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Coromandel International to invest Rs 1,000 cr to set up plant in Andhra Pradesh

Coromandel International, which is mainly in the fertiliser business, will invest Rs 1,000 crore to set up a plant to produce phosphoric and sulphuric acid at Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. In a regulatory filing, the company said it has commenced the project activity to set up its Phosphoric Acid-Sulphuric Acid complex facility at Kakinada.

The Economic Times 29 Apr 2024 5:48 pm

Coromandel International to set up 1000-crore fertiliser plant at Kakinada

The company has started work of the facility, which will enhance companys backward integration capacities and provide stable supplies of phosphoric acid for its fertiliser manufacturing

The Hindu Businessline 29 Apr 2024 5:40 pm

Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan Mohan Reddy stooges of BJP: Y S Sharmila

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) chief Y S Sharmila on Monday alleged that YSRCP President Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and TDP head N Chandrababu Naidu are stooges of the BJP. Sharmila made the allegation at Kakinada during a public meeting as part of her election campaign for the May 13 simultaneous polls for the 175 assembly seats and 25 Lok Sabha seats in the state.

The Economic Times 29 Apr 2024 5:39 pm

Film actor Varun Tej campaigns for Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram

Andhra Pradesh: Popular film actor Varun Tej has campaigned in support of his uncle and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram in Kakinada district. Waving to the crowd from his cars sunroof, Varun Tej rigorously campaigned for Pawan Kalyan, who is contesting from Pawan Kalyan from Pithapuram Assembly constituency. Holding party flags and symbol, the supporters of Pawan Kalyan accompanied Varun Tej during the election campaign. Both the YSRCP and Jana Sena are leaving no stone unturned in winning the Pithapuram Assembly constituency. The leaders from the two parties are busy in the high-octane campaign seeking support of the people during the elections. They mainly focused on door-to-door campaigns and road shows. Varun Tejs movie Operation Valentine that was released in February 2024 drew the attention of a large number of audiences. He became popular with the movies Fidaa, F2 and F3.

Deccan Chronicle 29 Apr 2024 12:25 pm

Andhra Pradesh: Entrepreneurs diversification into politics

Several entrepreneurs, realtors and big businessmen are contesting the Lok Sabha and AP Assembly polls. Despite being highly successful in their respective fields, they have entered the fray with a motto to serve the people. However, their electoral fortunes will be decided by voters. Here is a look at prominent contestants Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar The TDP candidate from Guntur Lok Sabha seat is an entrepreneur. Dr Chandra Sekhar co-founded UWorld, initially aiming to address the scarcity of quality study material for the US Medical Licensing Exam during his medical residency. He started his journey from writing case-based learning questions to the establishment of UWorld, revolutionising medical education resources. With a a stint at Johns Hopkins University, Dr Chandra Sekhar brings both medical expertise and entrepreneurial acumen to the political arena. He hails from Burripalem village in Guntur district Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar T Uday Srinivas The Jana Sena Party candidate for Kakinada parliamentary constituency, brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and grassroots connection to the political forefront. Leaving a lucrative job in Dubai, he ventured into business back in India, eventually establishing the highly successful Tea Time chain. Since its humble beginning in 2016, with just one outlet in Rajahmundry, Tea Time has burgeoned into a network of nearly 3,000 outlets across various States in India with hundreds of crores of business turnover. He hails from Kadiyam village in East Godavari district MVV Satyanarayana He is contesting from Visakhapatnam East Assembly constituency against TDPs Velagapudi Rama Krishna Babu. He started MVV Builders in the 1990s, headquartered in Visakhapatnam. The company has achieved significant growth over two decades, establishing a strong presence in Visakhapatnams real estate market and expanding into Hyderabad. Additionally, he founded MVV Cinema, a film production firm. He and his family own shares worth Rs 82,57,36,598 in MVV Builders, Rs 4,47,31,726 shares in MVV Cinema and Rs 76,49,86,468 shares in MVV Housing MVV Satyanarayana CM Ramesh The BJP candidate for Anakapalle Lok Sabha segment, is the chairman of Rithwik Projects Pvt Ltd, which was set up in 1999 and has grown to a turnover of more than Rs 1,000 crore within a short span. The company is one of the leading infrastructure developers in India, and has interests in energy, roads, irrigation projects, and property development. Rithwik Projects is a major player in the infrastructure development sector across India. It also holds important government contracts. Incorporated in 1999 in Hyderabad, the firm company is working on government projects. He takes on Budi Mutyala Naidu Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy The TDP candidate for Nellore parliamentary constituency, is the founder of VPR Mining Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, established in 2008. Under his leadership, the company has undertaken diverse projects across India. Notably, VPR Mining has collaborated on numerous government initiatives with entities. Additionally, it has been involved in various irrigation projects, executing heavy excavations for government bodies such as AP Irrigation and CAD, Telangana Irrigation and CAD, and the Water Resources Department of Maharashtra. His rival is V Vijayasai Reddy of YSRC Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy

The New Indian Express 29 Apr 2024 9:33 am

Kannababu Refutes PKs Charge on Praja Rajyam

Kakinada : Former agriculture minister and sitting Kakinada Rural MLA Kurasala Kannababu, who is also the YSRC candidate from the constituency in the 2024 assembly elections, objected to Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyans charge that Kannababu had been behind the merging of Praja Rajyam with Congress in the past. Addressing media here on Sunday, Kannababu retorted that the film star must put such blame on his elder brother Mega Star Chiranjeevi, who had floated the Praja Rajyam Party. He maintained that when Chiranjeevi floated the party, he gave tickets to 294 candidates. The former minister said he had been one of the candidates who had been given the ticket. Kannababu said, I was one of the winning candidates. I feel proud that I became a successful politician due to Chiranjeevi. I will not forget him forever. At the same time, I have a debt to Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, who encourages me politically. The former minister maintained that Pawn Kalyan has done nothing for the welfare of Kapu. In this regard, he sought to predict that the film actor will be defeated in the Pithapuram constituency by Vanga Geetha.

Deccan Chronicle 29 Apr 2024 12:54 am

Anarchy in Andhra Pradesh under CM Jagans rule: Pawan Kalyan

VIJAYAWADA: Going hammer and tongs against the YSRC regime, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan alleged that anarchy prevailed in the State under YS Jagan Mohan Reddys rule. Addressing a public meeting in Kakinada on Saturday as part of his election campaign, he said there was no response from Jagan even when 30,000 women went missing in the State. Expressing concern over the increasing ganja menace, he said once the tripartite alliance is in power, it will deal with the ganja issue sternly. He lashed out at YSRC MLAs Dwarampudi Chandrasekhar Reddy and Kurasala Kanna Babu. He lashed out at YSRC MLAs Dwarampudi Chandrasekhar Reddy and Kurasala Kanna Babu. I am contesting from Pithapuram Assembly segment to teach them a lesson, he said, and accused Jagan of speaking more like a liquor trader than a Chief Minister. Accusing Kanna Babu of being mired deep in corruption, he said the Kakinada rural MLA should be given a share in every real estate venture. The JSP chief called upon the youth to strive to dethrone Jagan. I have paid Rs 70 crore as income tax in five years. You can just imagine, how much I can earn. But why I am on the roads today, seeking public mandate, is to save the State and its people from the clutches of Jagan, he asserted. Reiterating that the 2024 elections are very important for the future of the State, he urged the people to think before they cast their votes. The tripartite alliance will release its poll manifesto on April 30, he added.

The New Indian Express 28 Apr 2024 11:59 am

Pawan Blames Kannababu for Fall of Praja Rajyam

Kakinada : Jana Sena chief and film star Pawan Kalyan lashed out at the Kakinada Rural sitting MLA and the former minister Kurasala Kannababu. He described the latter as an ungrateful wretch and blamed him for the downfall of Praja Rajyam through its merger with Congress. Addressing a Praja Galam meeting at Indrapalem village in Kakinada Rural mandal on Saturday evening, Pawan Kalyan said that Kannababu has become a land grabber and caused the deaths of many land owners. He cited several examples of Kannababu victims. The JS chief lashed out at Kakinada MLA Dwarampudi Chandrasekhara Reddy. He said that Dwarampudi is drunk on power. He made it clear that Dwarampudi will get a fitting lesson after elections. Pawan Kalyan criticised YSRCs Kakinada Lok Sabha candidate Chalamalasetty Sunil. He said Sunil has no ideology and changes his party once in every five years. He thus cannot develop Kakinada constituency. The Jana Sena president promised people of Kakinada Rural constituency that a bridge will be constructed at Kongodu village. He said the construction of the bridge has stopped as the contractor could not give 200 crore commission demanded by Kannababu. Kakinada Rural nominee Pantham Venkateswara Rao (Nanaji), Kakinada Jana Sena Lok Sabha nominee T. Uday Srinivas and others were present. Addressing another Praja Galam meeting at Samalkot on Saturday night, Pawan Kalyan assured that 34 per cent of natural resources like mines will be allotted to local people by the alliance government.

Deccan Chronicle 28 Apr 2024 12:43 am

NETA NATTER | KCR, KTR TREAD ON UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY

All it takes is one good political defeat to make leaders tread paths they would otherwise have not. Take the instance of BRS chief and former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao who visited a regional news channel studio and spent a whopping four hours doing an interview live. Similarly, his son K.T. Rama Rao has been visiting various temples, including the Gadwal Jogulamba temple, as part of the Lok Sabha election campaign and offering prayers. Both developments came as a big surprise to political circles. One, because KCR never took part in any live debate on any regional TV channel in the last 10 years, and KTR, a self-declared atheist, stayed away from temples including the renovated Yadadri temple when it was inaugurated by KCR with the then Cabinet in attendance. Politics, as they say, is a fickle mistress. A BATTLE OF OATHS ENSUES Promises, oaths. These have become the staple of politicians and the current overheated political situation in Telangana is seeing more and more of these each day. While BRS chief K. Chandrashekar Rao is slamming the A. Revanth Reddy government for indulging only in thitlu and votlu (abuse of BRS leaders, and promises on Gods), but doing nothing, his son K.T. Rama Rao has demanded that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy take a vottu on his wife and daughter instead of Gods. Revanth is taking oaths with God as his witness at famous temples in different constituencies during his campaign and saying that he will waive crop loans of all farmers in one go by August 15. But Gods, KTR counters, do not question back and so wants Revanth to take such oaths on his wife and daughter. BRS DOES U-TURN Gone are the days of bemoaning about the country as a whole and how the BRS was the answer that the nation could be waiting for. After the Assembly elections defeat, and with Lok Sabha polls looming, BRS leaders have gone back to their golden oldie, that only it can protect the interests of the state. For instance, in Adilabad, BRS leaders in their speeches say that regional parties like the BRS can only protect the interest of Telangana state, unlike the Congress and the BJP. Former BRS minister Jogu Ramanna is leading the pack, saying only the BRS can talk about the state, and that national parties have no real interest in Telanganas welfare. While it is no longer TRS and is now BRS, for now, the opposition party is betting on the old is gold adage. WE CAN HURL ABUSE AND STILL SEEK SUPPORT? That politicians try to give a spin of their own to suit their political convenience is a given. They live by the dictum that there are no permanent friends and foes in politics, and follow it in letter and spirit. As its true and blue followers, they tend to justify their own party hopping but decry the moves of their opponents. The other day, BJP leader M. Raghunandan Rao found fault with the Congress and especially Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for going to Kerala and calling the CPM communalists there, even as his colleague, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, was hobnobbing with their leaders seeking their support in Telangana state. This left one wondering what would be his opinion on his partys alignment with the Kashmir-based PDP again, which it regularly blames for hobnobbing with separatists. FOOT IN MOUTH FOR NANDYAL MP A slip of the tongue is a common occurrence for everyone, particularly when they are momentarily inattentive. However, in the realm of politics, such slips can pose major problems as Nandyal MP Pocha Brahmananda Reddy found out. After filing his nomination papers, he made glowing references to his YSRC president and Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddys welfare schemes. But, as he wound up, he called on the people to vote for the bicycle symbol, which belongs to the YSRCs arch-rival, the Telugu Desam. Though he tried to make immediate amends, his comment flew through the online world, with folks cracking jokes at him. Clearly, an untimely slip of the tongue cant be corrected even with nine urgent stitches in these days of instant communication. PAWAN DANCES TO THE PEOPLES TUNE Song and dance are part of the political process and candidates facing elections are no strangers to this. And if the candidate happens to be an actor-politician like Pawan Kalyan, then things can quickly get interesting. Using all his histrionic skills, Pawan, contesting from Pithapuram Assembly constituency in Andhra Pradesh, alternates between fits of anger and rage. But of late, he has also taken to shaking a leg, given how popular some of his numbers from his movies are. This was on full display at the nomination rally of his Jana Senas candidate from Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency, Tangella Uday Srinivas, the other day. During the rally, Pawan danced to the accompanying drumbeats driving the crowds wild with men and women joining in with enthusiasm. Whether sweating it out in the sun by dancing will get his party votes, however, remains to be seen. Contributions from Vadrevu Srinivas, G. Ram Mohan, L. Venkatram Reddy, P.V. Prasad, Pillalamarri Srinivas.

Deccan Chronicle 27 Apr 2024 10:24 pm

64 mandals in Andhra Pradesh likely to experience severe heatwave conditions today

VISAKHAPATNAM : Dry weather conditions persist in the State as severe heatwaves grip multiple mandals across various districts. On Saturday, 64 mandals, including three in Alluri Sitarama Raju, six in Anakapalli, two each in East Godavari and Eluru, one in Kakinada, 13 in Parvathipuram Manyam, 15 in Srikakulam, and 22 in Vizianagaram, are expected to experience severe heat waves, while 183 mandals are forecast to encounter heatwave conditions. The India Meteorological Departments Amaravati Centre reports that isolated places in Rayalaseema are likely to witness heatwaves on Saturday. Additionally, hot, humid weather is expected at isolated locations in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP), Yanam, and South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP). Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph are also predicted in isolated parts of NCAP and Yanam. The heatwave conditions are expected to persist until April 30, with isolated places in Rayalaseema likely to experience heatwaves. Discomforting weather conditions are anticipated at isolated locations in NCAP, Yanam, and SCAP. On Friday, 41 mandals reported severe heatwaves, while 116 mandals recorded heatwave conditions. Nandyala registered the highest maximum temperature at 44.6 degrees Celsius, followed closely by Kurnool at 44, Anantapur at 43.4, Kadapa at 43.2, and Tirupati at 43.3 degrees Celsius. According to the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority, since April 1, four districtsAlluri Sitarama Raju, Nandyal, Parvathipuram Manyam, and Nellorehave reported the highest temperature of 45.8 degrees Celsius. Additionally, 26 other locations throughout the State have recorded temperatures exceeding 42 degrees Celsius.

The New Indian Express 27 Apr 2024 10:08 am

Pawan Kalyan says red sander smugglers in Pithapuram

Kakinada: Jana Sena chief and film star Pawan Kalyan has alleged that rivals in the other party have sent 50 to 60 red sanders smugglers into the Godavari districts as he is contesting from Pithapuram Assembly constituency, . I am not afraid of such threats. I have come to politics leaving my fears, he declared while addressing several meetings in Konaseema district from atop his Varahi vehicle. The JS chief said Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has frequently been saying that if the NDA alliance comes to power, welfare schemes will be stopped. He said the amount being spent on welfare schemes is not coming from Jagan Mohan Reddys or his own forefathers. The schemes are from peoples money, he declared. He regretted that individual clashes between Vangaveeti Ranga and Nehru in Vijayawada and Pilli Subhashchandra Bose and Thota Trimurtulu in Ramachandrapuram have to be seen as clashes between two castes. He found fault with such trends in society. Pawan Kalyan said a small stone had been hurled on Jagan Mohan Reddy amidst thousands of people. The police nabbed a youth. But when an auspicious chariot had been burnt at Antarvedi, the government could not find the accused. He observed that the person who threw the stone is mentally ill. He accused minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and his son Mithun Reddy of terrorising the people of Godavari district. I will not tolerate this, he declared. The JS chief demanded that ONGC, Gail and Cairn Energy replace their pipelines with safer ones. He demanded that CSR funds from these companies should be spent on development of the respective constituencies. Pawan Kalyan advised people not to fall for upma and idlis provided by the ruling YSRC. Amalapuram Lok Sabha candidate G. Harish Mathur and P. Gannavaram nominee D. Vara Prasad accompanied the JS chief.

Deccan Chronicle 27 Apr 2024 12:12 am

No respite from scorching heat in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: As many as 56 mandals in the State are likely to reel under severe heatwave, while 174 mandals are likely to experience heatwave-like conditions on Friday. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a heatwave at isolated places across the State, besides predicting hot, humid, and discomforting weather at isolated places across the State for the next four days. On Thursday, Andhra Pradesh largely experienced hot and humid conditions with daytime temperatures being above 40 degrees Celsius at most of the places. According to APSDPS, at around 4 pm, as many as 547 places in the State have reported daytime temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and of them 78 places reported maximum temperatures above 43 degrees Celsius. APSDMA in its daily bulletin said on Thursday as many as 72 mandals experienced severe heatwave, and 102 mandals recorded heatwave. Among the 72 mandals with severe heatwave, 21 each were in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts, 12 in Anakapalli district, 11 in Paravatipuram-Manyam district, three each in Alluri Sitarama Raju and East Godavari districts, and one mandal in Kakinada district.

The New Indian Express 26 Apr 2024 9:27 am

Andhra Pradesh: All contestants are wealthy, no commoners

Tangella Uday Srinivas, JSP The founder of popular chain of tea shops, Tea Time, is making his electoral debut from Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency. JSP chief Pawan Kalyan announced Udays candidature ...

Bing 26 Apr 2024 2:13 am

Sunil Rebuts Pawan Kalyans Charge

Kakinada: YSRC Kakinada Lok Sabha candidate Chalamalasetty Sunil has strongly rebutted Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyans remark that Sunil is not suitable for politics. Incidentally, Sunil filed his nomination papers on Thursday before the district returning officer J. Nivas, along with Kakinada MLA Dwarampudi Chandrasekhara Reddy, Kakinada Rural MLA Kurasala Kannababu and others. Speaking to media later, the YSRC candidate agreed with Pawan Kalyans statement that friendship and politics are separate. He maintained that he had contested from the same Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency three times representing different parties. He has now filed his papers for the fourth time. Sunil retorted that he has not changed his constituencies like Pawan Kalyan has done. He said during the election time, Pawan Kalyan had promised people that he would be with the people of Bhimavaram and Gajuwaka constituencies even after his defeat. But he has now changed his constituency to Pithapuram. The YSRC candidate said Pawan Kalyan is not a stable person. He wondered what good the JS chief will do for the people of Pithapuram.

Deccan Chronicle 26 Apr 2024 1:44 am

Resentment Brewing Within AP BJP Over Purandeswaris Naidu Slant

Kakinada : Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in Kakinada district and elsewhere are unable to digest the way AP BJP president Daggubati Purandeswari is going about her campaigning in the assembly and Lok Sabha elections. They allege she is trying to protect her self-interests, rather than promote the partys ideology. In particular, they are sore that Purandeswari has side lined BJP candidate M.S. Krishnam Raju in the Anaparthi constituency and has gone on to allot the seat to TD candidate Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy by forcing the latter to join the BJP. Saffron leaders such actions will leave the Bharatiya Janata Party in a mess in Andhra Pradesh, particularly when the fortunes of the party could change in the state. They accuse Purandeswari of not being committed to BJP like its leaders of pas 10 years including K. Haribabu, Kanna Lakshminarayana and Somu Veerraju and others. Further, they have gone on to allege that the AP BJP chief is issuing B forms even to BJP leaders only after holding consultations with the Telugu Desam Party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu. She has not given a single seat to Kapus, who are in sizeable numbers in Godavari districts. Kapu community leaders like Dr. Akula Satyanarayana had won from Rajamahendravaram, Pendem Dorababu won from Pithapuram, late Pydikondala Manikyala Rao won from Tadepalligudem previously. Yet she has denied any representation to Kapus, charged BJP Kakinada district former vice president Chitneedi Srinivas, who recently joined YSRC in the presence of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Purandeswari has no party interest, only self-interest, remarked a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He said Purandeswari could have at least got Kakinada and Rajamahendravaram Urban seats for the BJP. Instead, he underlined, she has protected the interests of Telugu Desam and its chief Chandrababu Naidu.

Deccan Chronicle 26 Apr 2024 12:26 am

Cash, Items of Rs 165.91 Crore Seized in AP After Release of Election Schedule

Vijayawada: Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Meena has said cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, free bees and other items worth more than Rs 165.91 crore have been seized since the announcement of the election schedule in AP. He said that as the general elections are slated for May 13 in the state, a strong vigil has been kept on the illegal transportation of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals etc that might be distributed by candidates or parties to attract voters. Through inter-state as well as other check posts in the state, more than 20 enforcement agencies such as police, excise, income tax, forest, ED, NCB, RPF, customs etc are on constant vigil against illegal transportation of cash and goods for election-related canvassing. Illegally transported assets worth Rs 8.65 crore have been seized in the last 24 hours alone. The highest amount of Rs 30.66 crore was seized in Anantapur LS constituency and the lowest amount of Rs 1.15 crore in Narsapuram LS. The total amount seized till date was Rs 36.89 crore in cash, 6,62,402.65 litres of liquor worth Rs 20.32 crore, 52,28,218.94 grams of drugs worth Rs 2.78 crore, 14,73,734.46 grams of precious metals worth Rs 91.26 crore, 4,88,557 items worth Rs 2.90 crore, Freebies (freebies) and other items worth Rs 11.74 crore were seized, he said. In Tirupati (SC), Rs 19.37 crore was seized; Kakinada Rs 18.18 crore, Elur Rs 13.77 crore, Visakhapatnam Rs 12.50 crore, Rajampet Rs 6.96 crore, Vijayawada Rs 6.75 crore, Nandyala Rs 5.63 crore, Kadapa Rs 5.62 crore, Narasaraopet Rs 4.61 crore, Vizianagaram Rs 4.18 crore, Bapatla (SC) Rs 3.99 crore, Anakapalli Rs 3.72 crore, Rajahmundry Rs 3.62 crore, Srikakulam Rs 3.61 crore, Araku (ST) Rs 3.37 crore, Nellore Rs 3 crore, Machilipatnam Rs 2.87 crore, Guntur Rs 2.75 crore, Kurnool Rs 2.45 crore, Chittoor (SC) Rs 1.94 crore, Ongole Rs 1.93 crore, Hindupur Rs 1.63 crore and in Amalapuram (SC) Rs 1.52 crore.

Deccan Chronicle 25 Apr 2024 10:42 pm

Yanamala Krishnudu Leaves TD in Lurch in Tuni, Ready to Join YSRC

Kakinada: Yanamala Krishnudu, a powerful Telugu Desam leader, has decided to quit the TD, leaving Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, his cousin and the former Finance Minister in the lurch. Ramakrishnudus daughter Yanamala Divya, is contesting from Tuni on behalf of the alliance in the assembly elections. In a major blow to the electoral prospectus of the alliance, the senior Telugu Desam leader Yanamala Krishnudu, has decided to sever his 40 year old connections with the Telugu Desam and he is all set to join ruling Y.S.R.C in coming two days. Krishnudu, who was a great fan of late N.T.Rama Rao, is the cousin of Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, the former Finance Minister who represented the Tuni constituency for a long time. In fact, it is said that Krishnudu was the power behind the throne in Tuni constituency, whenever TD was in power. Ramakrishnudu used to be in the cabinet, holding the important portfolio of a finance minister or a speaker, while Krishnudu used to rule the roost in Tuni constituency. In the constituency, his word was the law, whenever TD was in power. Such a powerful leader, has decided to part ways with the TD and it is a big-blow to Yanamala Divya, the daughter of Ramakrishnudu, who is contesting from the constituency. Krishnudu also contested twice on TD ticket from the constituency, but he lost both times in 2014 and 2019 elections. Yanamala Krishnudu told the Deccan Chronicle that when late N.T.Rama Rao floated Telugu Desam, he was proposed to contest from Tuni, but he proposed his cousin Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and gave B.Form to him. From then, Ramakrishnudu enjoyed power. He said that when Ramakrishnudus daughter was given Tuni Ticket, Ramakrishnudu and TD supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu gave promise to him to give MLC post. But, now, Ramakrishnudu could get MLA candidate to her daughter's father-in-law Putta Sudhakar Yadav, Eluru Lok Sabha seat for his son-in-law Putta Mahesh Yadav and Tuni MLA candidature to his daughter Divya and if TD comes to power, Ramakrshnudu wants to get MLC post. In these circumstances, he has decided to quit TD and join in YSRC as the YSRC leaders promised to him to recognise his services in future. He said that the Roads and Transport Minister Dadisetty Raja, YSRC Kakinada Lok Sabha candidate Chalamalasetty Sunil and others contacted him and convinced him to join in YSRC and he had agreed for it.

Deccan Chronicle 25 Apr 2024 2:26 pm

Jagan will go to jail after elections: Pawan

VIJAYAWADA : Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday predicted that YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will go back to jail after the elections. He was speaking in reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modis speech in Rajasthans Balmar, where he said that those who do wrong should be prepared to be punished. Jagan, an accused in more than 30 cases, is out on bail. However, after the elections, he will be in jail and this is Modis guarantee, he asserted. The actor-politician was speaking to reporters after the partys Lok Sabha candidate, Tangella Uday Srinivas filed his nomination. Reiterating that the elections will decide the fate of the people and the State, he said, The JSP, TDP, and BJP have allied to assure people that law and order issues, corruption, and anarchy prevailing in the State will stop. On the issue of a leader of the Jana Jatiya Sena Party, named Srinivasu Tangella, contesting the Kakinada MP seat, the JSP chief said they have requested the returning officer to see to it that the JSP candidates name in the ballot paper appears as Tea Time Uday. The request was accepted. Later in the day, Pawan, along with TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, addressed a public meeting at Nellimarla in Vizianagaram district. Terming Jagan a big thief, Pawan said, The YSRC president has looted Rs 450 crore of NTR University funds, diverted `800 crore of government employees GPF without their knowledge and `8,000 crore of Panchayat Raj funds. Even Rs 450 crore of building and construction workers funds were not spared. To bring down power tariff, this fan (YSRCs poll symbol) should be stopped, he quipped. Stating that Jagan can be described as a psychopath and sociopath, he underscored the need to dethrone him. Lambasting at Jagan over his governments failure to maintain law and order in the State, the JSP chief said, Lord Rama is worshipped by all, but under the YSRC regime, the idol of Rama in Ramateertham was beheaded. However, no action was taken. Under Jagan, over 200 Hindu temples were demolished, he alleged. On the Bhogapuram Airport issue, the actor pointed out that Jagan, when he was the Opposition leader, wanted to cancel the project. But now, he is using it for land grabbing and minting money, he claimed. Naidu, too, accused the YSRC of attempting to demolish Lord Ramas idols in Ramateertham. The police will arrest us even if we speak anything against the Chief Minister, but they took no action when idols were damaged, he said. Naidu questioned Jagans disinterest in doing any good for Nellimarla. If I had remained in power, the works of Bhogapuram Airport would have been completed. I acquired 2,750 acres for the airport and laid the foundation stone, added Naidu and promised to complete the international airport by 2025. Ensure door delivery of pensions TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu has sought the intervention of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to direct the State government to distribute pensions to beneficiaries at the doorstep. Pointing out that 33 elderly citizens reportedly lost their lives because of the government forcing beneficiaries to visit the village/ward Secretariats to collect their pensions in April, Naidu wrote that the ruling party launched a vicious campaign of blaming the ECI and opposition parties to get political mileage by twisting the facts. In this backdrop, there is every possibility that the State government, with active connivance of officials concerned, will repeat the same scenario when the pensions will have to be disbursed on May 1. With temperatures in the State soaring beyond tolerable levels, beneficiaries will face severe hardships if they are made to wait at the secretariats to collect their pension, the former chief minister wrote in the letter.

The New Indian Express 25 Apr 2024 10:03 am

Identical names, a new headache for Jana Sena

GUNTUR : Sometimes, the symbols and names of contesting candidates in an election play spoilsport. There were instances where similar symbols or names of candidates created confusion among the voters and marred the prospects of a candidate. Jana Sena Party Kakinada MP candidate Tangella Uday Srinivas might face a similar situation now. Among the nominations filed on Wednesday was that of Srinivasu Tangella from Jatiya Jana Sena Party, a Hyderabad-based party. Incidentally, the little-known Jatiya Jana Sena Party was allotted the Bucket symbol in the Telangana elections. The party leaders are trying hard to get the same symbol to contest in AP elections and appealed to the ECI for the same. If the Bucket symbol is allotted to the Jatiya Jana Sena Party, it will pose a serious challenge to Jana Sena of Pawan Kalyan, as both symbols Jana Senas Glass Tumbler and Bucket look similar, felt political analysts. As per the affidavit filed with the ECI, Srinivasu Tangella has Rs 50,000 cash in hand, and Rs 51,000 deposited in two separate bank accounts and the details of all other information, including movable and immovable assets, liabilities are mentioned as not applicable. Founded in 2022, the Jatiya Jana Sena Party is a registered party but not a recognised party as it had not secured 8% of votes in the general elections. Jatiya Jana Sena national president D Nageswara Rao said, We are trying to get the Bucket symbol. The ECI is likely to allot it to us on April 29. When asked about the similar names of the candidates of JJSP and JSP, he said that when they selected the candidate for Kakinada MP seat, they were unaware of the fact. We are planning to contest all 175 Assembly constituencies and 25 LS constituencies in AP, he added. However, when TNIE checked, there was no other candidate of the party in the fray as of now and tomorrow will be the last day to file nominations.

The New Indian Express 25 Apr 2024 9:43 am

Minister Chelluboyina Venugopala Krishna Asks People Not To Believe Buchaiah Chowdary

Kakinada: BC welfare minister and Rajamahendravaram Rural YSRC candidate Chelluboyina Srinivasa Venu Gopalakrishna asked people of the constituency not to believe Telugu Desam candidate and sitting MLA Gorantla Buchaiah Chowdary, as the latter had not taken care of constituency for past 10 years. Speaking to media on Wednesday, the minister said Buchaiah Chowdary treats backward classes as a vote bank, while YSRC treats BCs as the backbone of the society. He declared that YSRC will win the Rajamahendravaram Rural constituency, as people of the state are seeing Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in every YSRC candidate.

Deccan Chronicle 25 Apr 2024 1:30 am

Pawan Says YSRC Candidate Sunil Not Suitable for Politics

Kakinada : Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan declared that YSRC Kakinada Lok Sabha candidate Chalamalasetty Sunil is not suitable for politics. The film star spoke on occasion of Tangella Udaya Srinivas filing his nomination from the Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency as the Jana Sena candidate on Wednesday amid huge fanfare. Pawan Kalyan himself participated in the procession and performed dances while proceeding in the procession. Later, the JS chief told media that Sunil is his friend. But there is a difference between friendship and politics. He said Sunil appears during the election time. Subsequently, he changes his parties. This happens frequently, he pointed out, underlining that this is bad for political leaders. Pawan Kalyan maintained that Udaya Srinivas is a leader with good vision. He has proved himself a good entrepreneur through his Tea Time organisation, which employs 25,000 people. Answering a query, he said rowdyism has increased in Kakinada city. Mere 12-year to 15-year olds are using ganja. This situation should be changed. The JS chief said the Jana Sena, TD and BJP alliance will come to power with a huge majority.

Deccan Chronicle 25 Apr 2024 1:14 am

TD issues B form to Chintamaneni Prabhakar

Kakinada: With Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, lines have finally cleared for former MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar to contest the forthcoming elections from the Denduluru constituency. Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu called Prabhakar and gave him the B form on Wednesday. Prabhakar has already filed his nomination two days ago. He will submit the B form to the returning officer on Thursday. There had been an uproar in TD circles in Anaparthi constituency after the assembly constituency had been allotted to BJP. TD and alliance leaders asked the BJP high command to transfer the seat to TD and instead Chintaluru seat. But the BJP did not agree. This compelled TD state vice president N. Ramakrishna Reddy to join BJP on Tuesday night and get the B form from that party to contest the assembly elections from Anaparthi. BJP dropped its candidate M.S. Krishnam Raju for accommodating Ramakrishna Reddy.

Deccan Chronicle 25 Apr 2024 12:21 am

In Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada, Only One Tree Is Bearing Mangoes Amid Soaring Temperatures - News18

In Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada, Only One Tree Is Bearing Mangoes Amid Soaring Temperatures News18

Google News 24 Apr 2024 3:29 pm

In Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada, Only One Tree Is Bearing Mangoes Amid Soaring Temperatures

This single tree on the Rowthulapudi- Kotananduru road in the Kakinada district, has been bearing many mangoes.

News18 24 Apr 2024 12:29 pm

Hyderabad designer Vaishali Agarwal bridges the old and new with 'Chitralekhanam' saree collection

HYDERABAD: Sarees have been an integral part of our cultural heritage and traditions. As various styles evolve, we eagerly embrace the latest trends. Recently, designer Vaishali Agarwal unveiled Chitralekhanam, a collection from Kaalii, blending contemporary flair with the timeless allure of handloom. Vaishali graciously shared insights into her design process, ensuring the essence of tradition remained woven into her creations. CE delves into her journey and explores the intricacies of her collection. Tell us about your journey as a designer. My journey began almost two decades ago, when my daughter was just a toddler. Its a story that spans many years. Initially, I delved into designing childrens clothing, crafting numerous garments for her. Encouragement from others prompted me to consider starting my own brand. As my daughter grew, so did my brand. I gradually transitioned into designing bridal lehengas and couture wear, predominantly focusing on intricate embroidery. With growing popularity as a wedding wear brand, we ventured into curating sarees. Regular trips to Banaras and Kanchi allowed me to handpick sarees for our collection. For the past eight years, weve been meticulously selecting and selling sarees. However, we eventually felt the urge to delve into designing Kanjeevaram sarees. This transition posed a significant challenge, as designing on the loom differs greatly from embroidery. Its navigating through a grey area, where the outcome often surprises you. Unlike embroidery, you cant rely on samples; instead, youre essentially exploring uncharted territory. Despite the challenges, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Tell us about the new collection. Weve embraced two distinct concepts for our latest collection. For our Banarasi line, weve infused abundant lotus and floral motifs, incorporating vibrant multi-colour palettes. These designs are meticulously woven with meena on soft iktara fabric, ensuring both comfort and elegance. Meanwhile, our Kanchivaram collection draws inspiration from the revered Koleshwar Temple, featuring motifs like deer, yali, and lion, traditionally associated with Kanchivaram sarees. This marks our inaugural venture into selling a weave, and weve spared no effort to make it extraordinary. Our photo shoot was conceptualised around Bapu Bomma, the artist, with every element meticulously styled to complement the theme. We even created the paintings in-house and enlisted the renowned dancer Sandhya Raju as our muse. The entire endeavour seamlessly fell into place, with our photographers capturing the essence of the sarees beautifully, even amidst the tranquil setting under the mango tree. Elaborate on your collaboration with the weavers. For the weavers, crafting sarees is akin to a meditative practice, infused with their artistic expression. They intricately weave their designs into the fabric, focusing on the meticulous details that define the final product. While designers contribute their unique creative vision, weavers prioritise aspects like fabric drape, design clarity, and thread count, ensuring the highest quality outcome. Collaborating with them has been a profound experience, albeit challenging at times, yet ultimately rewarding in its beauty and craftsmanship. How did it change for you from the time of collecting sarees and selling it to now designing it? Engaging in the buying and selling of sarees provided invaluable insights into various weaves, design concepts, and pricing structures. However, delving into the actual process of weaving added another layer of understanding. What makes this brand different from the others? Essentially, each individual brings their unique touch, reflecting their distinct personality. As a brand, we embrace this diversity by offering a range of styles and concepts. Any particular design that is close to your heart in this collection? One saree holds a special place in my heart it features elegant standing lotuses intricately woven into the fabric. As it was being crafted, I felt a profound sense of connection and significance. This saree embodies a delightful blend of modernity and tradition, with its vibrant colours and contemporary twist. The accompanying blouse is a true standout, adorned with delicate lotus buttis, adding a charming touch to the ensemble. Without a doubt, this particular saree stands as my personal favourite, encapsulating the essence of timeless elegance with a modern flair. Any inspirations that you count on? At the moment, I find myself drawn to anything vibrant and colourful its incredibly inspiring to me. Additionally, nature continues to be a profound source of inspiration. While it may seem like a straightforward answer, the beauty and intricacies of the natural world never fail to ignite my creativity and spark new ideas. What are your upcoming projects? Were excited about our upcoming projects, including establishing a few looms in Khadi in Kakinada. Additionally, were actively involved in Banaras weaving, with plans to further expand into Jamdani. In Kanchi, were diligently working on developing a diverse range of new designs, ensuring our collection continues to evolve and captivate our audience.

The New Indian Express 24 Apr 2024 11:37 am

'Who will Jagan blame if pensions are not delivered on May 1?' asks Pawan Kalyan

VIJAYAWADA: Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan said if the social security pensions are not distributed on May 1, it should be assumed that the State government has hatched a conspiracy. He took out an impressive rally on Tuesday for filing his nomination to contest the elections from the Pithapuram Assembly constituency. Speaking to mediapersons, the actor-politician said the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy government blamed the Opposition for the delay in distribution of pensions in April for its failure to distribute pensions on time. Now, if it fails again to deliver pensions at the beneficiaries doorstep on May 1, who would be blamed, he sought to know. Time has come to put an end to the YSRC governments anarchy in the State, he said. While addressing a public meeting at Uppdada in Pithapuram, he listed out a plethora of problems bogging down the people of Kakinada region, especially Uppada. The JSP chief said fishermen of the region remain neglected as several initiatives proposed for their uplift have remained unfulfilled. The `422-crore fishing harbour project is still only on paper, he pointed out. He highlighted the unresolved issue of Kakinada SEZ lands and sought to know what happened to the promise of employment to eligible youth in the region. Warning YSRC general secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy to control his tongue, Pawan asked him to refrain from passing remarks similar to the ones he made against his brother Chiranjeevi.

The New Indian Express 24 Apr 2024 11:36 am

TD VP Ramakrishna Reddy joins BJP

Kakinada: Telugu Desam state vice president Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy joined the Bharatiya Janata Party at the central office at Vijayawada in the presence of the party observer Siddharth Nath Singh and the party state president Daggubati Purandeswari on Tuesday night. This evening, Ramakrishana Reddy invited nearly 50 families belonging to YSRC in Anaparthi constituency into Telugu Desam. Later, he resigned as the TD vice president and went to Vijayawada BJP office. After joining the party, the BJP leaders have given B.Form to Ramakrishna Reddy to contest from Anaparthi constituency. Initially the TD president N.Chandrababu Naidu declared his candidature to Anaparthi. But, after alliance, the BJP took the seat and declared M.S.Krishnam Raju for the party candidate. Ramakrishna Reddys followers were up in arms against the TD high command. As per the advice of Naidu, Ramakrishna Reddy joined the BJP to contest from Anaparthi constituency. The BJP withdrew its candidate Krishnam Raju from the contest. Meanwhile, Ramakrishna Reddys son Manoj Reddy has been appointed as incharge of Telugu Desam to the constituency.

Deccan Chronicle 24 Apr 2024 10:59 am

Pawan vows to be the voice of fisherfolk, farmers at Centre

Farmers had been suffering in the Kakinada SEZ as ownership over SEZ has been changing from one hand to another over a decade, asserts Mr. Pawan

The Hindu 24 Apr 2024 6:06 am

Cobbler to Contest Against Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram

Kakinada : Yedida Bhaskara Rao, a cobbler from Pithapuram in Kakinada district, has announced his decision to contest the Pithapuram constituency against Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan. Bhaskara Rao, who has been practicing his profession under a tree in a college for the past 20 years, studied B.A in politics and is determined to address local issues in his constituency. Taking the nomination papers from the returning officer on Tuesday, Bhaskara Rao expressed his confidence in winning against Pawan Kalyan. He has been studying the problems faced by the town and has identified solutions by gathering information from various newspapers over the past four months. Acknowledging his humble beginnings, Bhaskara Rao said that he comes from a poor family and seeks support from all sections of society. He believes that the Assembly is the perfect platform to resolve the issues in his constituency and plans to prepare a manifesto soon. His campaign aims to address the needs of the people and provide solutions to the problems they face.

Deccan Chronicle 24 Apr 2024 1:09 am

AP elections: Pawan Kalyan files nomination papers in Pithapuram

Hyderabad: Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan filed nomination for contesting from Pithapuram Assembly constituency at Kakinada in East Godavari district on Tuesday. Pawan Kalyan, who is the president of Jana Sena, took out a massive rally from his residence in Chebrolu to proceed to Pithapuram to file nomination papers at the office of returning officer (RO) in Pithapuram. A large number of party supporters took part in the rally. Holding party flags, the supporters welcomed Pawan Kalyan all along the rally route on motorcycles and cars. Slogans like Jai Pawan Kalyan. Jai Jana Sena reverberated the rally. After passing through the main thoroughfares of Pithapuram and its surroundings, the rally concluded at Paadagaya Keshtram enable Pawan Kalyan file nomination papers.

Deccan Chronicle 23 Apr 2024 11:30 am

Jagan playing havoc with health of people by selling substandard liquor: Naidu

VIJAYAWADA : Accusing that the YSRC government has caused irreparable damage to the State, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu said that the Chief Minister, who promised to impose total prohibition on liquor, is now playing havoc with the health of the people by selling substandard liquor. Participating in a public meeting as part of Praja Galam at Jaggampeta of Kakinada district and at Srungavarapukota of Vizianagaram district on Monday, Naidu accused Jagan of failing in keeping up several promises like abolition of the Contributory Pension Scheme. Alleging that Jagan is popularly known for arrogance, destruction and looting, the TDP chief called upon the people to get ready and come together to dethrone Jagan and his party. Stating that government advisor Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy does not have the stature to criticise a tall personality like Mega Star Chiranjeevi, Naidu criticised the YSRC leaders for stooping so low by resorting to personal attacks on leaders of rival parties. He said that a woman Lakshmi from the State has cut her thumb in New Delhi condemning the ongoing atrocities in the State. Dont cut your (people) fingers and instead use them to press the button in the coming elections to dethrone the Jagan government, he appealed to the public. The TDP chief asserted that the State has the future only if the National democratic Alliance (NDA) comes to power in the State. Further stating that the elections are only nominal since the future has been decided by the people to elect the NDA both at the Centre and in the State, Naidu felt that the change among the people is clearly visible and this will turn into a wave in which YSRC will be washed out. The people have the weapon to hit hard the ego of the YSRC leaders, he said, adding that these ruling party leaders are using highly objectionable language against Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, which the respected society feels shameful. Like the YSRC leaders, either the TDP or any other party leaders never spoke about the family members of any leader on the floor of the Assembly, he pointed out. Regretting that all the systems in the State have collapsed, Naidu said that he too is a victim in the hands of Jagan. If you want jobs for the youth in the State, the NDA should come to power and I am promising you that 20 lakh jobs will be created in the coming five years by inviting industries to the State, Naidu said and urged the people to elect the NDA candidates in the coming polls.

The New Indian Express 23 Apr 2024 10:04 am

Chilli Powder Spread on Brides Relatives, Bride Dragged From Marriage Venue

Kakinada: The kin of the bridegroom were attacked by relatives of the bride at Kadiyam village in East Godavari district at a marriage event in the early hours of Sunday. The parents of the girl were not in a mood to go ahead with the marriage event. They made an attempt to foil the ceremony by throwing chilli powder into the eyes of the bride and dragging her away from the marriage venue. Police intervened. According to South Zone DSP Ambika Prasad, Gangavaram Sneha (22) of Gudiganur village in Chagalamarri mandal of Nandyal district and Bathina Venkata Nandu (23) of Kadiyam village fell with love while they were studying a veterinary diploma course at SS and N College in Narasaraopet. The couple, on their own, performed the marriage in the Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada on April 13. Later, they approached the Suryaraopet police station in Vijayawada to seek protection. The police summoned the families of the bride and the bridegroom. Meanwhile, the bridegroom's parents said they wanted to perform the marriage as per tradition and customs. The bride invited her parents for the marriage. The brides mother Gangavaram Padmavathi and her relatives Gangavaram Charan kumar, Chandu and another relative Nakka Bharat attended the marriage. While the marriage ceremony was progressing, the brides relatives were seen dragging the girl from the marriage venue to take her along with them. The bridegrooms relatives tried to prevent them. In a huff, the brides relatives spread chilli powder on them. In this process, a clash erupted between both the families. Each side threw chairs and bottles at the other side. Both families later went to the Kadiyam police station and lodged complaints. SI Nagadurga Prasad gave counselling to the two families. Bride Sneha lodged her own complaint at the Kadiyam police station, following which a case was registered against her relatives.

Deccan Chronicle 23 Apr 2024 1:01 am

Alliance will grab power in AP: Naidu

Kakinada/Visakhapatnam: Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu has said the three-party alliance will come to power in AP and the elections were a mere formality. Addressing an election meeting in Jaggampeta in Kakinada district on Monday, Naidu said peoples urge for a change was visible all over the state. This would culminate into a wave and wash away the YSRC from power, he said. He said no one had messed up with him in his four-decades political career but Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy dared to do so and he will pay a price for it. I was a victim of Jagan Mohan Reddy along with Pawan Kalyan, Megastar Chiranjeevi, Bahubali director Rajamouli, actor Prabhas and others. He said Jagan Mohan Reddy was suffering from delusions of grandeur and, as a megalomaniac, he thinks he is greater than God. Power in such a man's hands is like a stone in a mad mans hand. He may throw it in any direction and he may even use it to injure himself. Therefore, one should be scared of him. Jagans state of mind can be gauged from the fact that he had called film stars like Mega Star Chiranjeevi, Cine hero Prabhas, Bahubali director Rajamouli and others to his residence and insulted them. Condemning the ongoing atrocities in the state, Naidu said that a woman by name K. Lakshmi from Guntur, a human rights activist, staged an agitation in New Delhi to bring the atrocities of Jagan Mohan Reddy to the notice of the Prime Minister, President and Chief Justice, by cutting her thumb. In S Kota in Vizianagaram, Naidu claimed that slogans of Jagan should go are being heard all over the state. I have seen many cyclones. But this cyclone on May 13 will wash away the YSRC and dump it in the Bay of Bengal, he said. Alleging that there was no law and order in the state, he said AP became a hub for drug smuggling, cheap liquor and land grabbing. After coming to power, the 3-party alliance would provide three cooking gas cylinders free, free bus travel for women and an unemployment stipend of ` 3,000, the TD chief promised the people.

Deccan Chronicle 23 Apr 2024 1:00 am

Panic as Borewells Erupt in Flames

Kakinada: Flames erupted from borewells in two separate locations across Andhra Pradesh. The first occurred in Kasarapu Lanka village, Yelamanchili mandal, West Godavari district, while the second engulfed a borewell in Malikipuram mandal, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district. Local reports suggest that flames shot up from a borewell being dug for drinking water in Kasarapu Lanka village on Monday. Alerted by the commotion, residents immediately contacted both Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) officials and the fire department. Firefighters swiftly arrived at the scene and extinguished the blaze. While the exact cause remains under investigation, initial reports suggest the presence of underground oil residue may have contributed to the flames igniting.

Deccan Chronicle 23 Apr 2024 12:51 am

Raghu Rama Krishna Raju Files Nomination as TD Candidate

Kakinada: Telugu Desam high command has officially endorsed K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju as the party's candidate for the Undi constituency by issuing the B.Form to him in a ceremony led by TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu. This decision comes after resolving internal disputes and convincing the sitting MLA Manthena Rama Raju to withdraw from the race, ensuring full support for Raghu Rama Krishna Raju. Rama Krishna Raju, a former MP from Narsapuram, submitted his nomination following a grand procession that commenced from Peda Amiram village in Kalla mandal and concluded at the Undi mandal headquarter. The procession showcased the unity and support from the party cadres. In his address to the gathering, Raghu Rama Krishna Raju emphasised the significance of the upcoming elections, describing them as a contest between the courage of the Godavari people and the egoism of Kadapa. He confidently predicted that after the polling day on May 13, the current Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy would refrain from appearing in public, presumably due to unfavorable survey reports. Meanwhile, Manthena Rama Raju, the former candidate for the Undi constituency, has been appointed as the Telugu Desam West Godavari district president. This appointment follows the promotion of former Rajya Sabha member Thota Sitharamalakshmi to the politburo member of the party.

Deccan Chronicle 23 Apr 2024 12:47 am

AP has future only if NDA comes to power: Chandrababu Naidu

Kakinada: TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said Andhra Pradesh has a future only if the National Democratic Alliance comprising TDP, BJP and Janasena comes to power. The opposition leader made this observation at a public meeting in Jaggampeta in Kakinada district as part of his Prajagalam election canvassing tour. The state has a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

The Siasat Daily 22 Apr 2024 10:06 pm

Purandeswari Vows to Address Railway Worker Concerns

Kakinada : Daggubati Purandeswari, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president, met with railway workers in Rajamahendravaram on Sunday. She addressed a gathering organised by the Bharatiya Railway Mazdoor Sangh (BRMS) and South Central Railway Karmik Sangh, promising to work towards resolving their issues. Purandeswari emphasised her commitment to the welfare of railway workers. Union leaders, including K. Arjuna Rao (Zonal Sangh President), Ms. B. Kalyani (BMS State Secretary), and Ashok Kumar, were present at the meeting.

Deccan Chronicle 21 Apr 2024 10:30 pm

AP: Severe heatwave in 45 mandals today

VISAKHAPATNAM: As many as 45 mandals, including one in Kakinada, 12 in Srikakulam, 22 in Vizianagaram and one in Anakapalle districts, are likely to witness severe heatwave on Sunday, while 197 mandals are likely to record heatwave. According to the IMD Amaravati Centre, thunderstorms accompanied with lightning and gusty winds with speed of 40-50kmph likely to prevail at Isolated places on Sunday. Hot, humid and discomfort weather likely at Isolated places over North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (NCAP) and Yanam. Thunderstorm accompanied with lightening and gusty winds with speed of 30-40kmph likely at Isolated places. Hot, humid and discomfort weather likely at Isolated places over South Coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) and Rayalaseema. While on Saturday, as many as 29 mandals recorded severe heatwaves, and 72 mandals recorded heatwave. Darimadugu in Prakasam district recorded the highest maximum temperature of 44.10 C.

The New Indian Express 21 Apr 2024 8:25 am

Aditya Group Alleges Misinformation Spread Via Social Media, Seeks Action

Kakinada : Aditya Group of Educational Institutions has lodged a complaint with Kakinada district superintendent of police S. Satish Kumar on Saturday against social media posts targeting the institution. The administrative officer of the Institutions clarified in posts on Facebook and Twitter that the Institute had not suspended any student on Friday for involvement in irregularities related to the CM's convoy. The officer stated that the Institution noticed a fake notice circulating on social media and had not taken any such disciplinary action. The Institution authorities urged the police to investigate the incident and take severe action against those responsible for the misleading posts on social media. Meanwhile, the Institutions' Vice President N. Satish Reddy informed the Deccan Chronicle that he and his engineering college students were greeting Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday. While conversing with Jagan in the bus, an individual from the student group began chanting slogans in favor of the Jana Sena leader. Jagan did not seem to notice. Later, a group of individuals intentionally recorded videos and posted false allegations regarding the Institution.

Deccan Chronicle 21 Apr 2024 1:59 am

Vundavalli Seeks Live Telecast of Margadarsi Case

Kakinada: Rajamahendravaram former MP Vundavalli Arun Kumar has said he will request the Andhra Pradesh High Court to allow live telecast of court proceedings in the Margadarsi case, so that people can know the law relating to chit funds. Speaking to reporters in Rajamahendravaram on Saturday, he expressed the hope that the case will come to a logical conclusion by the end of 2024. He said the High Court has directed him to assist it in the case. Arun Kumar said according to Margadarsi companys report, payments which had to be made in 2007 has been paid in 2009. The company must thus pay interest during for the two-year period. However, he said, it should be seen whether or not the company pays interest to the investors as per law. Speaking about politics, the former MP refused to comment on the winning chances of the contesting candidates in general and assembly elections in particular. He said he will not speak about politics till the end of polling.

Deccan Chronicle 21 Apr 2024 1:23 am

Trounce anti-poor tripartite alliance: Andhra Pradesh CM

KAKINADA : Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Friday once again lashed out at the tripartite alliance, saying that it does not have a philosophy of its own and that it runs on the directions of TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu. Addressing a huge gathering in Kakinada as part of Memantha Siddham campaign, Jagan said that it was Naidu who took the final call on the alliance. He said, Package star (JSP chief Pawan Kalyan) does what Naidu asks. If Naidu orders him to sit, he will sit. If he asks him to stand, he will stand. The Chief Minister pointed out that Pawan Kalyan is always subservient to Naidu. He would not mind even if Naidu allotted him only 20 seats even when he seeks 80, he observed. Training his guns at BJP State president D Purandeswari for working for the cause of the TDP, he said she is supporting Naidu without any scruples even though her father late NTR had despised him. Referring to the welfare schemes he had launched during his five year tenure, Jagan said that he had tried to benefit every household. I am alone in this election. This coalition- NDA - which has never done any good to the poor, is coming to fight against me as a pack of wolves, scheming and conspiring against me. Still, our party flag is flying high, he said. He said that the revolutionary decisions taken by the State government were historic in nature. If all these schemes have to continue in future, everyone should become my star campaigners for the State government and go to every household and explain our performance, he said. A laser show during CM Jagans Bus Yatra in Tuni I Express Stating that elections are just 25 days away, he said there is a class war going on in the State. Are you all ready to defeat this anti-poor alliance so that the poor dont always stay poor and their exploitation stops. Your vote will decide how our lives will be for the next five years. We should vote for those who will change our lives for the better. Your vote will decide whether the schemes implemented by the government will continue or not, he said. Jagan asserted that casting a vote for him will ensure the perpetuation of the secretariat system in villages, old age pensions, the agriculture services provided to the farmers in the village, and your children will get English medium instruction in government schools, he said, adding that if Naidu is voted to power, all the welfare benefits which are being received now will stop.

The New Indian Express 20 Apr 2024 8:56 am

Sea of Supporters Hail Jagan in Kakinada

After elections, Chandrababu will dump his colourful manifesto in waste basket; Village Secretariat System may face odds

Deccan Chronicle 19 Apr 2024 11:27 pm

Rajamundry: Poll officials seize gold and silver worth Rs.8.73 cr

KAKINADA: An election flying squad has seized gold and silver ornaments worth Rs.8.73 crores stacked in a container truck at Dowleswaram Police Check Post. The ornaments belong to jewellery shop at Rajamahendravaram. A total of 1.764 kilos of gold worth Rs.8.15 crores and 71.473 kilos of silver worth Rs.58.72 lakhs were found in the container while transporting it to Rajamahendravaram. The poll officials were checking vehicles at Dowleswaram check post while they found the the gold and silver ornaments found in a container, said ajamahendravaram South Zone DSP M.Ambika Prasad. The check post officials informed Returning Officer N.Tej Bharat who instructed the Assistant Returning Officer Y.K.V.Appa Rao and flying squad incharge and special executive magistrate D.Gopala Rao and team to seize and keep it in the treasury. Meanwhile, Income Tax and GST officials reached the spot and assessed the weight and value of the ornaments. Ambika Prasad said that district Grievance Committee would inquire the matter and further steps would be taken.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Apr 2024 12:52 pm

Rajahmundry: Polling begins in Yanam

KAKINADA: Polling started at Yanam, a legislative assembly constituency in Puducherry Lok Sabha constituency on Friday. Brisk polling is underway with 12.55 per cent turnout recorded till 9 AM. Former Minister Malladi Krishna Rao, Yanam MLA Gollapallil Srinivas along with their family members exercised their franchise. The polling exercise is progressing in 33 polling stations in Yanam.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Apr 2024 11:26 am

Jana Sena leader Bonthu joins YSRC

Kakinada: Jana Sena leader Bonthu Rajeswara Rao, along with followers, resigned from JS and joined the YSRC in the presence of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy at Tanuku on Thursday. Rajeswara Rao contested from Razole constituency on behalf of YSRC in 2014 and 2019 elections. In 2014 elections, he suffered defeat at the hands of Telugu Desam candidate Gollapalli Surya Rao. In 2019, he lost to Jana Sena candidate Rapaka Vara Prasad. Following this, Rajeswara Rao joined Jana Sena and strived hard to strengthen the party. He had been hoping that he will be given the JS ticket from Razole. However, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan allotted Razole seat to Deva Vara Prasad. Rajeswara Rao has thus returned to YSRC on Thursday. He said Jagan Mohan Reddy is the only leader who can improve the living conditions of downtrodden sections without fail through welfare schemes. He maintained that Pawan Kalyan is not a person who can be depended upon.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Apr 2024 10:53 am

Railway TTE Rescues Runaway Minor Boy

Vijayawada: A railway travelling ticket examiner (TTE) rescued a runaway minor boy on board train no. 17210 Kakinada Town-Bengaluru Express at Rajahmundry railway station on Thursday. Vijayawada divisional railway manager (DRM) Narendra A. Patil on Thursday said the minor boy Rehman, a 17-year-old resident of Kakinada town had failed in his intermediate board exams. After he fled from home on Wednesday evening, his parents started enquiring about his whereabouts along with his photo at the bus stand and railway station in Kakinada. Narendra Patil said licensed porters at Kakinada town station had noticed the boy boarding train no. 17210 Kakinada Town-Bengaluru Express. Following this, the boys father Usman relayed the information to his brother residing in Rajahmundry. Usmans brother arrived at Rajahmundry railway station and started enquiring about the boy with his photo. S.S. Chandramouli, chief ticketing inspector, Rajahmundry, alerted all ticket-checking staff to trace the boy. He also informed RPF and GRP. DRM Patil said at 6:43 p.m., as soon the train started rolling into the platform at Rajahmundry railway Station, TC staff and railway police started checking the general coaches at both ends of the train. They noticed a teenage boy sitting on the footboard of the train at Rajahmundry in S-11 coach. They made inquiries with the boy and gently took him to the TC office at the railway station, where his relatives identified the boy. Upon inquiry, the boy revealed that he had run away from his home in Kakinada and was contemplating to end his life. TC Staff and GRP counselled the boy and handed him over safely to his relatives after confirming with his parents. Narendra Patil commended the railway staff for ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers, especially vulnerable individuals like minors.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Apr 2024 12:06 am

Nominations Filed from 23 Assembly, Two LS Constituencies in Godavari Districts

Kakinada: The process of filing nominations for the Lok Sabha and assembly elections began on Thursday in the erstwhile East and West Godavari districts with much fanfare. As many as 23 candidates filed nominations for assembly and two candidates filed their papers for the Lok Sabha constituencies. Sathi Suryanarayana Reddy of Aravalli village in Attili mandal of West Godavari district filed his nomination from Narsapuram Lok Sabha constituency on behalf of Indian National Congress. In East Godavari district seven candidates filed their nominations, including Telugu Desam candidate Adireddy Srinivas who reached the polling station in a huge procession. Talari Venkateswara Rao and Talari Param Jyothi filed nominations on behalf of YSRC from Kovvuru constituency. YSRC candidate Geddam Srinivasa Naidu filed nomination from Nidadavolu constituency. Gopalapuram Telugu Desam candidate Madditpati Venkata Raju also filed his nomination. Kakinada district collector J. Nivas said that four candidates filed their nominations for assembly constituencies in the district. In Konaseema district, Pilli Surya Prakash and Rajya Sabha member Pilli Subhashchandra Bose filed nominations from Ramachandrapuram assembly segment on behalf of YSRC. Chilurumilli Kirankumar filed nomination as an independent candidate from Mummidivaram assembly segment and also Amalapuram assembly constituency on behalf of Jana Sena. In Eluru district, Alapati Narasimha Murthy of Munduru village in Pedavegi mandal filed nomination on behalf of Indian National Congress from Denduluru assembly segment. Liberation Congress Party candidate Mendem Santhosh Kumar filed nomination from Eluru Lok Sabha constituency. YSRC candidate and former deputy chief minister Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas alias Nani filed his nomination from Eluru assembly segment. Jana Sena party candidate Chirri Balaraju filed his nomination from Polavaram assembly segment.

Deccan Chronicle 19 Apr 2024 12:02 am

YSRCs Vanga Geetha Faints While Campaigning

KAKINADA: YSRC Pithapuram candidate Vanga Geetha fainted while campaigning in the hot sun at F.K. Palem village in Pithapuram mandal on Thursday. Her supporters immediately shifted her to her camp office in Pithapuram. Doctors who treated her said she had suffered a sunstroke. YSRC sources said Geetha had been having high fever during the past two days. Yet, she continued her campaign, going house to house and meeting every family. On Thursday, her BP and sugar levels increased and she fainted. Dr. Jagan Mohan, who is treating her, said she should take rest for at least 48 hours. Geetha is taking her campaign very seriously as YSRC had pitted her against film star and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, who is the NDA alliance candidate from Pithapuram assembly constituency.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Apr 2024 11:37 pm

Divisional TTE rescues minor boy contemplating suicide at Rajahmundry station

Divisional TTE rescues minor boy contemplating suicide at Rajahmundry station In a heroic act, a Railway Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) on Wednesday rescued a runaway minor boy who was considering dying by suicide aboard the train Kakinada Town-Bengaluru at Rajahmundry Railway Station. The 17-year-old minor boy named Rehman, a resident of Kakinada Town, after failing in Intermediate Board Exams fled from home warning parents of dying by suicide at around 4:30pm on Wednesday. After the boy ran away from home, parents started asking local people regarding his whereabouts at Railway Station and Bus Stand in Kakinada. Licensed Porters who noticed the boy boarding the train Kakinada Town- Bengaluru at Kakinada Town Station informed the aggrieved parents upon identifying the photo. After getting the information from Licensed Porter, the boy's father Usman relayed the information to his brother residing at Rajahmundry. The Relatives of the boy approached Rajahmundry Railway Station and started enquiring for the boy with his photo. Chief Ticketing Inspector S S Chandramouli, at Rajahmundry Station after paying attention to their grievance, alerted the rest of the ticket checking staff to trace the boy on incoming Seshadri Express. Chandramouli informed the escort RPF and GRP and Rajahmundry Station RPF regarding the incident and shared the boy's photo. At 6.43 pm, as soon the train started rolling into the platform at Rajahmundry railway Station, TC Staff and Railway police started checking the General Coaches at the both ends of the train. CTI Chandramouli noticed a teenage boy sitting on the foot board of the train at Rajahmundry in S-11 Coach. As soon as the train stopped he immediately went into the Bogie and enquired about the boy regarding his whereabouts. After much persuasion, he gently took the boy to TC office on Railway Station, where the relatives confirmed and identified the boy. Upon inquiry, the boy revealed that he had run away from his home in Kakinada due to desperate consequences and was contemplating dying by sucide. TC staff and GRP counselled the boy and handed him over safely to his relatives after confirming with their parents. The boy's parents and relatives expressed their gratitude to S.S. Chandramouli, CTI and the RPF for their timely intervention, which saved their son's life. Sr. DCM Vijayawada ,Vavilapalli Rambabu praised and congratulated the Ticket Checking Staff at Rajahmundry for rescuing the minor boy. Narendra A. Patil, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division commended the selfless act of S. S. Chandramouli, CTI, Rajahmundry for his exemplary efforts in tracing the minor boy. Narendra A. Patil, DRM said that such incidents highlights the importance of human compassion and the role of railway staff in ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers, especially vulnerable individuals like minors. (ANI)

devdiscourse 18 Apr 2024 10:17 pm

U. Kothapalli backing Jagan for returning KSEZ land

Kakinada: People of U. Kothapalli, which falls under Kakinada Special Economic Zone (KSEZ), are backing Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. They are grateful that for the first time in India, a CM has returned lands acquired by the government back to farmers. Agitation by people living in KSEZ area has been going on for more than two decades. When Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu had been an opposition leader from 2004 to 2014, he promised farmers that he will give back their lands acquired for the special economic zone. However, after assuming charge as chief minister, Naidu went back on his promise. During the 2019 elections, Jagan Mohan Reddy, as the opposition leader, promised farmers that he will return their lands. After assuming charge as Chief Minister, he formed a committee and returning back their lands along with documents. We cannot forget Jagans help. Farmers are breathing easy after getting back their lands. No government has taken such a favourable step for farmers so far, said Y. Prasada Reddy, one of KSEZ areas leaders. Farmers are backing YSRC candidate Vanga Geetha. They say her win will be their gift to Jagan Mohan Reddy for helping them. Fishermen of U. Kothapalli too want Jagan Mohan Reddy to compensate them. They say after formation of the KSEZ, they have been prohibited from fishing. The Chief Minister extended compensation of 10,000 to each family, an amount that is extended to all fisherfolk when there is the annual ban on fishing in sea, so that fish could rejuvenate during their breeding season. However, the fishermen want a substantial compensation, pointing out that after Aurobindo has laid a pipeline in the sea, they are having trouble fishing. YSRC leaders within the fishing community are pinning their hopes on Jagan Mohan Reddys meeting to be held at the Achampet junction as part of his Memanta Siddham bus yatra.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Apr 2024 10:13 pm

Kakinada MP suffers sunstroke during campaign

The Hindu 18 Apr 2024 8:33 pm

Doctors in fray to gauge peoples pulse

VIJAYAWADA: Medical professionals getting elected to the legislative bodies is not new. Andhra Pradesh has a history of several doctors contesting the elections and successfully entering the State Assembly. Who can forget that former Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy was a doctor by profession? This time too, several doctors are contesting the Lok Sabha and Assembly seats. Here are some names Seediri Appalaraju He did his MBBS from Rangaraya Medical College in Kakinada and MD from Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam. Practised for 10 years as a doctor, before taking the plunge into politics in 2019. He joined the YSRC, contested Palasa Assembly seat, won, and became a minister in YS Jagan Mohan Reddys Cabinet. Now, he is contesting the same seat on YSRC ticket Tale Rajesh This 43-year-old candidate hails from a political family. His father Tale Bhadrayya represented Palakonda twice as an MLA. He did MBBS, DNB (Orthopedic Surgeon), and worked at Durgabai Deshmukh Hospital. He joined the YSRC and is now contesting the Rajam Assembly seat Chetti Tanuja Rani A medical professional with a specialisation in epidemiology, Rani holds a medical degree from the International School of Medicine-International University of Kyrgyzstan. Before her political journey, she served as a medical officer in ASR District Medical and Health Office in Paderu. Daughter of former BSNL officer Syam Sunder and nurse Varalakshmi, Tanujas political entry marks a significant transition. Her father-in-law is Araku MLA Chetti Palguna, and her husband Vinay is an active member of the ruling party. She is contesting from Araku, the largest Lok Sabha constituency in Andhra Prades on YSRC ticket Dasari Sudha Dasari Sudha She did her MBBS from Kurnool Medical College in 1999 and worked as a doctor in a private hospital in Kadapa. Her husband Dr G Venkata Subbaiah was Badvel MLA and died of illness in 2021. She contested on YSRC ticket in the byelection and won with a thumping majority. Byreddy Sabari Her father Byreddy Rajasekhar Reddy is a former minister. She worked as a gastroenterologist at Yashoda Hospital in Hyderabad and earned acclaim for her surgical expertise. She started her political career with the BJP, and recently joined TDP. She is contesting from the Nandyal LS seat. Sathi Suryanarayana Reddy Sathi Suryanarayana Reddy A medical professional, who did his MS in General Surgery from University of Mysore, plunged into politics and joined the Congress in 2011. He joined the YSRC in 2014, and unsuccessfully contested from Anaparthi. In 2014, he won the seat and the YSRC has fielded him again from Anaparthi. Guduri Srinivas A noted pulmonologist, he did his MBBS from Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada, and was a gold medalist. Later, he did his DLO (ENT and MD (Pulmonology). He worked as a Professor of Pulmonary Medicine at GSL Medical College for 10 years. He established a 100-bed Cardio Respiratory Centre -- Vijaya Bharathi Chest Institute in Rajahmundry. Taking a plunge into politics, he joined the YSRC. He is contesting the Rajahmundry Lok Sabah seat now. ME Sunil Kumar He is a medical professional from a political family. Sunils father K Eranna is a former MLA from Madakasira belonging to the TDP. Sunil, who did his BDS from Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences, worked as a doctor in a government hospital in Hindupur. Deciding to follow the footsteps of his father, he joined the TDP. He is in the election fray from Madakasira constituency. M Sudheer Reddy Hailing from a political family, he did his MBBS from Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Science, Mandya, Karnataka. Later, completed his Diploma in Anesthesia. Nephew of ex-minister MV Mysura Reddy, he joined the YSRC in 2011 and contested for the first time from Jammalamadugu in 2019 and won. He is in the election fray from the same segment.

The New Indian Express 18 Apr 2024 10:03 am

Sri Rama Navami Celebrated with Zeal Across Andhra Pradesh

Kakinada: Sri Rama Navami was celebrated with fervour and traditional gaiety across Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. Devotees thronged temples and pandals and participated in the divine celebrations commemorating the birth of Lord Rama. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams marked the festivities with a ceremonial Dhwajarohanam at the Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy temple in Vontimitta, Kadapa district, signalling the commencement of the annual Brahmotsavams. The temple is set to celebrate the auspicious Sri Sita Ramula Vari Kalyanam on April 22. At the hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala, TTD observed Sri Rama Navami Asthanam ritual. After the daily rituals, temple priests performed the sacred Snapana Tirumanjanam to the idols of Lord Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, and Hanuman. Later in the day, the deity was taken out in a procession through the mada streets on Hanumantha Vahanam. Later, the pundits read out Sri Rama Jananam in Sri Rama Navami Asthanam, which took place near Bangaru Vakili inside the hill temple at around 10pm. The Sri Kodanda Rama temple in Tirupati witnessed similar celestial fervour, with a Snapana Tirumanjanam performed in the morning and an Asthanam in the evening. The Pedda Jeeyar Swamy of Tirumala presented new Vastrams to the presiding and Utsava deities, followed by Rama's celestial ride on Hanumantha Vahana. Meanwhile, Hindu shrines across the state celebrated the Sri Sita-Ramulavari Kalyanam in a grand manner, attracting devotees in large numbers. Priests elucidated the significance of Rama Navami, emphasizing the enduring legacy of Lord Rama's righteous rule. Spiritual fervour marked the celebrations at the famous Kodanda Ramalayam at Rama Mandiram, Seetha Ramachandra Swamy temple (Governorpet), and other Sri Rama temples in Vijayawada and its surroundings. Rama Navami pandals were erected in various localities, where priests distributed Panakam and Vadapappu as prasadam to the devotees. Similar grand celebrations were held in the Sri Sitaramanjaneya Swamy and other Ram temples in Mangalagiri, Ramanama Kshetram, Kodanda Ramalayam, and other temples in Guntur, as well as in Nandigama, Aitavaram, Mylavaram, Nuzvid, Penamaluru, Machilipatnam, Gudivada, Gannavaram, and other areas. Visakhapatnam witnessed a vibrant celebration of Ram Navami, with traditional ceremonies and public events organized by various temples and associations. The Ambika Bhag (part of Kanaka Mahalakshmi temple), Simhachalam temple, commissioner's office, and Ramalayam temple within the city police barracks hosted the 'Sri Rama Kalyanam' ceremonies. The Marwadi association also organised a Shoba Yatra, a procession commemorating the occasion, filling the streets with devotional fervour. The Srirama Navami Festival was celebrated in Godavari districts. The Sitha Rama Kalyanams were held in every Vaishnava and Shiva temples, by following the traditions and customs. Many devotees thronged the temples and took Prasadams and auspicious rice of the Kalyanam. The temples were decorated with illuminations and garlands. Many political leaders participated in the Srirama Kalyanam in their respective constituencies.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Apr 2024 12:36 am

Politicians, Mainly Candidates, Buzz at Rama Navami Pandals

Vijayawada : Political leaders, mainly candidates of all political parties, joined Sri Rama Navami celebrations in various parts of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. Clearly, the impending 2024 general elections, found them making a beeline to Rama temples in their respective constituencies. The candidates avoided all politics, knowing fully well that they will be held responsible for violation of the election code of conduct. Health minister Vidadala Rajini attended the Sitarama Kalyanam at the Omkara Kshetram in Guntur. She also participated in a Shobha Yatra by driving a tractor, which caught the attention of the masses. Guntur West MLA Maddali Giridhar and other YSRC leaders joined her. On the day, Rajini visited a majority of Rama Navami pandals in Guntur city. Telugu Desam general secretary Nara Lokesh attended the Rama Navami celebrations at the Sitaramanjaneya Swamy Temple in Mangalagiri, apart from other places. In Vijayawada, former minister and YSRC Vijayawada Central candidate Velampalli Srinivas Rao visited nearly a dozen Rama Navami pandals on Thursday in quick succession and organised an Annadanam. Srinivas Rao went on to compare Jagan Mohan Reddys rule to Rama Rajyam, asking people in the pandals to re-elect Jagan as the next Chief Minister for continuation of the Rama Rajyam. Bharatiya Janata Party state president Daggubati Purandeswari participated in the Sita Rama Kalyanam at the famous Ramalayam in Seethampeta area of Rajamahendravaram. Further, Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha member and YSRC Rajamahendravaram Urban candidate Margani Bharat and his wife Mona performed Sitharama Kalyanam at Margani Estates in Rajamahendravaram. Others who participated in the Rama Navami festivities are Kakinada Lok Sabha candidate Chalamalasetty Sunil, Pithapuram candidate Vanga Geetha, Kakinada Rural MLA Kurasala Kannababu, and Jana Sena Kakinada Rural candidate Pantham Venkateswara Rao (Nanaji). In Visakhapatnam, various political leaders participated in the Kalyanotsavam at Ambika Bagh, including YSRC candidate Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar. On the occasion, he urged the Chief Minister to usher in Sri Rama Rajyam in Andhra Pradesh.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Apr 2024 12:14 am

Conviction of Trimurthulu a Blessing and Disguise

Kakinada: The conviction and 18 months jail term in a case of tonsuring the heads of two Scheduled Caste youths, by a court to YSRCs Mandapeta candidate Thota Trimurthulu, appears to have come as a blessing in disguise for him. This is expected to consolidate his caste-based vote bank in the constituency. Some Kapu leaders, said to be from the Jana Sena, met Trimurthulu on Wednesday and rendered their support to him in Mandapeta. Curiously, there is no visible anger against Trimurhtulu from Scheduled Caste communities too despite his heinous act. After getting bail from a higher court on Tuesday, Trimurthulu came to Mandapeta at night through Dwarapudi, Ragampeta and Tapeswaram. Some inhabitants of SC colonies had been waiting to welcome him. But it was too late, so they reached the Mandapeta YSRC office on Wednesday to garland him. The YSRC cadres including SCs and Kapus welcomed Trimurthulu and took him on their shoulders to the office by showering flowers on him. The villages like Pedakorumilli, China Korumilli, Yedida, Kesavaram etc are strongholds of the Kapu community and by extension to the Jana Sena. Notably, Trimurthulu had convened meetings with them previously by making use of his Kapu card and tried to lure them. Some of the JS cadres now joined hands with Trimurthulu. At the same time, Trimurthulu also managed to get support from the SCs in the constituency as he, as MLC, worked for their welfare in the past two years. The Mala community, a section of Madigas and a majority of the BCs are in favour of Trimurthulu due to the help he provided to them in the past, a SC community leader said. He said that the tonsuring incident took place 28 years ago. It raised strong opposition to Trimurthulu from the Dalits. They organised many protests against him. But the present generation of Dalits, mainly the youths, do not nurse any grudge against Trimurthulu now, he claimed. Kapu Nadu chief adviser DN Ramesh said the SC atrocities case against Trimurthulu had not had any impact on Trimurthulus chances of victory in successive polls. It need not be raised as an issue anymore also as the SC community is happy with the welfare schemes of the YSRC government. Trimurthulu, on his part, is also working in favour of SCs and BCs in Mandapeta constituency for the past two years. The majority of the Kapus, including youths, want to support Trimurthulu in this election despite party flags, he claimed. Meanwhile, Telugu Desam leader S Rajesh demanded that the YSRC cancel the MLC post of Thota Trimurthulu and Ananta Udaya Bhaskar. He told the media at Kakinada that Trimurthulu has been punished by the court for his crime against Dalits and Ananta Babu had killed a Dalit youth, V Subrahmanyam, and delivered his body to his family members. Under the circumstances, the YSRC should cancel the candidature of Trimurthulu in Mandapeta constituency, he said.

Deccan Chronicle 18 Apr 2024 12:13 am

Five Auspicious Days for Filing Nominations

KAKINADA: Candidates for the assembly and parliament elections are consulting astrologers to choose auspicious days for filing their nominations. Astrologers say April 19, 20, 21, 22 and 24 are auspicious. However, each candidate has to choose the day suitable for him. Honorary president of Drik Siddhanta Almanac Writers Association, Gorthi Machara Subrahmanya Pattabhi Sastry, said that on April 19, the auspicious time is 11.58am in Kartaka Lagna; on April 20, it is 8.07am in Vrushabha lagna and 10.56 am on Mithuna Lagna. On April 21, the auspicious time is 11.50am in Karkataka Lagna and on April 22, the time is 7.58am and 10.59am in Mithuna lagna and Karkataka Lagna respectively. On April 24, the time 10.41am in Mithuna Lagna are auspicious for the filing nominations. But another almanac writer Pallavajjula Ramakrishna Siddanthi said the auspicious times are: April 18 from 10am to 11.30am, or 11.50am to 1.30 pm; April 19 from 9.30am to 11.20am; on April 22, from 11.30am to 3pm; and on April 23, from 9am to 11am and 2pm to 3 pm. Meanwhile, the BJP D Purandeswari will file her nomination for Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha constituency on April 19 and Kakinada YSRC Lok Sabha candidate will file his nomination on April 24. Kakinada Rural assembly candidate Kurasala Kannababu would file his nomination on April 22 and Jaggampeta YSRC candidate Thota Venkata Narasimham the next day. The nomination process starts from April 18 till 25.

Deccan Chronicle 16 Apr 2024 10:59 pm

AP EAMCET 2024: Application Window with Late Fee Opens Today; Last Date for Submission Notified

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Kakinada, has initiated the application process for AP EAMCET 2024. Candidates aspiring to appear for the exam can apply online through the official website: cets.apsche.ap.gov.in. Here's a detailed overview of the application process, late fee details, and essential dates for AP EAMCET 2024.

Naukrinama 16 Apr 2024 2:10 pm

Severe heatwave likely to hit 63 mandals of AP today

VISAKHAPATNAM : The prevailing hot weather conditions across the State are likely to persist, with a heatwave expected to be recorded for the next three days. According to the India Meteorological Department Amaravati Centre forecast, isolated places in North Coastal AP (NCAP), Yanam, and South Coastal AP (SCAP) are likely to experience heatwave conditions, while Rayalaseema may face hot, humid, and discomforting weather. The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has identified 63 mandals, including three in Alluri Sitarama Raju, four in Anakapalle, two in East Godavari, one in Eluru, three in Kakinada, 13 in Parvathipuram-Manyam, 15 in Srikakulam, and 22 in Vizianagaram, are likely to record severe heatwave conditions. Additionally, 130 mandals are expected to experience heatwave conditions. As many as 38 mandals recorded severe heatwaves and 75 mandals recorded heatwaves on Monday. Nandyal recorded the highest maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius, followed by Kurnool at 41.8 degrees Celsius, Nandigama at 40.8, Jangamaheshwarapuram at 40.6, Tirupati and Kadapa at 40.4, and Anantapur at 40.3 degrees Celsius. IMD forecasts above-normal southwest monsoon The IMD has released its long-range forecast for the southwest monsoon, predicting above-normal rainfall for Andhra Pradesh from June to September. This forecast attributes the anticipated rainfall to moderate El Nio conditions currently prevailing over the equatorial Pacific region. Climate models suggest a transition to neutral conditions at the beginning of the monsoon season, followed by La Nia conditions in second half of the season. Nandyal records highest temp of 43C As many as 38 mandals recorded severe heatwaves and 75 mandals recorded heatwaves on Monday. Nandyal recorded the highest temperature of 43C, followed by Kurnool at 41.8, Nandigama at 40.8, Jangamaheshwarapuram at 40.6, Tirupati at 40.4C

The New Indian Express 16 Apr 2024 8:37 am

20 Year Old Girl Injures Vital Part of 39 Year Old Person

Kakinada: A 20-year-old unmarried girl, irritated by the attitude of her lover, attacked him on the vital parts with a blade, while they were engaged in love-making at midnight on Sunday. According to Allavaram police of Dr B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, a 39-year-old married man, having wife and children, fell in love with the girl and for the past three months, they met each other. But, for the past week, he neglected her and he did not pick up her phone. According to reports, the woman allegedly attacked the man during a late-night encounter on Sunday. With the injury, he rushed to a private medical college hospital at Amalapuram. Allavaram sub-inspector G. Harish Babu registered a case and is investigating.

Deccan Chronicle 16 Apr 2024 4:04 am

BJPs Manifesto is Based on opinion of One Crore People

Kakinada: State BJP president Daggubati Purandeswari has claimed that the party prepared its manifesto by taking opinions from nearly one crore people and it would help the country have faster development. She told the media at Rajamahendravaram on Monday that the manifesto aimed at Samrudda Bharat and Surakshit Bharat and paid attention to 24 sectors and 10 prominent issues. The manifesto would make India the third economic force in the world and give priority to women, youth, farmers and senior citizens. The manifesto plans would be taken to the village level and we will explain these to the people. The BJP is having the capacity to implement the manifesto for the interests of the people, she claimed. Purandeswari said that the sankalp patra (manifesto) would give a boost to the 12 crore of unorganised sectors and small and middle businessmen and the Scheduled Caste people living in hill areas. She said welfare, ease of living, global-level manufacturing, world class infrastructure facilities, cultural development, satellite townships, good governance, technology development, a stable Bharat and other aims are being given priority in the manifesto. The BJP-led NDA government had already given priority to Make In India and now it gives priority to the manufacturing sector, she claimed. Speaking about roads development, she said that previously, the roads used to be laid by 12 km to 23 km per day, but now, 28 km to 30 km of roads are being developed per day. The railway tracks are being constructed to a stretch of 14 km per day and the free ration would continue to 80 crore people for the coming five years. The old persons above age 70 would get free treatment for up to `5 lakh. To curb cyber crime, the BJP government would take several steps, she added.

Deccan Chronicle 16 Apr 2024 1:32 am

Seven ministers in the fray from new turf

While four ministers of YS Jagan Mohan Reddys Cabinet have been either elevated to the Rajya Sabha or made to contest the Lok Sabha elections, seven others have been shifted to new Assembly constituencies to overcome anti-incumbency. They include three women ministers. A look at the ministers, who are in the election fray from new turf Merugu Nagarjuna, Vemuru MLA The Social Welfare Minister started his political journey with the Congress and he was active in student politics. He did PhD from Andhra University and worked as a professor before joining politics. He served as a Chairman of SC, ST Commission of Andhra Pradesh. After joining the YSRC, he worked as the party SC wing chief, and won from Vemuru SC reserved seat. YSRC leader Varikuti Ashok Babu is contesting from Vemuru now. Nagarjuna has been shifted to Santhanutalapadu. Merugu Nagarjuna, Vemuru MLA Chelluboina Srinivasa Venugopala Krishna, Ramachandrapuram MLA The Minister for BC Welfare won from Ramachandrapuram Assembly constituency with a majority of more than 5,000 votes in 2019. He started his political career in 2000 with the Congress, and was elected as a member of Zilla Parishad in 2001 and 2006. He unsuccessfully contested the elections from Kakinada Rural Assembly constituency in 2014. With former MLA and senior leader Pilli Subhash Chandra Bose, who represented Ramachandrapuram earlier, insisting that his son be given a chance to contest from the segment, Venugopala Krishna has been shifted to Rajamahendravaram Rural constituency Chelluboina Srinivasa Venugopala Krishna, Ramachandrapuram MLA Taneti Vanitha, Kovvur MLA The State Home Minister won with a majority of over 25,000 votes against TDPs V Anitha in the 2019 elections. Initially, she was inducted into Jagans cabinet as Women and Child Welfare Minister, and later elevated as Home Minister in the Cabinet reshuffle effected in April 2022. Now, sitting Gopalapuram MLA Talari Venkat Rao is in the fray from Kovvur, while Vanitha will contest from Gopalapuram. Both Gopalapuram and Kovvur are SC reserved constituencies Taneti Vanitha, Kovvur MLA Jogi Ramesh, Pedana MLA The Minister for Housing, who was inducted into Jagans Cabinet in April 2022, started his political career with the Congress and worked in various capacities. He contested as a Congress candidate from Pedana in 2009 and won against Kagitha Venkat Rao of TDP with a majority of 1,000-odd votes. He joined the YSRC in 2013 and unsuccessfully contested from Mylavaram against Devineni Umamaheswara Rao of TDP in 2014. In 2019, he was elected from Pedana, defeating TDPs Kagitha Krishna Prasad by a majority of 7,839 votes. Now, he has been replaced by Uppala Ramesh, and fielded from Penamaluru against Bode Prasad of TDP Audimulapu Suresh, Yerragondapalem MLA After quitting as a civil servant in Indian Railways, he started his political career with the Congress in 2009. He won from Yerragondapalem in 2009. In the subsequent election, he was elected from Santhanuthalapadu on YSRC ticket. In 2019, he was shifted to Yerragondapalem. In the Cabinet reshuffle, he was given the Municipal Administration portfolio. He is set to face a stiff fight in Kondepi from two-time MLA Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy of TDP Audimulapu Suresh, Yerragondapalem MLA KV Ushashri Charan, Kalyandurg MLA The minister for Women and Child Welfare in Jagans Cabinet, completed BSc Life Sciences, did PG in Environmental Science. Now, she is doing PhD on Atmospheric Science and Global Warming from SKU. She was TDP womens wing State general secretary before joining the YSRC in 2014. She won from Kalyandurg against Uma Maheshwar Naidu of TDP with a majority of 19,000 votes in 2019. Now, she is in the fray from Penugonda Assembly segment KV Ushashri Charan, Kalyandurg MLA Vidadala Rajini, Chilakaluripet MLA The Minister for Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education was inducted into Jagans 2.0 cabinet in 2022. She started her political career with the TDP and later joined the YSRC as she could not get the party ticket. She won her first election against three-time TDP MLA Prathipati Pulla Rao from Chilakaluripet in 2019. She has been asked to contest from Guntur West segment, a TDP stronghold. Her opponent is Piduguralla Madhavi of TDP Vidadala Rajini, Chilakaluripet MLA

The New Indian Express 15 Apr 2024 7:52 am

Sharmila Ruining Congress, Says Kakinada City Congress In-Charge

Kakinada: Congress Kakinada city in-charge Kola Prasada Varma charged that APCC president Y.S. Sharmila and her coterie are plotting not to let the party grow even in 2024 elections. In this context, he alleged that the list of candidates that the Congress Wording Committee (CWC) approved for the forthcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections has been changed. Tickets have been allotted to people who know nothing about the Congress. The Kakinada party in-charge said CWC special invitee Gidugu Rudra Raju, partys Kakinada Lok Sabha candidate M.M. Pallam Raju and Congress leader Mastan Vali are among the conspirators who want to destroy the Congress party in AP. Prasada Varma said many Congress leaders spent crores in the past 10 years under adverse political conditions. Yet, they have not been given tickets to contest the forthcoming general elections in the state. He cited the example of Prathipadu Congress ticket being given to Neerukonda Venkata Satyanarayana, while Satyanarayanas wife is the ZPTC of YSRC from Prathipadu and his son is in Jana Sena. The Kakinada party in-charge went on to allege that real Congress leaders have not been given tickets from Kakinada, Kakinada Rural, Prathipadu, Tuni, Rajamahendravaram, Amalapuram and other constituencies. He underlined that the Kakinada Rural candidate met Sharmila in the morning and got the ticket by the evening. Such is the unfortunate situation within the AP Congress, Prasada Varma lamented.

Deccan Chronicle 14 Apr 2024 1:45 am

Naidu Wants People To Boycott Anti-Amaravati Capital Parties

Kakinada: Telugu Desam chief and former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called upon people to boycott political leaders and parties who do not commit themselves to Amaravati being the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh. Dont allow such people to your villages, unless they accept Amaravati as the lone capital, he told voters of Tadikonda and Prathipadu constituencies during his Prajagalam yatra on Saturday. The TD supremo maintained that the capital will not shift even an inch from Amaravati due to the power of its Muhurat and foundation laying ceremony involving soil from all temples and rivers, masjids and churches. He said capital Amaravati will not belong to one particular caste or community. It belongs to all sections of the society, he declared. Chandrababu Naidu told people that when he had been the chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh, he had built Cyberabad. When it had been in its early stages, many people had ridiculed his plans, especially with regard to the Outer Ring Road. But subsequently, people realised that Cyberabad is a great idea. Now, Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Cyberabad have become a Mega City. The former CM said in a similar manner, he had drawn a blueprint with a great vision for the development of Amaravati. But the YSRC government has ruined those plans and made AP a capital-less state. A crank has destroyed my dream of Amaravati with his stupid, borrowed notion of having three capitals for the state. It has resulted in total destruction. Therefore, YSRC should be given a drubbing by people in the coming elections, he stated. The TD chief underlined that the state government is struggling even to pay salaries to employees. He maintained that YSRC will not cross a single digit of seats in the forthcoming elections, as the people have already decided to create a great record in history on May 13 the polling day by defeating YSRC. The former chief minister asked the people to give full mandate to Telugu Desam, Bharatiya Janata Party and Jana Sena in the coming elections. Significantly, Chandrababu Naidu promised that Visakhapatnam will be developed as the economic capital and Kurnool will become horticulture and seed capital. He declared that on June 4, he will step into the Assembly and provide peoples rule.

Deccan Chronicle 14 Apr 2024 1:40 am

Mithun Accuses Pawan of Selling JS Tickets

Kakinada : YSRC Godavari districts coordinator P. Mithun Reddy on Saturday lashed out at Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan saying that the latter has no morals or ethics. The ruling party leader accused Pawan Kalyan of selling the Jana Sena tickets to whoever gave him money. He maintained that YSRC Pithapuram candidate Vanga Geetha will successfully face Pawan Kalyan in the constituency. Mithun Reddy declared that YSRC will win from all 175 constituencies, including Pithapuram. He disclosed that Memantha Siddham meeting will be held in Kakinada on April 19. He called upon people to make the meeting successful.

Deccan Chronicle 14 Apr 2024 1:27 am

India Set to Become World's Pharmaceutical Hub Soon: JNTUK VC

Kakinada : G.V.R. Prasada Raju, vice-chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK) on Saturday said that India would become a hub for worlds pharmaceutical industry in the coming years thanks to its rapid technological growth in the country in the last few years. Participating as a chief guest during the Continued education programme: Tomorrows pharmacy: Building 21st centurys skill development, organised by School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies wing at the Senate Hall in the University here, Prasada Raju called upon the students to focus on developing new initiatives by acquiring necessary knowledge in the pharmaceutical sciences. He exhorted the students to pay attention on acquiring practical knowledge on their subjects. He also exhorted the teachers to build the students to make new initiatives. Participating as a chief guest in the programme, the Andhra Pradesh Pharmacy Council registrar McWilliams Kerry said that the students should learn pharmaceutical sciences for creating a better future for the coming generations. He suggested the pharmacy faculty should organize such programmes twice in a year and the pharmacy lecturers should apply online for their renewal of certificates. As many as 100 registered pharmacy lecturers attended the meeting and Kerry distributed certificates to them. The university rector K. V. Ramana, pharmacy courses special officer G.V.S.R. Dikshuthulu, SPST head B. Bhavani and others were present.

Deccan Chronicle 14 Apr 2024 12:56 am

Heat wave over AP to resume tomorrow

VISAKHAPATNAM : After a brief lull, the heatwave in Andhra Pradesh is likely to revive itself from April 15. India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday predicted a fresh spell of heatwave conditions over isolated parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh (CAP) and Yanam for three days, beginning Monday, April 15. Heatwave will continue to prevail over Srikakulam, Manyam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, ASR, Anakapalli, Kakinada and East Godavari districts till April 17. Maximum temperature in parts of CAP is expected to be over 42 degrees Celsius. Rayalaseema region in the state will experience hot, humid and uncomfortable weather during the same period. On Saturday, April 13, Anantapur and Nandyal in Rayalaseema recorded the highest maximum temperature of 40.4 degree Celsius. Weather office said rainfall occurred at one or two places over CAP, while dry weather prevailed over Rayalaseema on Saturday. The first heatwave conditions over AP started on April 4 and continued till April 7, providing some respite from April 8.

Deccan Chronicle 14 Apr 2024 12:17 am

YSRC sitting MLA Chittibabu joins Congress

Kakinada : Kondeti Chittibabu, YSRC sitting MLA from P. Gannavaram assembly constituency in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, has joined the Congress party in presence of APCC president Y.S. Sharmila at Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district on Saturday. The APCC chief welcomed Chittibabu into the Congress by draping him with a shawl. He is likely to contest from P. Gannavaram assembly constituency as Congress candidate. The development comes after the ruling YSRC leadership denied the party ticket to Chittibabu. It instead nominated zilla parishad chairman Vipparthi Venugopal as the YSRC candidate from P. Gannavaram. At that time, Chittibabu had announced that he would abide by the decision of the YSRC leadership and work for the success of Venugopal. However, justifying his decision to join the Congress, Chittibabu told Deccan Chronicle that he had been working for the people of P. Gannavaram for the past 13 years. In 2019, they elected him as the MLA of YSRC party. But ignoring his good work in the constituency, YSRC has bypassed him and given the ticket to Venugopal. The sitting MLA said he has known Sharmila for the past 13 years and he had participated in her padayatra. He has joined the Congress as she is leading it in AP. Chittibabu expressed confidence that Sharmila will revive the Congress party in Andhra Pradesh. He said he has taken the consent of his supporters and joined the Congress party at Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district on Saturday. Incidentally, YSRC sitting MLA Vunnamatla Rakada Eliza of Chintalapudi assembly constituency in Eluru district has also joined the Congress party.

Deccan Chronicle 13 Apr 2024 11:26 pm

Heat Wave to Resume from April 15

Visakhapatnam: After a brief lull, the heat wave is likely to revive from April 15. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Saturday predicted a fresh spell of heat wave conditions over isolated parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh (CAP) and Yanam for three days, beginning from Monday (April 15). Maximum temperature in parts of the CAP is expected to be over 42 degrees Celsius. The Rayalaseema region in the state will experience hot, humid and uncomfortable weather during the same period. On Saturday (April 13), the highest maximum temperature of 40.4 degree Celsius was recorded at Anantapur and Nandyal in Rayalaseema. The weathermen said rainfall occurred at one or two places over CAP and dry weather prevailed over Rayalaseema on Saturday. The IMD predicted that heat wave conditions are most likely to prevail over Srikakulam, Manyam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, ASR, Anakapalle, Kakinada and East Godavari districts from April 15 to 17. Andhra Pradesh has seen this seasons first heat wave conditions on April 4 and it continued till April 7. There was some respite from April 8.

Deccan Chronicle 13 Apr 2024 11:02 pm

Aruna Kumar Wants To File Suit Against Ramaji Rao on Chit Fund Business

Kakinada: Rajamahendravaram former MP Vundavalli Aruna Kumar has said he would file another suit against Eenadu group chairman Ramoji Rao. According to the Chit Fund Act 1982, any person in chit fund business should not do any other business, he told the media at Rajamahendravaram on Friday. He said that if any person running a chit fund business does another business, he may divert the chit fund amounts to that business and might become bankrupt. If so, the depositors would lose their money. Hence, the law. Though Ramoji Rao is doing other businesses along with chit fund business, nobody asked him about this. I will now ask about the other businesses of Ramoji Rao. There is a difference between Company Act and Chit Fund Act and there is no relation between the two laws. Speaking about the Supreme Court direction on the Margadarsi case, he said the SC has given a clear direction to Telangana High Court that the case should be opened and a probe done through a retired judicial officer. RBI as also the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments would assist the probe. Aruna Kumar also said the SC has directed him to assist the judicial officer who inquired into the case. RBI would give details about the 45-S section of the Chit Fund Act, and he wants to give details of the depositors. He said that the Margadarsi stated before the court that the company had paid back the amounts to the depositors including Rs 55 crore of Accrued Deposits. But, to my knowledge, the accrued deposits may be `900 crore, he said. Aruna Kumar said he had opened a gmail account thedepositors@gmail.com and the depositors who have doubts about their drawn amounts can mail their details to this address. He would keep it a secret and the information would be provided to the judicial officer probing the matter. Aruna Kumar made it clear that he doesnt want to seek a jail sentence to Ramoji Rao. My aims is that other chit fund businessmen should not do such law violations in future. Ramaji Rao is a celebrity and he frequently gives moral discourses via his newspaper. He should refrain from committing mistakes and violating laws, he said. Aruna Kumar also alleged that the Eenadu daily is publishing news items by distorting facts. I would conduct an exhibition showing paper cuttings of such distortions of facts published as news items in Eenadu.

Deccan Chronicle 13 Apr 2024 12:29 am

Telugu Desam Likely to Change Undi Candidate Rama Raju

Kakinada: Change of Telugu Desams Undi Assembly segment candidate Manthena Rama Raju in West Godavari district seems imminent. Party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu called the sitting MLA Rama Raju to Amalapuram on Friday and advised him to get ready for a sacrifice of his interests for the partys sake, and that justice would be done to him by the party later. Naidu said Rama Raju was called in inevitable situations. Due to the alliance deal, some TD seats are being changed. The Narsapuram seat has been given to BJP. The alliance format has caused some problems in allotment of seats and selection of candidates in some of the constituencies, he admitted. The TD chief said Rama Raju did very well to promote the partys causes and developed the constituency in the past five years. Raghu Ramakrishnam Raju was victimised by Jagan Mohan Reddy and I also had to go to jail. Jagan Mohan Reddy has plotted a conspiracy to send many such leaders to jail. TD, Jana Sena and BJP are holding discussions on changing some candidates and we will soon be taking a decision in such matters, he said. Naidu also urged TD leaders and cadres to maintain patience, understand the problem and support any decision taken by the TD. Rama Raju told the media that Chandrababu has tried to pacify the TD cadres but did not reveal his decision. I would take a decision after consulting my associates, Raju said. Meanwhile, TD cadres and leaders are staging agitations in Undi constituency, demanding that the TD high command should not change Rama Rajus candidature. They opposed the candidature of Raghu Rama Krishna Raju. They said that Rama Raju has strived hard for strengthening the party even in adverse political conditions and has prevailed in the constituency for the past five years.

Deccan Chronicle 12 Apr 2024 11:03 pm

Telugu Desam Plans SC, ST, Muslim Declaration

Kakinada: Telugu Desam chief Nara Chandrababu Naidu has promised that a separate declaration for SCs, STs, and Muslims will be made by his party on the lines of the BC Declaration, and it would aim at improving the living conditions of these people. Naidu participated in the Prajagalam programme along with the Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan at Ambajipeta in the P Gannavaram Assembly segment in the Dr. Ambedkar Konaseema district on Thursday. He said that pension would be given to BCs who crossed 50 years and Rs 1.50 lakh crore to sub-plan per annum and the BCs would be provided 34 per cent reservations in local bodies. TD would make efforts to provide reservations to BCs in legislative bodies, he said. The TD chief said that a caste census would be done and a special law enacted for BCs. He said Rs 5,000 crore would be spent for BCs under the Adarana scheme and the Chandranna Bhima sum would be increased to Rs 10 lakh. He said that 20 lakh jobs would be provided to the unemployed youths in five years. He also said that there was no job security for government and police department employees in the state and they are in starvation due to a lack of salaries and non-disbursal of other benefits to them due to the states cash crunch. He cited the example of SPF constable Sankara Rao who died by suicide at Visakhapatnam. He said the constable did not get even his PF dues. Naidu appreciated the services of the former Lok Sabha Speaker late G.M.C. Balayogi. He promised the Madiga community that an MLC seat would be given to the community. He said that YSRC has created a rift between the communities in the Konaseema district. The alliance government would do justice to Kapus also. Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan said that Chandrababu Naidu had implemented several schemes during his term and the state would be developed under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu in the coming five years. He said that the alliance government would encourage coconut-allied industries in the Konaseema, the Kotipalli-Muktheswaram bridge would be constructed and the railway line works would be completed. Skill development centres would give a good future to the jobless youth. He thanked his brother Chiranjeevi for donating Rs 5 crore to him for election expenses. Votes should not be split and every vote should go to the alliance party candidates, he said. Amalapuram Lok Sabha candidate G.Harish Mathur (Telugu Desam) and P.Gannavaram assembly candidate Giddi Satyanarayana (Jana Sena) and others were present.

Deccan Chronicle 11 Apr 2024 11:30 pm

YSRC Eluru LS Candidate Challenges Pawan

Kakinada: YSRC Eluru Lok Sabha candidate Karumuri Sunil Kumar Yadav accused Jana Sena chief and film star Pawan Kalyan of spreading lies. Speaking to media in Eluru on Thursday, Sunil Kumar said Pawan Kalyan has been alleging that he (Sunil) and his family have two steel plants in Balanagar area of Hyderabad. The YSRC candidate challenged that if the JS chief could prove his allegations, he would donate one steel plant to Pawan Kalyan and the other to Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu. Sunil Kumar charged that when Covid-19 pandemic hit Andhra Pradesh, Chandrababu Naidu and Pawan Kalyan had hid themselves in Hyderabad. It was Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and YSRC leaders who served people during the period. The YSRC LS candidate said while the JS chief is inviting youth to join politics, he (Pawan Kalyan) has not allotted even a single Jana Sena seat to a youth. Sunil Kumar said the JS chief has allotted seats to candidates who have crossed over to his party from Telugu Desam.

Deccan Chronicle 11 Apr 2024 11:13 pm

AP Politics: Deputy CM says JS cadres creating L&O problems

Kakinada: Deputy chief minister Kottu Satyanarayana, who is the YSRC candidate from Tadepalligudem constituency in West Godavari district, accused Jana Sena leaders and cadres of creating law and order problems in the constituency. Addressing a meeting of Kapus in Tadepalligudem on Thursday in presence of Kapu Nadu leader Mudragada Padmanabham, he said 200 flexi banners and boards put up by YSRC had been torn by JS cadres using blades. This had led to clashes between YSRC and JS cadres in Tadepalligudem. The Deputy CM said JS president Pawan Kalyan is troubling the Kapu community, while working as a slave of TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Deccan Chronicle 11 Apr 2024 10:51 pm

Undi TD Cadres Surround Party Leaders House

Kakinada: Telugu Desam leaders and the cadres in Undi Assembly constituency surrounded the Telugu Desam West Godavari district president Thota Sitharama Lakshmis house on Thursday, demanding that the TD give the election ticket to sitting MLA Manthena Rama Raju. Initially, the TD had allotted Undi to Manthena Rama Raju and he started his campaign. Meanwhile, the controversial Narsapuram MP K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju joined the Telugu Desam and there were rumours that Undi would be given to him. This angered Telugu Desam cadres in the constituency. On Thursday, they took out a rally from the TD office at Bhimavaram to Thota Sitharama Lakshmis house and expressed their resentment. They said Rama Raju had strengthened the party in adverse conditions and he successfully took the TD schemes to the people. Unless the sitting MLA Rama Raju is fielded as the Undi candidate, we would not support TD. Rama Raju would contest from the constituency as an Independent candidate, they warned the leadership. Thota Sitha Ramalakshmi promised the cadres that the party would give priority to those who have made sacrifices for the party. She would take the cadres opinion to the notice of TD chief Chandrababu Naidu. Later, the cadres took up a Vanta-Varpu programme at Bhimavaram. Meanwhile, three TD workers --TD West Godavari district general secretary Juthiga Srinivas, Telugu Yuvatha Undi assembly president Chennamsetty Hari Naidu, and TD youth wing leader Kala Ganesh-took up a hunger strike at Undi village. They would continue their agitation till they received a promise from Chandrababu that the sitting MLA would be fielded as the party candidate for Undi.

Deccan Chronicle 11 Apr 2024 10:46 pm

Two houses gutted in fire in Andhra Pradeshs Kakinada

The News Mill

The News Mill 11 Apr 2024 6:49 pm

Fisherman Undergoing Treatment at KGH Dies

Visakhapatnam : Fisherman Y. Sattibabu (43), who sustained critical injuries in a boat explosion off the Visakhapatnam coast on April 5, succumbed while undergoing treatment at the King George Hospital (KGH) here on Wednesday. The mechanised boat, which had sailed from Kakinada, went up in flames around 65 nautical miles off the Visakhapatnam coast after a cooking gas cylinder aboard it exploded around 8 p.m. on April 5. Of the nine fishermen on board, five suffered severe burns. The injured fishermen jumped into the water and used their VHF set to alert the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). ICG Vessel Veera responded swiftly to the distress call and rescued the injured fishermen from the sea. It brought all of them ashore and admitted them to KGH for treatment. Sattibabu, who had sustained 81 per cent burns, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment on Wednesday. The other injured fishermen are Danti Palla Srinu (45), M. Sridhar (50), Gangotri (38), Veerababu (20), Satyababu (40), Vajram (40), S. Sattibabu (52) and Dharma Rao (42).

Deccan Chronicle 11 Apr 2024 1:19 am

Election Code: Rs. 4.4 cr worth of narcotics, liquor, cash, & jewellery seized: Kakinada Collector

Kakinada, April 10 (UNI) As a part of the strict implementation of the election code, cash, liquor, narcotics, and silver and gold articles worth Rs. 4.4 crore were seized through the election seizure management system by conducting intensive searches in Kakinada district from March 16 till April 10. Announcing this to media persons here on... The post Election Code: Rs. 4.4 cr worth of narcotics, liquor, cash, & jewellery seized: Kakinada Collector first appeared on Central India's Premier English Daily .

Central Chronicle 10 Apr 2024 10:49 pm

Transgender Person Tamanna to Contest From Pithapuram

Kakinada : Transgender person Simhadri Tamanna will contest the forthcoming elections from the Pithapuram assembly constituency on behalf of the Bharata Chaitanya Yuvajana (BCY) Party. Tamanna will fight the election against, among others, film star and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan. The transgender had contested the 2019 elections in Mangalagiri assembly constituency against TD general secretary Nara Lokesh. The BCY party announced Tamanna's contest from Pithapuram. Comments have started that Pawan Kalyan will meet the same fate in Pithapuram assembly that Lokesh had met in Mangalagiri in 2019 elections.

Deccan Chronicle 10 Apr 2024 1:24 am

PK Never Disappoints in Confusing Cadre and Voters

Vijayawada : When it comes to confusing his party cadre and even voters, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan never disappoints! Pawan is testing his electoral fortunes from the coastal Assembly segment of Pithapuram, which falls in the Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency. As part of the alliance, the Jana Sena has got the Kakinada Lok Sabha constituency, for which the party chief nominated T. Uday Srinivas. Srinivas, a first generation entrepreneur, developed a chain of tea outlets across the two Telugu states. He shot into the limelight by buying Vaarahi, the campaign vehicle for Pawan Kalyan, some time ago. Despite pressure from various quarters for the ticket, the Jana Sena chief stuck by Srinivas. The problem, however, is that whenever he introduced Srinivas to party cadre or voters, he is making it a point to talk about the rival YSRC candidate Ch Sunil. He is a good person. I know him well. But, he is in wrong party, the film actor said in one event. I know him well. We greet each other every time we meet. The other day we met at Nagababu garu sons marriage in Italy. He always sails with wrong party, Pawan said in another event. Perhaps, little did Pawan realise that he was revealing the secret of how close Sunil was to the Konidela family, which invited select guests to the destination wedding of hero and Nagababus son Varun Tej, and Sunil was one among them. He also said Sunil always sailed with the wrong party, forgetting that the latter made electoral debut by contesting on a ticket of the Praja Rajyam, the party floated by Pawans brother K. Chiranjeevi, in 2009. Sunil has scored a hat-trick of losses in 2009 on Praja Rajyam ticket, 2014 on a YSRC ticket and in 2019 as a TD candidate. Sunil is testing his fortunes for the fourth consecutive time.

Deccan Chronicle 10 Apr 2024 1:15 am

600 More Volunteers of Kakinada City Resign

Kakinada : More than 600 of the total 1,900 volunteers in Kakinada city have quit their jobs in the past three to four days. They have submitted their resignations through the apps concerned. The volunteers expressed their anguish that though they are discharging their duties in a sincere manner without indulging in any corruption, opposition parties are slinging mud against them. They said opposition parties are so suspicious of them that their workers are following them when they even go out on their personal work. When Deccan Chronicle contacted Kakinada Municipal Corporation commissioner J. Venkat Rao, he confirmed that over 600 volunteers have submitted their resignations and they have accepted them. He pointed out that Election Commission of India (ECI) has stipulated that volunteers should not be given any responsibilities during the election period. Bharatiya Janata Party has termed the resignations of volunteers a hoax. BJP leader Duvvuri Subrahmanyam alleged that volunteers who have resigned are campaigning in favour of the ruling party candidates. He alleged that ruling party candidates in some of the constituencies are paying remuneration to these volunteers.

Deccan Chronicle 8 Apr 2024 12:42 am

Ex Municipal Chairman Sitharama Murthy Passes Away

Kakinada: Former Kakinada municipal chairman Jyothula Sitharama Murthy (90) passed away at a private hospital here on Sunday evening while undergoing treatment for injuries he had sustained after he fell down at his house 10 days ago. He is survived by wife Gruhalakshmi and four sons and a daughter. Sitharama Murthy served as municipal chairman for 10 years from 1982 to 1992. His term saw an integrated drinking water scheme being implemented in Kakinada city. According to family members, the funeral for Sitharama Murthy will be held on Monday at Kakinada. Many of the personalities in Kakinada have expressed their condolences over the death of Sitharama Murthy. They include Kakinada Poura Samkshema Sangham founder Dusarlapudi Ramana Raju, Bharatiya Janata Party Kakinada city convener Gatti Satyanarayana, partys district president Ch. Ramkumar, and party leaders Y. Ramkumar and D. Subrahmanyam.

Deccan Chronicle 8 Apr 2024 12:07 am

Purandeswari Calls Upon Alliance Cadres to Aim for Win

Kakinada: BJP state president and Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha candidate D. Purandeswari called upon cadres of Telugu Desam, Jana Sena and BJP to strive hard and ensure the win of alliance candidates throughout the state in the forthcoming elections. She had convened a meeting on Sunday with candidates of alliance parties from all seven assembly segments within the Rajamahendravaram parliament seat. Purandeswari said though the central government has released funds to develop Andhra Pradesh, YSRC government has failed in properly utilising these funds. She asked cadres of the alliance parties to work together in coordination and ensure a win for their candidates. Rajamahendravaram assembly constituency TD candidate Adireddy Srinivas cadres should keep aside their differences and put in hard work to ensure victory of all alliance candidates contesting from the assembly constituencies within the Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha territory.

Deccan Chronicle 8 Apr 2024 12:05 am

Eluru Temple Theft: Fake Devotee Steals Golden Mangala Sutra

Kakinada: In a shocking incident, a man posing as a devotee stole the gold Mangala Sutra from the idol of Goddess Soubhagya Lakshmi at a temple in Eluru's Satrampadu area on Sunday. The act was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media. Eluru Three Town Circle inspector D. Venkateswara Rao reported that the theft occurred while the priest offered blessings to other devotees. The suspect entered the temple unnoticed and stole seven sovereigns worth of gold from the idol. Authorities have identified the suspect. Eluru district superintendent of police D. Mary Prashanti has formed special teams to apprehend him. The Eluru Three Town police have registered a case.

Deccan Chronicle 7 Apr 2024 11:11 pm

Purandeswari didn't Even Know Borders of Rajahmundry LS: YSRCP

YSR Congress MP Margani Bharat said the BC, SC, ST and minority families have been empowered in the form of the Jagananna for their economic, social and political uplift. They feel CM Jagan has stood up as a beacon of hope for the downtrodden sections and express their sincere gratitude to him, he said. (Image Source: Twitter) YSR Congress MP Margani Bharat said the BC, SC, ST and minority families have been empowered in the form of the Jagananna for their economic, social and political uplift. They feel CM Jagan has stood up as a beacon of hope for the downtrodden sections and express their sincere gratitude to him, he said. (Image Source: Twitter) Kakinada: Rajahmundry MP and YSRC Rajahmundry Urban candidate Margani Bharati lashed out at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Daggubati Purandeswari for her remarks against the Rajamahendravaram development. He told the media on Saturday evening that Purandeswari doesnt know even the borders of Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha constituency and she would not bring extra funds for the development of the constituency. He suggested Purandeswari should observe the development in the city and also the seven assembly segments and then she should criticise the ruling YSRC. He said that during his term, Rajamahendravaram has been vastly developed and a flyover bridge is being constructed at Morampudi. He said that the central government has not released extra funds to Andhra Pradesh. He said that the central government is releasing the AP share of funds. He said that he fought with the central government and brought the funds for the development of the constituency.

Deccan Chronicle 7 Apr 2024 11:00 am

Alliance will Win Rajahmundry LS and its Assembly Segments

Kakinada : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Daggubati Purandeswari said their tripartite alliance including Telugu Desam and Jana Sena will win the Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha seat as well as the seven assembly constituencies that it comprises. She was speaking after unfurling the BJP flag at Rajamahendravaram on Saturday on the eve of BJP Foundation Day celebrations. She also inaugurated her partys Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha office. Purandeswari maintained that people of Rajamahendravaram want to change the YSRC government, as the present ruling party MLAs and MP have failed to develop the Lok Sabha constituency. She said YSRC leaders have swindled 300400 crore from the housing schemes implemented in the district. The BJP leader underlined that there is immense scope to develop Rajamahendravaram as a tourism hub, but the ruling party representatives have been unable to do it. BJP Rajamahendravaram Urban president Bommala Dathu, Rajamahendravaram and Narsapuram LS constituencies observer Siddardha Nath Singh were present on the occasion.

Deccan Chronicle 7 Apr 2024 1:48 am

TD Cadres Gherao Chandrababu Naidu at Palakollu

KAKINADA: Telugu Desam cadres of Undi Assembly constituency in West Godavari district gheraoed their party supremo and former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Palakollu on Saturday. Chandrababu Naidu had reviewed party matters related to Machilipatnam Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies in West Godavari and Krishna districts with TD leaders and constituency in-charges and advised them on strategies to be adopted on getting alliance candidates elected. When Chandrababu Naidu came out of the review meeting hall, some party workers started raising slogans against him, demanding that Undi constituency sitting MLA Manthena Rama Raju must be fielded from the constituency again. They expressed fears over Undi constituency being allotted to rebel YSRC MP K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju, who joined Telugu Desam on Friday night. The TD chief burst out at Manthena Rama Raju, questioning whether he (Naidu) had declared or changed the candidate from Undi constituency. Why are you unnecessarily provoking the cadres, he asked the sitting MLA angrily. Rama Raju told Chandrababu Naidu that he has no idea about the feelings of his cadres, who had come to Palakollu after hearing news from some TV channels that the TD chief had arrived in the town. The TD sitting MLA then focussed on pacifying his supporters, who then fell silent. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju told media later that Chandrababu Naidu has not yet announced any ticket for him. He said he will contest from any constituency that the TD chief allots to him. However, he disclosed to reporters that people of Vizianagaram constituency are pressuring him to contest from their constituency.

Deccan Chronicle 7 Apr 2024 12:02 am

Police Seize Rs 55.20 Lakh Cash from Car in Sonepur

Sonepur: Days before the commencement of simultaneous elections in Odisha, Police Saturday seized about Rs 55.20 lakh cash from a car at Binika College Street in Sonepur district. According to a preliminary investigation, six people, all hailing from Andhra Pradesh, were en route to Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh in the car when the police team [] The post Police Seize Rs 55.20 Lakh Cash from Car in Sonepur appeared first on Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News .

Pragativadi 6 Apr 2024 7:36 pm

Proposal to develop Kakinada, Rajamahendravaram twin-cities diverted peoples attention on development: BJP Andhra Pradesh chief Purandeswari

BJP-TDP-JSP alliance will expose 300 crore scandal of levelling Jagananna colony sites if it comes to power, says Ms. Puradeswari.

The Hindu 6 Apr 2024 4:30 pm

Raghu Ramakrishnam Raju Joins Telugu Desam Party

Kakinada : The controversial YSRC Narsapur Lok Sabha member K. Raghu Rama Krishna Raju joined the Telugu Desam in the presence of Chandrababu Naidu at Prajagalam Yatra in Palakollu in West Godavari district on Friday night. Chandrababu welcomed him to the party and told the people that Raghu Ramakrishnam Raju has suffered a lot due to the YSRC government and he was tortured by the CID. He said Raju approached the high court for justice. Earlier, Raju told the media at his residence at Pedaamiram village near Bhimavaram that he would join the TD and he wants to contest the LS polls, but it depends on Chandrababu whether he gives an assembly or Lok Sabha ticket to him.

Deccan Chronicle 6 Apr 2024 12:19 pm