Every part of India has its unique characteristics, some of which are also known for their religious places. One such state is Andhra Pradesh of South India where you will get to see one or the other temple at every nook and corner. Here you will find temples of all the revered gods and goddesses of Hindu religion. Along with religious faith, the temples here are also known for their architecture. These temples built centuries ago are now known for tourism and even foreigners come here to see them. Today in this episode, we are going to tell you about some popular temples of Andhra Pradesh, which are visited by lakhs of devotees from almost every corner of the country and you should also visit once. Let us know about these temples... Kanaka Durga Temple Indrakeeladri is a very beautiful hill in Vijayawada city of Andhra Pradesh. The holy Krishna river flows along this hill and the Kanaka Durga temple of Maa Durga is built on its banks. Special worship is done here during Navratri. People have great faith in this temple of Goddess Durga. There is a large gathering of devotees here. There is a huge celebration here on the day of Dussehra and on this day pilgrims take a holy dip in the Krishna river. Kanak Durga Temple in Andhra Pradesh is one of the many Shaktipeeths located in the country. The goddess is installed here in her Mahishasuramardini form, along with the idol of the slain demon king Mahishasura is also present here. People believe in this temple that the wishes of every devotee who comes here are fulfilled. That's why thousands of devotees come here every year to have darshan. Venkateswara Temple Tirupati Tirupati Balaji Temple, located on the Tirumala hill in Tirupati in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the major temples and religious places of Andhra Pradesh where lakhs of devotees come every year to have darshan of Venkateshwara and fulfill their wishes. Tirupati Balaji Temple is highly recognized among the people of Hindu religion. The glory of this temple is immense. It is said that by visiting Tirupati once in life, life becomes successful. Built at a height of 853 feet above Sumrdi level, this temple is also called the Temple of Seven Hills because of the seven peaks on the hill. This is the richest temple in the country in terms of charity and religion. Every year crores of rupees are donated to this temple. Every day 50 thousand to 1 lakh devotees reach the temple to have darshan of Venkateswara, while on special occasions the number of pilgrims goes up to 5 lakh. Lepakshi Temple Lepakshi Temple is a major tourist destination in Andhra Pradesh. Lepakshi Temple, located in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, is also known as Veerabhadra Temple and Hanging Temple. Lepakshi Temple is famous for its mysterious stories as well as the Hanging Pillars. It is said that a glimpse of the history of the Vijayanagara Empire can also be seen in this temple. Here you will also see the footprints of Mother Sita. Apart from architectural importance, the temple is also an important pilgrimage site of Lord Shiva as per Skanda Purana. Lepakshi is a temple which attracts not only pilgrims but also art lovers. Srikalahasti Temple Srikalahasti Temple is located in Chittoor district of Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh. The temple of Srikalahasti is extremely popular among the devotees who visit this temple along with the Tirupati temple. This temple is 36 km from Tirupati. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva which holds immense religious importance for Hindus and was built in the year 1516 by King Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara Empire. The entrance to the temple offers stunning views and has intricate carvings of many mythological paintings. This magnificent temple is often referred to as Kailasa and Kashi of the South. The temple represents one of the five elements and that is air. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is built on the Nallamala hills of Srisailam in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh. These huge hills are considered to be the abode of God. It is said that Shiva is everywhere here. This temple is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, hence this place has special significance. Lord Rama himself had established the Sahasralinga here, while the Pandavas had established the Panchapandava Linga in the courtyard of the temple. Ranganath Temple Situated on the banks of Pennar River in Nellore, Ranganatha Temple is one of the most revered temples of Andhra Pradesh. Ranganatha Temple, dedicated to Ranganathaswami Swami, is considered to be the oldest temple in the area and attracts a large number of devotees. Let us tell you that along with its religious activities, this temple is also known for its beautiful architecture and exquisite carvings, which make it a very special place for devotees as well as art lovers and tourists. Whenever you come here, you will be able to see the idol of Lord Sri Ranganathaswamy, the presiding deity of the temple, as well as a hall decorated with intricate carvings in which seven gold vessels are kept. Kolanu Bharati Temple Kolanu Bharati Temple in Andhra Pradesh is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati and is a very sacred pilgrimage site. An ancient Shivalinga is also present in this temple complex, for whose darshan thousands of tourists come every day. Apart from this, there is a statue of Kaal Bhairav in this temple complex which is considered a very sacred statue. The age-old tradition of Aksharashim is still followed in this ancient temple. The temple complex also has a Shivalinga, known as Sapta Linga Kshetra, and an idol of Kaal Bhairava that guards the area. (PC: Lifeberrys)
Naidu says YSRC spewing lies, NDA wont repeal Muslim reservation
VIJAYAWADA: TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday accused the YSRC of spreading canards that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will repeal reservations for Muslims, if voted to power. He emphasised that it was the TDP which fought legally in support of 4% reservations for the Muslims. Incidentally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, during an election campaign in Telangana recently, promised to scrap the 4% reservations implemented by the Congress and BRS governments in the State and provide the benefit to Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), if NDA wins the Lok Sabha polls. Addressing a gathering of Muslims in Nellore, Naidu alleged that the YSRC was resorting to false propaganda on various issues concerning the Muslims. I ask YS Jagan Mohan Reddy (Chief Minister and YRSC president), whether or not his party had extended unconditional support for the amendment of CAA and NRC in Parliament or not. An MP, who is now contesting for Nellore Lok Sabha seat, spoke in the Rajya Sabha in support of the Act. Now, they are claiming that injustice is being meted out to Muslims (by the NDA), the TDP supremo said. Pointing out that the issue pertaining to 4% reservations for Muslims is in the Supreme Court since 2014, the former chief minister recalled, Through your (YSRC) leader, Aziz, who was then the Nellore Mayor, I had engaged lawyers and fought the case in favour of the reservations. Assuring Muslims that they will not be discriminated, the former chief minister said the TDP has been a part of the NDA earlier, too, but it had never allowed any kind of injustice to be done to the community. Once the NDA comes to power in these elections, all welfare schemes for Muslims that were rescinded will be revived. New schemes will also be introduced, he asserted. Stating that he was the one who had constructed a number of mosques in the State, he charged the YSRC with ignoring the welfare of the community. Naidu promised to extend Rs 1 lakh financial assistance to every Muslim for Haj pilgrimage, if the NDA forms government in the State. While the TDP has built a Haj House for the benefit of the Muslim community, Jagan has built palaces for his own comfort, Naidu alleged. Recounting that the Urdu University in Hyderabad was established during the TDP regime and when Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister, he said Haj Houses, too, were built there by the then TDP government. He regretted that attacks on Muslim women were on the rise in the past five years in the State. Muslim brethren in Hyderabad are far ahead of people of their community in other parts of the country because of the initiatives taken by the TDP, Naidu said.
Be wary of TDPs impractical promises: Andhra CM Jagan
VIJAYAWADA: Kick-starting his third phase of campaigning for the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, YSRC president and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Sunday urged people to vote for his party to ensure continuity of welfare schemes and development projects. However, he cautioned them against voting for Chandrababu Naidu and his TDP, claiming that he will only end welfare and development measures that being implemented now. Addressing election rallies at Tadipatri, Venkatagiri, and Kandukur, Jagan reiterated that he only made promises which he could implement, unlike TDP which does exactly the opposite. The TDP has no intention to keep any of the promises it makes. They will come out with impractical promises to deceive the people, he said. In Kandukur of Nellore district, he said Opposition leader Chandrababu Naidu, his foster son Pawan Kalyan, and sister-in-law Daggubati Purandeswari are outsiders as they live in Hyderabad. These kitty party non-local leaders are the New East India Company members who are here to loot and share the spoils among themselves, he said and urged people to reject such leaders. In Venkatagiri of Tirupati district, Jagan criticised Naidu for his inability to claim one scheme or project as his achievement in his 14-year-long stint as chief minister. Unlike Chandrababu Naidu who failed in delivering on his promises, we have implemented welfare schemes which included YSR Cheyutha, Aasara, Jagananna Chedodu, financial assistance to farmers, Jagananna Thodu, Kapu Nestam, and EBC Nestham in a transparent manner, he pointed out and challenged Naidu to try and stop any of the schemes. The Chief Minister also asked Naidu whether TDP will restore the Janmabhoomi committees by suspending the volunteer system if they come to power. You (Naidu) have served as chief minister for 14 years, whereas my tenure was for 58 months. Despite this, when it comes to the welfare schemes, your approach seems to consist solely of duplicating my efforts and amplifying them to sway voters during the election, the YSRC president claimed. In Tadipatri, referring to the movie characters and their famous punch lines like Chandramukhi (Laka Laka Laka) and Pasupathi (Vadala Bhomali Ninu Vadala), the Chief Minister said Naidu will be like these characters who do not leave people until they satiate their thirst to plunder the State. Dont be misled by his assurances, Jagan cautioned the people. He said the YSRC considers the manifesto a holy book like the Bible, Quran, and Bhagavad Gita. Reiterating that he has fulfilled all the assurances he had made in 2019, he promised to do so, if elected again. I have pressed the button 130 times to credit Rs 2.70 lakh crore to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, he said and promised the establishment of an Agriculture College in Tadipatri constituency. Jagan highlighted the revolutionary measures taken by his government like revamping government schools, village clinics, and Aarogya Suraksha for doorstep delivery of health services, and financial assistance without corruption and in a transparent manner.
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
Reddys & Kammas continue to sway politics in Kavali
NELLORE: The constant power tussle between the Reddys and the Kammas in Kavali Assembly constituency is what makes the ensuing elections crucial. Despite having a lower population, these two groups wield significant influence in local politics since 1952. The constituency has three mandals: Bogolu, Dagadarthi, and Alluru mandals. The battle for Kavali transcends mere political rivalry, delving into historical caste equations that have long-shaped the constituencys electoral dynamics. Situated on the Chennai-Kolkata National Highway-16, Kavali boasts a rich legacy of revolutionary movements, with education emerging as a central issue championed by student unions like RSU and PDSU. While the ruling YSRC has renominated sitting MLA Ramireddy Pratap Kumar Reddy, the TDP has fielded Kavya Krishna Reddy, a contractor-turned-politician. The Reddys of Kavali hold sway in the realm of contract businesses, while the Kammas predominantly control land ownership. Since 1962, the constituency has witnessed a constant struggle between these two communities for political supremacy. Outsiders contesting elections face resistance from these entrenched communities, with few exceptions like Magunta Parvathamma, who won the seat in 2004 on Congress ticket, owing to the developmental works initiated by her husband. Ramireddy Prathap Kumar Reddy, YSRC While the Congress has represented the constituency on seven occasions, Kamma candidates have often contested as independents or under the TDP banner. Independent candidates Gottipati Subbula Naidu and Gottipati Kondapa Naidu won in 1967 and 1972 respectively. The TDPs representation in Kavali has been sporadic, with notable victories by Patallapalli Vengal Rao (1983), Vanteru Venugopal Reddy (1999), and Beeda Masthan Rao (2009), who currently is a YSRC Rajya Sabha member. Conversely, YSRC candidate Ramireddy Prathap Kumar Reddy emerged victorious in 2014 and 2019, consolidating the partys hold on the constituency. Months ago, Venugopala Reddys entry into the YSRC, eyeing the party ticket from Kavali, set the stage for a showdown against the incumbent MLA. Ramireddy has been facing internal dissent. A key demand in the constituency has been the establishment of a textile park so that jobs can be created for local youth. The Kavali Cloth Market, running for 70 years, has a turnover of more than Rs 300 crore per annum. This time, contenders have promised to establish the textile park in Kavali. Established in 1955, around 7,000 people work at the 450 wholesale and retail textile shops in the cloth market. A textile vendor, Tanneru Malyadri, said, Employment will be created for local youth if the government establishes the textile park. The State government can also make money from the revenue generated from the establishment. Now, young entrepreneurs are also waiting to set up their own manufacturing units in Kavali. On the development front, works for Ramayapatnam Port are going on at a brisk pace as the construction of break water feeders, dredging have been completed. Works for the first berth at the port are underway. The State government has taken up the construction of the port in 850.79 acres with an estimated cost of Rs 3,736 crore to handle cargo capacity of 34.04 million tonne per year. Kavya Krishna Reddy, TDP Highlighting the works taken up by the YSRC government in the past five years, Ramireddy exuded confidence that he will win for the third time. The YSRC government has taken up many development works in the region, including Juvvaladinne fishing harbour, Ramayapatnam Port and others, he pointed out. Although new to electoral politics, Krishna Reddy is confident of his win, banking on support from the grassroots-level. Alleging that Kavali has been turned into a centre for irregularities in the past five years, the TDP candidate accused the sitting MLA and his followers of exploiting natural resources in the region. There has been no development in the constituency during the YSRC regime. Ramireddy has failed to resolve issues faced by locals, he claimed and asserted that development works will be resumed once NDA forms government.
Naidu Refutes Reports of Cutback in Muslim Reservations
Kurnool/Nellore : Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday made it a point to address concerns over the potential impact TDPs alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party will have on the Muslim community in Andhra Pradesh, in particular Kurnool and Nellore districts. Speaking to a large gathering of Muslims in Nellore, Naidu maintained that there will be no compromise on providing reservations to Muslims in Andhra Pradesh. Naidu pledged to engage senior advocates to safeguard their rights. The former chief minister accused YSR Congress-led government of spreading misinformation about the repeal of Muslim reservations under an NDA regime in AP. He maintained that NDA has never allowed any injustice towards any community. Chandrababu announced fresh promises to Muslim voters, including financial assistance of 1 lakh for every Haj pilgrim, free bus travel for women, three free cooking gas cylinders annually per family, and completing the remaining work on Gurukula schools for Muslim students within six months of an NDA victory. Addressing another meeting in Kowthalam of Kurnool district, the TDP chief criticised the ruling YSR Congress for favouring members of the Reddy community in selecting candidates. Naidu also promised to address migration issues, construct a 100-bed hospital, and resume construction of irrigation projects in the region. Regarding stalled projects, he said once TDP comes to power, it would complete projects like the Rajoli Banda Diversion Scheme, Vedavati and Gundrevula. In Kodumur constituency, Naidu reiterated his support for the Muslim community. He expressed concerns over potential revisions in the existing salary structure of employees, referring to it as reverse PRC. Partys MP candidate B. Nagaraju, Mantralayam and Kodumur assembly candidates N. Raghavendra Reddy and B Dastagiri and partys parliamentary segment in-charge P. Thikka Reddy were present.
N Chandrababu Naidu promises Rs 1 lakh Haj aid if NDA elected to power
N Chandrababu Naidu, leader of the TDP, announced a financial aid promise of Rs 1 lakh for Muslim pilgrims visiting Mecca if the NDA, comprising TDP, BJP, and Janasena, wins the Andhra Pradesh government. He made this pledge during an interaction with the Muslim community in Nellore. Naidu highlighted the TDP's past initiatives for Muslims, including granting state festival status to Rotiayaan ki Eid and establishing Urdu university and Haj Houses. He criticized the current YSRCP government for not supporting the Muslim community and alleged their support for the NRC. Naidu emphasized the Muslim community's values and work ethic.
Bangalore to Bhutan road trip with my wife on our V-strom 650
BHPian shyamg28 recently shared this with other enthusiasts. Wife, Strom & I - Bengaluru -> Bhutan -> Bengaluru, 2023 Bengaluru -> Nellore -> Vishakhapatnam -> Bhubaneshwar -> Durgapur -> Phunsholing -> Thimphu -> Phobjika -> Punakha -> Paro -> Siliguri -> Patna -> Ambikapur -> Bhilai -> Hyderabad -> Bengaluru. Wife & I had been to Bhutan back in 2019. No SDF (Sustainable Development Fee), Green Tax, mandatory guide etc. We rented an extremely well maintained RE Thunderbird 350 back then. Did a similar route within Bhutan and returned home via flight. Once again, the itch to ride back to Bhutan on our own steed This time there had to be a plan. Bhutan policy for Indian tourists had changed. I do believe it was largely owed to a bunch of bikers who stood atop their stupas and danced to glory, while recording it for social media. This thread should act as a solid guide if you want to head to Bhutan on bike/car yourselves. The short of it is, the following charges are nearly non-negotiable -4500 per day green tax for your own vehicle (regargless of whether it's a car or bike).1200 per person per day SDF.Guide + car (yes, the guide needs a car even if you don't lol) - negotiable, can range between 3000-4500. If you have space in your car, the guide comes along and you save the cost of the rented car.Sounds expensive yes, but once we decided we wanted to go, we went. Read BHPian comments for more insights and information.
Septuagenarians ready for ballot battle in Andhra Pradesh
A cohort of septuagenarians are in the poll fray to continue the stranglehold on their respective Lok Sabha and Assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh. With their rich political experience, these veterans are expected to be the guiding force for the young brigade in the development of AP on all fronts. A look at the veterans of ballot battles. Nara Chandrababu Naidu, 74 The TDP supremo is contesting for the record 10th time to the Andhra Pradesh State Assembly. The former Chief Minister ventured into politics during his college days and first contested as an MLA from Chandragiri in 1978 on Congress ticket and won. He lost the election in 1983. Later, he joined the TDP and contested the election from Kuppam Assembly constituency in 1989. Since then, he has remained undefeated. He served as Chief Minister of AP thrice. He is contesting from Kuppam constituency for the eighth consecutive time. Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, 71 The Energy Minister is also contesting for the record 10th time to the State Assembly. He first contested as an MLA from Piler on Janata Party ticket, but lost, In 1985, he contested the same seat on Congress ticket and lost. He entered the Assembly for the first time from Piler in 1989. In 2009, he won from Punganur. In 2014, he won from the same Assembly seat on YSRC ticket. He has remained undefeated since then, and is now contesting for the fourth consecutive time from Punganur. Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, 70 He entered politics at a very young age and won the elections in 1998, 2004 and 2009 from Ongole Lok Sabha seat on Congress ticket. In 2014, he contested as Ongole MP on TDP ticket and lost. He won the poll on YSRC ticket in 2019. In February, he rejoined the TDP. Now, he is in the poll fray from Ongole Lok Sabha seat. Simhadri Chandrasekhar Rao, 70 The renowned oncologist is making his electoral debut from Machilipatnam Lok Sabha constituency on YSRC ticket. Son of renowned lawyer and former MP Simhadri Satyanarayana, who held portfolios of Endowments and Commercial Taxes in the Cabinets of NT Rama Rao and N Chandrababu Naidu, he was initially made YSRC incharge of Avanigadda Assembly constituency. Later, the YSRC leadership had changed its decision and fielded him from Machilipatnam Lok Sabha seat. Adala Prabhakar Reddy, 75 In his 25 year political career, he won on TDP, Congress and YSRC tickets. After quitting the TDP, he joined Congress and won from Sarvepalle constituency in 2004 and 2009. Later, he joined the YSRC and won from Nellore Lok Sabha constituency. Now, he is contesting from Nellore Rural against K Sridhar Reddy of TDP. Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, 71 He started his political career by contesting from Nellore Assembly seat in 1983 on TDP ticket, and became a minister in NTRs first cabinet. In 1985, he won from Rapur. In 1991, he joined the Congress. He served as a minister for four times. In 2018, he joined the YSRC and won from Venkatagiri. In 2023, he was suspended from the YSRC. The six-time MLA, is contesting for the 10th time on TDP ticket, from Atmakur. Gorantla Butchaiah Chowdary, 78 The veteran Telugu Desam leader won from Rajahmundry Assembly constituency for the first time in 1983. He lost in 1989, but won the subsequent two elections. However, he lost the next two Assembly elections. In 2014, he shifted to Rajahmundry Rural Assembly constituency and won. He has been the general secretary of the TDP. He served as the civil supplies minister in NT Rama Raos cabinet. He retained the Assembly seat in 2019. He is in the election fray for the 10th time, and contesting from Rajahmundry Rural segment. Velagapalli Varaprasad, 71 After taking voluntary retirement as an IAS officer, he joined Praja Rajyam Party and contested from Tirupati Lok Sabha constituency in the 2009 elections and lost. Later, he joined the YSRC and contested from Tirupati Lok Sabha seat and won. In the 2019 elections, he contested from Gudur Assembly constituency and won. He quit the YSRC on March 24, 2024 and joined the BJP. Now, he is in the fray from Tirupati Lok Sabha constituency on BJP ticket
'YSRCs manifesto is Jagans resignation,' quips TDP supremo Naidu
VIJAYAWADA: Ridiculing the YSRCs election manifesto, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu opined that there was nothing new that the ruling party is offering. Posting a video of YSRC president YS Jagan Mohan Reddys election campaign from 2019 on X, Naidu wrote, Of the 730 promises he (Jagan) made to the people of AP, not a single one of has been fulfilled. In fact, he has failed to deliver on 85% of these promises. Today, he has come forward with another manifesto to deceive the people. Let us all say loudly that we are ready to defeat him. While addressing public meetings at Atmakur and Kovur in Nellore district on Saturday, the former chief minister termed the YSRCs manifesto a resignation letter. He quipped, Usually people resign after elections. Jagan has released his resignation letter and accepted his defeat. Stating that Jagan has miserably failed in fulfilling the promises made during the last election, the TDP chief said the YSRC president could not tell the people what he will do for them. Jagan has expressed his inability to do anything more than the TDPs Super-Six, he remarked. Mocking the Chief Minister for saying that 99.5% of promises made in 2019 were fulfilled, Naidu sought to know why the revenue of people has not gone up, if Jagans claims were true. What happened to the promise of implementing total prohibition? Why are liquor prices shooting up continuously? he asked. Calling on the people to come forward to save the State from thieves who are looting their properties, Naidu said the ensuing elections are very crucial. So far, I have participated in 54 Praja Galam meetings and in every meeting people have expressed that they want to bid goodbye to the stone age and welcome the golden era. If the NDA comes to power, the State will progress well, but if the YSRC is elected again, the State will witness only atrocities, he remarked. Naidu made it clear that a leader should have a vision to create assets and distribute the revenue generated from them to the people. Terming Jagan a traitor, he accused the YSRC chief of deceiving the entire Telugu community. There is no employment for youth, no job calendar was released, DSC was not conducted and no industries were set up in these five years, he said. Citing the incident of a Guntur woman cutting her thumb in New Delhi reportedly in protest against the YSRC government, Naidu remarked that if Jagan becomes CM again, people will have to chop off their own heads.
YSRCP manifesto is a flop while NDAs is super hit: Naidu
Atmakuru: TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday here said that the manifesto of NDA, comprising TDP, BJP and Janasena, is a super hit while that of the YSRCP is a flop. The opposition leader made this assertion at a Prajagalam electioneering public meeting in Atmakuru in Nellore district. Also ReadTDP promises quality liquor at 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 .
YSRCP Manifesto Lacks Clear Vision, NDA's Offers Hope: Chandrababu Naidu
YSRCP Manifesto Lacks Clear Vision, NDA's Offers Hope: Chandrababu Naidu TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday here said that the manifesto of NDA, comprising TDP, BJP and Janasena, is a super hit while that of the YSRCP is a flop. The opposition leader made this assertion at a Prajagalam electioneering public meeting in Atmakuru in Nellore district. ''What happened to the promise of implementing total prohibition and why the liquor prices are shooting up continuously,'' said Naidu. According to the TDP supremo, the debt burden on the people of the state touched a whopping Rs 14 lakh crore, adding that prices of all commodities, including diesel, petrol and essentials are skyrocketing. He alleged that ganja (marijuana), sand, red sanders and land mafia are ruling the roost in the southern state. Further, he called on people to come forward to save the state ''from the thieves who are looting the properties of the people''. He also alleged that Reddy could not tell people what he will do for them while releasing the manifesto. Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25-member Lok Sabha are scheduled on May 13 and the results will be declared on June 4. PTI STH -- SDP
Andhra Pradesh: Skill training programme for prisoners launched
VIJAYAWADA: The Andhra Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (APSLSA) has initiated a Skill Development Training programme for prisoners, focusing on the plumbing trade to equip them with employable skills upon their release from jail. This programme targets 93 inmates from Central Prisons located in East Godavari, Nellore, and Visakhapatnam. The initiative follows the directives of Chief Justice of the High Court and Patron-in-Chief of APSLSA Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur. The inauguration of the programme was officiated by Andhra Pradesh High Court Judge and APSLSA executive chairman Justice AV Sesha Sai on Friday. On the occasion, Punjab National Bank DGM K Dinesh Kumar handed over the cheque of Rs 6,90,000 to Justice AV Sesha Sai for the National Academy of Construction. APSLSA member secretary M Babitha, AP High Court Legal Services Committee secretary G. Malathi, National Academy of Construction additional director general Abhijit Sinha, and several others were present.
Vemireddy did not disclose all assets: Vijayasai
NELLORE : The political atmosphere in Nellore Lok Sabha segment is charged as the general elections draw closer. YSRC Nellore Lok Sabha candidate V Vijayasai Reddy, after meeting the Returning Officer at the Collectorate on Friday, addressed the media regarding the filing of nominations for the Lok Sabha seat. He said, I have filed two sets of nominations. The Returning Officer has accepted my nominations. I am contesting the Lok Sabha election as per the directive of our party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. He alleged that TDP candidate Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy had failed to disclose investments and assets abroad in his affidavit, besides withholding assets within India and shares in various companies. He asserted that Prabhakar Reddys association with government-related companies had rendered him ineligible to contest the election as per Section 9(A). But the Returning Officer rejected the objections raised by Vijayasai Reddy. The Nellore Lok Sabha constituency has captured significant attention in the State as the sitting Rajya Sabha MP and former Rajya Sabha MP are in the fray on YSRC and TDP tickets. In a parallel development, Deputy Mayor Roop Kumar Yadav refuted the allegations of Vijayasai on the scrutiny of TDP candidates nomination. He accused Vijayasai of raising objections out of desperation, and made fake voter complaints against TDP MP candidate Prabhakar Reddy. He called upon voters to elect Prabhakar Reddy, considering his dedication to Nellores development on all fronts. Yadav cautioned the electorate against misleading promises of the YSRC and appealed to them to give their massive mandate to tripartite alliance candidates in the elections.
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.
Nellores Muslim Vote an X-Factor in a Tight Assembly Contest
Election Commission's Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP). Election Commission's Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP). Tirupati: As the campaigning is intensifying for Nellore City assembly seat, the spotlight has turned to the 53,000-strong Muslim electorate out of a total 2.37 lakh voters. This electorate could be decisive in the triangular fight for the constituency between ruling YSR Congress, opposition Telugu Desam, and the CPM nominee of INDIA alliance. Incumbent city deputy mayor Mohammed Khaleel Ahmed, a prominent Muslim face, is the YSRC candidate. His community's support is crucial for him, so that YSRC could retain the seat. However, the entry of CPM's Mulam Ramesh has threatened to split the Muslim vote bank in areas like Gurralamadugu Sangam, Sundaraiah Nagar, Janda street and Mansur Nagar, where the Left still has ideological support. CPM candidate's presence is an interesting twist in the traditional YSRC-TD battle. Though the two parties are main contenders, the CPM candidate could take votes from both parties, especially in Muslim areas, notes a political observer. For TD, winning the Nellore City seat is crucial. Its candidate, ex-minister Dr. P. Narayana, narrowly lost in 2019 despite polling 46 per cent of votes. This time, certain ruling YSRC leaders have shifted to the Telugu Desam. The opposition party also has the backing of the influential Anam family. The YSRC candidate could also face a challenge from ex-Nellore mayor Sk. Abdul Aziz, who could sway Muslims towards the TD. Another risk factor for the ruling party candidate is Roop Kumar Yadav, who has defected from YSRC and is backing TD's MP nominee Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy.
CGST Officials Destroy Cigarettes Worth Rs 6 Crore
The increase in prices will in turn lead to increasing the government revenue by 7 percent (Photo: DC) The increase in prices will in turn lead to increasing the government revenue by 7 percent (Photo: DC) Vijayawada: Central GST (CGST) officials led by commissioner Sadhu Narasimha Reddy destroyed fake branded cigarettes valued at Rs 6 crore. The CGST had earlier seized these cigarettes while being smuggled or for evasion of taxes. Officials destroyed the cigarettes at the Jindal Waste Energy Plant in Yadlapadu mandal of Palnadu district, after getting all the necessary permits. Narasimha Reddy said they have been continuously organising checks in West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore districts, which come under the Guntur CGST Commissionerate, against illegal transportation of various products. The commissioner said they have detected tax evasion worth 403 crore and collected tax of Rs 278 crore during the last financial year.
The TDP candidate from Nellore Lok Sabha constituency did not mention the details of his investments and assets in his affidavit, and had undertaken works in the government sector, alleges the YSRCP contestant; the District Election Officer dismisses his complaint
YSRC, TDP cadres clash, pelt stones in Tirupati
TIRUPATI : Tension prevailed in Tirupati as cadres of the ruling YSRC and Opposition TDP clashed outside the Revenue Divisional Officers (RDO) office in Tirupati on Thursday when candidates of both parties arrived one after the other to file their nomination papers to contest from Chandragiri Assembly constituency. Chaos ensued when workers of both parties started pelting stones at each other. Police personnel intervened to disperse the clashing groups and restore order. While the YSRC has fielded Chevireddy Mohith Reddy, son of two-time Chandragiri MLA Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, the TDP has nominated Pulivarthi Nani. The contenders arrived at the RDO office simultaneously, accompanied by large groups of party activists, despite restrictions on large gatherings near the nomination venue. According to eyewitnesses, Nani arrived on a motorcycle just as Mohith and his father were leaving from the RDO office. Clashes reportedly erupted when Bhaskar Reddys car was allegedly blocked by TDP workers, leading to stone pelting between the two sides. Later, Mohith Reddy accused TDP workers of orchestrating violence to deceive the public. He stated that YSRC does not engage in such tactics to disrupt peaceful elections. Dismissing the allegations, Nani charged the YSRC workers with attempting to obstruct him from filing his nomination. He asserted that the TDP activists will continue to strive for his victory without fearing the conspiracies by Bhaskar Reddy. Internal strife worsens in Sullurpeta In another instance, internal rivalry within the ruling YSRC in the Sullurpeta segment came to the fore when two leaders clashed in front of sitting MLA Kiliveti Sanjeevaiah during his election rally in Sullurpeta town. The incident occurred when Sanjeevaiah arrived in Sullurupeta to file his nomination papers. As he was travelling in his campaign vehicle, local leader Kalathuru Shekhar Reddy boarded the vehicle and demanded Nellore District Cooperative Central Bank (NDCCB) chairman Kamireddy Satyanarayana Reddy to step down. Tensions flared as Shekhar Reddy confronted Satyanarayana Reddy. A two-time MLA, Sanjeevaiah is vying for a hat-trick victory in Sullurpeta. Recently, internal rivalry in the constituency has become a worrying factor for the ruling party. Satyanarayna Reddy has been accused of alienating key party leaders. Pointing out past differences between Satyanarayana Reddy and Sanjeevaiah, party workers and the public are questioning whether the NDCCB chairman is actually loyal to the party or acting out of personal vendetta.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: S Mini, the candidate fielded by the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) in the Thiruvananthapuram Lok Sabha constituency, is a politician from top to toe. In fact, she does not own a home and has been living in the party office for nearly three decades. Like most of her colleagues in the party, Mini, the lone woman in the fray in the high-profile segment, believes that the value of life comes from within and is not determined by material possessions or social status. She lives at the party's state committee office in the Kerala capital, along with her husband and party leader Shajar Khan. The couple's only son Alan M.S. is a degree student at Tirur in Malappuram. Mini joined the party at the age of 22, when she was doing a pharmacy course at the Government Medical College in Thiruvananthapuram. The firebrand leader of SUCI(C) says she joined the party against the wishes of her parents and siblings. There was stiff opposition from them and I was forced to quit home during my college days. Initially, I lived at a hostel and later moved to the party office. It was a wise decision for someone who wanted to become a full-time party worker, she says. Wayanad Election Notes: The solitude of Kerala's most famous tribal activist Vilappilsala protest During her political career spanning three decades, Mini was involved in numerous people's movements, small and big, in different parts of the state. The longest and toughest one perhaps was the people's protest against a polluting waste plant at Vilappilsala in the Kerala capital, says the 49-year-old. The strike which began as a relay satyagraha ended in a full-blown protest two years later. Somehow, we managed to overcome the numerous sabotage attempts by the government, city corporation and the police. I dedicate the victory to the mighty women in Vilappilsala, she says. What began as occasional outbursts took the form of an organised protest with the intervention of the SUCI(C). As the party's designated leader to Vilappilsala, Mini's initial assignment was to organise the local women. We formed committees for every fifty households and important decisions were taken by an apex committee. Party did not impose its decisions but equipped people to claim their rights, she said. The people's protest met with success when the government decided to shut the plant. At the peak of the strike, Mini was detained by the police for one full day. Years later, she was jailed by the police for accompanying Mahija, the mother of engineering student Jishnu Pranoy, to the DGP's office. Jishnu was found dead at the hostel of Nehru Engineering College in Thrissur and Mahija was proceeding to the DGP's office to protest against the delay in arresting those who allegedly pushed Jishnu into suicide. Mini was arrested by the police on conspiracy charges. She was jailed and released after eight days of judicial remand. The police are yet to file a charge-sheet in the court. Lush greenery, stark misery: Election vignettes from Kerala's Achankovil forest Nurses' rights The Indian Nurses Parents Association which works for nurses' rights was established under Mini's leadership. The idea of an organisation of parents was to help nurses who couldn't come out in the open against their employers. Mini travelled extensively in the country to resolve the issues faced by nurses and nursing students. One incident she vividly recalls is the visit to a private medical college at Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. The college had not returned the certificates of about 50 students, mostly Keralites, who refused to execute an illegal bond for a no-pay job after studies. The management did not change their stand in the deliberations with the INPA. Finally, Mini, with the help of a local SUCI leader, approached the district collector. She convinced him about the Supreme Court order banning the bond system at educational institutions. The collector then issued an order asking the management to return the certificates. Though the mission was successful, Mini says the collector was transferred within a few days, allegedly owing to the pressure from the college management which had considerable political clout. The manager later became the education minister in that state, she says. SUCI(C) contesting eight seats The party has fielded candidates in eight seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Mini is the candidate in the Thiruvananthapuram seat. The other constituencies are Kollam, Mavelikkara, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Chalakudy and Kozhikode. Campaigning is in full swing and the party has good visibility in all the places. The party's first unit in Kerala was formed by a group of students of the TKM College of Engineering, Kollam. It stepped into electoral politics by fielding Kochucherukkan in the Eravipuram seat for the 1970 Assembly election. The party's first Lok Sabha candidate James Joseph who contested from the Kollam seat garnered over 8000 votes. Founded in 1948, the SUCI(C) had a presence in the assemblies of West Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Odisha at different times. Its lone MP was in the 15th Lok Sabha -- Tharun Mandal who was elected from West Bengal. Today, the Kerala unit of SUCI(C) has about 1200 full-time cadres and a few thousands of members.The party intervened in numerous public issues and equipped people to fight for their rights. It took the lead to unite people and organisations to fight for people's rights on issues ranging from the mineral sand mining at Thrikkunnapuzha to the anti-K-Rail protest. The party played a significant role in the people's movements at Chengara, Vilappilsala and Moolampilly.
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.
Andhra Pradesh: Affidavits reveal affluence of nominees
Gudivada Amarnath, YSRC The IT Minister transitioned from the Congress to the TDP, before joining the YSRC in 2014. Elected from Anakapalle in the 2019 elections, he carries on the political legacy of his father Gurunadha Rao. He is in the fray from Gajuwaka. He and his family assets are worth Rs 10,55,93,572, including Rs 3,64,68,272 movable and Rs 6,91,25,300 immovable. The liabilities of the family are shown at Rs 93,16,395. He has no pending cases against him. Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao, YSRC An educationalist turned politician, he was elected from Bheemili Assembly constituency for the second time in 2019. He won the seat in 2009 on PRP ticket. Now, he is contesting from the same constituency. He and his family own assets worth Rs 40,93,44,680, including Rs 10,26,91,180 movable and Rs 30,66,53,500 immovable, besides having liabilities of Rs 1,13,32,141. He has no pending cases against him. Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy, YSRC He is a two time MLA from Chandragiri Assembly constituency in Tirupati district. He is in the poll fray from Ongole Lok Sabha constituency now as part of the YSRC poll strategy to make a clean sweep. His total assets stand at Rs 16,55,37,612, including Rs 7,75,37,612 movable and Rs 8,80,00,000 immovable. His liabilities are shown at Rs 8,57,60,196. He has 11 pending cases registered against him. Nandigam Suresh, YSRC The sitting Bapatla MP was born to a poor agriculture labourer family. A close associate of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, he is contesting Bapatla (SC reserved) Lok Sabha constituency for the second consecutive time. He and his family assets stand at Rs 2,74,75,236, including Rs 1,07,14,436 movable and Rs 1,67,60,800 immovable. His total liabilities are put at Rs 86,25,319. He has one pending case against him. Tenneti Krishna Prasad, TDP The former DGP is in the fray from Bapatla Lok Sabha constituency. He is said to have aspired for BJP ticket from Warangal. As he failed to get the BJP ticket, the ex-DGP joined the TDP. His family assets are worth Rs 16,11,57,943, including Rs 3,28,82,943 movable and Rs 12,82,75,000 immovable, besides total liabilities of Rs 1,94,00,000. He has no pending cases against him. Poluboina Anil Kumar Yadav, YSRC A two-time YSRC MLA from Nellore City Assembly constituency has been fielded from Narasaraopet Lok Sabha segment. A dentist by profession, he entered politics and unsuccessfully contested in the 2009 elections on Congress ticket. His family assets are worth Rs 11,06,67,086, including Rs 4,54,31,486 movable and Rs 6,52,35,600 immovable, besides liabilities of Rs 2,00,75,212. He has one pending case against him. Nadendla Manohar, JSP An MBA graduate from Osmania University, he won as an MLA from Tenali constituency in 2004 and 2009 elections. He resigned from Congress and joined Jana Sena in 2018, and became the party Political Affairs Committee chairperson. He is in the fray from Tenali again. He owns assets worth Rs 22,85,91,638, including Rs 3,97,36,638 movable and Rs 18,88,55,000 immovable. His liabilities are shown at Rs 43,96,641. He has one pending case against him. Annabathuni Sivakumar, YSRC The sitting MLA is contesting for the third consecutive time from Tenali Assembly segment. Though his father was a former TDP MLA, he joined the YSRC. He lost the election against Alapati Rajendra Prasad of TDP in 2014. In 2019, he defeated the same opponent with a huge majority. He and his family own assets worth Rs 41,68,73,382, including Rs 6,95,49,332 movable and Rs 34,73,24,050 immovable, besides liabilities of Rs 12,46,75,818.
Steps taken to contain wildfires in Nellore - The New Indian Express
Steps taken to contain wildfires in Nellore The New Indian Express
Steps taken to contain wildfires in Nellore
NELLORE: The persisting heatwave-like conditions and sweltering heat have become a driving force for the forest fires in Andhra Pradesh. According to the data from Forest Survey of India, the State has topped the list for the highest number of major forest fire events in the 2023-2024 period since November 1, with a staggering 985 fires reported. To tackle such incidents and to protect the precious green cover, the forest department of Nellore district ha intensified measures to prevent and contain wildfires across the regions with a forest cover of 2.79 lakh hectare, spanning Nellore, Kavali, Udayagiri, Atmakur and Rapur forest ranges. In a proactive move, the department has appointed 170 experts complemented in fire prevention and suppression, complemented by a dedicated team of 90 forest staff stationed at base camps throughout the ranges. The urgency of these efforts was underscored by a recent wildfire that erupted on Tuesday late night in the forest area near the Somasila reservoir. A viral video captured the fierce blaze engulfing the forest, highlighting the severity of the situation. After an extensive fire-fighting operation, officials managed to bring the flames under control. However, the incident served as a stark reminder of the escalating threat of wildfires and the pressing need for proactive measures to safeguard the regions invaluable natural resources. Similarly, a few minor incidents were reported in the Veligonda forest area, further emphasising the importance of vigilance and preparedness. Recognising the importance of community involvement, officials have been actively raising awareness among local tribal communities and residents living in close proximity to the forests. These initiatives focus on promoting conservation, preventing fires, and protecting the regions wildlife. The forests are home to nearly 20 species of animals, with the majority roaming in the Udayagiri, Venkatagiri, Rapur, and Atmakur range areas. Instances of wild animals venturing onto roads and near human habitations in search of water have been reported, prompting the forest officials to take measures to mitigate human-animal conflicts. We have identified 180 small pits in areas frequently visited by animals and arranged 500 tanks and several pits with concrete basements to store rainwater, said Chandrasekhar, District Forest Officer (Territorial). He informed that the water will be filled regularly in all tanks and pits, and measures are also being taken for preventing forest fires. In a further effort to enhance preparedness, the department is planning to set up firelines at every 100-metre interval in selected ranges. These firelines will facilitate rapid communication and enable local forest officials to quickly identify and respond to any fire outbreaks within the forest ranges.
Term turncoat' leads to a war of words in Nellore
Tirupati: The electoral battle between ruling YSR Congress and opposition Telugu Desam in Nellore district has turned incendiary after YSRCs Nellore Lok Sabha candidate V. Vijayasai Reddy used the term urncoats to describe former ruling party leaders Anam Ramanarayana Reddy, Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy, Mekapati Chandrasekhar Reddy and Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy who have now shifted to the TD in Nellore district. The usage of the term has provoked a sharp rebuttal from Ramanarayana Reddy, formerly a minister and now the Telugu Desam candidate from Atmakur assembly constituency.Ramanarayana Reddy charged that Vijayasai Reddy, as the chartered accountant of late chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, misled YSR's son Jagan Mohan Reddy into entering illegal business dealings through shell companies, precipitating money laundering probes that have destabilised the YSR family.Politicians can switch parties to serve their constituencies' interests. But as a CA, Vijayasai Reddy cannot justify his professional misconduct, Ramanarayana retorted, while defending his shift to the TDP.Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, TD's Nellore Lok Sabha candidate, has launched an equally scathing counterattack. He complained that even though he had been loyal to the party, YSRC leaderships oppressive control caused him considerable discomfort.YSRC has become a dictatorial party ruled by one individual. Even long-term loyal members like me had no voice in important decisions. They have killed inner-party democracy, he observed. Vemireddy accused YSRC's government of using force against those who disagreed with it. This has institutionalised insecurity among common citizens. He expressed confidence that the victory of TD-led NDA alliance will bring in development.
Three killed, two injured in road mishap in Nellore
Wildfire In Somasila Forest of Andhra's Nellore, Efforts To Douse Blaze Underway
Visuals from the site showed thick, black plumes of smoke in the air as the raging blaze engulfed the forest
Andhra Pradesh: Three killed after a speeding car hits lorry in Nellore district
Andhra Pradesh: Three killed after a speeding car hits lorry in Nellore district Three people have been killed and two were injured critically when their speeding car hit a lorry from behind near the Musunuru toll plaza in Kavali here early morning, police said. Among the deceased, two were women. The victims were returning from Chennai. The accident happened in Kavali Rural Mandal near Musunuru Toll Plaza in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, and the injured have been transferred to a hospital, a senior police officer said. Police inspector Srinivasrao from Kavali informed that the accident occurred due to overspeeding of the car which resulted in the loss of three lives, while two others sustained injuries and were promptly admitted to the hospital. Further details are awaited. A few days ago, on April 16, five people lost their lives after a speeding car had hit a parked lorry on the National Highway in Kavali of Nellore district. (ANI)
Wildfire breaks out in forest area in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore - Dynamite News
Wildfire breaks out in forest area in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore Dynamite News
Wildfire breaks out in forest area in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore - The Times of India
Wildfire breaks out in forest area in Andhra Pradesh's Nellore The Times of India
Wildfire breaks out in forest area in Andhra Pradeshs Nellore
The News Mill
Family First: Women power takes centre stage in Nellore
Rural Assembly constituency of Pollachi has the most number of women voters Rural Assembly constituency of Pollachi has the most number of women voters Tirupati: Women voters are poised to play a pivotal role in the assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Nellore district. Hence, political parties are pulling out all the stops to woo this critical vote bank. A key strategy they employ is the deployment of women from the candidates' families for door-to-door campaign, aimed at striking a personal chord with the female voters. The district boasts over 9.88 lakh female voters, outnumbering their male counterparts by 41,335. This gender skew has spurred parties to actively involve candidates wives, daughters, daughters-in-laws, and other women relatives onto the campaign front. One such example is Somireddy Sruthi Reddy, daughter-in-law of Telugu Desam party's Sarvepalli candidate Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy. Her oratorial skills and campaign videos that went viral on social media have struck a chord with voters, giving Chandramohans campaign a much-needed boost in his battle against arch-rival and incumbent MLA Kakani Govardhan Reddy. Similarly, Neelima Reddy, daughter of Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy, TD's Kovur candidate, and Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, the party's Nellore Lok Sabha candidate, is campaigning extensively in various villages, seeking votes for her parents' victory. In Nellore City, Ponguru Sindhoori and Sharani are actively campaigning for their father P Narayana, the TD candidate, through door-to-door visits and interactions with voters. Likewise, Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy, the rural segment candidate from the same party, is trying to gain the women's vote with the support of his wife Sujitha and daughters Lakshmi Haindhavi and Sai Vaishnavi. The trend, however, is not limited to any single party. The YSRCs Sarvepalli candidate Kakani Govardhan Reddy has his daughter K Pujitha actively canvassing for his re-election. Nellore Lok Sabha YSRC contender V Vijayasai Reddy has also enlisted the support of his wife Sunanda Reddy in his tough battle against TD candidate Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy. Involving family, especially women, isn't new but this has renewed importance in this election. Earlier, it was mostly the Left parties doing this, noted Dr Ramana Murthy, a political analyst, adding, But now, with winning being a litmus test for Telugu Desam and YSRC, candidates have roped in their wives, daughters and even granddaughters from abroad into the campaigning. Except for one or two constituencies in the district, most candidates have roped in women family members for campaigning. These women relatives can be seen making appeals to female voters to vote for their kin in the electoral fray. Despite their lack of familiarity with local issues or the names of villages, they are campaigning door-to-door in sweltering heat, meeting voters, establishing personal connections and seeking support.
YSRC Leader Quits Party in Udayagiri
Tirupati : A key YSRC leader from Udayagiri constituency, Mettukuru Chiranjeevi Reddy, resigned from the party and his post as chairman of the AP State Police Housing Corporation on Tuesday. Citing personal reasons, Chiranjeevi Reddy announced his resignation from the the YSRC primary membership in his letter addressed to party chief and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. The resignation comes as a shock for the YSRC in the Udayagiri constituency of Nellore district where Chiranjeevi Reddy wields a significant influence. Sources close to the former APSPHC chairman revealed that his decision to quit the party stemmed from being denied the Udayagiri Assembly ticket for the upcoming elections. In the last elections, Chiranjeevi Reddy had actively sought the Udayagiri seat, but the ticket went to Chandrasekhar Reddy from the influential Mekapati family instead. To pacify Chiranjeevi Reddy at that time, Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy appointed him as the chairman of the AP State Police Housing Corporation, a position he held for a few years. However, Chiranjeevi Reddy reportedly keen on contesting from Udayagiri this time around, but was denied a ticket once again resulting in his exit from the party.
Candidates take out massive rallies before filing nominations across Rayalaseema districts
Candidates from various parties conducted rallies before filing nominations. Arani Sreenivasulu filed in Tirupati. GD Nellore candidate filed. Katasani Ram filed in Kurnool. Adala Prabhakar Reddy filed in Nellore rural.
Vijayasai Reddy declares assets worth Rs 20.46 crore, has 19 pending CBI and ED cases
V Vijayasai Reddy files nomination at Nellore with Rs.20.46 cr assets, 21 pending cases. His wife also filed nomination. Faces TDP's Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy. Ex-CA for YS Rajasekhar Reddy, planned to contest from Venkatagiri.
Vijaya Sai Reddy files nomination for Nellore LS seat, thanks Jagan for the opportunity
It is a boon to get an opportunity to be elected from ones home soil, he says, after being labelled an outsider by the Opposition
YSRC Women Confront Prominent Leaders of NDA Alliance
Visakhapatnam: Several prominent women from the YSRC have stepped forward to challenge top leaders of the NDA alliance in the present elections. From Pithapuram constituency, YSRC stalwart Vanga Geeta has thrown down the gauntlet against her formidable opponent, Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan. She started her political journey with the Telugu Desam in 1993. She was with TD till 2009 and later joined the Praja Rajyam. She won the 2009 Assembly election from Pithapuram. When Praja Rajyam merged with the Congress, she joined the YSRC in 2019 and become MP from Pithapuram. In Mangalagiri constituency, Murugudu Lavanya under the YSRC's banner is taking on TD leader Nara Lokesh. Alla Ramakrishna Reddy won the Mangalagiri seat in 2014 and 2019. Lavanya aims to shift the political dynamics in Mangalgiri, where Nara Lokesh faced defeat in the previous elections. In Hindupur, YSRC leader Deepika is set to contest against Nandamuri Balakrishna, a two- time winner in 2014 and 2019, while in Ichchapuram, Piriya Vijaya braces for a tough fight against TD's Ashok Bendalam. The battleground extends to Pathapatnam, where YSRC's Shaanti Reddy, MLA, faces off against TD leader Mammidi Govinda Rao. In Gopalapuram (SC), Taneti Vanita aims to defend her position against TD leader Maddipati Venkata Raju, showcasing her resilience after defecting from TD to YSRC. In Nagari constituency, R.K. Roja, a two-time winner, confronts Gali Bhanu Prakash. In Polavaram (ST), Tellam Rajyalakshmi takes on Chirri Balaraju. In Guntur East, Shaik Noori Fatima challenges Mohammad Nazeer and in GD Nellore (Sc), Kalathur Krupalakshmi stands against TD's V.M. Thomas. In Pattikonda, Kangati Sreedevi fights against K.E. Shyam Kumar. The elections in AP this time promise a fierce battle between the YSRCs women candidates and the 3-party alliance, with each candidate vying to redefine the state's political landscape.
TDP candidate Vemireddy promises a New Nellore upon coming to power
Listing the issues plaguing the constituency, he says that proper coordination with the Centre would ensure comprehensive development
Vijaya Sais backstabber comment triggers a war of words between YSRCP, TDP in Nellore
The YSRCP candidate flays two party legislators as well as fellow Rajya Sabha MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy for jumping ship
Vijaya Sais backstabber comment triggers a war of words between YSRCP, TDP in Nellore - The Hindu
Vijaya Sais backstabber comment triggers a war of words between YSRCP, TDP in Nellore The Hindu
Heat Conditions in AP Continue Despite Rains
Visakhapatnam: Heat conditions are continuing in Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra Pradesh despite the light rains that lashed the state during the last 24 hours. Several locations in Rayalaseema recorded above 42C on Sunday, though many parts of the state had overcast skies but no significant rain. IMA Amaravati senior scientist Dr. S. Karuna Sagar said Kurnool and Tirupati stations recorded 42.6C, the highest temperature in the state, followed by Kadapa 42.5C, Jangamaheswarapuram 42.5C, Nandigama 42.4C, Nandyal 42.2C, Anantapur 42C, Nellore 41.7C, Gannavaram 41.6C and Amaravati 41C. People of Kurnool and a few other places in Rayalaseema experienced heatwave conditions on Sunday, while the remaining parts of the state remained hot and humid. From Monday to April 25, IMD has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with a speed of 4050 kmph likely at isolated places over north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam. Hot, humid, and uncomfortable weather conditions will prevail over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema during the same period. Thundershowers accompanied by lightning lashed a few parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema region on Saturday night. People in Paderu of ASR district got relief from hot weather conditions after Paderu recorded one cm of rainfall.
Nellore YSRC Gains Strength With Entry Of Ex-Jana Sena Leader: Vijayasai Reddy
The YSRC in Nellore district has grown stronger with the entry of former Jana Sena district president Manukranth Reddy, said the party's Nellore Lok Sabha candidate V. Vijayasai Reddy on Saturday. Manukranth had joined YSRC in the presence of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy during his recent 'Memantha Siddham' bus yatra. Addressing the media along with Manukranth in Nellore, Vijayasai Reddy stated that Jana Sena and Telugu Desam (TD) parties had let down their local leaders and workers, resulting in them shifting to YSRC in disappointment. YSRC is the only party that recognises the efforts of its workers and gives them due recognition. We can understand the pathetic situation of flag-bearers in TD and Jana Sena who are leaving as they have no hope of their alliance coming to power, he said. Vijayasai Reddy, who is also a Rajya Sabha member, demanded TD president N. Chandrababu Naidu clarify his party's stand on the Uniform Civil Code issue within 24 hours, given their alliance with the BJP which aims to implement it. BJP cannot unilaterally bring out any new legislation that will harm the interests of any section in this culturally diverse country. Since TD is allying with BJP, it has to spell out its stand, he stated. The YSRC leader pointed out that CM Jagan Mohan Reddy had already said any such law should only come after building consensus among parties. In a diverse country like ours, consensus is needed. If Naidu fails to clarify, it would mean TD is against minority interests, Reddy warned. He also sought TD's Nellore candidates Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy and Ponguru Narayana to reveal their stance on the sensitive UCC issue to the local minorities.
I will lay emphasis on housing & employment: Ponguru Narayana
Educationist and former Municipal Administration Minister Ponguru Narayana, who unsuccessfully contested the last election from Nellore City, is again in the fray on TDP ticket. In an interview with D Surendra Kumar, Ponguru Narayana revealed his planning and vision for growth. What kind of response from the people to your election campaign? We have noticed severe anti-incumbency against the YSRC government for its failure to fulfil election promises and lack of any development in the State in the last five years. The campaign of tripartite alliance is getting tremendous response from the people. We are confident that the voters will rally behind us and ensure our victory in the elections. What are your winning chances as Nellore City is a YSRC bastion? The former ministers, who represented Nellore City, failed to get more funds for the development of the constituency. The previous TDP regime had taken up several development projects worth Rs 5,200 crore in the Nellore Municipal Corporation. The projects included under ground drainage, water works, new roads and development of basic infrastructure. About 90% of development projects had been completed during the previous TDP regime. The YSRC government has failed to complete the remaining 10% of works in the last five years. Construction of Santhapeta, Moolapeta markets, NTR Necklace Road and several other development projects taken up by the previous TDP regime, have been ignored by the YSRC government. What are your major development proposals? My dream is ensuring housing for every eligible poor household in Nellore City. Construction of 20,000 more houses for the poor will be taken up, in addition to 47,000 TIDCO houses, in Nellore City. Maintenance of more than 70 parks developed in Nellore City during the previous TDP regime, has been totally ignored by the YSRC government. I will ensure allocation of a separate budget for maintenance of parks on sound lines. What is your reaction to the YSRCs charge that Narayana has only financial strength, but does not have peoples blessings? I came from a very poor background. My family resided in a thatched house. I studied in a government school. I have achieved prosperity by hard work. I am well aware of the problems of the poor people with my personal experience, even my critics do not know about them. It is a fact that Nellore City has not witnessed any development in the last five years. What is your development vision for Nellore City? I have been receiving appeals from several parents to provide job opportunities to their children during the election campaign. I have observed many youngsters, who completed SSC and Intermediate, doing menial jobs for their livelihood. In fact, many village and ward volunteers with good educational qualifications are well deserved good placements. My aim is to enable youngsters who discontinued their studies, attain a degree through distance or regular mode for a better career prospects, besides imparting skill development training to make them industry-ready. Do you have the support of Muslims in the wake of TDPs alliance with the BJP, which is keen on implementation of the Uniform Civil Code? The TDP is committed to the welfare and development of Muslims. The previous regime had taken several initiatives for the economic uplift of Muslims in the Stae. They included development of Bara Shaheed Dargah in Nellore and Shadi Manzil. In the last election, I polled more votes in Muslim-dominated areas of Nellore City, compared to the YSRC candidate.
Naidu should clear his stand on the Uniform Civil Code, demands Vijaya Sai Reddy
He demands that Nellore LS candidate Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy and Nellore City Assembly candidate Ponguru Narayana also reveal their stance on UCC
Police to seek custody of main accused in CM stone attack case
Vijayawada: Police would file a petition seeking custody of the main accused, Vemula Satish Kumar, in Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy stone attack case on Monday, so as to interrogate and extract from him more details in the case. The main accused was sent to 14 days judicial custody by the principal junior civil judge court on Thursday. He was subsequently shifted to the Central Jail in Nellore. The local police would seek his custody for a few days. The whereabouts of accused 2, Vemula Durga Rao, remained unknown from the time he was picked up by the police. While a search warrant was issued and an advocate commissioner appointed by the court for the remaining four accused, detained by the police, they were not found in the police station when the advocate commissioner visited there. It is learnt that the police freed these four persons and they rushed to their daily work as labourers. The police say they were trying to find out the motive behind the attack on the CM. The Opposition parties have alleged that the attack was premeditated likely by the YSRC to gain sympathy votes. After the attack, the police are providing stronger security to the chief minister during his ongoing interactions with the public as part of Memantha Siddham. City police commissioner K.R. Tata said, We will seek the custody of the main accused and are trying to identify the real motive for the attack and whether any inducements were offered to the assailant to do this.
Cant vote, but inmates of Nellore Central Prison do their bit for this election
Ninety-nine inmates of Nellore central prison make racks to store EVMs for this elections
Cant vote, but inmates of Nellore Central Prison do their bit for this election - The Hindu
Cant vote, but inmates of Nellore Central Prison do their bit for this election The Hindu
Congress MP candidates file nominations for Nellore, Tirupati Lok Sabha seats
Andhra Pradesh: 39 MP, 190 MLA nominees file papers
VIJAYAWADA: The election process has begun in the State with contestants of the major parties filing their nominations amid massive rallies. Prominent among those who filed their nominations on Thursday, are NDAs Y Sujana Chowdary, and Kadapa MP candidate Bhupesh Reddy of TDP, YSRC candidate for Hindupur Joladarashi Shantha, Rajampet YSRC candidate PV Midhun Reddy, TDP Lok Sabha candidate for Narasaraopet Lavu Srikrishna Devarayulu. On behalf of TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh, TDP, BJP and JSP leaders submitted nomination papers at the municipal corporation office in Mangalagiri. In Nellore, YSRC candidate Nallapareddy Prasanna Kumar Reddy and TDP contender Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy filed their nominations for Kovur Assembly segment. YSRC candidate Ramireddy Pratap Kumar Reddy filed his nomination in Kavali and Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy of TDP in Nellore rural segment. TDP Chittoor parliamentary segment candidate D Prasad Rao, Challa Ramachandra Reddy of TDP for Punganur filed their nominations. G Bhanu Prakash filed his papers in Nagari, MC Vijayananda Reddy of YSRC and GC Jagan Mohan of TDP filed their nominations for Chittoor Assembly seat. According to the Election Commission, on day one of filing nominations, a total of 39 nominations were filed for parliamentary constituencies, and 190 for Assembly segments. Later in the day, addressing a press conference, Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena said the gazette notification for both Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections was issued on Thursday, which also marks the commencement of receiving nominations. As per the election commission guidelines, nominations will be received from 11 am to 3 pm at the prescribed place in the prescribed format. Scrutiny of nominations will be done on April 26, and the last date for withdrawal of nominations is April 29. After that, the final list of candidates will be released and a ballot paper will be prepared. Election will be held on May 13 and results will be out on June 4, he explained. The CEO said the timings of the polling for all the Assembly segments except six in Araku parliamentary constituency will be held from 7 am to 6 pm. Polling will be held for Araku, Paderu and Rampachodavaram from 7 am to 4 pm and for Palakonda, Kurupam and Saluru from 7 am to 5 pm. The maximum limit of election expenditure by a candidate for a parliamentary constituency is `95 lakh and for an Assembly segment `40 lakh. The Election Commission has appointed a general observer, a police observer, and an expenditure observer for the State as special observers. Besides them, there will be 50 general observers, 18 police observers, 25 expenditure observers for parliamentary constituencies, and 50 expenditure observers for Assembly seats, he added. On voting from home, he said, according to the newly amended Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, optional facility of postal ballot will be provided to persons who are employed in essential services, senior citizens (above 85 years of age), and Persons with Disability. Before that from April 18 to 22, consent of these voters for the home voting facility will be taken. Only for those who gave their consent, this facility will be provided. They will be referred to as absentee voters. There are 2.12 lakh 85-year and above-aged voters and 5.30 lakh PWD voters in the State, the CEO added.
Cops arrest 19-yr-old for attack on Andhra CM
VIJAYAWADA : Five days after Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was attacked with a stone at Daba Kottu Centre in Ajith Singh Nagar, Vijayawada city police arrested the prime accused and produced him before a local court on Thursday. The accused, identified as Vemula Satish Kumar, is a resident of Vaddera Colony. Principal junior civil court-cum-metropolitan magistrate court judge C Ramana Reddy remanded Satish to 14 days in judicial custody. The 19-year-old was shifted to Nellore district prison. According to police, the teenager threw a sharp-edged concrete stone at the YSRC president when the latters cavalcade reached Vivekananda School on April 13. In the remand report, police said Satish resorted to the attack with an intention to kill or cause harm to Jagan. According to the remand report submitted to the court, a case has been registered in the Ajith Singh Nagar police station on April 14 under Section 307 (attempt to murder) after Vijayawada West MLA and YSRCs candidate for Vijayawada Central constituency Velampalli Srinivasa Rao lodged a complaint. In the incident, Velampalli also sustained an injury to his left eye. Based on the investigation carried out by the police and the Special Investigation Team (SIT), a few more IPC Sections, including 120(B) and 107(2), were added to the FIR. The police submitted to the court that Satish attended Jagans roadshow along with his friends on April 13 around 7 pm. He was carrying a stone that he picked up from the Singh Nagar bridge. When Jagans caravan reached Vivekananda School junction, the accused joined the scores of people who had gathered there to greet the Chief Minister. Satish then threw the stone at Jagan with full force. As a result, Jagan and Velampalli Srinivasa Rao were injured. This is an act of target to kill or cause harm to Jagan, said public prosecutor Krishna Kishore, on behalf of Vijayawada police. CCTV camera footage, call data dump helped police nab accused The police also mentioned the role of second accused, Durga Rao, in instigating Satish to commit the offence. It has been learnt that Durga Rao, A2 in the case, has been actively participating in the Opposition TDPs election activities. He is reportedly also a close aide of former MLA Bonda Umamaheshwara Rao. Asked how Satish was traced, a senior police officer on the condition of anonymity told TNIE that advanced technology, statements of locals and clues from eyewitnesses led the investigators to the accused. Digital evidence such as CCTV camera footage and traces of call data dump also helped in the arrest of the accused. Satish was arrested from KGF apartment in New RR Pet. The same was informed to his family members. The case is still under investigation. More information on the role of other persons and their motive behind the attack needs to be collected, the police officer explained. Political slugfest escalates Criticising the Opposition leaders for terming the incident a drama, YSRC general secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy sought to know, if it was even possible to fake an attack with a stone thrown from such a distance? Further, he added that TDP leader Bonda Uma cannot claim that he is falsely being implicated in the case. The role of Uma or even a more senior leader will be known during the course of the investigation, he said. TDP politburo member Varla Ramaiah questioned how could YSRC leaders have known that Jagan was attacked by a stone beforehand. Varla alleged that minors were being taken into custody and were subjected to torture. Holding the Police Commissioner accountable for the incident, he asked why was the Chief Minister allowed to stand on his vehicle when there was no electricity in the area? How did the security allow this? The police commissioner should answer for this, he demanded.
Venkatagiri Rajas and weavers may sway outcome
NELLORE: Venkatagiri Assembly constituency is poised for a gripping electoral showdown with the YSRC and TDP nominating candidates hailing from prominent political families. While the YSRC has fielded Nedurumalli Ramkumar Reddy, the son of former chief minister N Janardhana Reddy, the TDP has roped in Kurugondla Lakshmi Sai Priya, the daughter of two-time former Venkatagiri MLA Kurugondla Ramakrishna. The Venkatagiri Rajas have a significant influence in the region and many a times play the role of kingmakers. The royal family played a crucial role in the victory of TDP candidates in 2009 and 2014. However, now it appears that the Venkatagiri Rajas have been moving away from the TDP and towards the YSRC. Venkatagiri Rajas have extended their support to the TDP since the partys inception. The royal family has followers in Venkatagiri municipality, rural, Dakkili, Balayapalli and also in some other parts of the constituency. In fact, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu has also asked Kurugondla Ramakrishna and his daughter Lakshmi Priya to seek support of the Venkatagiri Rajas to secure votes in the elections. Kurugondla Ramakrishna won from the constituency during 2009 and 2014 general elections from TDP. In 2004 and 1999 elections, Congress candidate Nedurumalli Rajyalakshmi bagged the seat. However, Ramakrishna was defeated in 2019 by YSRCs Anam Ramnarayana Reddy. Anam had switched over to the YSRC from the TDP in 2018. However, he was suspended over allegations of cross voting. Following this, he returned to the TDP-fold and is now contesting from Atmakur constituency. The fourth largest municipality in Nellore district, Venkatagiri still does not have proper drainage facility in the town. Established as a Grade-III municipality by merging six gram panchayats, Venkatagiri faces severe congestion due to a lack of proper roads. A number of traders visit the town to purchase sarees and dress materials as Venkatagiri is famous for its handlooms. With 40,000 voters, weavers comprise a sizable chunk of the Backward Class vote pie. Hence, candidates of both parties have been directed to focus on weaver-centric policies in their local manifestos. Stressing the need for a proper drainage system, K Vasu of Ontel Street rued, Sewage water has been stagnant in open spaces which has resulted in rampant mosquito menace. There is no system to clear the stagnated water. Repeated appeals to civic officials regarding the issue has fallen on deaf ears. Alleging that the YSRC government has neither developed Venkatagiri nor the State, TDP nominee Lakshmi Priya said she has plans to develop the town in all aspects. People are ready to elect Chandrababu Naidu as chief minister as he has a vision to take the State on the path of development, she asserted. Following Anams suspension, the YSRC gave responsibilities to Ramkumar to oversee the partys activities in Venkatagiri constituency. Stating that the ruling YSRC has implemented welfare programmes and taken up development works in Venkatagiri segment, Ramkumar exuded confidence and said, People will embrace Jagan as he has fulfilled all promises made during the last elections. He added that the YSRC was moving forward with the goal of winning 175 seats in the upcoming elections under the leadership of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Day 1 sees 39 nominations for Lok Sabha and 190 for assembly seats in AP
VIJAYAWADA : As many as 39 contestants filed 43 sets of nominations for the 25 Lok Sabha constituencies in Andhra Pradesh on the first day of filing nominations. However, no nominations have been received on the day for Araku, Srikakulam, Amalapuram, Rajamahendravaram and Machilipatnam seats. With regard to the 175 Assembly constituencies, 190 candidates filed 236 sets of nominations on the first day of nominations in Andhra Pradesh. No nominations have been filed from Assembly seats including Palasa, Pathapatnam, Srikakulam, Narasannapeta, Rajam, Palakonda, Parvathipuram, Salur, Cheepurupalle, Gajapathinagaram, Visakhapatnam East, Visakhapatnam South, Visakhapatnam West, Chodavaram Madugula, Araku Valley, Paderu, Payakaraopeta, Tuni, Prathipadu, Pithapuram, Peddapuram, Anaparthy, Mummidivaram, Razole, Gannavaram, Kothapeta, Rajanagaram, Rajahmundry Rural, Jaggampeta, Achanta, Palacole, Narasapuram, Bhimavaram, Undi, Tanuku, Tadepalligudem, Ungutur, Chinthalapudi, Gudivada, Kaikalur, Pedana, Avanigadda, Penamaluru, Vijayawada East, Ponnur, Vemuru, Repalle, Tenali, Yerragondapalem, Addanki, Santhanuthalapadu, Kandukur, Markapuram, Nellore city, Sarvepalli, Gudur, Badvel, Rayachoti, Pulivendula, Kamalapuram, Allagadda, Nandikotkur, Panyam, Banaganapalle, Dhoni, Pattikonda, Mantralayam, Alur, Guntakal, Madakasira, Penukonda, Kadiri, Puthalapattu and Kuppam. Prominent among those who filed nominations are Y.S. Sujana Chowdhary from Vijayawada West, Nara Lokesh from Mangalagiri and Payyavula Keshav from Uravakonda.
Heatwave alert issued in parts of AP for two days
VIJAYAWADA: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a heatwave alert at isolated pockets across the State on Thursday and Friday. On Wednesday, the State largely experienced hot and humid conditions with daytime temperatures being above 40 degrees Celsius at most places. The highest daytime temperature of 44.9 degrees Celsius was recorded at Devalapuram of Nandyal district, followed by 44.3 degrees Celsius at Makkuva of Parvathipuram Manyam district, and Simhadripuram of YSR district, 44.1 degrees Celsius at Ravikamatam of Anakapalle district, Manga Nellore of Tirupati district, Ramabhadrapuram and Tummikapalle of Vizianagaram district, and Donakonda of Prakasam district. According to APSDMA, 67 mandals in the State experienced severe heatwave conditions, while 125 mandals experienced heatwave conditions on Wednesday. It is forecasted that severe heatwave conditions are likely in 76 mandals and heatwave conditions in 214 mandals on Thursday. The public is advised to avoid outdoor activities during the daytime between 11 am and 3 pm. The IMD emphasised the significant risks of elevated temperatures during heatwaves, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. These groups are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Additionally, prolonged periods of extreme heat can lead to dehydration and strain infrastructure such as power grids and transportation systems.
From constable to civil servant, an inspiring journey of Uday
VIJAYAWADA: Mulagani Uday Krishna Reddy, hailing from Ullapalem village of Singarayakonda mandal in Prakasam district, has set an example to the IAS aspirants that one should not allow a personal tragedy to come in the way of dreaming big and achieving it. He faced adversity early in life, having lost his parents at a young age. Raised by his grandmother, Uday went to Zilla Parishad school and then government colleges. He became a police constable but he left the job when his superiors humiliated him in the presence of his colleagues. Uday made the difficult decision to resign in 2019 after his circle inspector insulted him in front of nearly 60 constables. Determined to pursue his aspirations, he shifted his focus to civil services. In the recently announced UPSC 2024 civil services results, he made it big. His resilience and dedication kept him ahead of others. He secured an All India rank of 780. His journey from humble beginnings to achieving success in the highly competitive civil services exam serves as an inspiration to many. Uday lost his mother Jayamma when he was four-and-a-half-years-old and his father Srinivasula Reddy when he was 15-years-old. He was raised by his grandmother Ramanamma, a daily labourer. Uday completed his schooling in Ullapalem village and his high schooling in ZP school. He pursued an Intermediate vocational course in the Lab Technician branch and completed his BA at Jawahar Bharathi Degree College. Now, he is pursuing his MA Political Science through distance education. His optional subject in the UPSC exam was Political Science and International Relations. He devoted eight to 10 hours per day for his studies. He trained at Sarath Chandra IAS Academy for mains and interview. He worked part-time as a lab technician at a private diabetic centre during his Intermediate studies and was selected for the constable post in 2012. He joined duty in October 2013 at Gudluru, situated previously in Prakasam district and now in Nellore after reorganisation, later worked at the Marine police station. Speaking to TNIE, Uday shared, Once our circle inspector insulted me in front of nearly 60 colleagues bearing a personal grudge. He ordered an extra drill for more than an hour as disciplinary action. It hurt me a lot, and I quit the job in August 2018. Despite challenges, he pursued his dream of cracking the civil services exam. With the support of the then SP of Prakasam district Siddharth Kaushal, he overcame hurdles and succeeded. He was lucky to have financial and emotional support from his brother Pranay Krishna Reddy, maternal uncle Koti Reddy, and friends Yogi, Siva Kumar, Sarath Chandra, Sunil, and Rajesh. Mulagani Uday Krishna Reddy After failed attempts in 2019, 2021, and 2022, he finally fulfilled his dream in 2023. He expressed satisfaction with the rank he achieved and shared his desire to serve the underprivileged and work for animal welfare through government-supported initiatives. He emphasised the importance of discipline, determination, and excellence with courage for aspiring UPSC candidates. Uday aims to establish a 109 (like 108) service and rehabilitation centre for roadside animals and conduct Praja Darbars to remain accessible to the people. He is determined to fight against drug abuse to safeguard the future generations. Wants to introduce 109 service for stray animals He emphasised the importance of discipline and excellence with courage for aspiring UPSC candidates. Uday Krishna Reddy emphasised the importance of discipline, determination, and excellence with courage for aspiring UPSC candidates. Uday aims to set up a 109 (like 108) service and rehabilitation centre for roadside animals and conduct Praja Darbars to remain accessible to the people. He is determined to fight against drug abuse to safeguard the future generations.
Its rebel MLA Kotamreddy vs YSRC sitting MP Adala in Nellore rural
NELLORE: The Nellore Rural constituency stands out as a unique electoral arena, characterised by a distinctive voter approach centred around evaluating candidates diligence. Here, electoral decisions transcend traditional campaign paraphernalia. Instead, voters place paramount importance on assessing the hard work and dedication demonstrated by the candidates. Nellore rural is a newly formed constituency in 2009 as part of reorganisation and the Telugu Desam has been losing the seat due to political tie up. For the first time, partys candidate Sk Abdul Aziz has contested and lost the seat to Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy during the 2019 polls. Now, again sitting MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy from TDP is contesting in the elections which would be a touchstone for performance of the party in the segment, analysts say. In the 2009 elections, Congress candidate Anam Vivekananda Reddy secured the win against the Praja Rajyam party candidate Anam Venkata Ramana Reddy from the Assembly seat. Further, in 2014, the TDP failed to contest and supported BJP candidate, S Suresh Reddy, who had to taste defeat against YSRC candidate Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy. With Kotamreddy changing loyalties to TDP, YSRC fielded sitting MP Adala Prabhakar Reddy to retain the seat. In both the 2014 and 2019 elections, Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy secured victories over his opponents, with margins of 25,653 and 20,776 votes, respectively, defeating BJP nominee Sannapu Reddy in 2014 and TDP nominee Shaik Abdul Aziz in 2019. He expressed his dissidence over the ruling YSRC after making serious allegations against the party leadership. Further, after dramatic developments, Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy joined TDP in the presence of N Chandrababu Naidu and made his ground ready in advance. On the other hand, Adala Prabhakar Reddy, a seasoned septuagenarian politician, embarked on his political journey by winning the Allur Assembly constituency in the 1999 general elections on a TDP ticket, subsequently serving as the Minister for Housing. He later switched allegiance to the Congress party, clinching victories in the Sarvepalli constituency against senior TDP leader Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy in both the 2004 and 2009 elections. After a brief stint back in the TDP fold, Adala contested the Nellore MP seat in 2014 but suffered defeat in the hands of YSRC candidate Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy. Adalas political trajectory took another turn in 2019 when he joined the YSRC and secured a resounding victory in the Nellore Lok Sabha constituency, defeating TDP candidate Beeda Masthan Rao by an impressive margin of 1,48,571 votes.
Groups within Sullurpet YSRC Nearly Come to Blows
Tirupati: Simmering group rivalries within the ruling YSRC in the Sullurpet (SC) Assembly constituency escalated on Wednesday with two feuding factions nearly coming to blows during a campaign event. MLA Kiliveti Sanjeevaiah has already launched his poll campaign in Sullurpet town. His supporters owing allegiance to NDCCB (Nellore District Cooperative Central Bank) chairman Kamireddy Satyanarayana Reddy allegedly tried to attack Kalathuru Sekhar Reddy, YSRC Sullurpet town president, who belongs to the faction opposing Satyanarayana Reddy. But for police intervening in a timely manner, the situation would have turned violent, as supporters of Sekhar Reddy were there in good numbers. Groups belonging to Sullurpet municipal chairman Dabbala Sreemanth Reddy and party leader Kalathuru Sunil Reddy have rallied in favour of Sekhar Reddy. The lit fuse got put off after MLA Sanjeevaiah, MPP Alluri Anil Reddy, and other senior leaders intervened, pacified Sekhar Reddy and his supporters, and sent them away from the scene. However, Sekhar Reddy has gone on to lodge a complaint with area police sub-inspector Rahim Reddy, alleging a threat to his life from his rivals. Animosity between Satyanarayana and Sekhar Reddy factions has been simmering for some time now, with both lodging police complaints against each other. Sekhar Reddy has accused the NDCCB chairman of harbouring a grudge against him after he questioned the latters involvement in the illegal transportation of gravel and sand. Satyanarayana Reddy tried to get his men to attack me during the campaign. He keeps threatening to kill me with his gunmen, Sekhar Reddy told media. The YSRC Sullurpet town president says he has informed the MLA about the threat from Satyanarayana Reddy, apart from bringing the issue to the notice of the high command through Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy. Significantly, YSRC leadership has already cautioned both groups against the ill effects of infighting during the elections. But the advice appears to have fallen on deaf ears so far. Sekhar Reddy has demanded that action be taken against those who tried to assault him.
More Women Candidates Entering Poll Fray
Visakhapatnam: Women have been making faster strides in the states political landscape by occupying several prominent positions. The ruling YSRC, which took the lead in promoting and encouraging women in politics, offered women as many as 24 seats for contest this time. The 3-party alliance of TD, BJP and Jana Sena offered women 18 constituencies. Minister RK Roja, an actress-turned politician, leads the YSRC pack. Some 19 YSRC women are contesting for the assembly and five for the Lok Sabha. Botsa Jhansi Lakshmi, Cheti Tanuja Rani, Guduri Uma Bala, Joladarasi Santha are named for the LS fray. Reddy Shaanti, Piriya Vijaya, Nagulapalli Dhanalakshmi, Pamula Pushpasreevani, Viswasarayi Kalavathi, Vanga Geetha, Taneti Vanita, Tellam Rajyalakshmi, Mekathoti Sucharitha, Vidala Rajini, Murugudu Lavanya, Shaik Noori Fatima, Kalathur Krupalakshmi, RK Roja, Dasari Sudha, Butta Renuka, Kanagati Sreedevi, and KV Ushashri Charan are being fielded for the assembly seats. The TD-Jana Sena-BJP alliance has fielded 18 women candidates. They are Kothapalli Geeta, Dagupati Purandeswari, Joyakka Jagadeshwari, Gummadi Sandhya Rani, Vangalapudi Anita, Yanamala Divya, Tangirala Sowmya, Nelavela Vijaysree, Akhila Priya Reddy, Bandaru Sravani Sree, and Sunitha, Lokam Madhavi Reddy, Bhuma Akhila Priya Reddy, Gouru Chartiha Reddy, Savitha, Kurugondala Lakshmi Priya, Geetha Jayasuriya, Sindhura Reddy and Yashoda Devi. In the 2019 elections, 15 women from the TD, 12 from the YSRC and 8 from Jana Sena were in the fray. Out of these, YSRC's Nagulapalli Dhanalakshmi, Taneti Vanita, Vidala Rajini, Vundavall Sridevi, R K Roja, Pamula Pushpa Sreevani, Jonnalagadda Padmavathy, Sucharitha Mekathoti, K Sreedevi and Otaggulli Bhagya Lakshmi from the YSRC won the polls. From the TD, M Suguna and Adireddy Bhavani won their seats. However, the number of women MLAs has decreased in recent years. The rate of victory for women in the 2019 elections was 6 per cent, down from 10 per cent in 2014. Notably, the ruling YSRC has not fielded a single woman candidate in Nellore district for the assembly elections this time. The Telugu Desam gave tickets to three women in the district. TD candidates Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy (Kovur), Kurukondla Lakshmi Priya (Venkatagiri) and Nelavala Vijayasree (Sullurupeta) are new to electoral politics, but are hailing from families with a political legacy. Prashanthi Reddy is a homemaker, Lakshmi Priya an entrepreneur and Vijayasree a medical professional. Despite the increased representation, the fall in ratio of women winning elections remains a concern. The 2024 elections will be a test of whether this trend will change or not.
Telangana girl ranks third in UPSC exam, becomes topper in Telugu States
VIJAYAWADA/HYDERABAD : After two years of self-preparation and a few months of training for her Anthropology paper, Donuru Ananya Reddy from Mahbubnagar district secured All India Rank (AIR) 3 in the Civil Services Exams (CSE) 2023 conducted by the Union Public Service Commission. According to the results announced on Tuesday, Ananya secured the top rank among aspirants from the Telugu states and is also the highest-scoring woman candidate this year. After completing high school, Ananya pursued Humanities and then graduated in Geography from Miranda House, in 2021. This was her first attempt and she hopes to join the IAS. Nandala Saikiran (AIR 27), Merugu Kaushik (AIR 82), Penkisu Dheeraj Reddy (AIR 173), G. Akshay Deepak (AIR 196), Ganesna Bhanushree Lakshmi Annapurna (AIR 198), N Pradeep Reddy (AIR 382), Banna Venkatesh (AIR 467), D Hariprasad Raju (AIR 475), P Dhanush (AIR 480), K Srinivasulu (AIR 526), Nellore Sai Teja (AIR 558), M Naga Bharat (AIR 580), P Bhargav (AIR 590), K Arpita (AIR 639), Aishwarya Nellisyamala (AIR 649), Sakshi Kumari (AIR 679), Chauhan Rajkumar (AIR 703), G Swetha (AIR 711), V Dhanunjay Kumar (AIR 810), Lakshmi Banothu (AIR 828), Ada Sandeep Kumar (AIR830), Jagannadham Rahul (AIR 873), Hanitha Vemulapaty (AIR 887), K Sashikant (AIR 891), K Meena (AIR 899), Ravuri Sai Alekhya (AIR 938), and Gowada Navasree at (AIR 995) are among the candidates from the Telugu States who secured top ranks. First attempt Ananya secured the top rank among aspirants from the Telugu states and is also the highest-scoring woman candidate this year. After completing high school, Ananya pursued Humanities and then graduated in Geography from Miranda House, in 2021. This was her first attempt and she hopes to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) UPSC recommends 1,016 toppers for various posts Among them, Nandala Saikiran, Merugu Kaushik, Ganeshna Bhanusri Lakshmi Annapurna, Kadumuri Hari Prasad Raju, K Sreenivasulu, Jagannadham Rahul, Hanitha Vemulapaty, and Govada Navyasree are from Andhra Pradesh. Apart from Ananya, reports say that 50 candidates from the Telugu states have been selected for appointments in various services. Speaking to TNIE, Hanitha said she prepared for the exam independently and received training at CSB IAS Academy in Hyderabad for the Mains exam, and attended maths test series at Analog IAS Academy in Hyderabad. Emphasising the flexibility of her self-study schedule, she said number of hours spent studying did not matter. Patience, hard work, persistence, and perseverance will always pay off, she added. A native of Visakhapatnam, Hanitha completed Class X from Timpany School. She studied Intermediate at FIT JEE Visakhapatnam. She was selected into IIT-Kharagpur, where she was studying Food Engineering, but had to drop out due to health issues. Subsequently, she completed her BA at IGNOU. Her mother, V Indira works as an ICDS supervisor in the Women Development and Child Welfare Department, while her father, V Raghavendra Rao works as a senior inspector of stores in Indian Railways. The preliminary exams were held on May 28 last year, followed by Mains in September. Personal interviews were conducted from January to April this year. UPSC recommended a total of 1,016 candidates for appointment to various prestigious services. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy congratulated Ananya Reddy, Nandala Saikiran, Merugu Kaushik, and all Telugu-speaking aspirants who cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination. He wished them success and a bright future.
Five killed in road mishap in Nellore district
TDP promises to make Pallipadu a model village
The village, located in Indukurpeta mandal is home to Pinakini Satyagraha Ashram, which is considered as a living memory of Mahatma Gandhis association with Nellore
Stone hurled at Jagan Mohan Reddy ignites war of words among Andhra Pradesh parties
Stone hurled at Jagan Mohan Reddy ignites war of words among Andhra Pradesh parties The YSRCP and the TDP in Andhra Pradesh engaged in a war of words on Sunday after a stone was hurled at ruling party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy when he was canvassing for votes, which left a small injury on his left temple. The chief minister was hit by the stone on the left side of his head in Vijayawada on Saturday night while canvassing. The stone was allegedly hurled by some unknown persons at high speed, leading to a small cut. YSRCP General Secretary S Ramakrishna Reddy claimed that the attack was a pre-meditated cold-blooded attack on the CM. Who would have planned such an attempt? It stems from the insecurity that the TDP is experiencing as they are witnessing the response our leader is getting through the poll campaign, through the roadshows and 'siddham sabhas' (meetings), he said, addressing a press conference. Ramakrishna Reddy alleged that TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu had recently instigated the crowd in his 'prajagalam' (canvassing) meetings to attack Jagan Reddy, and claimed that Naidu and his party would benefit if the YSRCP chief could not mingle with the masses. This leads us to presume that the TDP and their leader (Naidu) are responsible for the attack, he said, adding that the injury is a fact and its location sensitive. Further, he claimed that the opposition party is trying to downplay the incident due to the ''fear of exposure'' and also resorting to making inhumane comments. Meanwhile, YSRCP Nellore Lok Sabha candidate V Vijayasai Reddy alleged that Naidu ''never engaged in politics believing in development''. It has been proven again that he (Naidu) engages in cowardly politics, believing in violence and conspiracies, Vijayasai Reddy in a post on social media platform X. Ruling party leaders, ministers and others castigated Naidu and the TDP, claiming that the opposition party was involved in the attack on the CM. Chandrababu Naidu condemned the attack on Reddy. I strongly condemn the attack on Jagan. I request the Election Commission of India (ECI) to initiate an impartial and unbiased inquiry into the incident and punish the responsible officials, he said in a post on X. However, the TDP alleged that the attack on Jagan Reddy was stage-managed. Backing Naidus appeal to the Election Commission to undertake an impartial and unbiased probe into the attack, TDP Spokesperson Pattabhiram Kommareddy questioned the timing and circumstances of the attack. It only tends to raise a question about the validity of an act like this when it is so coincidental, yet in sync. It wouldn't be the first time that the YSRCP has staged such an act, much like the infamous 'kodi kathi' drama, not only for sympathy but to also create confusion and unrest, right when the elections are around the corner, Kommareddy alleged. Condemning the alleged attack on the CM, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Y S Sharmila said she believes it was accidental. However, if it was not so, she said, everybody should condemn it. Sharmila said she is praying to god for the quick recovery of her older brother Jagan Reddy. Ramakrishna Reddy said the ruling party would submit a representation to the EC to expedite the inquiry into the incident and unearth the facts. Jagan Reddy is unperturbed by the attack he said, but he is taking rest today, pausing his Memantha Siddham (We Are All Ready) election canvassing bus tour, to resume on Monday.
Udayagiri: Unemployment, migration key challenges for contenders
NELLORE: Drought, unemployment and migration are some of the challenges that the winning candidate in Udayagiri Assembly segment of Nellore district will have to tackle soon after coming to power. While the YSRC has roped in Mekapati Rajagopal Reddy, the TDP has fielded Kakarla Suresh. It may be pertinent to note that both the contenders are electoral debutants. The constituency has a legacy of its own as former Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu commenced his legislative journey from Udayagiri on Janata Party ticket back in 1978. Former Nellore MP Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy had secured victory in 1985 under the Congress banner. Mekapati Rajagopal Reddy, YSRC Since 1952, the Congress party has won the constituency seven times. Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy (1985), Madala Janaki Ram (1989), and Mekapati Chandrasekhar Reddy (2004 and 2009) were among those who won from the segment on a Congress ticket. In 2019, Chandrasekhar Reddy won from the segment under the YSRC banner. However, he was suspended for alleged cross-voting in the MLC elections. Subsequently, the sitting MLA joined the TDP. TDPs Kambam Vijayarami Reddy and Bolleneni Venkata Ramarao have represented the constituency in 1999 and 2014 respectively. Established in 1951, the Udayagiri constituency comprises eight mandals, characterised by upland areas with minimal water resources. Kakarla Suresh, TDP Consequently, around 20 to 25 per cent people from rural areas of Udayagiri, Seetharamapuram, Varikuntapadu, Vinjamuru and other upland mandals migrate to various cities such as Hyderabad, Chennai and Bengaluru to eke out a living. Majority of farmers in the region cultivate horticulture crops and have been facing severe shortage of water for cultivation. U Raju, a resident of Vinjamuru mandal, said, The reasons for such high migration rate is the lack of adequate MNREGA mandays, no local employment opportunities and severe drought conditions in most mandals. The region is home to the GI-tagged Udayagiri wooden cutlery. However, artisans struggle to make ends meet due to poor marketing strategies and inadequate post-production sales promotion. The craft fails to attract consumers, leading to financial constraints for the artisans. The cutlery is crafted with wood sourced locally from the forests surrounding Udayagiri. These utensils often feature Persian-inspired designs and shapes, serving both decorative and practical needs. Sajid, a resident of Udayagiri, revealed that approximately 400 artisans are engaged in crafting the renowned Udayagiri wooden cutlery. A common facility centre, established nearly two decades ago with support of an NGO and the government, serves as a hub for these artisans. However, Sajid raised concerns over the inadequate space and leakages in the centre during the rainy season, which hampers the artisans productivity. The centre is equipped with machinery worth `10 lakh, yet it has addressed only half of the issues faced by the artisans, Sajid noted. Insufficient infrastructure and lack of proper maintenance pose significant challenges to the artisans, hindering their ability to work efficiently and meet market demands. Another sticking point in the region is the Somasila High Level Canal, which is aimed to provide irrigation and drinking water to upland areas of Udayagiri segment. However, the works have not gained momentum and the project remains incomplete. Amid issues that have been plaguing the segment, a political battle is underway with the Mekapati family trying to retain its stronghold over the constituency following the suspension of Chandrasekhar Reddy. Meanwhile, the TDP is making efforts to secure votes, particularly from the supporters of the suspended MLA. Former MP and senior YSRC leader Rajamohan Reddy has played a pivotal role in maintaining relations with followers of Mekapati Chandrasekhar Reddy. Initially, Mekapatis daughter Rachana Reddy was considered, but ultimately Raja Reddy was chosen. Although Raja Reddy is making an electoral debut, he has played a crucial role in victories of Mekapati Goutham Reddy in Atmakur and Chandrasekhar Reddy in Udayagiri in 2014 and 2019 elections. Asserting that the ruling YSRC has taken measures in developing upland mandals in the segment, Raja Reddy said, The YSRC has been implementing welfare schemes and providing benefits at peoples doorstep across the State. Around 99 per cent of the poll promises made in the partys manifesto have been fulfilled. The Mekapati family shares a strong bond with the people of Udayagiri. TDPs face Kakarla Suresh is known in the constituency for his charitable endeavours. A local in the segment, Suresh has been actively campaigning in the region to seek public mandate. He has engaged in activities such as conducting medical camps and food distribution on a daily basis. Alleging that there has been no development in the region under the YSRC rule, Suresh has pledged to prevent migrations by creating local employment.
Petregaz India commissions 600 croreLPG Import &Storage terminal at Krishnapatnam
The Terminal is located within the Adani Krishnapatnam Private Port at Krishnapatnam, 25 km from Nellore
Kovur Ward Volunteers Quit, join Telugu Desam Party
Tirupati: Forty ward volunteers working in Kovur town in Nellore district have quit their jobs and joined the Telugu Desam Party in the presence of NDA's Nellore Lok Sabha candidate Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy and Kovur assembly candidate Prasanthi Reddy, spouse of Prabhakar Reddy on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, the Lok Sabha candidate criticised the YSRC government for paying low salaries paid to volunteers. It is unfortunate that the very volunteers the YSRC trusted and politicalised are now leaving the ruling party, he remarked. Prabhakar Reddy promised that if Telugu Desam returns to power, the salaries of volunteers will be raised to Rs 10,000 per month from the current Rs 5,000. Prasanthi Reddy called the quitting of volunteers and joining TD a first in the state's history. Many more volunteers are waiting for liberation. And, they are all ready to join the TD, she claimed. The Kovur Telugu Desam candidate accused YSRC of forcing volunteers to resign in certain areas. She maintained that volunteers who have joined TD have done so on their own. Hitting out at the incumbent Kovur YSRC MLA Nallapureddy Prasanna Kumar Reddy, Prasanthi Reddy charged that the ruling party legislator has no respect for women, which has prompted the volunteers to quit. The TD candidate urged voters, especially women and youth, to reject YSRC's divisive politics and support candidates dedicated to serving the community with honesty and integrity.
Telangana: Congress' Satya Reddy exudes confidence in party's victory, says development only possible under congress govt Congress candidate from Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency Satya Reddy exuded confidence in the party's victory in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections and appealed to the people of the state to vote for Congress party and pave the way for the development of the state. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, the Congress candidate and film producer Satya Reddy said, Congress party candidates are sure to win 30 Assembly and 6 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh state. I want to express my gratitude and thank the Congress leadership for giving me a chance to become an MP as a resident of Visakhapatnam and as a student leader. I appeal to the people of the state to vote for the candidates of the Congress party and make them victorious in the upcoming elections to pave the way for the development of the state, said Satya Reddy. Further speaking on privatization of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), Satya Reddy mentioned his latest film, Ukku Satyagraham, and stated that it was produced against the backdrop of the 900-day strike by VSP workers against the privatization of the plant. He also emphasised that the development of the state would only be possible only with the Congress government. Addressing the media, along with the party nominees for the Assembly segments under the purview of the Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency, Satya Reddy expressed hope that the Congress would regain its past glory in Andhra Pradesh, given the guarantees made in its election manifesto. The Congress party has announced its new list of candidates for the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh. AICC General Secretary KC Venu Gopal announced six Lok Sabha and 12 assembly candidates in this fresh list. Vishakapatnam's Lok Sabha ticket has been given to film producer Pulusu Satyanarayana Reddy aka Satya Reddy. He hails from Guntur district but is settled in Vishakapatnam. He started his political journey by establishing the Telugu Sena party and later joined Congress. So far, Satya Reddy has produced 53 films. His latest film, Ukku Satyagraham, was made against the privatization of the Vizag Steel plant. Not only did he produce the film, but he also played the roles of lead actor and director. Renowned revolutionary artist Gaddar was also featured in the movie. The other announced candidates for Lok Sabha elections are Vegi Venkatesh (Anakapalle), Lavanya Kavuri (Nellore), Garnepudi Alexander Sudhakar (Narasaraopet), Koppula Raju (Nellore) and Dr Chinta Mohan (Tirupati). The Lok Sabha election in the 17 parliamentary constituencies of Telangana will be held on May 17. In the previous 2019 general election, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) won 9 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 4 seats. The Indian National Congress (INC) obtained 3 seats. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) won 1 seat. (ANI)
Poll Cash Seizures in AP Cross Rs 100 Cr, CEO Inspects Check Posts
The currency chest at SBI's Bolangir main branch has space to stock cash of Rs 350 crore for its everyday banking transactions. (Representational Image: DC) The currency chest at SBI's Bolangir main branch has space to stock cash of Rs 350 crore for its everyday banking transactions. (Representational Image: DC) TIRUPATI: After the election code of conduct came into force in Andhra Pradesh since March 16, cash, liquor and other items worth over Rs 100 crore have been seized across the state so far, Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena stated here on Thursday. Meena visited Prakasam district and inspected the check posts set up at the borders to monitor vehicles entering the district. At Gundlapalli in Maddipadu mandal, he observed the checking process for vehicles coming from Guntur via NH-16. He also inspected the Pata Singarayakonda check post that monitors vehicles from Nellore. The CEO oversaw the vehicle checking, video recording and cash seizure records and stressed on thorough scrutiny of all suspected vehicles linked to elections. Female travellers' bags should be checked by woman staff. Any undocumented cash over Rs 50,000 must be seized and deposited in the treasury. Expressing satisfaction with the check post functioning in Prakasam district, Meena said he will tour Prakasam, Nellore and Tirupati over the next two days to review the poll preparedness. The CEO was accompanied by Prakasam collector and district election officer AS Dinesh Kumar, SP Sunil and other officials. Later in the day, the CEO held a review meeting in Nellore district, at the command control centre set up in the municipal corporation premises. Meena, while addressing district collector Harinarayanan, DSP Areef Hafeez, returning officers of Nellore, Kovuru and Nellore rural assembly segments as also flying squads and static surveillance teams, advised them to have special focus on violations of the model code and effecting cash seizures. He advised the officials to keep a strict watch on liquor sales and go-down stocks of liquor in the district. Collector Harinarayanan told the CEO that all arrangements like EVMs, polling staff training, voter facilitation centres, are in place for the smooth conduct of polls at 2,460 stations on the counting day. The district has set up an MCMC panel to grant nods for political campaigning. It issued 137 approvals so far.
Toddler Dies Consuming Petrol Thinking it is Cool Drink
Tirupati: A two-year-old boy from Nellore city lost his life after mistaking petrol for a cool drink and consuming it. Shaik Karimulla, a resident of Nellores Irugaalamma street, runs a chicken shop. His wife Ammu works at a fish stall. They have a son Kaleshah. On the evening of April 7 while Ammu was working at the fish stall near Irugaalamma Temple, Kaleshah was playing nearby. He saw a bottle of petrol while playing. He drank it mistaking it for a cool drink. Kaleshah immediately lost consciousness. He was rushed to the Nellore District Government Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment. Kaleshahs parents have filed a complaint with Chinnabazaar police, who have registered a case and are investigating.
Rahul Gandhi's aide K Raju to fight from Nellore
1,000 km and counting, Jagan's yatra gathering steam
Tirupati: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's high-profile Memantha Siddham bus yatra has completed 10 days. During the period, the YSR Congress party president has travelled over 1,000 km across Rayalaseema through the districts of Nellore and Prakasam. There are 16 more districts remaining in Jagan's high-decibel yatra, wherein the CM is leaving no stone unturned to bolster YSRC's prospects ahead of elections in the state. As the Chief Minister's mass outreach campaign ahead of polls is gaining momentum, Sunday saw several leaders of Telugu Desam, Congress and BJP joining the YSRC in Denduluru constituency of Prakasam district. Notable among them include BC Sadhikara state convener and Gowda Sangham president Chalumolu Ashok Gowda, TD cluster in-charge Bhanu Prakash, ex-society president Medikonda Srinivasa Rao and district Gowda Sangham leader M. Varaprasad. From Congress, APCC general secretary D.V.R.K. Chaudhary and DCC secretary Ch. Kiran switched over to the YSRC, as did BJP's Pedavegi mandal president Ponnuru Shankar Goud. After welcoming the new entrants, Jagan met YSRC functionaries from Kondepi, Kanigiri and Kandukur constituencies before resuming his bus yatra from Juvvigunta Cross. He halted for the night at Venkatachalampalli after covering key areas of Prakasam district on Day 10. According to YSRC state general secretary Thalashila Raghuram, Jagan will start his 11th day of public outreach on Monday at 9 a.m. AM from Venkatachalampalli. He is scheduled to interact with social pension beneficiaries, undertake a road show in Vinukonda by 3 p.m. and cover areas like Bodanampadu, Kurichedu and Cheekatigalapalli before halting for the day at Gantavaripalem.
Vemireddy Couple Refutes Rumours of Leaving Telugu Desam
Tirupati: Telugu Desam Party's candidates from Nellore parliamentary constituency and Kovur assembly segment Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy and his wife Prashanthi Reddy respectively have vehemently denied reports on social media that they are planning to quit the party and join the YSR Congress. Addressing the media in Nellore on Sunday, the dip termed the rumours as a completely false propaganda. The couple alleged that the ruling YSRC is spreading these rumours, unable to accept the overwhelming public support the TD candidates are getting. They are trying to mislead voters who have reposed faith in us, Prashanthi Reddy said. Prabhakar Reddy asserted that TD will score a resounding victory in the upcoming elections, citing the enthusiastic public response they have been receiving as proof. The Vemireddy couple appealed to all TD workers and supporters to focus their efforts on ensuring the party's electoral success, rather than getting distracted by such misinformation campaigns. Our sole aim should be achieving victory for the TD in these elections, Prabhakar underlined.
Polls a battle between credibility and deceit: Jagan
VIJAYAWADA : Reminding that only five weeks left for elections, which determine the States future for the next five years, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said that these elections are not just to elect MLA or MP but it is a fight between Chandrababu Naidu, a habitual cheater, and Jagan, a champion of poor. Addressing a large public gathering at Kavali in Nellore district on Saturday, the CM asked his party men and supporters if they are ready to safeguard the interests of the poor, children, elder sisters, grandparents, minorities, and professional groups. He further described the coming elections as a battle between credibility and deceit, and asked the people are they ready to support Jagan, who proved his credibility time and again. Describing Chandrababu Naidu as the villain who is an amalgamation of cheating, backstabbing, lies, and conspiracies, Jagan asked what Naidu did as Chief Minister for 14 years. Was there any programme or scheme that he can claim as his own, he questioned. Mocking empty promises in the large manifesto of TDP and its allies, Jagan said Naidu did not even fulfil 10% of his promises during his terms as Chief Minister meanwhile YSRC has completed 99% of the poll promises. All he knows is to claim credit for things, which are not there and make tall promises, which are not kept, he said and listed out the promises that Naidu failed to keep. Questioning the motive behind the TDP-JSP-BJP alliance, the YSRC chief quipped, If Chandrababu has done any good to the State of Andhra Pradesh, why is he going with an alliance? The TDP has ganged up with Pawan Kalyan and the BJP, which failed to give special category status to Andhra Pradesh. Highlighting the achievements of the YSRC government in the last 59 months, he said the village and ward secretariat system revolutionised the rural administration setup, similarly revolutionary reforms were taken up in education, health, and agriculture. To ensure a bright future for students from poor and downtrodden communities, we introduced English medium, in government schools, he said.
AP in Grip of Heat Wave; Nandyal, Kurnool Cross 44C
VISAKHAPATNAM : Andhra Pradesh is reeling under severe heatwave conditions, with mercury touching 44.5 degrees Celsius mark at Nandyal and Kurnool districts, while crossing 40 degrees in most places of the state on Saturday. Nandyal in Andhra Pradesh recorded its hottest day (44.5C) of the current summer, with the maximum temperature going four degrees above the normal temperature at this time. It is blistering 44.4C heat in Anantapur, five degrees above normal, followed by Kurnool 44.3C, Nandigama 43.6C, Jangamaheswarapuram 43.5C, Kadapa 43.2C, Tirupati 42.4C, Amaravati 41.8C, Kavali 41.6C, Gannavaram and Tuni 40.7C, Nellore 40.5C and Arogyavaram 40C. Remaining parts of the state recorded the maximum temperature between 35C and 40C on Saturday. Majority of the places virtually turned furnaces on Saturday. People struggled to cope with the hot and humid conditions. Comparatively, temperature remained low at Visakhapatnam (33.6 degrees) and Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam district (35.6 degrees). Senior scientist at IMD Amaravati Dr. S. Karuna Sagar said the heatwave has been sweeping the state for past three days (April 4 to April 6) consecutively. Though the IMD has not issued any heatwave warning for Sunday (April 7), hot and humid weather conditions will continue in the state. There will be some respite from the scorching heat from Monday, as thunderstorms accompanied with lightning are likely at isolated places over north coastal Andhra Pradesh from April 8 to April 10, Karuna Sagar stated. He advised public to take additional precautions, stay hydrated and drink sufficient water even if not feeling thirsty to avoid dehydration.
Name One Good Thing You Did, Jagan Asks Former CM Naidu
VIJAYAWADA : Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, at his mammoth public meeting organised in Kavali of Nellore district on Saturday as part of his continuing Memantha Siddham Bus Yatra, challenged Telugu Desam chief N. Chandrababu Naidu to name at least one welfare scheme or good thing he has done. If Chandrababu has done any good to Andhra Pradesh, why has he going to elections as a three-party TD-JS-BJP alliance, the CM asked the assembled people. Jagan Mohan Reddy charged that the Telugu Desam has ganged up with Pawan Kalyan and BJP, which failed to give special category status to Andhra Pradesh. We consider our election manifesto as a holy book. If you want the welfare schemes to continue for another five years, consider voting for fan (YSRC symbol). Are you all ready to save the future of the state, the Chief Minister asked the gathering. He underlined that the TD chief has not even fulfilled 10 per cent of the promises he made during his term as the chief minister. For the past four months, I have been asking Chandrababu to list his accomplishments while he was CM for 14 years. He (Chandrababu) hasnt answered my questions. But he should tell the people of the state. The YSRC has completed 99 per cent of the poll promises, Jagan Mohan Reddy underlined. He pointed out that the YSRC government has benefited every house in the state with welfare measures. With DBT (direct benefit transfer) alone, we have deposited over 2.7 lakh crore in the accounts of poor in the last 58 months, he declared. Specifically, Jagan Mohan Reddy reminded people that in 2014 too, Chandrababu and his allies promised to waive off farm and DWCRA loans, deposit 25,000 in the name of a new-born baby girl, monthly financial assistance to unemployed youth, and develop the state like Singapore. But he failed to implement even one of these promises, the CM recalled. He reminded the people that Chandrababu and his allies are again coming up with a colourful manifesto, making Super Six and Super Seven promises only to deceive the people eventually. Jagan assures volunteers reinstatement on June 4 Significantly, volunteers, who were working at the village secretariats in Nellore district, met the Chief Minister during his Memantha Siddham Yatra and offered their full support. The volunteers had earlier resigned when barred from disbursing pensions to people. Interacting with the volunteers, Jagan Mohan Reddy said, As I mentioned in the recent Siddham Sabha, our first step after returning to power on June 4 will be to reinstate the volunteer system. You can resume your duties, he told the volunteers. Amalapuram JS leaders join YSRC in Jagans presence Jana Sena leaders from Amalapuram joined the ruling YSRC in the presence of Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy when the latter halted at RSR International School at Gowravaram in Nellore district for lunch break during his Memantha Siddham Yatra on Saturday. The JS members who have moved to YSRC include Jana Sena Amalapuram constituency in-charge Settibathula Rajababu, East Godavari district general secretary S. Srinu Babu, SC division state leader M. Srinivas, former MPTC Ch. Venkateshwara Rao, Veeramahila leader Chetty Subashini and Amalapuram mandal general secretary K. Chinababu. Another leader who joined the YSRC on the same occasion is Akhila Bharata Yadav Sangham president and AP BC Sangham leader Laka Venkata Rao Yadav. Rajya Sabha MP Beeda Masthan Rao was present at the time.
Nellore TD Candidate Narayana Slams YSRC's 'misrule'
Tirupati: Amid defections to the Telugu Desam from the ruling YSRC cadres in Nellore, former minister and TD's Nellore city constituency candidate Ponguru Narayana exuded confidence that the YSRC would be voted out of power soon. For the past five years, the YSRC has been causing anarchy in the state, Narayana said while addressing a meeting in Satyanarayana Puram in Nellore. People are all ready to send the YSRC packing, he stated. Nellore TD Candidate Narayana Slams YSRC's 'misrule'Narayana said the people are aware of the atrocities and anarchy perpetrated by YSRC leaders through illegal cases, destruction of assets and sowing panic. Contrasting it with the previous TD rule from 2014-19 when people lived peacefully, he said there was lack of development in the state in the last five years.
CM Jagan to Whirlwind Election Campaign After MSBY
Vijayawada: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has decided to intensify the election campaign in four to six Assembly constituencies per day after the completion of the ongoing Memantha Siddham Bus Yatra (MSBY). He reviewed the Memantha Siddham Bus Yatra and public meetings in the Yatra camp with YSRC leaders at Chintareddypalem in the Nellore district on Friday. He discussed the salient points of the YSRC manifesto that is likely to be released on Telugu New Year Ugadi. Only schemes that are possible will be included in the manifesto, he said. The Memantha Siddham Bus yatra has already been successfully conducted in YSR Kadapa, Nandyal, Kurnool, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai, Annamayya, Chittoor and Tirupati districts and it entered the Nellore district. Jagan Mohan Reddy gave a break to the Yatra on Friday and reviewed the 2024 election atmosphere. He started the Siddham election campaign on March 27 at Idupulapaya and continued the mega campaigns, interactions and public meetings in eight districts of Rayalaseema region. Jagan Mohan Reddy planned to tour 21 districts under MSBY excluding the rest of districts where Siddham mega meetings were conducted. He has to tour another 13 districts in the coming days. According to party sources, as soon as the bus tour is over across the state, whirlwind tours are going to be undertaken by the CM in the rest of the constituencies. Jagan Mohan Reddy would take part in face-to-face interactions with the people in the constituencies he was visiting. Along with this, a huge public meeting will be held at the end of the campaign every day till the completion of the election rounds by the CM. Before the 2019 elections, Jagan Mohan Reddy toured all the constituencies in the name of Praja Sankalpa Yatra. The problems and aspirations of the people in the respective constituencies were identified. Now, the CM would visit four to six constituencies every day and participate in the interactions, group discussions and public meetings. He is likely to tour the districts in a special helicopter. During the review meeting, party leaders told the CM that asking the beneficiaries to go to the bank and check their bank statements to know about the benefits they received from the YSRC government through DBT schemes has been turned into a big weapon in the election campaign. The bank statements are showing the extent of benefits each beneficiary got, they said.
Saudi Arabia: Eid holidays turn tragic as 2 of Telugu family die in mishap
Jeddah: Eid holidays turned tragic for a Telugu expatriate family in Saudi Arabia as their car met with an accident in Dammam, killing two people and injuring other three on Friday, April 5. Bhavanasi Satyababu, a chemical engineer working in Jubail, was a native of Nellore. He, along with his wife and two children, went 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 .
Following Social Media Outcry, Pathway Leading To Church With Tiles Having Hindu Symbols Removed
A video recently emerged from Andhra Pradesh, revealing a contentious sight at the pathway leading to the Holy Trinity Daiva Mandiram in Chemidthi Village, Gudur Mandal, Nellore. This church, reportedly The post Following Social Media Outcry, Pathway Leading To Church With Tiles Having Hindu Symbols Removed appeared first on The Commune .
From idyllic charm to industrial nightmare
Gandepalli village, near Vijayawada, grapples with a menacing presence: an ethanol factory whose operations have left a trail of devastation since operations began in 2008. Residents are struggling with foul air and water, poisoned crop fields, and depleting water tables. Despite relentless community outcry and damning environmental reports, relief remains elusive, writes Nellore Sravani
IMD Issues Alert for Heat Wave in Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra
VISHAKHAPATNAM: Andhra Pradesh experienced its first wave with sizzling temperatures recorded in Kaval in Nellore district and Anantapur in Rayalaseema region on Thursday. The IMD, Amaravathi has predicted a possible heat wave in parts of Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra Pradesh for the next two days (Friday and Saturday). The maximum temperature at Kavali was recorded at 40.1 degrees Celsius on Thursday, four degrees above normal, against 39 C a day earlier. Similarly, the maximum temperature at Anantapur was recorded at 43.3C, four degrees above normal on Thursday. Senior scientist Dr S Karuna Sagar at IMD, Amaravati said a heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature is above 40C and 4.5 degrees above the seasons normal maximum temperature. Two places in the state experienced heat waves on Thursday. According to the IMD-Amaravati reports, Anantapur was the hottest station in the state on Thursday at 43.3C. Kurnool and Nandyal followed with maximum temperatures settling at 43.2C and 43C, respectively. Kadapa recorded 42.6C on Thursday while Tirupati recorded 41.4C, Jangamaheswarapuram (40.2C), Kavali (40.1C ) and Nandigama (40.1C). Visakhapatnam and Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam registered lowest temperatures in the State with 32.2 degrees Celsius and 32.4 degrees. Due to prevailing mainly south-westerly dry air and high solar insolation, consequently maximum temperature (Day Temperature) likely to be more than 40C at many places over the districts of Rayalaseema and south coastal Andhra Pradesh (SCAP) and likely to be above normal by 2 to 4C on April 5 and 6. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for Friday and Saturday as heat wave conditions very likely to occur at one or two places over the districts of Kurnool, Nandyal, Kadapa, Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai,Nellore ,Prakasam, Palnadu. Hot, humid and discomfort weather likely at isolated places over the remaining districts, Karuna Sagar added. Medical officials across the state issued advisory to the people, mostly elderly and children, to remain indoors during the day time and consume enough water.
Vemireddy and ex finance minister Anam address a joint public meeting at Sangam in Nellore district
Indosol Solar Aims To Complete Rs 15,000 Crore Ingot To Module Unit By 2025
Under the phase-1, Indosol Solar is investing Rs 15,000 crore to set up 5 gigawatts (GW) of modules, 5 GW wafers, 5 GW ingot, and 5 GW of glass capacities at the upcoming plant at Nellore, near Ramayapatnam port in Andhra Pradesh, he said.
EC transfers three DCs, four SPs and IG in AP
Election Commission told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it would derecognise those political parties which use children in election campaign or poll-related work. (Photo: PTI/File) Election Commission told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it would derecognise those political parties which use children in election campaign or poll-related work. (Photo: PTI/File) Vijayawada: The Election Commission has issued transfer orders to three district collectors, four SPs and one IG of police. They will not be assigned any election duty until completion of the present elections. The officials were district collectors from Krishna, Anantapur and Tirupati and the SPs from Prakasam, Palnadu, Chittoor, Anantapur and Nellore districts and one IGP from Guntur Range. The ECI, in a release issued on Tuesday stated that the decision was part of a regular review by the commission during a meeting chaired by the Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and other election commissioners. All the transferred officials were asked to hand over the charge to their immediate junior officer. The ECI asked the AP government to send a panel of IAS and IPS officers to the commission.
Volunteers Resign Amid Election Code, Cite Inability to Deliver Welfare Schemes
Complaints can be sent to email address mccgpelections21@gmail.com on violation of election code and other matters. PTI file photo Complaints can be sent to email address mccgpelections21@gmail.com on violation of election code and other matters. PTI file photo Tirupati : Ten government-appointed volunteers from Dummayapalem panchayat in Nellore district have tendered their resignations on Monday. The volunteers cited an inability to deliver welfare schemes to the people as the primary reason behind their decision. The resignations come in the wake of recent orders from the Election Commission of India barring the engagement of village and ward secretariat volunteers in any work during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. The directives also prohibited drafting these volunteers for any election-related work. The outgoing volunteers from Narikellapalli gram sachivalayam under Muthukur mandal submitted their resignation letters to the district development officer, citing lack of opportunity to deliver welfare schemes to the people as the reason for quitting. Due to the conspiracy of the opposition parties, there was no opportunity for us to serve the people through welfare programmes, said one of the resigning volunteers, questioning the purpose of their job when they could not assist the public. However, the volunteers made it clear that they would campaign for the victory of YSRC leader and minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy, whom they credited with working for the welfare of the masses. We will strive for Kakani's electoral success, they affirmed. In a related development, two field assistants employed under the NREGS within Muthukur mandal, Allampati Nagaraju from Tallapudi and Alagala Sudheer from Polamrajugunta, have also stepped down from their positions. They cited their intention to work towards ensuring Kakani Govardhan Reddy's electoral victory as the reason behind their resignations.
Summer Sets in over AP, Many Centres Touch 40 degree Celsius
Visakhapatnam: Summer has set in over Andhra Pradesh. Many areas are recording above 40 degrees Celsius heat on Monday. While Rayalseema is bracing for a heat wave for three days from April 3, IMD Amaravati has forecast hot, humid, and uncomfortable weather for coastal Andhra Pradesh and said the mercury there might touch 36 degrees Celsius and above with heavy humidity in the air. IMD director Stella S told Deccan Chronicle on Monday that Kurnool and Nandyal have registered 42 and above temperatures and the entire Rayalseema region might experience 44 to 45 degrees temperature from Wednesday in view of a gradual increase of heat by one degree every day. Coastal Andhra Pradesh might also witness heat waves from this month till the end of July. El Nino would continue till May end; after neutralisation, La Nino would set in for a better southwest monsoon activity. The temperatures will remain high due to the El Nino factor, Stella said. On Monday, Kurnool registered the highest temperature of 42.2 degrees Celsius, 2.6 degrees above normal maximum, followed by Nandyal with 42 degrees Celsius, or 2.5 degrees above normal; Anantapur 41.2, meaning 2.4 degrees above normal, Kadapa 41 degrees or 0.7 degrees above normal, Jangamaheswarapuram 41 degrees or 1.6 above normal and Nellore 40 degrees or 3.3 above normal. Visakhapatnam city was the coolest place in the state with a temperature of 31.6 degrees Celsius. IMD, New Delhi, in its national outlook for the April to June period, forecast above-normal maximum temperatures over most parts of the country, except parts of east and northeast India and pockets of northwest India. There, normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are likely. The report said that, for this month, above-normal maximum temperatures are likely over most states. However, isolated pockets of east, northeast, and northwest regions are likely to experience normal to below-normal maximum temperatures. During the April-May-June hot weather season, above-normal heat wave days are likely over most parts of the southern peninsula, central India, east India, and plains of northwest India. The rainfall during April 2024, averaged over the country, is most likely to be normal. Normal to above-normal rainfall is likely over most parts of northwest India and many parts of central India, north peninsular India, and some parts of east and northeast India.
EC strives to negate urban voter apathy in Andhra Pradesh
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mukesh Kumar Meena said the Election Commission is striving to increase the polling percentage in about 20 urban Assembly constituencies where it is lower than the national average of 68 percent. Visakhapatnam, Nellore, Kurnool town, Rajamahendravaram, Vijayawada and others are some of the constituencies exhibiting urban apathy towards 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 .
NETA NATTER| PHONE-TAPPING NO ONE WAS OFF-LIMITS!
The case of tapping of phones illegally in Telangana has raised some very uncomfortable questions. No one, it appears, was exempt. Even then DGP M. Mahender Reddys phone was not off limits for the gang of police officers who ran the tapping operations, if word doing the rounds is to be believed on some WhatsApp cop groups featuring light-hearted exchanges asking cops to check if their phone too was tapped. Jokes apart, the fact that their phones were tapped has set off a measure of panic among some police officers who may have things to hide, and consternation among others. MALKAJGIRI THE LUCKY TICKET? Whats so special about Malkajgiri, be it the Assembly segment or the Lok Sabha constituency? For candidates who vie to contest from there, it is all about what the future might hold. Ever since the constituency came into being in 2009 to become the largest in the country, those who won from there went on to get plum posts in the government, be it at the state or central level. Sarvey Satyanarayana from the Congress who won in 2009 went on to become Union minister in the Dr Manmohan Singh Cabinet. In 2014, Ch. Malla Reddy won from the TD and switched to the BRS, contested the Assembly polls while he was MP, won and became minister in the KCRs Cabinet. In 2019, A. Revanth Reddy won from Malkajgiri and is now Chief Minister. Now Etala Rajendar from the BJP, P. Sunitha Mahender Reddy from the Congress and R. Laxma Reddy from the BRS are testing their luck from Malkajgiri. TEMPLE POLITICS ENTER THE FRAY Film producer Dil Raju may have been wooed by the Congress and the BJP to contest on their behalf in the Lok Sabha elections with the option to pick Nizamabad constituency or even from Zaheerabad but he said no to both options. Then came members from his family who threw their hat into the ring in the case of Dil Rajus elder brother V. Narasimha Reddy, who goes by the moniker Vinare, and wanted the Congress ticket. But the Induru Tirumala Temple set up by Dil Rajus family in its native Narsingpally village, was seen as a possible handicap and Vinare was not picked by the party which instead gave the ticket to senior leader T. Jeevan Reddy. The familys well-wishers were aghast, stating that the BJP was making the Rama Temple in Ayodhya a talking point while the Congress did not want to consider someone who had set up a popular temple in their village. TD GUNS FOR FOOD POLITICS Anything to get votes. Even asking women to lay down the law at home. This is one of the campaign calls by TD supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu who is asking women to tell their menfolk to vote for the TD. If they dont want to do this, then cut off their food supply, tell them no food will be made for them if they dont support the TD and vote for it in the coming elections. Naidu implored women to follow this advice and ensure the TDs success, while addressing an election rally in his home Assembly segment of Kuppam in Chittoor district the other day. Food for thought or food for votes, that is the question wags are now asking about the TD. ONE LAST CHANCE PLEASE! One last chance. That is the plea being made by former ministers Anam Ramnarayana Reddy and Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy from Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh in their campaign for the coming Assembly elections. Both are calling on the people to give them that one more, and last, opportunity to serve, but it is anybodys guess if this strategy will work. Might gain some sympathy, is the view of political observers but such appeals might not turn into votes, they say. If this happens, the 2024 elections could well be the last for these two leaders unfortunately.
Vijayasai Reddy vows to develop Nellore LS segment into model constituency
V Vijayasai Reddy plans to develop Nellore Lok Sabha into a model area like Tarlapudi village, focusing on infrastructure. He aims to win the seat, driven by a strong sense of duty towards his native region.
