh) makes a mark in the services sector too. We want to give wings to the entrepreneurial energy the people of this state are blessed with,'' Modi said. The prime minister vowed that the NDA would leverage the coastline of Andhra Pradesh for its progress, working towards a port-led development of the state and encouraging the fisheries sector. He said that emphasis on next-generation infrastructure would continue while much work needs to be done on road, rail and air connectivity. Modi added that they also want to build a strong digital infrastructure. Earlier, Modi held a roadshow here to canvass for the NDA partners for the elections. Following a public meeting at Kalikiri in Annamayya district in the afternoon, the prime minister commenced his roadshow in the evening from the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium on Bandar Road in Vijayawada, NTR district. Tight security measures were enforced in the city, especially on Bandar Road where most commercial establishments were shut. Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu joined the roadshow, which ended near Benz Circle on Bandar Road. Scores of NDA supporters from the ranks of the BJP, TDP and Janasena converged on Bandar Road to catch a glimpse of the prime minister. Modi, Naidu and Kalyan waved at the crowds and acknowledged them with folded hands. Several supporters clicked pictures and shot videos of the three leaders as they slowly moved atop a vehicle as part of the roadshow which lasted over an hour. The roadshow was Modi's fourth electioneering programme in the southern state within two days after back-to-back meetings at Rajamahendravaram and Anakapalli on May 6, followed by another public meeting at Kalikiri on Wednesday. Simultaneous elections for the 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly constituencies in the southern state will be held on May 13 and results will be declared on June 4.

RINL seeks AP govts intervention for supply of coking coal from Adani Port

New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh-based steel maker RINL has sought the state governments intervention to ensure immediate supply of coking coal stuck at Adani Gangavaram Port. The coking coal supply has been stuck since last month due to agitation of workers at AGPL (Adani Gangavaram Port Limited), which is operated by Adani group company Adani Ports 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 .

Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, Ranjth Vie for Chevella Crown

Hyderabad: The Chevella Lok Sabha constituency, situated on the outskirts of Hyderabad, has become a political battleground. The ruling Congress and the opposition BJP are engaged in a fierce electoral battle to secure the seat from the BRS, which lost power in the recent Assembly polls. The Chevella constituency was established in 2009 after the delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies. The Congress won the Chevella seat in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls when it was the ruling party in combined Andhra Pradesh. However, after the formation of Telangana State in 2014, the BRS (then TRS) won the Chevella seat in the Lok Sabha elections held in 2014 and 2019. The political landscape in Chevella has undergone significant changes in the past five months following the BRS' loss in the Assembly polls in December 2023. The BRS has lost its leaders and cadre base to the Congress and the BJP, relegating it to a third position in the constituency. The incumbent MP from Chevella, Gaddam Ranjith Reddy, has quit the BRS and is now contesting as a Congress candidate. Similarly, Konda Vishweshwar Reddy, who won as an MP on the BRS ticket from Chevella in 2014, joined the Congress in 2018, contested as a Congress candidate in 2019, and later joined the BJP. Interestingly, Konda and Ranjith, who were BRS MPs in 2014 and 2019, are now competing against each other as BJP and Congress candidates, respectively. The BRS, having lost two of its prominent leaders to the BJP and Congress, has fielded Kasani Gnaneshwar, a BC leader from the Mudiraj community, who joined the BRS in November 2023 just before the Assembly polls. Issues such as GO 111, poor roads, lack of proper road and rail connectivity, extension of MMTS rail services, irrigation and drinking water problems, and the Regional Ring Road dominate the election campaigning in rural areas. BJP candidate Konda Vishweshwar Reddy has released a 'special manifesto' for Chevella, promising to improve basic infrastructure facilities in 900 villages, enhance education facilities, boost agriculture, promote local employment opportunities, advance infrastructure, and enhance social welfare with effective implementation of central and state welfare schemes. Additionally, Konda promised to develop and promote rural tourism hubs across Parigi, Vikarabad, Chevella, Kandukur, and Tandur. Konda emphasises that a BJP-led government will come to power for a third term at the Centre, and as a BJP MP collaborating with the Central government, he will secure more funds for the development of the constituency. He also promises to allocate MPLADS funds amounting to `5 crore annually towards Chevella's comprehensive development. In addition, through the Konda Madhava Reddy Foundation, established in memory of his father, he pledges to undertake several welfare and development programmes with his own funds. Congress candidate G. Ranjith Reddy is also seeking votes on similar grounds, stating that the Congress is in power in the state and that the Congress-led I.N.D.I.A. bloc will come to power at the Centre in June. If elected from Chevella, he promises to secure funds for the constituency's development from both state and Central governments. Ranjith Reddy highlights his achievements during his previous term as Chevella MP, including convincing the then Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao to lift GO 111, which had hindered Chevella's development. He promises to further implement GO 111 with the support of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy if re-elected. Ranjith Reddy also pledges to provide MMTS rail connectivity, supply water from Jurala to Vikarabad, improve infrastructure facilities in government schools and hospitals, and upgrade existing government educational institutions.

Congress Leader Vadde Yellaiahs Body Found After 20 Days

Suryapet: The body of Suryapet rural bloc Congress committee president Vadde Yellaiah, 58, missing since April 18, was discovered near Bandipalem in Jaggaiahpet mandal, Andhra Pradesh's NTR district. Yellaiah went to Jaggaiahpet to assist a woman with a financial matter on April 18 and had been missing since then. A resident of Yerkaram village in Suryapet mandal, his disappearance prompted his family to file a complaint with the Jaggaiahpet police. Police sources revealed that three suspects, including one from the victim's hometown, were detained and interrogated. Initially claiming to have disposed of Yellaiah's body in the Bay of Bengal, their story was debunked after a police investigation in Visakhapatnam. Subsequent interrogation led to the revelation that they had buried Yellaiah's body in a forest near Bandipalem. Police recovered Yellaiah's decomposed body and conducted a post-mortem examination at the site before transporting it to Yerkaram in Suryapet district, escorted by relatives. Tension ran high in Yerkaram upon the body's arrival, prompting a heavy police presence to forestall any unrest. Followers of Yellaiah retaliated by attacking the homes of the suspects on May 5, causing property damage. Yellaiah had previously been associated with the CPI (ML-Jana Shakthi) before joining the Congress.

Nara Lokesh heaps praises on Narendra Modi

PM Modi holds roadshow in Vijayawada with Chandrababu, Pawan Kalyan

Vijayawada: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a massive roadshow in Vijayawada in support of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidates for Andhra Pradesh Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Flanked by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N. Chandrababu Naidu and Jana Sena Party (JSP) president Pawan Kalyan in an open-top vehicle, PM Modi was 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 .

Palnadu Collector inspects home voting procedure

Punish Congress for Pitrodas racial comments: PM Modi

Rajampet (Andhra Pradesh), May 8: Terming Sam Pitrodas racial comments as shameful, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged people to punish the Congress for such remarks. On Wednesday morning, Congress leader Sam Pitroda stirred a major controversy by saying during an interview that Indians in the East resemble the Chinese, while those in the [] The post Punish Congress for Pitrodas racial comments: PM Modi appeared first on The Shillong Times .

Battle For Telangana, Andhra Pradesh Gets Intense - NDTV

Battle For Telangana, Andhra Pradesh Gets Intense NDTV

Convinced about strong people support for NDA in Andhra Pradesdh, says Narendra Modi

Roadshow in Vijayawada memorable, the Prime Minister posts on X; it is his fifth election campaign in Andhra Pradesh in over 50 days

Modis roadshow draws huge crowd in Vijayawada

It is the fifth election campaign of the Prime Minister in Andhra Pradesh in just over 50 days

Eight trainee IPS officers allotted to Prakasam amid elections

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

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

Ensure that Kharge, Yechurys upcoming meeting in Vijayawada is a grand success, appeals Kolanukonda Shivaji

Countdown has started for YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh, says Narendra Modi - The Hindu

Countdown has started for YSRCP government in Andhra Pradesh, says Narendra Modi The Hindu

Congress Manifesto Echoes Muslim League: UP CM Adityanath

Congress Manifesto Echoes Muslim League: UP CM Adityanath Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said the Congress manifesto appeared to represent a ''new version of the Muslim League''. ''This is not a 'Nyay Patra', but 'Anyay Patra' towards the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Castes and Sanatana Dharma,'' Adityanath told reporters at the Gorakhnath temple. ''A new version of the Muslim League has come. Nothing can be more shameful than the manifesto of the country's oldest political party, Congress, representing the Muslim League,'' he said, according to a statement issued in Lucknow. When asked about Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's accusation that the BJP promotes hatred politics, the chief minister said that instead of telling white lies, she should at least develop a habit of speaking the truth. These people won't be able to deceive the public anymore during the elections because the entire nation has come together in the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, he added. Escalating his attack on the Congress, Adityanath said everyone knows that the grand old party has ''inherited the policy of divide and rule''. ''In 1947, the Congress allowed the cunning tactics of the British to succeed and divided the country. After independence, the Congress fuelled class struggles within the country based on caste, region and language due to political selfishness,'' Adityanath said. ''Terrorism, Naxalism and separatism, all of these are contributions of the Congress, he added. ''Who doesn't know what Sonia Gandhi did as the chairperson of the UPA from 2004 to 2014?'' Adityanath said and added that Justice Ranganath Mishra Committee was formed to undermine OBC reservation. The chief minister said the committee even suggested allocating six per cent of the OBC reservation to the Muslims. The BJP and NDA opposed it at that time, and the Congress' plans could not materialize, he added. Adityanath further said the Congress and its allies also attempted to encroach upon the rights of SC-ST communities. During the Congress government, there were attempts, as mentioned in the Sachar Committee report, to include some Muslim communities in the Scheduled Caste category. However, due to opposition from the NDA and BJP, the Congress' plans couldn't be fulfilled, he added. The chief minister accused the Congress of implementing Section 370 in Kashmir and undermining OBC reservation in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The people of India will never allow the intention of the Congress to be fulfilled because divisive politics is not in anyone's interest, he added. Adityanath emphasized the Congress' manifesto is of divisive nature, warning that it could lead India towards class conflicts and encroach upon the rights of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Backward Classes. He, however, expressed confidence the people of the nation will resist these plans of the Congress.

YSRCP government betrayed all sections of society: Killi Kruparani

Super Six assurances ensure more votes for TDP in rural areas: Kondapalli Srinivas

Nice Try, Bhargav! Bharat Exposes YCPs Fake Edits! - M9

Nice Try, Bhargav! Bharat Exposes YCPs Fake Edits! M9

NDA suppressed trade unions with its labour codes: Bobbili Srinu

NDA suppressed trade unions with its labour codes: Bobbili Srinu

Sudden rains damage chilli, mango crop in Prakasam district

AP government in no mood to leave Hyderabad as its joint capital city

Hyderabad: With hardly a month to end 10-year Hyderabad as joint capital of newly formed Telangana State and Andhra Pradesh, the AP Government is yet to take a decision on leaving the State.As per the AP Reorganisation Act 2014 5. (1) on and from the appointed day (June 2), Hyderabad in the existing State of Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

At Ground Zero of Andhra capital battle, dashed dreams fuel TDP rise, put YSRCP on back foot - The Indian Express

At Ground Zero of Andhra capital battle, dashed dreams fuel TDP rise, put YSRCP on back foot The Indian Express

Battle For Telangana, Andhra Pradesh Gets Intense

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hit out at Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Rahul Gandhi as he campaigns in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh which go to polls in the 4th phase.

Pitroda's racial analogy for Indians sparks row, but Modi remains steadfast in BJP's charge against opposition

Pitroda's racial analogy for Indians sparks row, but Modi remains steadfast in BJP's charge against opposition Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the BJP's all-out attack on the Congress on Wednesday over Sam Pitroda's analogy to depict India's diversity as he slammed his comments as ''racist'' and asserted that people will not tolerate the attempt to insult them on the basis of their skin colour. Pitroda's choice of ethnic and racial identities like Chinese, Arabs, Whites and Africans at a podcast to describe how Indians from different parts of the country look landed the Congress in yet another soup. As Pitroda's remarks went viral and triggered a political firestorm, the Congress, like the last time, swiftly distanced itself from the words used by its overseas wing chairperson and even criticised those as ''most unfortunate and unacceptable''. The BJP dismissed the Congress's stand as meaningless as it cited Pitroda's close association with the Gandhi family and launched a blistering attack. At his rallies in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Modi said he is livid with the racial profiling of Indians by the US-based ''philosopher and uncle of shehzada (Rahul Gandhi)'', and linked the Congress's opposition to Droupadi Murmu's presidential bid to its mindset, which saw her as an ''African'' because of her dark skin. He asked the Congress chief ministers of Karnataka and Telangana, Siddaramaiah and A Revanth Reddy respectively, if they will accept ''such an accusation''. The prime minister asked if Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin will snap the DMK's ties with the Congress for Tamil pride. ''Do they have the guts?'' he asked. Pitroda, an advisor to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, said, ''We have survived 75 years in a very happy environment where people could live together, leaving aside a few fights here and there. We could hold the country as diverse as India together. Where people in the east look like the Chinese, people in the west look like the Arabs, people in the north look like, maybe, white and people in the south look like Africans.'' ''It does not matter. All of us are brothers and sisters. We respect different languages, different religions, different customs, different food,'' he said. His controversial comments came soon after his reference to inheritance tax in the United States while discussing the Congress's Lok Sabha poll manifesto gave the ruling BJP a potent handle to accuse the opposition party of eying citizens' assets as part of its ''redistribution of wealth'' policy. Campaigning for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Modi pounced on Pitroda's comments to hit out at the Congress. ''I do not get angry if someone abuses me. Today, the philosopher of 'shehzada' (prince) has inflicted such a big abuse that I am full of anger. Will people's abilities in our country be decided by the colour of their skin? Who has allowed the shehzada to play this game of skin?'' he said. As a row erupted, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said on X: ''The analogies drawn by Mr Sam Pitroda in a podcast to illustrate India's diversity are most unfortunate and unacceptable. The Indian National Congress completely dissociates itself from these analogies.'' The BJP dismissed the Congress's disassociation with the controversial comments as it noted at a press conference that Pitroda has a history of making ''insulting and demeaning'' comments, including on terrorism and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. His ''hua to hua'' (so what) reaction to a question on the 1984 communal violence and ''it happens all the time'' reference to the Pulwama terror attack, both in 2019 as the country was gearing up for the general election, had also triggered massive rows. At the press conference, Union minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar cited Pitroda's long association with the Gandhi family and said he is explaining Sonia Gandhi's and Rahul Gandhi's idea of India. When a senior Congress leader uses such language, it reveals the mindset of the party's leadership, which is grounded in divisiveness, racism and ignorance, Chandrasekhar alleged. The opposition party's stand is nothing but hypocrisy and it should sack Pitroda as the head of the Indian Overseas Congress, the minister said, alleging that Rahul Gandhi only echoes and amplifies Pitroda's views when he ''runs down'' Indian institutions and democracy during his travels abroad. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said the Congress is getting more and more unmasked as the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls progress and the central issue is no longer election but India's existence. He said the polls have now become a battle between those under the influence of a foreign mindset in their definition of India and an India that is ''aatmanirbhar'' (self-reliant) and brimming with self-pride. Playing other remarks of Pitroda at the press conference, the BJP MP said the Congress leader believes that issues like Ram temple and Modi going to temples pose a challenge to India's democracy. It betrays his ignorance and contempt of India's fundamental identity as its spirit of democracy and harmonious co-existence is rooted in its culture and traditions, he added. In a post on X, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, ''I am from South India. I look Indian! My team has enthusiastic members from northeast India. They look Indian! My colleagues from west India look Indian! But, for the racist who is the mentor of Rahul Gandhi we all look African, Chinese, Arab and the White! Thanks for revealing your mindset and your attitude. INDI alliance's shame!''

'Modi and Jagan are working overtime to peddle lies' - The Week

'Modi and Jagan are working overtime to peddle lies' The Week

Vijayawada DRM inaugurates summer sports camp for children at Railway Mini Stadium

Vijayawada DRM inaugurates summer sports camp for children at Railway Mini Stadium - The Hindu

Vijayawada DRM inaugurates summer sports camp for children at Railway Mini Stadium The Hindu

YSRCP betraying people, running 'Gunda Raaj' in Andhra Pradesh: PM Modi trains guns at AP govt in Rajampet rally

YSRCP betraying people, running 'Gunda Raaj' in Andhra Pradesh: PM Modi trains guns at AP govt in Rajampet rally Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a blistering attack on the Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) on Wednesday, accusing the party of etraying the people of the state over development and running a 'Gunda Raaj' in Andhra Pradesh. The Prime Minister said the YSRCP government prioritised the development of the mafia over the underprivileged people of the state. Addressing a public rally at Rajampet in Annamayya district here, Prime Minister Modi said, The people of Andhra Pradesh formed the YSRCP government with a lot of expectations but were betrayed. YSRCP did the development of mafia and not the poor people. The way the ministers of YSRCP are running a 'Gunda Raaj,' everyone has seen it. YSRCP ke mantri kaise yaha 'Gundgardi' karte hai, yaha 'Rowdy Raaj' chalate hai vo sabke samne hai, said the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister said, I am amazed that the government here supports the mafia responsible for the Annamayya Dam break, which devastated 25-30 villages and killed a dozen people. PM Modi said that the YSRCP government in the state is nearing an end and that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance will treat the mafias in the state permanently. I would like to tell this kind of mafia here that the countdown to the end of the YSRCP government has begun. The NDA government will treat the mafia here and will give it permanent treatment, said the Prime Minister. Reiterating his party's slogan of double engine ki sarkar (double-engine government), PM Modi said that the development works that had been long pending here under the governance of the YSRCP would be fulfilled by the Bharatiya Janata Party. You all have trusted others for so many decades, but what did you get? There is no development here, there are no irrigation facilities, no industries, farmers are struggling, and the youth have to go to other cities for work, he said. You tell me what will help you in this situation? A double engine government, said PM Modi. PM Modi added, There is no limit to the potential of Rayalaseema, there are mines and minerals, there are divine and grand temples, there are hardworking farmers and talented youth and there is immense tourism potential. That is why Modi is here today to seek your blessings. Modi's goal is the development of Rayalaseema and the development of Andhra Pradesh, said the PM. Taking a dig at the YSRCP, PM Modi said that the people of the state have requirements for clean water but the state government here does not cooperate with the centre's Jal Jeevan Mission. Clean water is essential in your life. Modi wants to supply clean water to every home through pipes but the government here is not even able to cooperate with the Jal Jeevan Mission. You have been watching what they did with the Polavaram Project for all these years, he said. The YSRCP did not provide irrigation facilities to the farmers of Rayalseema. If the NDA government is formed here then irrigation projects will be completed quickly, he added. The Prime Minister further said that the country becomes strong only if the government ruling it is strong and asked, Is India strong today or not? Many of my friends here are from Gulf countries, today the respect for the Indians in the Gulf has increased. If anyone from India has a problem, it is Modi who solves it, he said. The Prime Minister mentioned the eight Indian Navy veterans who were released from the Middle-East country earlier this February and said that it all happened due to the efforts of the Indian government. Our Navy veterans arrived from Qatar after an 18-month jail stay in the Middle-East country due to the efforts of the Centre. If such a situation had occurred 10 years ago under the Congress leadership, it would have been difficult for them to survive, but we brought them back safely, said PM Modi. This happened because you formed a strong NDA government and that is also why each and every vote of yours should go to NDA, added the Prime Minister. The ruling YSRCP is contesting alone in all 25 parliamentary constituencies and the 175 seats of the state assembly. It is up against the Congress-led INDIA bloc and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), former CM N Chandrababu Naidu-led Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena Party (JSP). Notably, the TDP, Janasena and BJP are NDA alliance partners in the southern state. As part of a seat-sharing deal among NDA partners, the TDP was allocated 144 Assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies, while the BJP will contest from six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats. Janasena will contest two Lok Sabha and 21 Assembly seats. Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled for May 13 and the counting of votes will be held on June 4. (ANI)

Residents question candidates as Prakasam district grapples with severe drinking water scarcity

Potable water was being released once in three days in Ongole, no irrigation water for chilly, tobacco, maize and paddy crops, says farmers

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

87.61% students qualify POLYCET-2024 in Andhra Pradesh, counselling dates to be announced soon - The Hindu

87.61% students qualify POLYCET-2024 in Andhra Pradesh, counselling dates to be announced soon The Hindu

Clans with big stakes in AP politics and Tollywood field star scions in poll battle - News9 LIVE

Clans with big stakes in AP politics and Tollywood field star scions in poll battle News9 LIVE

Nine Naxals including two women from Chhattisgarh surrender before Odisha police

BHUBANESWAR: In a significant development ahead of elections, nine members (including two women) of the banned party outfit CPI (Maoist) surrendered before Odisha Police on Wednesday. The members hailed from Chhattisgarh. A Naxal surrendered before Kandhamal Police on Tuesday and nine did the same before Boudh Police a day later. Apart from the state government's effective rehabilitation policy, the continuous anti-Naxal operations has led to the recent surrenders, said ADG (Operations), Dev Datta Singh. Speaking to the reporters, Southern Range IG Jai Narayan Pankaj said that due to the enhanced anti-Naxal operations carried out in the both states, Odisha and Chhattisgarh, the red ultras are surrendering fearing for their lives and are reluctant to cross over to Chhattisgarh because of the tight security cordon due to the elections. Sources said most of the Naxals active in Odisha are from Chhattisgarh, some are from Andhra Pradesh and a very few are from within the state. In the last three to four months, at least five camps of Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been set up in the core areas of Kandhamal and Boudh which were once the strongholds of the Naxals. Odisha Police's Special Operations Group along with BSF and CRPF are also regularly carrying out area domination exercises in Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Boudh and this has deterred the Naxals from carrying out any activity, said Pankaj. The surrendered Naxals identified as Yoggi Madvi alias Jyoti (20), Pozze Madvi (22), Bhima Kadti (22) Bhima Banjam (25), Bandi Banjam (30) Arma Raba (30) Malla Madvi (29), Deba Kadti (25) and Ayata Madvi (26) are from Muler village in Chhattisgarh's Dantewada district, said Boudh SP, Raj Prasad. Yoggi Madvi who had joined CPI (Maoist) in 2019 worked as the personal security guard of divisional committee member Sila alias Nagmani who is an active leader of 8th company of Kandhamal-Kalahandi-Boudh-Nayagarh (KKBN) division operating in Boudh district. The other seven were also working as party members in CPI (Maoist). Apart from 10 Naxals, six to eight others have so far surrendered this year, said police sources. Sources said apart from anti-Naxal operations, the killing of red ultras in recent months has also left the middle and lower rank cadres dispirited. Two Naxals were neutralised during an exchange of fire with the security forces in Parhel Reserve Forest within Kantamal police limits in Boudh district on April 25. The killing of top Maoist cadre Dasru alias Dudu Mundari was a major set-back for the outlawed CPI (Maoist), said police sources. Dasru was the chief of KKBN division and was killed in an exchange of fire with security forces at Kamberikia forest area within Baliguda police limits on February 3. Sources said Malkangiri, also called as the cut-off Swabhiman Anchal, has not witnessed any Naxal activity in recent years but now the major challenge for the security forces is to check the movement and activities of the red ultras in Kalahandi-Kandhamal-Boudh axis. Security has been tightened ahead of elections as Naxals are using Kalahandi, Kandhamal and Boudh corridor to remain connected with the cadres from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.

Do they have guts to snap ties with Congress: Modi challenges INDIA constituents after Pitroda's remarks

RAJAMPET: Slamming Congress' divisive mindset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday slammed its leader Sam Pitroda's controversial remarks, and asked if a key ally of the national party, the DMK will snap ties with it for Tamil culture and pride. Addressing an election rally here, he alleged Congress was cut off from its roots, wants to divide the country for power and wondered what has befallen the national party. A big leader has displayed the divisive mindset of Congress. What the man very close to Gandhi family and the biggest advisor of shehzada said is very shameful, he said in an obvious reference to Pitroda's comments. Congress feels those in north eastern India look like Chinese. Can the country accept things like this? Congress feels people in the south look like Africans, will they accept this, he asked, referring to Pitroda's controversial remarks. Sam Pitroda stokes new controversy, says 'people in east look like Chinese, south look like Africans' He asked the Congress Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Telangana, Siddaramaiah and A Revanth Reddy respectively, if they will accept such an accusation. He asked if DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, who speaks of Tamil culture, such a serious allegation has been made--will DMK snap ties with Congress, for Tamil pride and the Tamil people. Do they have the guts? In an obvious reference to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Modi said Congress feels that the people in the western parts of the country look like Arabs. I want to ask...do people of Maharashtra accept such language. Do north Indians look like White (people)...what has happened to the Congress party, he said. In an apparent reference to Rahul Gandhi, Modi implied Pitroda was shehzada's philosopher and guide. India wont tolerate insult on basis of skin colour: Modi slams Pitrodas alleged racist comments Modi further said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had recently talked about a people of a particular colour in the US setting (exam) paper. He made similar comments about the same in India which Shehzade's guru has done. Both their comments are connected, and well thought out. He asked the Congress party not to ridicule Indians, even if it had no issues to talk about. The country is listening to and understanding every divisive talk of Congress, he said and added the party should be punished. Taking at the ruling YSR Congress government in Andhra Pradesh, Modi said it has betrayed people's trust and alleged ministers were running 'rowdy raj' in the state. 'Condemn racist remarks, will seek legal opinion' says Manipur CM Biren Singh on Sam Pitroda's remarks

As poll date nears, gap closes between YSRCP and TDP in Andhra - The Indian Express

As poll date nears, gap closes between YSRCP and TDP in Andhra The Indian Express

Chandrababu promises restoration, prosperity for Andhra Pradesh if NDA returns to power - ap7am

Chandrababu promises restoration, prosperity for Andhra Pradesh if NDA returns to power ap7am

AP PGECET 2024: Application Correction Process Commences Today on APSCHE Portal

The Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) has announced the opening of the application correction window for the Andhra Pradesh Postgraduate Engineering Common Entrance Test 2024 (AP PGECET) starting today, May 8. Candidates who have already applied for the exam can make changes to their submitted registration form on the official website cets.apsche.ap.gov.in. Here are the details:

IMD forecasts thunderstorms, lightning for parts of Andhra Pradesh from 8-12 May - South First

IMD forecasts thunderstorms, lightning for parts of Andhra Pradesh from 8-12 May South First

Buen provecho! Here are the top places for Mexican food in Vizag! - Yo Vizag

Buen provecho! Here are the top places for Mexican food in Vizag! Yo Vizag

YS Sharmila asks PM to listen to the 'Mann ki baat' of people of Andhra Pradesh, sends radio as a gift to - The Times of India

YS Sharmila asks PM to listen to the 'Mann ki baat' of people of Andhra Pradesh, sends radio as a gift to The Times of India

Amit Shah warns of Babri Masjid-like closures if opposition bloc wins

Amit Shah warns of Babri Masjid-like closures if opposition bloc wins Hitting out at the INDIA bloc, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said if the coalition of opposition parties comes to power after the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, it will put a ''Babri'' lock at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He accused Rahul Gandhi of pushing Pakistan's agenda and said the Congress leader would be defeated in Raebareli after which he should settle down in Italy, the only place left for him. At a rally in support of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra, the BJP candidate from Lakhimpur Kheri, Shah accused the Congress, Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) of defaming the saffron party and Narendra Modi by saying if the prime minister gets 400 seats in the ongoing election, reservation will be done away with. Referring to SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav's statement in which he said the Ram temple issue is ''bekar' (useless), Shah said, ''Ram Gopal says the temple is useless. Remember me, though it is not going to happen, if the opposition parties come to power, they will put a Babri naam ka tala (Babri lock) at the Ram temple.'' He accused the Congress of stalling the Ram temple issue for 70 years and said, ''When you made Modi the prime minister for the second time, he not only won the legal dispute involving the Ram Janmabhoomi but also performed the bhoomi puja (groundbreaking ceremony) of the Ram temple and its pran pratishtha (consecration) was held in January.'' Claiming that opposition parties did not attend the consecration ceremony of the temple as they were afraid of their vote bank, the BJP leader said, ''All of you know who comprises their vote bank. Uttar Pradesh will never support those who shy away from Lord Ram's work.'' On the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), Shah said, ''Modi has brought a law to give citizenship to those Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains who came to India from Pakistan. A lot of them in Kheri did not have citizenship. (Congress leader) Rahul (Gandhi) and (SP president) Akhilesh (Yadav) say they will withdraw the CAA. Now, no one can do that.'' Slamming the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), he said, ''If the INDI alliance gets the majority, who will be its prime minister? Will Sharad Pawar, Mamata (Banerjee) Didi, (M K) Stalin, Akhilesh or Rahul become the prime minister? It does not even have a prime ministerial candidate. It neither has a leader, nor a policy nor determination.'' ''After the first three phases of the Lok Sabha polls, Modiji has crossed 190 seats... In the fourth phase, under Modiji's leadership, we are strongly heading towards 400 seats, while the SP, BSP and Congress have been wiped out,'' Shah said. He alleged, ''The Congress, SP and BSP are defaming BJP and Modi ji by spreading false propaganda. They are saying that if Modi ji gets 400 seats then the reservation will end.'' ''When Congress got a majority in Karnataka, five per cent reservation was given to Muslims. It went from the OBC quota. In Andhra Pradesh, the reservation was given to Muslims. There too, reservation for backward classes was cut. If BJP gets majority then we will end the anti-constitutional Muslim reservation and give it to the backward classes.'' Attacking Rahul Gandhi, the Union Home Minister said, ''He talks of eradicating poverty in one stroke... Your grandmother (former prime minister Indira Gandhi) imposed Emergency, father (former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi) re-implemented triple talaq and your party has snatched away the reservation of backward communities.'' ''The Congress Party and its cronies -- the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh -- are anti-backwards people. All backward class people should understand this,'' he said. The senior BJP leader reiterated that PM Modi has ended terrorism in the country. He also mentioned the surgical strike in Pakistan and the renovation of the Kashi corridor and Somnath temple as the achievements of the BJP government. In Hardoi, Shah continued his attack on Gandhi and said, ''From Amethi, he went to Wayanad and now is in Raebareli where he is going to be defeated. Now he should go to Italy and settle down there as it is the only one place left for him.'' ''Rahul Gandhi took out Bharat Jodo Yatra. After elections, he will have to take out Congress Dhoondo Yatra (Find Congress march),'' he said and accused the INDIA bloc parties of being involved in Rs 12 lakh crore scams. On the opposition's attack on alleged misuse of ED and CBI, he said, ''I want to tell Rahul (Gandhi) and Akhilesh (Yadav), if you do corruption you will be caught and no one can stop this.'' ''Modi remained CM and PM for the past 23 years but no allegation even of 25 paise was made against him,'' he said.

AP Polycet Results 2024 Announced

Class 10th merit students celebrate their accomplishments at Manikonda on Tuesday. Image credit: R. Pavan Class 10th merit students celebrate their accomplishments at Manikonda on Tuesday. Image credit: R. Pavan Vijayawada : Director of Technical Education, Andhra Pradesh, Nagarani, released the results in Vijayawada on Wednesday. Out of the 1.24 lakh students who applied, 87.61% qualified, according to the technical education department. Notably, 89.81% of girls and 86.16% of boys cleared the exam. With 267 polytechnic colleges and 82,870 seats available statewide, the counseling schedule will be released shortly, the officials announced.

PM Modi 'cheated' Andhra for 10 years, 'ineligible' to enter state, says Y S Sharmila - Deccan Herald

PM Modi 'cheated' Andhra for 10 years, 'ineligible' to enter state, says Y S Sharmila Deccan Herald

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

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

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

Displaying a radio, the APCC chief said she is sending it as a gift to the PM to listen to the 'Mann ki Baat' of the Telugu people from the state. Referring to the recent regular visits of the PM, Sharmila claimed that he is coming because of the polls but not for developing the state.

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

Kadapa: Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ineligible to enter the state as he has allegedly cheated it for the past 10 years. Sharmila alleged that Modi is shedding crocodile tears for Andhra Pradesh because of the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. You are Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Andhra Pradesh Lok Sabha elections: All about Congress candidates - CNBCTV18

Andhra Pradesh Lok Sabha elections: All about Congress candidates CNBCTV18

Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections 2024: Complete list of NDA candidates - CNBCTV18

Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections 2024: Complete list of NDA candidates CNBCTV18

Andhra Assembly polls: Tough battle for Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram - ap7am

Andhra Assembly polls: Tough battle for Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram ap7am

Andhra Assembly polls: Tough battle for Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram

Amaravati: In search of his maiden electoral victory, Jana Sena Party leader and actor Pawan Kalyan faces a tough fight against seasoned politician Vanga Geetha of the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) in Pithapuram Assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh. The constituency in Kakinada district is expected to see a fierce battle for supremacy as YSRCP 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 .

Naidus wife Bhuvaneswari intensifies election campaign in Kuppam

Andhra Pradesh: Nara Bhuvaneswari, wife of TDP president and former Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, intensified election in her husbands Assembly constituency Kuppam in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. Interacting with villagers during door-to-door campaign, she sought blessings from them seeking support for TDP in the election. As Naidu is busy in canvassing for candidates in other Assembly constituencies across the State, Bhuvaneswari, daughter of former Chief Minister late NT Rama Rao, also taking part in the campaign. Bhuvaneswari attended election campaign in Rama Kuppam, Bandharlapally and Nernelli, among other villages in the constituency. She explained in detail the importance of each vote to elect a right candidate during the elections. At the same time, she highlighted the failures of the YSRCP government in the last five years. The villagers welcomed her with harathi and felicitated her with shawals when she entered the villages.

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.

AP POLYCET Result 2024 declared at polycetap.nic.in, direct link to download

AP POLYCET Results 2024 declared by State Board of Technical Education and Training, Andhra Pradesh. Rank cards downloadable, exam on April 27. Final answer key out on May 5. Direct link available for more info.

The Pawan Kalyan factor in Andhra Pradesh - Newslaundry

The Pawan Kalyan factor in Andhra Pradesh Newslaundry

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

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

PM in Telangana | PM Performs Pooja & Darshan At Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swami Temple | English News

Breaking News | PM performs pooja & darshan at Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swami Temple, Karimnagar in Telangana PM Modi participates in the election campaign in Telangana and addresses a rally in Andhra Pradesh. Stay informed about his third public meeting in Andhra Pradesh ahead of the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls on May 13. Don't miss this coverage of key developments in the run-up to the elections!

Sharwanand has to pull off a miracle with Manamey?

With many films failing to draw even decent openings this summer, young actor Sharwanand has a tough task on hand and he has to pull off a miracle of sorts. Since his upcoming film Manamey has been reportedly made with over Rs 40 crores and it is slated for release on May 17 or 24th. It is a big task for Sharwanand since he has to draw huge openings to cover big investments, says a source and adds, He has to promote the film aggressively and give confidence to audiences to turn up in theatres. Footfalls are depleting, so it is for Sharwanand and team to revive theatre turnout in Telugu states, he adds. Due to extensive and elaborate shootings in foreign locales, the much-hyped film 'Manamey' has reportedly breached the Rs 40 crore mark and producers have begun to close business deals. The film being directed by Sriram Aditya has gone over budget. It was supposed to be wrapped up within Rs 30 crores but now it has crossed Rs 40 crores after shooting at picturesque locales in London, Scotland, and Austria, adds a source. It is billed to be a romantic drama revolving around Sharwanand, Kirthi Shetty, and Shiva Kandukuri and it was extensively shot in picturesque locales in and around London. Producers have begun to negotiate with distributors and discussions are underway to close deals for some areas in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana since producers People Media Factory are satisfied with the final output', he concludes.

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

The Kadapa seat has emerged as the most heated battleground centred almost entirely upon a sensational family feud involving a brutal assassination and a historic battle between two cousins from the most powerful political family in the state.

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

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

Narasaraopet Lok Sabha Election 2024: Poll Date, Candidates and Key Issues in The Andhra Pradesh Constituency

The Narasaraopet Lok Sabha seat has 7 assembly constituency segments: Pedakurapadu, Chilakaluripet, Narasaraopet, Sattenpalli, Vinukonda, Gurazala, Macherla.

CEO clarifies on stopping distribution of aid

VIJAYAWADA: Asserting that the Election Commission of India (ECI) never stops the implementation of schemes, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena on Tuesday clarified that the ECI only suggested the government to defer some of the schemes till the completion of polling in the State on May 13 and sought further clarifications concerning some other schemes. Speaking to mediapersons in his chambers at the State Secretariat on Tuesday, the CEO said the Screening Committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary sent its recommendations to the CE through the CEO on implementation of various schemes. Almost 50 such recommendations have gone to the EC. The poll body accepted some and suggested that the others be deferred till the completion of MCC or till the conclusion of elections in the State. With regard to schemes like Cheyutha and Aasara, the ECI had asked for further clarifications and in the case of Vidya Deevena, the ECI had asked the government to defer its implementation till the completion of elections on May 13, he explained. 3.03 lakh cast votes through postal ballot Observing that the number of postal ballots to be polled in these will elections will be almost double compared to around two lakh polled in the 2019 elections, Meena said that of the total 4.30 lakh persons who opted for the postal ballot including home voting, 3.03 lakh (70%) exercised their franchise by Tuesday. Saying that the home voting and postal ballot voting commenced in the State from May 3 and 4, he said out of the total 4.30 lakh voters who applied for postal ballot, 3.20 lakh are employees, 40,000 are police personnel, 28,000 persons under home voting (voters aged above 85 years and persons with disabilities) and 31,000 persons under essential services category and remaining are sector officers and others. Among these, 2.76 lakh employees have exercised their franchise through postal ballot at facilitation centres across the state till Tuesday. He said that for reasons like the delay in employees getting their election duty appointment orders and others, the Commission extended the time for them to use their postal ballot voting till May 9. However, they will have to visit the voter facilitation centres in their respective constituencies, he said. Going by the complaints that employees utilising the postal ballot voting are being offered money for casting their votes, Meena, while expressing concern that it was a bad sign for the postal ballot facility with some employees accepting bribes for casting their votes, cautioned that stringent action will be taken against such persons. Besides being kept under suspension, cases will also be booked against them, he said. Informing that four people were arrested and cases were booked for distributing money to employees at the facilitation centres at Tadepalligudem of West Godavari district, the CEO said that a police constable with a list of government employees was caught for allegedly distributing money among postal ballot voters. The constable was suspended. In Ongole, after learning that money was transferred to the bank accounts of employees through UPI, the district SP took up the inquiry based on the call recording data and bank account transactions. During the preliminary investigation, it was noticed that some employees accepted money for their postal ballot and some of them after learning about the inquiry transferred the money back. Postal ballot voting extended till May 9 A total of 4.30 lakh voters applied for postal ballot. CEO Mukesh Kumar Meena explained that for reasons like the delay in employees getting their election duty appointment orders and other issues, the Election Commission of India extended the time for them to cast their vote through postal ballot till May 9

Pleas filed against ECI order in Andhra Pradesh High Court - The New Indian Express

Pleas filed against ECI order in Andhra Pradesh High Court The New Indian Express

Peddireddys political career set to end: Chandrababu Naidu

VIJAYAWADA: TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday said Energy Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy s political career will end after the general elections in the State. Addressing an election rally attended by former chief minister and Rajampet BJP candidate N Kiran Kumar Reddy at Punganur, the home turf of Peddireddy, the TDP chief said that the ministers family, besides looting Rs 30,000 crore public money through sand, wine and mine scams, took commissions in the purchase of mangoes in the undivided Chittoor district. Both Naidu and Kiran Kumar Reddy are arch rivals of Peddireddy and they launched a broadside against him in his constituency. Stating that cases were booked against those who questioned the corruption of Peddireddy, Naidu said that as many as 400 activists of the TDP including himself were involved in a law and order incident in Angallu though they were not at fault. He said that Peddireddy should be prepared to pay the price for all the atrocities that were committed against the TDP under his watch. Accusing Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of burdening the people with high taxation, the TDP chief said that after announcing total prohibition, the YSRC government itself engaged in the liquor business.

Jagan Mohan Reddy should continue as CM: Vijayasai

NELLORE : YSRC Lok Sabha candidate V Vijayasai Reddy has underlined the need for re-electing YS Jagan Mohan Reddy as Chief Minister to ensure the continuation of good governance in the State. During his election campaign in Ulavapadu of Kandukur Assembly constituency, he cautioned the people against the potential repercussions of a TDP victory, warning that it could jeopardise existing welfare schemes and hinder the implementation of promised initiatives. He slammed TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu for his disparaging remarks against Jagan, and questioned Naidus 40-year experience in politics, particularly regarding his lack of respect for others. Refuting the opposition claim of inadequate development and welfare in the last five years, he provided statistics that shows 87% of households getting benefited from the welfare programmes. He promised to get a mango research centre, a processing unit and a cold storage with a significant investment set up in Ulavapadu. Attracting huge investments, Nellore will be made an industrial and IT hub, he vowed.

Annayya endorses Thammudu, says Pawan Kalyan will fight for people

VIJAYAWADA: Rallying behind his brother and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan, former union minister and Megastar Konidela Chiranjeevi called on the people of Pithapuram to elect his brother as their representative in the State Legislative Assembly. In a video message, shared on social media platforms, for the people of the State and Pithapuram in particular, Chiranjeevi remarked that his brother entered the film industry half-heartedly, but he forayed into politics with great interest. Though Pawan is the youngest among us siblings, he is the first to stand by the people and serve them. Seeing him spend money from his own pocket to wipe the tears of tenant farmers, extend a helping hand to the jawans guarding our countrys borders and their families, and help fishermen in distress, one must think that such a leader is the need of the hour for our society, he said. Whenever my mother is anguished by the hardships being faced by my little brother, I only tell her that her son is fighting for the sake of several women and their childrens future. His deeds are honourable and far outweigh her worry, he said. Pawan will make your dreams come true: Chiru An emotional Chiranjeevi noted that any mother will worry when her son is working hard and any elder brother will be pained to watch his little brother being criticised. Chiranjeevi pointed out that Pawan Kalyan became a Jana Sainik (Peoples Warrior) as he believed that when good people remain silent while facing grave injustice, it is a great loss to democracy. My brother Pawan Kalyan is a powerful person, who dedicated his life to the ideals he believed in and the politics he wanted to do. If we want him to use his powers for the future of the State, we should all listen to his voice in the State Legislative Assembly. The people of Pithapuram should send Pawan Kalyan to the Assembly, if they want to see what a person, who strongly believes in Janame Jayam (people above all), could do. He will be your servant and soldier. He will fight for you and make your dreams come true. Press the button of the Glass in the election to elect Pawan, he said. According to sources, Chiranjeevis message was an attempt to consolidate the strong Kapu vote in the State and more particularly in Pithapuram. It may be noted that the Megastar enjoys a strong support base. . With #jsp # Andhra Pradesh election, 2024 pic.twitter.com/xiYRKgAi9t Ram Charan (@AlwaysRamCharan) May 7, 2024 Additionally, Jana Sena also received support from other film stars and members of Chiranjeevis family. Sharing his fathers message, actor Ram Charan wrote on X, Elect Pawan Kalyan, the leader who strives for your future. Dear @PawanKalyan gaaru as you are about to face the big battle of politics. As a member of your film family I hope you achieve everything you wish and keep all your promises. I am rooting for you and I am confident the entire fraternity is too. All the very best sir Hi Nani (@NameisNani) May 7, 2024 Film actor Nani, too, took to X to extend support to the actor-politician, and posted, Dear @PawanKalyan gaaru, as a member of your film family, I hope you achieve everything you wish and keep all your promises. I am rooting for you and I am confident the entire fraternity is too. All the very best sir.

PM Modi to target opposition in Telangana-Andhra today

These days we are witnessing election season in the country. Till now, voting has been completed in many states during the three phases and is going to be conducted in many more states. Along with this, vigorous election campaigning is also going on. An example of this is that PM Narendra Modi is going to attend three rallies and one road show in two states in the same day. Will address two public meetings in Telangana: Not only this, during his Telangana tour, Prime Minister Modi got darshan and worship done at Sri Raja Rajeshwari Swamy Temple in Karimnagar on Wednesday at 9.30 am. After this he left at ten o'clock to address an election rally in Karimnagar. After this he will go from Karimnagar to Warangal, where he will be seen addressing another public meeting. PM will also visit Andhra Pradesh from Telangana: After Telangana, PM Narendra Modi will address an election rally in Annamayya district of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. After this he is going to do a road show in Vijayawada of NTR district. According to the information, the meeting is scheduled around 2 pm at Kaliri near Rajampet, while the road show is also estimated to start around 5 pm from Indira Gandhi Nagar Stadium on Bandar Road in Vijayawada. Andhra Pradesh BJP has informed this in a post on 'X' on Tuesday. Reports say Wednesday's public meeting is set to be Modi's third public meeting in the southern state ahead of the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections on May 13. BRO Marks 65th Anniversary with Milestone Projects, Technological Advancements, And More PM Modi Receives Warm Welcome in Ahmedabad: Voting Day Excitement PwC India Introduces New GenAI-Powered Tools for CFOs

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

Voter bribery operation busted in Prakasam district - Deccan Chronicle

Voter bribery operation busted in Prakasam district Deccan Chronicle

Andhra Pradesh: 90% home voting process completed in NTR says district collector

VIJAYAWADA: A total of 1,052 citizens aged 85 years and above, along with differently-abled individuals have registered for Vote from Home (VfH) facility in the district. Around 90% of VfH process has been completed smoothly on Tuesday, said District Election Officer and NTR Collector S Dilli Rao. He inspected the home voting process at P&T Colony in Vijayawada East constituency on Tuesday, accompanied by the constituency election Returning Officer BH Bhavani Shankar. The Collector underscored that the Election Commission has provided the VfH process for elderly people aged 85 and above as well as differently-abled individuals. He mentioned that they have identified 9,500 senior citizens and differently-abled individuals in the district. Out of these, only 1,052 applied for VfH, including 651 senior citizens and 401 differently-abled people. Dilli Rao also mentioned that 32 teams of electoral officers, micro observers, armed staff and videographers will visit the home during home voting process to ensure a transparent voting process. The remaining 10% will be conducted on Wednesday.

Two Andhra persons sentenced to life imprisonment for killing 36-year-old man

GUNTUR: Two persons were sentenced to life imprisonment for killing a 36-year-old man in Bapatla district. According to police, the deceased was identified as Suresh (36) and the accused have been identified as A Sambasiva Rao (36) and Sureshs wife A Siva (28). Sambasiva and Siva were allegedly involved in an illicit relationship. In February 2015, Rao with the help of Siva stabbed Suresh and fled the scene. Upon receiving a complaint, Inkollu police registered a case under IPC Section 302 and arrested the two accused. After hearing the public prosecutors arguments and inspecting the evidence, the Ongole PDJ Court Judge A Bharathi sentenced the two accused to imprisonment for life. On the occasion, Bapatla district SP Vakul Jindal said that the court trail monitoring system and conviction-based policing have been fruitful. He lauded the investigation officials and court monitoring personnel for taking all necessary action to ensure the accused were punished.

Vishwa Hindi Parishad extends support to BJP for development of Indian languages

VIJAYAWADA: Vishwa Hindi Parishad has declared its support for the BJP in the current elections, following Prime Minister Narendra Modis commitment to the development of Hindi and other Indian languages. Prof Yarlagadda Lakshmi Prasad, the national president of Vishwa Hindi Parishad, announced the decision of the Parishad in a release, stating that their organisation stands behind the BJP. In alignment with this, the National Working Committee of Vishwa Hindi Parishad has instructed Lakshmi Prasad to conduct effective campaigning for the TDP, BJP, and JSP alliance in the State. Lakshmi Prasad, who is currently on a tour of eight Eurasian countries to advocate for Hindis recognition in the United Nations, is scheduled to return to India on Wednesday. In the first phase of his campaign, he will visit constituencies such as Vijayawada West, Kaikaluru, Undi, and Rajahmundry to express support for the alliance candidates. He will take part in campaign events at Anakapalli on Friday. Subsequently, he will visit Dharmavaram and Rajampet to work towards the victory of the alliance candidates.

The Tragic Story of the New State Andhra Pradesh - PGurus

The Tragic Story of the New State Andhra Pradesh PGurus

AP: Election Commission transfers Chittoor DSP, SI ahead of polls

Tirupati: Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday ordered transfer of Maheshwar Reddy, deputy superintendent of police, Palamaner sub-division; and Maruti, sub-inspector of Sadum, both of Chittoor district. The commission directed the DSP and SI to hand over their responsibilities to lower-level officers immediately. This action of EC has come following the recent attack on B. Ramachandra Yadav, president of the Bharatiya Communist Party (BCI), in Punganur constituency. EC had recently ordered transfers of high-ranking police officials in Andhra Pradesh, including Rajendranath Reddy, Director General of Police (DGP), and R.N. Ammi Reddy, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Anantapur Range. State government has appointed Harish Kumar Gupta as the new DGP following these transfers. Political analysts, who are closely monitoring the developments, anticipate more transfers in connection with the attack on the BCY party chief.

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.

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

High Court directs AP to send fresh appeal to ECI on welfare funds

Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Tuesday directed the AP government to send fresh representations to the Election Commission of India (ECI) underlining the importance granting permission for release of funds related to three welfare schemes implemented by the state government. The court posted the next hearing on the matter to May 9. A single judge bench headed by Justice B. Krishna Mohan heard during lunch motion a batch of petitions challenging the ECIs order denying permission for release of input subsidy worth 847.22 crore to affected farmers, Vidya Deevena funds of 610.79 crore for the benefit of students and YSR Cheyutha funds meant for women. Petitioners counsel C.V. Mohan Reddy submitted that the state government provides input subsidy to farmers who lose crops due to natural calamities, so that they can resume farm works and cultivate crops. The counsel submitted that due to drought during Kharif 2023, state government had decided to provide input subsidy of 847.22 crore. But after the Model Code of Conduct came into force, the state government, as stipulated, sought permission from the ECI to release the input subsidy. The petitioners counsel sought the High Courts intervention after the ECI refused to permit the release of input subsidy. With regard to the Vidya Deevena scheme, the senior counsel submitted that by March 1, state government transferred only 97.89 crore of the total 708 crore to be released to bank accounts of the beneficiary students mothers. ECI also denied permission for distributing the remaining amount of 610.79 crore. The counsel informed the court that non-release of the remaining Vidya Deevena amount is causing severe hardships to students and their mothers and sought the intervention of the High Court in the matter. Advocate general S. Sriram, representing the state government, submitted to the High Court that the input subsidy and Vidya Deevena are not new schemes, as the state government had been implementing them for quite some time. He contended that the poll code will be applicable only for new schemes and not for the existing schemes. ECIs counsel Avinash Desai justified the ECIs decision to deny permission for release of funds stating that such a decision has been taken in compliance with the norms of the poll code. Desai suggested that a fresh representation may be submitted by the state government with regard to the input subsidy and Vidya Deevena, explaining why these could not wait until completion of the polls, so that the ECI could review its decision. After hearing both the parties, the High Court directed the ECI to mention how it proceeds after receipt of fresh representation from the state government for release of funds. The court then posted the next hearing to Thursday 10.30 a.m.

Water woes and anti-incumbency fuel some hope for BJP in Rajampet - The Economic Times

Water woes and anti-incumbency fuel some hope for BJP in Rajampet The Economic Times

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

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

Top Events Today: PM Modi's Andhra Rally, Uttarakhand Forest Fire Petitions, L&T's Q4 Results and More

Today, eyes turn to Andhra Pradesh as Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for an election rally in the state. Here's what's on the agenda for May 8: PM Modi's Rally: At 2 pm today, PM Modi will take center stage at a Lok Sabha election meeting in Annamayya district, Andhra Pradesh. Following this, he's slated to kick off a roadshow at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium on Bandar Road in Vijayawada at 5 pm. Corporate Buzz: Keep an eye on Tata Power, L&T, and other companies as they unveil their Q4 results today. It's a day of financial insights and market movements. Legal Proceedings: Meanwhile, in the highest court of the land, the Supreme Court of India, there will be a hearing on petitions regarding the recent Uttarakhand forest fire incidents. Legal deliberations take the spotlight on pressing environmental concerns. DU's 'Run for Viksit Bharat': Delhi University's 'Run for Viksit Bharat' event adds a touch of social consciousness to the day. It's a call for action towards a developed India, engaging students in a healthy and meaningful endeavor. Tomorrow, the Supreme Court of India will convene to hear petitions regarding the Uttarakhand forest fires. These petitions allege that approximately 90% of the blazes were of human origin. Recent media coverage suggests that over 900 instances of forest fires have occurred in Uttarakhand over the past six months. On May 8, the University of Delhi (DU) will host a Run for Viksit Bharat event, covering a distance of 2.5 kilometers. This event, part of PM Modi's Viksit Bharat Program, aims to raise awareness about transforming India into a developed nation by 2047. Nearly 5,000 students are expected to participate in this event. Mark your calendars for May 8 as Larsen & Toubro (L&T) prepares to unveil its Q4 results. Media speculations anticipate that the company will announce a consolidated net profit of 4,109 crore for the January-March period. Lok Sabha Elections: Voting Percent Reaches 60.19% in Phase 3 till 5 PM Congress Names Sher Singh Ghubaya as Candidate for Firozpur Lok Sabha Seat Modi Creating Hatred for Political Gain, Says Sonia Gandhi in a Video Message

On the knifes edge: Its underdog YSRC vs classic TDP

On the outskirts of Nuzivid, a palm fruit vendor seated under a tree by the roadside waits patiently for customers. A dozen for Rs 70, he shouts, at passing vehicles. It isnt easy work, for the weather is too hot. Nearby, a middle-aged lady and an aged person give him company. They sell mangoes, bought from farmers in the nearby villages. Our lives are like this, says the palm fruit vendor, wiping sweat from his forehead. Like everyone else, he too is interested in the elections. Our vote is for Jagan, he says emphatically. His reasoning is simple. His family received much-needed financial aid from the government. We dont believe Chandrababu Naidu, he quips with a frown when asked about the welfare promises of the TDP. The aged man chips in, Where was he during the corona pandemic? We would have died but for the timely services of volunteers. The lady agrees. Drive further to the town, farmers owning mango orchards have a different take. Jagan will destroy everything if he wins again, muses a farmer whose family sells mangoes to wholesale merchants. Where is development? Jobs? Importantly, he will take away our lands! he fumes and adds that Naidu is the best bet. One can find pretty much the same conversations with few variations across Andhra Pradesh. There indeed appears to be a class divide, so to speak. The poor and minorities are with Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddys YSRC and the middle and upper classes with the TDP. Interestingly, however, in urban areas, the TDPs message of jobs is resonating with sections of the lower middle class as well. The YSRC is counting on the beneficiaries of Jagans welfare schemes, particularly women and the elderly, and rightly so. English medium education in government schools, pensions, healthcare and the volunteer system being the primary reasons for the same. Jagan being Jagan, he hasnt promised anything dramatic in his manifesto but that doesnt seem to matter for these sections. They believe he means what he says. To make inroads into these sections, the TDP has offered Super Six guarantees taking a leaf out of the Congress playbook in Telangana. TDPs USP is the slogan of development and jobs but to offset Jagans welfare agenda and track record, it seems the party has coined the Super Six which in a way is ironic as it had been accusing Jagan of emptying the State coffers through the schemes. If it comes to power, it will have to do the same and more for its promises will surely put a bigger burden on the exchequer. Somewhere in the TDP think tanks, there appears to be a Congress brain because the schemes, the wording and even the strategy, one cannot help but conclude, are adapted from the grand old partys successful campaign in Telangana. Take for instance the free bus ride for women, monthly payment of Rs 1,500 to adult women, Rs 4,000 pension, etc. It is not an exact copy but fair to say that it draws inspiration from the Congress manifesto, though the TDP is an ally of the BJP. But Jagan is no KCR. In Telangana, KCR had been in power for a decade facing huge anti-incumbency. His governments implementation of welfare schemes was deeply flawed. And KCR himself was seen as arrogant. Understandably, Naidu and his allies see a tyrant in Jagan since the TDP chief and several of his party leaders have faced cases, arrests in the last five years. To attribute their experiences to the general public at large may not fetch the expected returns. Similarly, strategic moves like highlighting the Land Titling Act sound more like an effort to recreate the Dharani portal controversy, which damaged KCRs third-term prospects to an extent. In Andhra, however, the Act hasnt been implemented fully nor is there a controversy surrounding it unlike in Telangana where many farmers had to run from pillar to post to get their land in their name on Dharani and allegations flew thick and fast of land grabbing by local BRS leaders. In this mix, the caste equation may play a part too. Pawan Kalyans Jana Sena is expected to bring in Kapu votes for the TDP. One has to wait and see to what extent. The saffron party, for all the rhetoric of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, isnt in the thick of action, riven, as it is, by internal dissent over the pact with the TDP and influence of turncoats. Ultimately, notwithstanding promises and strategies, the electoral outcome depends on trust whether people trust Jagan or Naidu. Each leader is playing up his strengths. If Jagan reminds people of his welfare agenda and track record, Naidu is betting on his image of a forward-looking administrator. It is a close call but internal surveys of reliable agencies put the YSRC just a little ahead. By election day, the fortunes may swing either way. A Tale of Two Leaders TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan are the ones to watch out for in this election. Lokesh, who undertook a padayatra for 226 days, is very likely to emerge as the new leader after what can be called baptism by fire in the last five years. Following his loss in 2019, he did what was expected of him. He nurtured his constituency Mangalagiri while reaching out to people across the State. He is far more comfortable speaking in public and his confidence is high. Irrespective of whether the TDP loses or wins, Lokesh is definitely going to play a key role in the future. Will never let Telugu people suffer in State, vows Pawan Kalyan Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan, on the other hand, has chosen Pithapuram after he lost from Gajuwaka and Bhimavaram in 2019. He for some reason didnt own either Bhimavaram or Gajuwaka. And, it was painful for his legions of fans to see him seek local TDP leader Varmas support to win from Pithapuram. Being a star, he has limitations of course to mingle with the people. But this election is a litmus test for him. A loss would erode his stature. Ground reports suggest he should make it this time. If he stays the course, Pawan too will be a leader to reckon with in the future. IF, that is the operative word. Kalyan Tholeti Resident Editor, AP & Telangana chakravarthy@newindianexpress.com