Hyderabad: Four held for smuggling 6 Kgs gold worth Rs 4.3Cr
Hyderabad: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) here seized huge quantities of gold from a car on the Vijayawada-Hyderabad highway. The vehicle, a Ford Eco Sport car, was travelling from Kolkata with four people in it. The vehicle was intercepted by officers at Panthangi Toll Plaza, Choutuppal, Telangana on Friday. On questioning the occupants and 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 .
Telangana CID arrests fraudster couple absconding since 2013
Hyderabad: The Telangana Polices CID has arrested a couple absconding for 11 years after defrauding a bank and finance companies to the tune of Rs 87 crore, a police official said on Friday. Manikonda Anjaneyulu and his wife Manikonda Reeta were arrested in Bengaluru, police said. According to Additional Director General, CID, Shikha Goel, the 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 .
Rohith Vemula News: Rohith Vemula's Brother In An Exclusive Conversation With News18 | News18
Exclusive: Rohith Vemula's brother, Raja Vemula, says, 'We will fight.' In an exclusive conversation with News18 following the Telangana Police report, he shares his next steps.The Telangana Police filed a closure report, concluding its probe into the death of Rohith Vemula, a PhD scholar at the University of Hyderabad. Vemula had ended his life in January 2016.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police on Friday arrested a Congress member for allegedly uploading and circulating a fake video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, an official said here. Arun Reddy handles the 'Spirit of Congress' account on 'X', the official said. Congress leader Manickam Tagore on Friday said it has been over 24 hours that Delhi Police detained Arun Reddy without disclosing any information or the FIR. We demand the immediate release of Arun. This authoritarian misuse of power by the regime is condemnable, Tagore wrote. Delhi Police has arrested Arun Reddy, a Congress worker who handles the Spirit of Congress 'X' handle, in connection with Union Home Minister Amit Shah's fake video case: Senior Delhi Police officer confirms to @NewIndianXpress @santwana99 @Shahid_Faridi_ Ujwal Jalali (@ujwaljalali) May 3, 2024 The Delhi Police Special Cell earlier registered an FIR after a complaint was filed about the doctored video of Shah where his statements indicating a commitment to abolish quota for Muslims on religious grounds in Telangana were changed to make it seem that he was advocating scrapping of all reservations. Earlier, theDelhi Policesummoned Telangana chief minister Revanth Reddy on May 1 for questioning in a case of a doctored video of Amit Shah. Amit Shah doctored video: Clip not posted from Telangana CMs personal handle, says legal team Doctored video of Amit Shah: 5 Congress SM in-charges held by Hyderabad cops
Tim Hortons Opens Indias 30th store in Hyderabad to celebrate fusion of global taste & tradition
Hyderabad: Tim Hortons, the beloved coffee chain, is delighted to announce its much-anticipated entry into the vibrant city of Hyderabad with the opening of its newest location. This marks a significant milestone of 30 stores for the Tim Hortons brand in India as it continues its expansion and brings its renowned coffee and delectable treats to the Indian market. Picture Source : DC The newest store is launching in Inorbit Mall, Hyderabad, located in the heart of Hitec City. Tim HortonsHyderabad offers an inviting ambiance where guests can indulge in an array of freshly brewed coffee, flavorfulsummer coolers along withmade-to-order food options such as the savoury Cheese Melts &Piadinas.Drawing inspiration from the rich local artistry, the outlet will showcase unique architectural elements reminiscent of the famed Cheriyal scroll paintings. These intricate designs reflect the motifs nativeto Telangana, inviting consumers to immerse themselves in the region's cultural heritage. Picture source : DC Tarun Jain, CEO, Tim Hortons India added to the excitement, says, Hyderabad's rich heritage and warm hospitality resonate deeply with our brand values, and we are thrilled to introduce our signature blends and delectable treats to the discerning palates of this city. We look forward to creating memorable moments and forging lasting connections with every guest who walks through our doors in Hyderabad. Embracing Hyderabad's reputation as a city that blends tradition with modernity, the store will open its doors to consumers starting from 3 rd May at 5 PM in Inorbit Mall, Cyberabad.Experience the magic of Tim Hortons as we welcome you to our newest destination in the heart of Hyderabad.
Amit Shah Deepfake Video: Delhi Police Makes First Arrest, Accused Handled Congress Social Media
This action came days after BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya said that the Telangana Congress wing was spreading an edited video of Shah, which is completely fake and has the potential to cause large-scale violence.
TS SSC Result 2024: Manabadi to Release TS 10th Supplementary Exam Schedule Shortly
The Telangana State Board of Secondary Education (TS BSE) has announced the TS SSC or Class 10 exam results 2024 on April 30. Along with the results, the board has also revealed the schedule for the supplementary exams, set to commence from June 3 to June 13, 2024. Students who were unsuccessful in the SSC public examinations 2023 have the opportunity to appear for the advanced supplementary exams by paying the examination fee.
Depression, Not Caste Cause Of Rohith Vemula Suicide: Telangana Police
Rohith Vemula's suicide in 2016 triggered a political firestorm and ignited nationwide students protests.
UoH student orgs seek Congress intervention in Rohith Vemula suicide case closure
Hyderabad: In a collective statement, student groups from the University of Hyderabad (UoH) have decried the Telangana polices closure of the Rohith Vemula suicide case. The students alleged that two of the main investigating officers (IO) who drafted the report majorly had closest links to the false narratives floated by ABVP and BJP, and also 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 .
In Telangana's Namakkal, Eatery Leads The Way With Misting System For Customer Comfort
Sai Bhavan Restaurant, known for its delicious food options, has seen people choosing fruit juices instead of tea. This change shows that more customers want refreshing and healthy drinks to beat the hot weather.
The Delhi police arrested Arun Reddy in connection with the 'deepfake morphed video' case involving Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Reddy managed the 'Spirit of Congress' account on social media platform X. The alleged fake video depicted Shah expressing opposition to reservations, a claim refuted by the BJP. Earlier, summonses were issued to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and four Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) members.
Rohith Vemula Was Not A Dalit, Clean Chit To All Accused: Telangana Police Report | English News
Rohith Vemula Was Not A Dalit, Clean Chit To All Accused: Telangana Police Report | English NewsBreakingNews | Rohith Vemula Was Not A Dalit, Clean Chit To All Accused: Telangana Police Report
Telangana: Drunk man slits wifes throat in Nagarkarnool
Hyderabad: A tragic incident unfolded in Vanapatla village of Nagarkarnool mandal, where a man reportedly murdered his wife by slitting her throat on Thursday, according to authorities. The accused, identified as Bhushipaga Ramulu, had been married to his wife Jyoti for 20 years. However, their relationship was marred by frequent clashes, primarily due to Ramulus 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 .
Aurobindo Pharma gets tax demand of over Rs 13 crore, including interest, penalty
The Deputy Commissioner (ST) STU-1 of GST, Punjagutta Division, Hyderabad, Commercial Taxes Department, Telangana, has passed an order under relevant provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and TGST Act 2017 for the FY 2018-19 to this effect.
Telangana Congress promises industrial corridors, SC bench in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Implementation of assurances made to Telangana in the AP Reorganisation Act, establishment of a NITI Aayog regional office and a Supreme Court bench at Hyderabad, and development of new industrial corridors are among the promises made to Telangana by the ruling Congress on Friday. The Congress released a manifesto named Paanch Nyay and Special 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 .
Rohith Vemula Was Not A Dalit, Clean Chit To All Accused: Telangana Police Report
Telangana Police on Friday filed a closure report in the Rohith Vemula death case and gave a clean chit to all the accused.
BJP will get double digit MP seats in Telangana, says Kishan Reddy
Hyderabad: Union Tourism Minister and Telangana BJP State president G Kishan Reddy here on Friday exuded confidence that the party would win double digit seats this time during Lok Sabha elections. Addressing leaders after welcoming IT Companies owners and employees at the State party office, he said the graph of BJP was increasing significantly every day and unable to digest it the Congress leaders launched a false campaign against the BJP. The BJP would win a majority of seats in Telangana because of Prime Minister Narendra Modis Tsunami across the country. The BRS has become helpless even before the completion of Lok Sabha elections while the Congress leaders were unable to visit the villages to do campaigning because of their failure to fulfill their promises given during the Assembly elections in 2023, he said. Kishan Reddy alleged the people in villages were facing acute shortage of water and power supply. Congress means cheating, deceiving and dynasty politics and it proved in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections. The same thing is repeating in Telangana, he said. Referring to the Congress leaders Donkey Egg campaign against the BJP, Kishan Reddy woundered whether the party changed its election symbol - Hand to Donkey Egg. To cover up their failures in implementing half dozen guarantees promised during Assembly elections, the Congress was indulging in mud-slinging against the BJP. However, the people were observing everything to teach a fitting lesson to the Congress in the elections, he added.
Heat wave conditions are likely to continue over East India till May 5 and over south Peninsular India till May 6 and abate thereafter. Meanwhile, heavy to very heavy rainfall spell accompanied with thunderstorms and gusty winds very likely over Northeast India on May 5 and 6, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. On Thursday, the highest maximum temperature of 46.2C was reported at Nandyal (Rayalaseema) over the country. On the same day, maximum temperatures were in the range of 43-46C in some parts of Odisha and Rayalaseema, in isolated pockets of Telangana, Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; in the range of 40-43C over many parts of Gangetic West Bengal; in some parts of Vidarbha, Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada and Gujarat; in isolated pockets of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Madhya Pradesh and North Interior Karnataka. These are above normal by 4-7C in some parts of West Bengal and Tamil Nadu; in isolated pockets of Assam & Meghalaya, north Odisha, east Bihar, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rayalaseema and South Interior Karnataka. According to the IMD, maximum temperatures in the range of 44-47C likely to continue over Coastal Andhra Pradesh & Yanam, Telangana and Rayalaseema till May 3 and decrease thereafter. Heat wave conditions very likely in some pockets over Gangetic West Bengal; at isolated pockets over Telangana, Interior Karnataka, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu during next 3 days; over Kerala, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim on May 3; Odisha, Bihar on May 3 and 4; Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada on May 4 and 5 and over West Rajasthan on May 7. Hot and humid weather very likely to prevail in isolated pockets over Coastal Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal and Kerala and Mahe during next 4-5 days; Assam & Meghalaya, Tripura, Saurashtra and Kutch on May 3 and 4 and Konkan during May 3 to 5, 2024. According to Skymet, the first pre-monsoon spell of May is expected between May 9 and 11. The intensity and spread of activity will be large to cover parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and Rajasthan. The southern parts, the private weather forecaster added, will have a large spread of pre-monsoon thunderstorms, simultaneously covering different pockets. Heat-struck regions of Rayalaseema, Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu will be relieved of oppressive conditions. Severe thunderstorm activity is likely over South Interior Karnataka, Southern parts of Andhra Pradesh and farther parts of Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu.
Couple absconding since 2013 in fraud case held in Bangalore
Hyderabad: Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID) arrested a couple - Manikonda Anjaneyulu and Manikonda Reeta who are absconding since 2013 for their alleged involvement in financial fraud case. The case is being investigated by CID, Sangareddy (Economic Offences Wing). Anjaneyulu was the Managing Director and his wife Reeta, a Director of Adarsh Communications Private Limited, a company dealing with import of varieties of communication equipment and sale of multi brand cellular phones and other products. The couple approached SBI Balanagar branch for financial assistance to meet their working capital and obtained a loan of Rs. 27 crore. After availing the loan, the couple became defaulters and absconded. On a complaint given by bank officials, a case was registered at Balanagar police station and subsequently it was transferred to CID. During the course of investigation, it came to light that the accused was also involved in four other cases in Hyderabad and one case in Cyberabad Commissionerate in which they cheated finance companies and private investors to the tune of Rs.60 crore. The accused had been absconding since the registration of cases against them under provisions of Sections 420, 406 and 403 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) of Balanagar police station in 2013. Following directions from Shikha Goel, Additional DGP, CID, a special team led by the investigation officer DSP P. Sreedhar was formed recently. The team made sincere efforts to trace out the accused and arrested them in Bangalore.
Aurobindo Pharma hit with tax demand of Rs 13 crore
Aurobindo Pharma hit with tax demand of Rs 13 crore Aurobindo Pharma Ltd on Friday said it has received tax demand of over Rs 13 crore, including interest and penalty, from the GST authority over ineligible input tax credit claim. The Deputy Commissioner (ST) STU-1 of GST, Punjagutta Division, Hyderabad, Commercial Taxes Department, Telangana, has passed an order under relevant provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 and TGST Act 2017 for the FY 2018-19 to this effect. The order demanded reversal of ITC and payment of GST amounting to Rs 6,54,50,645 along with interest of Rs 5,92,20,900 and penalty of Rs 65,51,354, Aurobindo Pharma said in a regulatory filing. It claims ineligible ITC and orders reversal of ITC and demanding GST along with interest, the company added. The company intends to file an appeal before appellate authority, Aurobindo Pharma said, adding there is no material impact on its financials or operations due to the order.
Telangana High Court orders disqualification of BRS MLC Dande Vittal
Hyderabad: In a major jolt to BRS, the Telangana High Court ordered the disqualification of the partys 2022 Adilabad local bodies MLC Dande Vittal, who was alleged to have forged the signature of his political opponent Pattireddy Rajeshwar Reddy, and submitted those papers to get Reddys nomination withdrawn in the MLC election. After the BRS 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 .
Telangana High Court Declares Vithal's Election as MLC Void
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court here on Friday held illegal and void the election of BRS MLC Dande Vittal, who was elected from the local body constituency of Adilabad of Telangana Legislative Council. The court set aside the election while allowing the election petition of Congress leader Pathireddy Rajeswhar Reddy. The court also levied a fine of Rs 50, 000 on Vithal. Vithal was elected as an MLC in 2022. Congress candidate approached the High Court that he had not withdrawn the nomination papers and his signatures got forged and also declare Vithals MLC election null and void. He also urged the court to verify whether his signatures were forged. Hearing the arguments of both sides, the court declared the election of Vithal as void.
Telangana Cong functionaries get bail in HM Shahs doctored video case
Hyderabad, May 3: A city court on Friday granted conditional bail to five members of the social media unit of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) arrested for circulating a morphed video of Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, on social media. Hyderabad Cyber Crime Police on Friday announced the arrest of Pendyala Vamshi Krishna, Manne Sathish, [] The post Telangana Cong functionaries get bail in HM Shahs doctored video case appeared first on The Shillong Times .
Five Telangana Congress Workers Arrested for Morphed Video Involving Amit Shah, Granted Bail
Five Telangana Congress Workers Arrested for Morphed Video Involving Amit Shah, Granted Bail The city police on Friday said they arrested five Telangana Congress party social media activists in connection with Union Home Minister Amit Shah's alleged morphed video that went viral recently. The accused were produced before a local court which granted them bail with a condition that each person will have to submit two sureties worth Rs 10,000 each and appear before the investigating officer on Monday and Friday till further orders. According to a statement issued by the police, they received a complaint on April 27 from a state BJP leader alleging that the Telangana Congress Pradesh Congress Party on its X account posted morphed or fabricated video of Amit Shah's speech during his election campaign and public meeting at Siddipet recently, in violation of IT Act. The deliberate and mischievous act of morphing the video is aimed at misleading people and voters creating fear amongst the OBC communities, the police said, adding they registered a case under Sections 469 (forgery), 505(1)C (circulating rumour), 171G (spreading false information), among others. According to police, on April 23, during a public meeting in Medak, Amit Shah made a speech. The A1 received a morphed video and uploaded it on the ''@INCTelangana'' handle on X besides sharing it on various WhatsApp groups while A2 to A5 saw the video and further shared it to their individual X handles. When notified by X about the sensitivity of the content, the video was deleted, they said. Earlier, the Delhi Police summoned Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on May 1 for questioning in a case of a doctored video of Amit Shah.
In the 2016 Rohith Vemula death case, the Telangana Police filed a closure report saying he died by suicide fearing that his fake SC certificate will be exposesd
Always a pleasure to perform in Hyderabad: Bickram Ghosh
Following a significant hiatus, tabla maestro Bickram Ghosh returned to perform in the city with a soulful act that blended classical and contemporary music styles.
After Varun Tej, Venkatesh to hit campaign trail
Close on the heels of Varun Tej, who campaigned for his uncle and super star Pawan Kalyan in Pithapuram, seasoned star Venkatesh is likely to campaign in Telangana in the ensuing Lok Sabha election as he is expected to campaign for a close relative contesting from Khammam seat. Already Venkateshs elder daughter Aashritha took part in the election campaign for her father-in-law Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy, who is contesting as a Congress candidate in Khammam. Lets vote on May 13 and get our Raghuram Reddy elected, 34-year-old Aashritha said when invited to speak at a campaign meeting. Venkatesh, it is said, will campaign for Raghuram Reddy on May 7. Aashritha is married to Raghuram Reddys son Vinayak Reddy. The wedding took place at the Jaipur Palace in 2019. Rahguram Reddys father R Surender Reddy is a four-time MP, having got elected thrice from Warangal and once from Mahabubabad constituency. Venkatesh's decision to step into the political arena on behalf of the Congress party came as a surprise to many. Known for his discretion in political matters, Venkatesh's entry into the fray adds an intriguing twist. The illustrious Daggubati family boasts a legacy entrenched in both cinema and politics. Dr. D. Ramanaidu, a towering figure in the film industry, transitioned seamlessly into politics, serving as an MP for the Telugu Desam Party. However, despite his efforts, the unexpected defeat in the 14th Lok Sabha elections led the family to retreat from political engagements. While other stars like Balakrishna and Pawan Kalyan are campaigning hard for their individual seats as well as for the TDP-BJP and Jana Sena alliance candidates across Andhra Pradesh.
Telangana Congress promises industrial corridors, SC bench at Hyderabad, NITI Aayog regional office
AICC in-charge of party affairs in Telangana Deepa Dasmunshi, Telangana Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu and other party leaders released the manifesto today. Along with 'Hissedari Nyay' (Equality), 'Kisan Nyay' (Justice for Farmer), 'Shramik Nyay' (Justice for Labourers), 'Yuva Nyay' (Justice for Youth), and 'Naari Nyay' (Justice for Women), the party announced 23 'Special promises to Telangana'.
TSRTC waives reservation fees for bookings 8 days in advance
Hyderabad: The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) on Friday, May 3, waived off reservation fees for commuters travelling long distances if the bookings are done eight days in advance. Waiver of reservation charges #TSRTC for long-distance travellers. 8 days in advance. For advance reservation in TSRTC buses contact http://tsrtconline.in website, TSRTC MD VC Sajjanar 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 .
'Not getting monthly pension from TS govt' claims Padma Shri recipient Kinnera Mogulaiah
Darshanam Mogulaiah also known as Kinnera Mogulaiah, Padma Shri recipient in 2022, said that he was not receiving the monthly pension of Rs 10,000 from the State government for the last five months due to which he has been facing severe financial problems. Speaking to TNIE on Friday, Mogulaiah dismissed the State government's claims that the pension of March was deposited in his account on March 31. I am not receiving the monthly pension. I am ready to prove it, he said. The BRS government recognising the services of Mogulaiah, Tribal music artiste, one among a few surviving performers of a tribal musical instrument known by the name Kinnera, gave Rs one crore to him after the Centre conferred him with Padma Shri. The BRS government gave Rs one crore. With that amount, I have purchased a house site and constructed a house on the land spending Rs 75 lakh. I have spent spent the remaining money to marry off my two children, Mogulaiah said. He explained that he was suffering from diabetes and his son was suffering from seizures. Both of us require Rs 12,000 per month for purchasing medicines, he explained. Telangana government claimed that it paid the March month pension to Moguliah. Mogulaiah said that though the BRS government assured to provide 600 yards of house site in LB Nagar in Hyderabad and issued a GO, the Revenue officials did not give possession of the land so far. The then BRS MLA Guvvala Balaraju requested the government to provide a house site to Mogulaiah in Banjara Hills in Hyderabad. However, the government said that it would provide 600 yards in LB Nagar only. I have been meeting the successive district Collectors of the Rangareddy district with the help of a local scribe for the last one year. But, the officials are yet to provide the land, he added. As he required money for purchasing the medicines, he met some sub-inspectors of police in the city and they gave Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000. When my son was unable to speak due to convulsions and hospitalised recently, the then Government Advisor KV Ramanachary gave Rs two lakh. Then, I have paid the hospital fee, Mogulaiah explained. Mogulaiah recently met Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and explained his problems. Now, the artiste is requesting the government to allot a house site in LB Nagar as assured by the State government and also prompt the payment of his monthly pension, granted by the State government for life time as a special case for the Pamda Shri recipient.
Telangana: DOST- 2024 Notification Released
Hyderabad: The DOST (Degree Online Services, Telangana) notification for admissions into degree colleges across the state has been released on Friday. Admissions will be conducted in three phases: - The first phase from May 6 to 25. - The second phase is scheduled from June 4 to 13. - The third phase will take place from June 19 to 25. Classes for all degree courses will commence from July 8.
Amit Shah doctored video case: 5 Telangana Congress members get bail
Hyderabad: Five members of the Telangana Congress social media team were granted bail by the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate court (ACCM), Nampally on Friday, May 3, in the case of circulating a doctored video of Union home minister Amit Shahs speech in Siddipet. They were recently arrested by the Hyderabad Cyber Crime police in the 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 .
Congress releases Telangana-specific manifesto for Lok Sabha polls
IIM in Hyderabad, revival of ITIR project, taking back five villages from AP and Supreme Court bench in Hyderabad are some of the promises
Here's What 2024 Lok Sabha Elections Schedule: Seven Phases from April 19 to June 1
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections are set to unfold in seven phases, spanning from April 19 to June 1, with results expected on June 4. The Election Commission has revealed the schedule, highlighting that April 19 will witness the highest number of constituencies, totaling 102, while the fifth phase, on May 20, will see the lowest number at just 49. Here's a breakdown of the election phases across different states: Single Poll Date (22 states): Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and Daman & Diu. Two-phase Voting (4 states): Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tripura, Manipur Three-phase Voting (2 states): Chhattisgarh, Assam Four-phase Voting (3 states): Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand Five-phase Voting (2 states): Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir Seven-phase Voting (3 states): Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal The Lok Sabha Election 2024 schedule is as follows: Phase 1 (April 19): 101 Seats Phase 2 (April 26): 89 Seats Phase 3 (May 7): 94 Seats Phase 4 (May 13): 96 Seats Phase 5 (May 20): 49 Seats Phase 6 (May 25): 57 Seats Phase 7 (June 1): 57 Seats Each phase covers various states and Union Territories, ensuring a comprehensive electoral process across the nation. In the first phase on April 19, a total of 102 seats will be contested across several states and Union Territories: Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal West, Arunachal East Assam: Sonitpur, Kaziranga, Jorhat, Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur Bihar: Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jamui Jammu & Kashmir: Udhampur Madhya Pradesh: Sidhi, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Mandla, Balaghat, Chhindwara Maharashtra: Ramtek, Nagpur, Bhandara-Gondiya, Gadchiroli-Chimur, Chandrapur Manipur: Inner Manipur Meghalaya: Shillong, Tura Mizoram: Mizoram Nagaland: Nagaland Rajasthan: Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Sikar, Jaipur Rural, Jaipur, Alwar, Bharatpur, Karauli-Dholpur, Dausa, Nagaur Sikkim: Sikkim Tamil Nadu: Thiruvallur, Chennai North, Chennai South, Chennai Central, Sriperumbudur, Kancheepuram, Arakkonam, Vellore, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Arani, Viluppuram, Kallakurichi, Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Tiruppur, Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Pollachi, Dindigul, Karur, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur, Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Sivaganga, Madurai, Theni, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukkudi, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari Tripura: Tripura West Uttar Pradesh: Saharanpur, Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Nagina, Moradabad, Rampur, Pilibhit West Bengal: Cooch Behar, Alipurduars, Jalpaiguri Chhattisgarh: Bastar Uttarakhand: Tehri Garhwal, Garhwal, Almora, Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar, Hardwar Andaman & Nicobar: Andaman Nicobar Islands Lakshadweep: Lakshadweep Puducherry: Puducherry These elections aim to engage citizens in the democratic process, allowing them to exercise their right to vote and shape the future of their nation. Congress Announces Candidates for Lok Sabha 2024, Rahul Gandhi to Contest from Rae Bareli Congress KL Sharma to Contest against BJP's Smriti Irani in Amethi Trinamool Congress Accuses Congress Leader of Promoting BJP Agenda
Telangana Police Close Rohith Vemula Death Case File
Rohith Vemula hanged himself in a hostel room in Hyderabad. (Photo: Facebook) Rohith Vemula hanged himself in a hostel room in Hyderabad. (Photo: Facebook) The Telangana police has filed a closure report in the case of the death of University of Hyderabad (UoH) PhD scholar Rohith Vemula who died by suicide in January 2016. The closure report submitted by the police absolved the then Secunderabad MP Bandaru Dattatreya, Member of Legislative Council N Ramachander Rao, and Vice Chancellor Appa Rao, ABVP leaders and Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani. According to the final finding of the police, Rohith committed suicide in fear of his real caste being revealed as he did not belong to the Scheduled Caste category. It is eight years after the controversial death case and four months after the Congress government came to power in the state that the Telangana police closed the file. The Congress had supported the nationwide 'Justice for Vemula' campaign. The Congress leadership is yet to respond to the closure report.
Phone tapping case: Absconding former SIB chief Prabhakar Rao declared prime accused
T Prabhakar Rao is the prime accused in the phone tapping case, along with several others declared as accused by the Hyderabad police. The case involves misuse of surveillance systems to keep tabs on opposition leaders.
Demand for Air conditioners soar as temperatures continue to rise, some companies raise prices by 3-5 per cent The demand for air conditioners (ACs) have surged during the April month due to the increase in temperature, especially in North and Central India. It has prompted a strong outlook for AC demand until mid-June 2024. According to a report by Anand Rathi Financial Services Limited, after the surge in demand for AC's the manufacturing companies have increased prices. The AC manufacturing company Blue Star has increased prices by 3-5 per cent across various models. The report highlights that in South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, AC volumes soared by 40-50 per cent year-on-year (y/y). While Karnataka and Telangana witnessed a 15-20 per cent y/y growth in AC volumes. In Central India, including Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Madhya Pradesh (MP), AC volumes grew by 15-20 per cent y/y. However, the local dealers have reported shortages of the ACs across brands, leading to increased delivery times. In North India, particularly in Rajasthan and Haryana, AC demand has surged post-Holi, with volumes growing by 20-25 per cent in April 2024. The report highlights that some dealers anticipated further growth in AC demand by 25-30 per cent in May. In the Eastern region, Odisha saw a 25-30 per cent increase in AC volumes, while Jharkhand experienced a 10-15 per cent y/y growth. Despite rising demand, no pricing action was observed by any brand in the region, and dealers are facing a shortage in giving timely supply. The demand for AC in the Western region including Gujarat and Maharashtra have surged in the latter half of April, with volumes growing by 15-20 per cent y/y. According to the report several brands in Gujarat increased prices by 3-5 per cent across various models. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday that most parts of the country are likely to record above-normal maximum temperatures in May. The IMD, however, stated that some parts of northwest and central India and adjoining areas of northeast peninsular India are likely to record normal to below-normal maximum temperatures. According to IMD, the average minimum temperature (22 degrees Celsius) in April in east and northeast India was the highest since 1901. (ANI)
Viveka murder case: Telangana HC refuses to cancel YSRCP MPs bail
Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Friday dismissed a petition to cancel anticipatory bail granted to Kadapa MP Y. S. Avinash Reddy in Y. S. Vivekananda Reddy murder case. The petition was filed by Shaik Dastagiri, an accused-turned-approver, in the case. Justice K Lakshman had reserved orders on the petition last month. The High Court 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 .
Video: Leopard Rescued In Telangana Village, Will Be Released In Forest
A leopard was rescued in Telangana today and it will be released into the wild tomorrow, the Forest Department said.
Amit Shah Doctored Video: X Reveals Origin Of Fake Video To Police
Four Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) membersShiva Kumar Ambala, Asma Tasleem, Satish Manne, and Naveen Pettemwere being targeted by a Delhi Police squad stationed in Telangana.
Hyderabad: JUH urges imams to mobilize voters in Friday sermons
Hyderabad: The Jamiat Ulama Hind Telangana and A.P. (Mahmood Madani group) is urging its members and mosque administrators to motivate Muslims to pledge their votes in the upcoming LS elections. As a socio-religious organization primarily consisting of Muslim clerics, Islamic scholars, and imams, the Jamiat is highlighting the importance of political participation among the Muslim 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 .
Congress vows to remerge 5 villages near Bhadrachalam to Telangana from AP
Hyderabad: The Congress party in its special Lok Sabha poll manifesto for Telangana promised to remerge 5 villages near Bhadrachalam to Telangana from Andhra Pradesh if the party comes to power at the Centre. The villages are Yetapaka, Gundala, Purushottam Patnam, Kannegudam and Pichukalapadu and the residents of these five gram panchayats located on the 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 .
KL Sharma thanks Congress leadership for fielding him from Gandhi family's raditional seat Amethi
Kishori Lal Sharma expressed gratitude to Congress party leaders for the opportunity to contest from Amethi, emphasizing the historical significance of the seat for the Gandhi family. His candidature signifies the Congress's strategic focus on key constituencies in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming elections. According to party sources, party president Mallikarjun Kharge and Telangana CM and State PCC chief Revanth Reddy will attend the nomination filing of Rahul Gandhi and KL Sharma.
KTR vows help to struggling Padma awardee musician from Telangana
Hyderabad: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K T Rama Rao (KTR) promised help to Padma Shri award winner and legendary Kinnera instrument musician from Telangana, Darshanam Mogiliah who is reportedly struggling financially to make ends meet. Responding to a post on X by senior journalist Sucheta Dalal citing a newspaper article on Mogilaiahs dire 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 .
Two injured as fire breaks out in Hyderabad hotel
A fire broke out at a hotel in Mohan Nagar, Hyderabad, injuring a married couple. Authorities evacuated 20 individuals from the hotel using ladders. The fire has been contained, and the cause is under investigation.
Political parties give guarantees, but these candidates want to drive bigger issues home
Yarriah, Srisailam, and Venkat Reddy contest elections focusing on reclaiming land, construction workers' welfare, and village development, seeking betterment for the underprivileged and economically backward families.
Rae Bareli: A Congress bastion from Feroze Gandhi to Rahul Gandhi
Rae Bareli: A Congress bastion from Feroze Gandhi to Rahul Gandhi The surprise nomination of Rahul Gandhi from Uttar Pradesh's Rae Bareli brings the focus back on the VVIP segment which was first represented in the Lok Sabha by the former Congress president's grandfather Feroze Gandhi, who held the seat in the first two elections after Independence. The strong foundations that Feroze Gandhi laid in the constituency were later nurtured and strengthened by his wife and former prime minister Indira Gandhi, who won from the seat in 1967, 1971 and 1980, followed by friends and family members of the Gandhi family. Indira Gandhi contested from two seats in 1980 -- Rae Bareli and Medak in Telangana -- and chose to retain the Medak seat. Arun Nehru won the 1980 bypoll and subsequently in 1984. From Arun Nehru, who was late prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's right-hand man, to Sheila Kaul, another Gandhi kin, Rae Bareli returned several of the Gandhi family members and aides to the Lok Sabha. The seat was held by Congress' R P Singh in the 1960 bypoll after the demise of Feroze Gandhi, and by another Congress leader Baij Nath Kureel in 1962. Sheila Kaul, an aunt of Indira Gandhi, represented the seat in 1989 and 1991. In 1999, another friend of the Gandhis, Satish Sharma represented the Rae Bareli constituency, till Sonia Gandhi shifted there. The only time the Congress did not represent the seat was in the wake of the Emergency in 1977 when Janata Party's Raj Narain defeated Indira Gandhi, who was then the prime minister, and BJP's Ashoke Singh in 1996 and 1998. Although Sonia Gandhi upon entering electoral politics chose to make her electoral foray from neighbouring Amethi Lok Sabha seat in 1999, a seat her husband Rajiv Gandhi had held earlier, she soon vacated it for her son Rahul's debut in politics in 2004. Sonia Gandhi subsequently held Rae Bareli four times between 2004 and 2019, although of late, her winning margins began dwindling. The party's calculation behind fielding Rahul from Rae Bareli instead of Amethi, also rests on the conclusion that Rae Bareli is a better, safer seat for the former Congress president, who lost Amethi to BJP's Smriti Irani in 2019 by nearly 50,000 votes. Amid criticism that the Congress had given a walkout to Irani in Amethi, sources said, the party in its wisdom believed that Rae Bareli's historical, emotional and electoral importance for the Gandhi family was higher than that of Amethi. In her farewell message to the people of Rae Bareli, Sonia Gandhi had expressed confidence that the seat which always stood by her and the Gandhis will continue to support her family in future also. In the message on February 15, former party chief Sonia Gandhi informed voters of her Rae Bareli constituency that she will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls due to health and age issues. In an emotional message to the constituents of the segment she has represented since 2004, the 77-year-old also threw subtle hints of a possible entry of a member of her family from Rae Bareli. ''I am proud to say that whatever I am today, I am because of you and I have always done my best to honour your trust. Now on account of health and age issues, I will not contest the next Lok Sabha election,'' she said in the message. ''After this decision, I will not have the opportunity to serve you directly but my heart and soul will always remain with you. I know that you will stand by me and my family in future, just as you have in the past,'' she said in the message. The message to the voters came a day after she filed her nomination for the Rajya Sabha seat from Rajasthan. She entered the Rajya Sabha for the first time and was the second member of the Gandhi family to do so, after Indira Gandhi who was a member of the upper house from 1964 to 1967. In the message to voters, Sonia Gandhi further said, ''My family in Delhi is incomplete without you. It completes when I come to Rae Bareli and meet all of you. My ties with you are very old. I have inherited these ties as a good fortune from my in-laws.'' Noting that ties of her family with Rae Bareli are ''very deep rooted'', she said Rae Bareli sent her father-in-law Feroze Gandhi to Lok Sabha in the first general election held after Independence. After that, you accepted my mother-in-law Indira Gandhi, she noted, adding that ever since, our relationship grew stronger on the difficult road to affection despite the highs and lows of life and our faith in this bond grew stronger. ''You allowed me space to walk along on this shining path. I came to you after losing my mother-in-law and husband and you accepted me with open arms,'' the former Congress chief said. Sending her respect to elders and love to youngsters, she had said in her message, ''I will see you soon''.
Revanth takes flight to UP for Rahul Gandhis nomination process
Hyderabad: Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy along with AICC national chief Mallikarjun Kharge took a special flight from Begumpet airport in Hyderabad to Uttar Pradesh on Friday, May 3, to participate in the nomination process of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who has been nominated by the party from Rae Bareli. Former Congress president Sonia 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 .
Nalgonda Gaddar Folk Star Strikes A Chord In Political Arena
Narsi Reddy, or Nalgonda Gaddar, shapes political campaigns in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh with his folk melodies, connecting with audiences and supporting various leaders across parties, making him a sought-after asset.
Weather Today (May 3): Heatwaves Over Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra The Weather Channel
Sajjala demands BJPs stand on Land Titling Act
VIJAYAWADA : The YSRC on Thursday demanded the State BJP unit to spell out its stand on scrapping the Land Titling Act, an election promise of in the manifesto of its allies - TDP and JSP. Stating that the Land Titling Act was based on the recommendations of the NDA government at the Centre, YSRC general secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said, TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu is alleging that Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy would usurp the lands of the people through the Land Titling Act. Is Naidu implying that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to take away the lands of the people in the entire country, Sajjala asked and demanded the BJP State unit to question its poll partner on this count. Sajjala produced the documents and office memorandum of the NITI Aayog, which in a meeting on October 16, 2019 constituted a committee to draft the Model Act and Rules on Conclusive Land Titling with the former special chief secretary of Telangana, VK Agarwal, as its chairman. Sajjala also produced the communication of the then NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant to Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba where he mentioned the need of an Act for documenting ownership of land. In the communication, Kant had noted that land continues to be one that has enormous economic, social, and symbolic relevance for the majority of poor, especially the marginal farmers, tribals and other backward categories. He clearly mentioned that based on the directions of the Union Government, the NITI Aayog has drafted the Model Act on Conclusive Land Titling and Rules. He had hoped that they would be able to assist the State governments in amending their respective revenue codes and set up an alternative mechanism for land titling and transition towards provision of conclusive titles to their people. Sajjala also demanded the TDP to spell out its stand on 4% reservations to the Muslims, which the BJP has opposed.
Will end KCR's family dominance in Medak after August 15: Revanth Reddy
Revanth Reddy aims to defeat Harish Rao by August 15, contingent on Congress's loan waiver. Criticizing KCR's family dominance in Medak, he urged support for Neelam Madhu, emphasizing social justice and Indira Gandhi's legacy.
All eyes on YS family bastion Pulivendula
KADAPA: Election to the Pulivendula Assembly constituency will be closely watched as the segment holds a record of sorts for electing members of the same family for the past 46 years. In 1978, YS Rajasekhara Reddy, the former Chief Minister, won the Assembly segment for the first time on a Congress ticket. Since then, members of his family have consecutively won the seat for 13 elections, including three by-polls. YSRs son and current Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has represented the seat for the last two terms and is now vying for a hat-trick win. Is TDPs Mareddy Ravindranath Reddy (BTech Ravi), who defeated YSRs brother YS Vivekanada Reddy in the 2017 MLC elections, capable of winning the family bastion that Pulivendula is? Will Jagans vote margin drop from the previous 90,110. Will YS Sharmila contesting the elections from the Kadapa Lok Sabha seat impact the poll prospects of her cousin and two-time MP YS Avinash Reddy? These are all million-dollar questions, whose answers will be known once the results are out on June 4. Both YSR and Jagan strived for the development of Pulivendula and transformed it into a model town. Till a few decades ago, Pulivendula was bereft of even basic infrastructure. In recognition of the contributions of the former chief minister, Kadapa district was renamed after YSR. A number of differences emerged within the YS family, following the sudden demise of Rajasekhara Reddy. His wife YS Vijayalakshmi, popularly known as Vijayamma, contested the by-election in 2010 and won unanimously on a Congress ticket. The first split in the family came to the fore when Jagan departed from the Congress. Vijayamma once again contested the by-election, but this time against her brother-in-law YS Vivekananda Reddy, who represented the Congress at the time. She won the elections with a resounding mandate as she polled 81,373 more votes against Viveka. Following the bifurcation of the State, Vivekananda Reddy, too, quit the Congress and joined his nephews party YSRC. Just before the elections in 2019, he was murdered. The YSRC won the 2019 elections with a thumping majority as it swept 151 of the total 175 Assembly and 22 of the 25 Parliament seats. However, post the poll, the YS family saw a rift between the siblings YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and YS Sharmila. Ulimella Lake Sharmila founded the YSR Telangana Party, but did not contest the 2023 Assembly elections in the neighbouring State as she merged her party with the Congress. Later, she was appointed as the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president. Now, she is all set to take on her cousin YS Avinash Reddy, an accused in the murder of YS Vivekananda Reddy, in the Kadapa Lok Sabha seat. Fishing in these troubled waters are TDP and its allies, who want to take advantage of the situation and gain from the split in the votes of the YS family. Jagan has lost popularity. People want Chandrababu Naidu to come back to power. We are confident of victory, asserted BTech Ravi. Pulivendula constituency encompasses seven mandals Simhadripuram, Lingala, Thonduru, Pulivendula, Vemula, Vempalle, and Chakarayapeta which is located in the western part of Kadapa district. After the constituency was formed in 1955 as per the Delimitation Orders (1955), Penchakala Basi Reddy from Congress won the first election. He lost to Chava Bali Reddy, an independent candidate, in 1962. However, he won the seat again in 1967 and retained it in the 1972. YS Rajasekhara Reddy held the seat from 1978 to 1989. In the 1989 elections, he contested for Kadapa Lok Sabha and his younger brother YS Vivekananda Reddy won Pulivendula. In the 1991 by-election, their other brother YS Purushothama Reddy won the seat. In 1994, Viveka won the seat. However, in 1999, YSR returned to State politics and held the seat till his demise in 2009. It may be noted that the TDP has never won the Pulivendula Assembly constituency. When YSR served as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh for five years and three months from 2004 to 2009, Pulivendula saw a spurt of growth. It was upgraded to a Grade-II municipality from a Panchayat. Not just Pulivendula, but the whole of Kadapa district, which was formed 200 years ago and ranked the lowest in terms of growth, saw significant development. During YSRs era, the Kadapa PG centre was upgraded to Yogi Vemana University, and Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), a medical college, airport, Kopparthy Industrial Park and Kadapa Ring Road were built. Beautification works of Buggavanka were also taken up during his regime. In Proddatur town, an engineering college was established and a ring road was constructed. In Pulivendula constituency, JNTU College, IIIT-Idupulapaya, Food Technology College, APCARLA (Andhra Pradesh Centre for Advanced Research on Livestock), Industrial corridors and spinning mills were established. Most importantly, Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) was set up to mine Uranium. YSR also completed the construction of Pulivendula - Kadiri Ghat Road and lift irrigation for Lingala canal. However, after his demise, the development works in the district were stalled until Jagan was elected. Pulivendula government school In the last five years, Jagan ensured the establishment of a medical college, a new hospital, a nursing college, and APSRTC bus stand, beautification of the town, a mini-secretariat, and advancement in agriculture and horticulture. The YSRC president also established the Aditya Birla garment unit, which has so far 1,500 jobs under phase-1. The project is expected to create a total of 2,100 jobs. The Apache unit is still under construction. With Jagan staying at Tadepalle as he is also the Chief Minister, Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy took care of the constituency in his steed. Micro-irrigation was neglected, disappointing farmers engaged in horticulture. Out of 7,000 Jagananna houses proposed, not even 300 were constructed. Works for the water grid, taken up with `480 crore, are going on at a snails pace. Works to provide safe drinking water to villages affected by UCIL have also not been completed yet. Voters in the region believe that work done in the district was not as expected as several proposed industries are yet to be set up. Some sections of the people in the constituency thought that instead of focusing on beautification and infrastructure, focus on job creation would have been better. There is no doubt that the YS family has developed the constituency. However, had the focus been on improving job opportunities, it would have been much better, said M Ramprasad, a businessman in Pulivendula.
Revanth vows to liberate Siddipet from clutches of feudal lords
HYDERABAD : Launching a scathing attack against BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao and former minister T Harish Rao, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday said that he will liberate Siddipet from the clutches of Raos. The chief minister addressed a Jana Jatara public meeting at Asifabad under the Adilabad Lok Sabha constituency, a street-corner meeting in Siddipet under the Medak segment and a roadshow in Quthbullapur of Malkajgiri constituency. During his speeches, he described the BRS duo as Bramha rakshasas (demons) and Harish Rao as Shanishwar Rao. Referring to Harish Raos challenge on farm loan waiver, Revanth said: I will waive farm loans by August 15. Siddipet will get independence on August 15. Siddipet will get a new MLA after August 15. I will hold a meeting with one lakh people in Siddipet after waiving farm loans. Harish should be ready with his resignation letter. Do you want Congress candidate Neelam Madhu or BRS candidate P Venkatram Reddy, who snatched lands from farmers in the name of construction of Mallannasagar project? he asked the gathering and added that Harish Rao illegally constructed a farmhouse at Ranganayakasagar project. Alleging that Harish Rao threatened leaders and filed false cases against those who contest elections in Siddipet, he said: Isnt it a dorala rajyam (feudal rule)? How many days will this kingdom last in Siddipet? If Siddipet is not liberated, people will have to live as slaves forever. Venkatram grabbed hundreds of acres The CM also criticised BRS candidate P Venkatram Reddy and alleged that when he was Siddipet collector, he grabbed hundreds of acres and harassed people. Venkatram is like Kasim Razvi for KCR and Harish Rao. You should ensure that Venkatram loses his security deposit. If he wins the election, he will crush people like an Anaconda. Revanth also said that BJP candidate M Raghunandan Rao is a Dubbak dora. Does this area belong only to KCR, Harish Rao, KTR and Raghunandan Rao? They belong to different parties during daytime but in the night, they are all one party, he said. Addressing the Asifabad public meeting, Revanth alleged that during the BRS regime, KCR neglected the podu land issue. Farmers of Adilabad suffered a lot as the BRS government failed to construct the Tummidihetti project. He alleged that though BJP MP Soyam Bapu Rao sought funds for development of Adilabad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah ignored his pleas. The BJP insulted Bapu Rao by denying him the ticket in this elections.The BJP did not induct the Gond leader in the Union Cabinet, he said. Alleging that BJP candidate G Nagesh behaves like a dora, he said: Till now, no party has allotted the Adilabad ticket to a woman. For the first time, the Congress has fielded a woman Atram Suguna. I am ready to take on Delhi Sultans Referring to the doctored Amit Shah video, the CM said he is ready to face Modi and Shah, whom he referred to as Delhi Sultans. When I questioned them about scrapping of reservations, Shah lodged a case against me in Delhi. KCR lodged about 200 cases against me during his rule and sent me to Cherlapally and Chanchalguda jails. Did I get scared by such tactics? I have the strength and power to face the Delhi Sultans who are trying to attack Telangana, he said.
Peoples positive response prompts Telangana CM to persist with reservation issue
HYDERABAD : Encouraged by the positive response he is receiving from the people, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is keeping up his relentless attack on the BJP over the reservations issue. If sources are to be believed, the CM is getting reports from the Intelligence wing, suggesting that the people are responding positively to his criticism of the BJP. Revanth has been claiming during his election campaigns that the saffron party will scrap SC, ST and OBC reservations if it retains power at the Centre. The chief minister has sought information from the Intelligence wing. As per its reports, people are responding well whenever the CM is attacking the BJP over the reservations issue. Thats why he is raising the issue at every public meeting and during roadshows, a source said. Daily LS poll reviews Meanwhile, the CM is said to be holding daily reviews on the Lok Sabha elections, discussing the changing trends as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the Congress candidates. Revanth, who is also the president of the TPCC, is seeking reports from his party colleagues on a daily basis. Every morning, he reviews campaign activities and other election-related issues. He is also thoroughly studying the reports that he is getting from the ground level. He is also looking into internal survey reports. If he finds any drawbacks in any constituency, he is giving his suggestions to overcome them, said another source. Meanwhile, a party leader said that the Congress will have an edge in several segments while the BRS candidates will finish in third place in at least 10 seats. The party has so far conducted three surveys, covering all constituencies, after announcing the final list of its candidates. During an informal chat with the reporters, the CM said that in most constituencies, the main battle is between the Congress and BJP. Wherever the BJP is weak, like Khammam, Nalgonda and Mahabubabad, the BRS is in second place, he said.
Democracy will be in danger if BJP retains power at the Centre: Uttam
HYDERABAD : Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Thursday said that democracy would be in peril if the BJP retains power at the Centre and Narendra Modi takes oath as the prime minister for the third time. Addressing a series of meetings in Mothe, Nadigudem, Munagala and Kodad in Suryapet district in support of Congress Nalgonda Lok Sabha candidate K Raghuveera Reddy, Uttam alleged that Modi did not categorically say that the BJP would not change the Constitution if it retains power. If the BJP wins again, theres a danger of reservation system getting scrapped, Uttam alleged. The BJP government may not change the cover page of the Constitution. But step-by-step, it will replace the provisions to implement the RSS agenda of scrapping reservations, he added. Uttam alleged that Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah and other BJP leaders were targeting the four per cent Muslim reservations in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The RSS and BJP have historically opposed reservations and advocated changing the Constitution, he added. The Congress stands for social justice. It increased reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs proportionate to their population. If we regain power at the Centre, we will lift the 50 per cent ceiling on reservations, he said. The Irrigation minister also slammed BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao for spreading false propaganda against the Congress government in Telangana.
Congress minister trying to cover up phone-tapping case, says Bandi
HYDERABAD : Karimnagar BJP candidate Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Thursday accused a Congress minister from Karimnagar of having links with BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao and trying to cover up the phone-tapping case. Speaking to reporters here, the former state BJP president alleged that former Intelligence chief T Prabhakar Rao, who is an accused in the case, has sent money to Delhi through this minister. The BJP leader said that Radha Kishan Rao, a police officer accused in the case, carried out the alleged phone-tapping from Pratima Hotel in Karimnagar and the residence of Ashok Rao, an associate. Ashok Rao is now looking after the affairs of Congress Karimnagar MP candidate Rajender Rao. Prabhakar Rao is the main reason behind Rajender Rao getting the Congress ticket, Sanjay alleged. Stating that he was a victim of the alleged phone tapping, Sanjay claimed that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and BRS MLA T Harish Rao too were victims of this scandal. Sanjay Kumar demanded that the phone-tapping probe should be handed over to the CBI. Expressing suspicion that phones are still being tapped, he said that the investigation should also be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) if necessary.
Muslims on our side, Congress will lose deposits: BRS Karimnagar candidate B Vinod Kumar
KARIMNAGAR : While refusing to comment on the new-found friendship between the AIMIM and Congress, BRS Karimnagar candidate B Vinod Kumar on Thursday claimed that the Muslims are with the pink party. In an exclusive chat with TNIE during his morning walk at the Arts College ground here, he said that the Congress candidate will not be able to secure his security deposits in the Lok Sabha election. When asked about the AIMIM moving away from the BRS and leaning towards the Congress, the ruling party in the state, and whether it will have any impact on his electoral prospects, he said: I dont want to comment on the AIMIMs decision. But all I want to say is that the minorities are with the BRS. The minorities will definitely support us because they have benefited from the welfare schemes introduced by the BRS government. We have also started residential schools for their children, which are on par with the corporate institutions, he said. When queried about the Congress fielding Velichala Rajender Rao from the Karimnagar segment, he said: The Congress is nowhere in the picture. It will be a battle between the BRS and BJP. The Congress candidate will not be able to secure deposits. In the 2019 LS elections too, Congress candidate Ponnam Prabhakar finished a distant third. Referring to the allegations being levelled against the BRS by the BJP and Congress over the Sircilla powerloom sector crisis and the Rs 270 crore pending bills, he said in the last 10 years, Sircilla has witnessed tremendous development and weavers have prospered. The weavers benefited from the orders placed by the BRS government. But the situation has changed after the Congress formed the government. Revanth Reddy cancelled all orders, leading to Sircilla powerloom sector slipping into crises, he said. Vinod, meanwhile, appealed to the Election Commission to take appropriate action against the BJP leaders as well as state Congress president and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy over provocative and objectionable comments they have been making during their elections rallies against the BRS. The former MP, however, refused to comment on EC banning BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao from campaigning for 48 hours after he allegedly made some derogatory remarks against the Congress and its leaders.
Cong, BRS invoke NTR to attract Kamma voters in Khammam
KHAMMAM : Expecting a tough battle in Khammam Lok Sabha constituency, the Congress and BRS are invoking TDP founder and former chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh NT Rama Rao to woo Kammas, a dominant community in the segment. In fact, the leaders of these two parties are praising late NTR and his policies with the sole aim of luring the Kamma voters to their side. BRS president and former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, during a recent roadshow, described NTR as the saviour of the downtrodden and recalled how thousands of poor people benefited from his Rs 2 per kg rice and other welfare schemes introduced by him. BRS candidate Nama Nageswara Rao, who is seeking re-election from Khammam, is playing the Kamma card in an attempt to woo the voters of this community. Not to be left behind, the Congress leaders too joined the bandwagon of praising the former CM. Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy is leaving no opportunity go waste in praising NTR during public meetings and roadshows being held in the constituency. He is even demanding that the TDP founder be honoured with the Bharat Ratna. The Congress has also roped in popular actor Daggubati Venkateshs daughter Aashritha to campaign for its candidate Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy. Aashritha, who is married to Raghurams eldest son Vinayak Reddy, has been campaigning vigorously, reaching out to as many people as possible especially in high-rise apartment complexes. Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddys daughter Swapni, who is married to Raghurams second son Arjun Reddy, is also campaigning on behalf of her father-in-law. Actor Venkatesh too would be joining his daughter to campaign for Raghuram on May 7. BJP candidate Tandra relies on Modis popularity BJP candidate Tandra Vinod Rao, meanwhile, is on a whirlwind tour of the constituency, visiting even remote areas to reach out to maximum number of people. Vinod Rao, who belongs to the Velama community, is highlighting the achievement of Narendra Modi government during his campaign even while projecting himself as a local who will strive to turn Khammam into a model constituency if people give him the opportunity to serve as an MP.
Krishanks arrest illegal, says KTR, issues jail dare to CM
HYDERABAD : Asserting that last years circular of Osmania University declaring holidays tweeted by BRS social media coordinator Manne Krishank was genuine, BRS working president KT Rama Rao declared his willingness to be sent to Chanchalguda jail if proven wrong. Terming the arrest of Krishank as illegal, he asserted that the BRS would fight it legally. Releasing WhatsApp chats and other evidence to the media here on Thursday, Rama Rao alleged that the circular posted by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy was fake. He said that Krishank, who proved that the CMs post on X was fake, was currently in jail. He asserted that Revanth should instead go to jail for posting a fake circular, which said that during BRS rule, the OU declared holidays in summer due to shortage of water and electricity. The BRS MLA said that OU students themselves stated that the circular posted by Revanth was fake. He alleged that the CM misled the people on the issue and the chief warden stamp was also changed in the circular. If the CM or OU students prove what I said is wrong, then I am prepared to go to Chanchalguda jail. Is the CM ready to go to jail if his circular is proved fake? asked Rama Rao. He wondered why the ECI was not taking any action against Revanth for posting a fake circular. He also lamented that the ECI did not take any action against the CM for using derogatory language during campaigning. BRS social media convener Krishank Manne was arrested on Wednesday on forgery charges after a complaint was lodged by the Osmania University chief warden for allegedly circulating fake news regarding the closure of messes and hostels. Rama Rao said that the EC did not even take any action against BJP leaders who were using Lord Ramas photos in the election campaign. He alleged that the BJP was spreading venom against Muslims on social media. ECI did not take action against PM for making adverse remarks on Muslims Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi made adverse remarks on Muslims, the ECI did not take any action against him, he said and pointed out that the poll panel instead sent notices to BJP president JP Nadda. He clarified that during a press conference in Sircilla, BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao tried to give answers over the allegations levelled by Revanth. Instead of taking action against the CM for using objectionable language, the ECI barred KCR from campaigning for 48 hours, Rama Rao alleged.
Congress, BJP snare BRS leaders, but cadre stays behind
HYDERABAD : The strategy by the Congress and BJP of putting in motion Operation Akarsh to attract top BRS leaders into their fold appears to have had only partial success, leaving the two parties fretting as the Lok Sabha elections loom closer. The Congress and BJP extended invitations to sitting and former MPs and MLAs, as well as prominent figures from the BRS, following which the leaders started migrating from the BRS to the two national parties. However, the situation has proven to be more complex than the Congress and BJP expected since second-tier BRS leaders and the original cadre remain loyal to the pink party. With this, the calculations of the two parties have gone awry since securing the support of these grassroots members was crucial to their long-term goal of winning a majority of the LS seats in the state. In its bid to sway BRS loyalists, the BJP gave tickets to turncoats from the BRS in constituencies like Zaheerabad (BB Patil) and Nagarkurnool (P Bharat, son of P Ramulu). While Peddapalli MP Venkatesh Netha who joined BJP is not contesting, former BRS MP Godem Nagesh is the saffron party candidate for the Adilabad LS seat and former MLA Wardhanpet Aroori Ramesh is contesting from Warangal. Former Huzurnagar MLA S Saidi Reddy is contesting for the Nalgonda seat. However, the assertive campaigning by BRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao has put pressure on the BJPs prospects in these areas. The BJP expected at least a 10% vote shift, but this does not appear to be happening due to KCRs aggressive campaigning. The Congress too adopted a similar strategy, fielding candidates who migrated from the BRS in constituencies such as Malkajgiri (P Suneetha Mahender Reddy), Chevella (G Ranjith Reddy), Secunderabad (Danam Nagender) and Warangal (Kadiyam Kavya, daughter of Kadiyam Srihari). The aim was to win by tapping into at least 5% to 8% of the BRS vote bank. The Congress also welcomed ex-MLA Madhan Reddy from Narsapur (under Medak LS), former minister A Indrakaran Reddy from Nirmal (under Adilabad LS), former MLA and BJP leader Kuna Srisailam Goud from Quthbullapur (under Malkajgiri LS) and others into its fold. Both the parties are aware that the BRS vote share will be key in determining the outcome in several segments. This has been the reason they are now focusing on wooing these voters. However, with the BRS working hard on retaining the partys support base, the success of these efforts remains uncertain.
Any error during polls will be unpardonable, officials told
HYDERABAD : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday took stock of the situation in Telangana before going ahead with the fourth phase of the elections to Lok Sabha with the polling slated for May 13. Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Nitesh Vyas interacted with observers, district collectors, superintendents of police (SPs) and returning officers (ROs) of the 17 Lok Sabha Constituencies in the state through a video conference from Commissions headquarters at New Delhi. He took feedback from each observer and issued directions as required to DEOs/ROs. They assured Vyas that all arrangements are in place and are ready for polls. From Hyderabad, the conference was attended by Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vikas Raj, Expenditure Nodal Officer Mahesh Bhagawat, Additional DG and SPNO, Sanjay Jain, Additional CEO DS Lokesh Kumar and others. Vyas advised them to be impartial and transparent and treat every candidate and political party on an equal footing without giving any scope for criticism. Attend whatever genuine complaint is brought to your notice by the candidate/political party he said. There must not be any error on any matter, especially statutory process. Efficient personnel must be posted as sectoral officers with multi-booths in charge and make foolproof arrangements. Officials should be alert and vigilant and take extra care during the last 72 hours before the polling. Any error will be unpardonable, the senior deputy election commissioner said. Vyas asked the officials to check every aspect of the arrangements, such as voter information slips (VIS) and EPIC Card distribution, ballots, EVMs and facilities being provided at polling stations such as drinking water, dedicated medical teams and security to be provided to strongrooms, among others. The collectors, CPs/SPs and ROs briefed Vyas on the situation in their respective areas while he issued dos and donts to them depending on the local situation. Officials of Hyderabad and Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituencies sought extra forces to be deployed in some Assembly segments in the city.
Union govt not interested in helping beedi sector: Jeevan
NIZAMABAD : Congress Nizamabad Parliamentary segment candidate T Jeevan Reddy accused the BJP of creating a crisis in the beedi industry during its 10 years of rule. Speaking at an event organised for beedi workers in Nizamabad on Thursday, he said that the Union government earned one-third of the beedi industrys revenue through GST but did not take any steps for the welfare of beedi rollers, who are mostly women, in the state. Jeevan claimed that the government was only interested in earning revenue from the industry, but not in protecting it. There are around two lakh beedi rollers living in the constituency. The beedi industry plays a crucial role in the rural economy of the state, and most rural women depend on it to earn a livelihood. If the government is concerned about the health hazards of smoking, it should also consider the injuries caused by alcohol and close down the alcohol industry as well, he said. He said that the ESI Hospital in the town is in the worst condition, adding that beedi rollers do not receive any other facilities for maternity benefits, scholarships or reservations in the education sector. To address these issues, Jeevan said that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has decided to provide Rs 4,000 as monthly financial assistance to those who have PF accounts. Maternity benefits and facilities will also be provided in the education sector, he said. Jeevan added that Congress leaders will prepare a list of beedi rollers of the district, and party activists will ensure that are beneficiaries of all government schemes. The meeting was also attended by Advisor to Government Md Ali Shabbir.
'You see only Razakars in Old City, get an eye checkup done', Owaisi tells Amit Shah
HYDERABAD : By saying that Razakars have been representing Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency for the past 40 years, Amit Shah has insulted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Indias first Home Minister), said AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday, adding that the Union Home Minister also insulted all those who made sacrifices for the formation of Hyderabad after Independence. Addressing a rally in Malakpet, Owaisi asserted that Shah should have read the Pandit Sunderlal Committee report (on annexation of Hyderabad) and asked, Is Hyderabad not an unbreakable part of India? Indicating that the commitment of the people of Hyderabad towards the nation should not be questioned, Owaisi called them loyalists and claimed that the Razakars had already fled to Pakistan. He questioned Shah over what the latter has been doing in his capacity as home minister if Hyderabad has been occupied by the Razakars. Owaisi asked Shah why he only sees Razakars in the Hyderabad segment. In the Old City, Hindus, Dalits, ST, BC, Marathas, Rajasthanis, Marathas, Munnar Kapu, Gowd and Yadavs live, but you only see Razakars. You should get an eye checkup as you are not able to see properly. Challenging the home minister, Owaisi suggested that Shah should have fought against him. But you got afraid and went to Ahmedabad instead.
Graduate segment bypolls: Three file nominations on 1st day
NALGONDA : As part of the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda Graduate Constituency Legislative Council bypoll, three candidates filed their nominations on the first day Thursday. Bandaru Nagaraju, an independent candidate, filed one set of nominations, while Srikanth Reddy from Prajavani party filed another set, and Nandipati Janaiah from Telangana Sakala Janula Party submitted one set of nominations. Following the Election Commission of Indias (ECI) instructions, the notification for the bye-election was issued by the district collector and MLC Returning Officer Dasari Hari Chandana on Thursday. Following this, the nomination process commenced. The returning officer confirmed that three candidates had submitted their nominations on the first day of the process.
Hyderabad Metro hits 50 crore passenger mark
HYDERABAD : Confirming its tag of being the the transportation lifeline of the city, the Hyderabad Metro Rail has recorded a ridership of 50 crore passengers since its inception in 2017, officials announced on Thursday. According to a press communique, the L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (L&TMRHL) and the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL) are going to celebrate the occasion and launch the customer loyalty stall and Green Miles loyalty club at Ameerpet Metro Station on Friday Currently, the Hyderabad Metro operates along three corridors covering approximately 69.2 km: Corridor-I, running from Miyapur to LB Nagar; Corridor-II, connecting JBS to MGBS; and Corridor-III from Nagole to Raidurgam. Launched in 2017, through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model initiated in 2008, the Hyderabad Metro has quickly become Indias third-longest operational Metro network, following the Delhi Metro and Namma Metro in Bengaluru, the release added. Expansion planned Amidst overwhelming citizen response, the state government, earlier this year, finalised and approved new routes for the proposed Phase-2 expansion of the Hyderabad Metro Rail Limited (HMRL), covering a distance of 70 km to connect the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) from all corners of the city. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed officials to prioritise the expansion of the Hyderabad Metro Rail project, particularly to enhance connectivity to RGIA and in view of the escalating traffic congestion apart from addressing future public transportation needs. Officials said the Metro rail has become a reliable option for commuters in Hyderabad. As the city continues to grow, it will help many more connect to different commercial and residential areas, they added. They mentioned that the Metro will assume more significance as the population and the number of private vehicles grow in the city. During heavy traffic congestions, the Metro will help save time on travel and connect major parts of the city. The sources also believe that the Metro Rail will open up opportunities for commercial growth apart from attracting investments and boosting the real estate market.
HMWSSB MD directs officials to finish ORR reservoir works by June
HYDERABAD : HMWSSB Managing Director C Sudarshan Reddy inspected the under-construction water reservoirs at Tukkuguda, Pahadishareef, Sultanpur, Kashangutta, Gurramguda, Kammaguda, Tirumala Nagar and Nandi Hills taken up under Package 1 of the ORR Project Phase-2. He directed the officials to complete the works by next month. Later, he visited the Saheb Nagar division office and reviewed the records of the tankers at the filling station. The MD said that under the current package, 33 water reservoirs are under construction. Works for 22 of them are already completed and they are now operational, he said, adding that the construction works of the remaining 11 reservoirs are 90% completed. Sudarshan directed officials to complete the works by June. Additionally, he highlighted the laying of a new pipeline covering 1522.27 km is nearing completion. The focus is given to inspecting inlet and outlet works and officials have been directed to expedite the works. ORR project phase-2 Phase-2 of the ORR project is progressing with an investment of Rs 1,200 crore. It includes the setting up of 73 new service reservoirs with a capacity of 138 million litres and the expansion of the pipeline network by 2,988 km. Upon completion, it is projected to benefit 3.6 lakh families and 25 lakh people. Seven municipal corporations, 18 municipalities and 24 gram panchayats are set to benefit from the initiative. Package-1 and 2 In this segment, 33 service reservoirs and 1,522 km of pipeline network are being constructed at a cost of `613 crore. It will cover seven mandals: Saroornagar, Maheshwaram, Shamshabad, Hayathnagar, Ibrahimpatnam, Ghatkesar and Keesara and is expected to benefit 4.36 lakh people. The second package covers the construction of 38 new service reservoirs and a pipeline network covering 1,270 km at a budget of `587 crore. This package covers five mandals Rajendranagar, Shamirpet, Medchal, Quthbullapur, Patancheru, RC Puram and Bollaram and is expected to benefit 1.96 lakh people.
Over 2.3 lakh water tanker trips made in April: Hyderabad Water Board
HYDERABAD : With the temperatures crossing the mid-40s, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) officials predict an uptick in the demand for water tankers. To address this, Water Board managing director (MD) C Sudarshan Reddy has already instructed authorities to increase the water supply. At a review meeting on Thursday, he said that 2,37,570 water tanker trips were recorded across the city in April. Anticipating a rise in demand, he asked officials to increase the number of water tankers available, filling stations and points accordingly. Steps should be taken to reduce the delivery time as much as possible, Sudarshan said. The number of tankers has increased from 613 on April 1 to 840 at present, he mentioned, adding that more such vehicles will be procured. The MD also directed officials to resolve the complaints received at the local offices on priority apart from the Metro Customer Care. Sudarshan informed officials that 48.96% of the tankers were booked through a mobile app, 36.78% via IVRS (customer care), 14.16% through the official HMWSSB website and the rest 0.1% through other means.
Minister Ponnam Prabhakar blackmailing granite bizmen: BJP leader Rudrama
KARIMNAGAR : Levelling fresh accusations against the ruling Congress, BJP Sircilla Assembly segment in-charge Rani Rudrama claimed that the grand old party sold the ticket for the Karimnagar Lok Sabha constituency to the highest bidder. Additionally, she also accused Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar of extorting money from granite businesspersons. Claiming that the minister was threatening to cancel the licences of those transporting fly ash from NTPC, she said that one of the blackmailing victims even gifted him a Toyota-brand car. Reacting to the allegations, TPCC spokesperson M Rohit Rao asked how much the BJP had taken from MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar, who is seeking re-election from Karimnagar, to nominate him, Additionally, he challenged Rudrama to provide evidence for her accusations. Swearing on a portrait of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy, Rohit said all the claims by the BJP are false. Additionally, the TPCC spokesperson claimed that Rudrama was making such comments to get recognised by the high command. Congress district women wing president Karra Satya Prasanna alleged that Rudrama took an `18 crore loan from the Laxmi Vilas Bank and never repaid it. She returned to normal life with her luxury cars. People should ask where she got the money to buy those high-end vehicles, she asked.
Groundwater levels in Kamareddy plummet, its time for sample taking
KAMAREDDY : With summers reaching a peak, several districts across the state have seen a drop in the groundwater table. To take stock of the situation and availability, Kamareddy district groundwater officer M Sathish Yadav said they are testing the water level by collecting samples using the mobile hydrology laboratory, under the National Hydrology Project. On Thursday, he along with other officials and staff members collected samples from Old Rajampet, Narasannapally, Maddikunta, Visannapally, Adlur, Gargul and Ramareddy villages. Officials said that they will take up the process to gauge the water table regularly in a bid to protect groundwater, which is critical for drinking and cultivating crops.
4 rob CRPF SI, held at Malakpet railway station in Telangana
HYDERABAD : Kacheguda railway police along with Railway Protection Force (RPF) arrested a four-member gang that allegedly robbed a gold chain worth Rs 1.40 lakh, two mobile phones, a smartwatch and cash from a CRPF SI who was travelling in an MMTS train last week. The SI was travelling between Yakutpura and Huppuguda on Saturday when the gang robbed him. During regular checks at Malakpet railway station on Thursday, the police noticed four persons behaving suspiciously and trying to evade the police. Upon frisking and checking the persons, the police found them in possession of two knives, a broken gold chain and other stolen items.
Students postcard push to reform school education
A State-wide student-led postcard campaign, led by a non-profit think-tank, is advocating for better-equipped schools by addressing issues such as poor infrastructure and teacher shortages among others. Over 20,000 postcards have reached the Chief Ministers office in Hyderabad, from various parts of Telangana. Their collective voice amplifies calls for change, aiming to transform the education sector, reportsP. Laxma Reddy
Man held while trying to snatch gold chain
NIZAMABAD : A man was caught by locals while he was trying to snatch a gold chain in Subhash Nagar here Thursday. Police said the accused, Om Prakash, who resides in Adarsh Nagar, confessed to his crimes during interrogation and was later, remanded to judicial custody. The complainant, Chikoti Pushpa, a resident of Hamalwadi, was returning on a gearless scooter with her granddaughter after offering prayers at the Ramalayam, when a masked man, the accused, stopped his vehicle and pulled the three tola gold chain from Pushpas neck before escaping, the complaint stated. When they chased him, he threw the chain away in a bid to escape but the locals caught him and handed him over to the police. Prakash was subsequently arrested and sent to judicial remand. Three Town SHO L Praveen Kumar said they analysed the CCTV footage before arresting him. During the questioning, Prakash confessed to the crime, he added.
Cong re-suspends rebel leaders in Adilabad
ADILABAD: Days after rebel leaders former market committee chairman A Sanjeev Reddy, former DCC president Shajid Khan and former TPCC general secretary G Sujatha rejoined the Congress, the party high command, taking cognisance of the wave of protests, reportedly issued fresh orders to continue their suspension, which was set to last six years. After they were re-inducted to the party, followers of Congress Adilabad segment in-charge Kandi Srinivas Reddy have been protesting demanding that they be asked to serve the rest of the suspension period. Taking cognisance of the opposition, the leadership reportedly re-suspended them on Thursday. Left before polls The leaders, who had left prior to the Assembly polls, were suspended for anti-party activities after Sanjeev contested as an Independent while the other two leaders supported him in the polls
Tata Motors fined Rs 10,000 for delaying refund
HYDERABAD : The District Consumer Redressal Commission, Khammam, has directed Tata Motors to pay Rs 10,000 to a woman as compensation for failing to return the amount she submitted in regard to the extension of the warranty period on her vehicle. The forum also directed the company to refund the amount Rs 20,640 that the customer paid for the service. The complainant, Maddisetti Nirmala of Khammam, said she purchased a Nexon in December 2020, on which a warranty of two years was provided. Three years later, she applied to purchase an extended warranty of another two years and paid Rs 20,640 for the same. However, a Tata Motors representative denied her application citing company policies. The extended warranty comes into force once the manufacturers standard warranty expires, which has a validity for a period of 24 months from the date of sale of the car or until it covers a distance of 75,000 km, whichever happens earlier. The commission, in its order, observed that despite rejecting the consumers request, the company did not repay the amount immediately, which amounts to a deficiency in service and unfair trade practices. It awarded the complainant, Nirmala, a compensation of Rs 10,000 and asked Tata Motors to comply with the order within 45 days from April 4, granting her the withdrawal of Rs 20,640 from the commission, which was deposited by the company.
Shah deepfake probe: Political leaders skip police summons
NEW DELHI: Not even a single member of any political party on Thursday appeared before Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of the Delhi Police special cell in connection with the sharing of Union Home Minister Amit Shahs fake video, officials said. We have asked some of the leaders from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and one person from the Northeast. But no one turned-up for questioning on Thursday, a senior police officer said. The Delhi Police is likely to serve a second notice to the members of the Telangana Congress in connection with the uploading and sharing of the fake video of Shah. The four members of the Telangana Congress, who were supposed to appear before the office of the IFSO, did not come on Wednesday. We will again ask them to appear before the IO (investigating officer), as they did not come on Wednesday, an officer said. The summonses were issued to Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and four Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) members, Shiva Kumar Ambala, Asma Tasleem, Satish Manne and Naveen Pettem, under sections 91 and 160 of the CrPC. According to the police sources, if a person is served notice under section 160/91 of the CrPC, the person can either make a physical appearance before the IO or send a legal representative. According to police, about 22 people from various parties in Jharkhand, UP, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have been served notices in connection with the case On Wednesday, Reddys lawyer appeared before Delhi Police and asserted that his client had nothing to do with creating or posting the doctored video. Noida man held for sharing Yogi deepfake A man was arrested on Thursday by the Special Task Force of UP Police for allegedly posting an AI-generated deepfake video of CM Yogi Adityanath, officials said. The purported video was used to spread misleading information and anti-national narrative, the police said.
Yadadri visitors pray for deliverance
NALGONDA : The authorities at the Yadadri Devasthanam, which receives substantial donations from devotees every day, are facing allegations from pilgrims of failing to arrange adequate number of buses. Devotees say that due to fewer buses, those available are usually overcrowded, posing a risk to their lives while travelling on the ghat road. They allege that temple authorities have made cost cutting a priority instead of arranging additional buses for convenience and safety of devotees. They also allege that some staff at the bus stand are coercing devotees to overcrowd the buses with excuses like, there wont be another bus for half an hour. If you wait, youll miss darshan time and the queue will grow. Following the renovation of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple, the number of devotees visiting it has increased to 40,000 to 50,000 per day, and this number climbs to 60,000 to 70,000 on weekends. A parking fee of Rs 500 is charged for each vehicle going to the hill, prompting many devotees from various areas to opt for free bus services. Overloaded buses According to sources, TSRTC operates 10 to 15 minibuses for this purpose, with an additional five to 10 buses on weekends. The temple authorities pay Rs 18,000 for each free bus arranged for the devotees convenience, provided the bus completes a journey of 250 km. The authorities have appointed two officials at the Yadagirigutta depot to record the number of kilometres the bus has travelled. However, due to an influx of devotees, buses are not running to the hilltop. In minibuses with a capacity of 30 seats, an additional 15 to 25 devotees travel standing. According to norms, ghat road buses should not exceed their passenger capacity. However, there are allegations that the temple authorities avoid arranging more buses to the hillock to avoid paying more to the RTC. Sources stated that the temples daily income ranges from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 40 lakh and over Rs 50 lakh during weekends and other holidays. S Niranjan, a devotee from Hanamkonda, alleged that despite the high number of visitors, fewer buses are in service. He said: I waited with my family, including two children, for half an hour to go to the hill, but only one minibus arrived. Due to the rush, the bus filled up in two minutes, leaving some passengers standing. Moreover, those with small children and elderly family members are unable to board the bus. M Srinivas, a devotee from Secunderabad, told TNIE: I visit Yadadri every two months with my family. And every time we come we have to travel standing in the bus as there are not enough buses to take the devotees to the hillock. I face a similar situation even while returning after darshan. Despite receiving substantial donations from devotees, the Yadadri temple authorities are reluctant to allocate funds for devotees comfort. During the reopening of the temple on March 21, 2022, the then chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao announced free bus services to the hilltop. Danger lurks Sources said that when the authorities sought the state government to cover the cost of these buses, they were denied. Consequently, the temple authorities were instructed to manage the expense by themselves. Since then, devotees have been alleging that the temple authorities have reduced the number of buses to cut costs. Devotees recalled that on September 11, 2018, around 61 people were killed when an RTC bus carrying more devotees than its capacity fell into a valley on Kondagattu Ghat Road in Jagtial district. Concerns persist on Yadadri Ghat Road as well, where RTC mini-buses, with a capacity of 30, are often packed with over 50 passengers. It is alleged that even after experts warning of danger if overloaded buses overturning, both uphill and downhill, no additional buses are put into service. Many urge the state government to act swiftly, increase the number of buses, adhere to seating capacities and prioritise devotees safety. Speaking to TNIE, Yadadri temple DEO Bhaskara Sharma said: Buses are operating to and from the hill based on the number of devotees. I admit that minibuses are usually overcrowded, but it should be noted that devotees are disregarding the available buses, despite announcements from staff at the bus stands urging them not to stand during the journey. Yadagirigutta TSRTC depot manager B Srinivas asserted that they are sending buses to the hilltop as per the request of Yadadri temple officials.
Telanganas torrid Thursday: Temperature touches 46.6C
HYDERABAD : Telangana continued to experience torrid temperatures on Thursday, with the mercury exceeding the 46C mark in 11 districts. As per the TSDPS, Nalgonda recorded 46.6C, the highest in the state. It was closely followed by Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mulugu and Suryapet districts at 46.5C. Jagtial, Khammam and Peddapalli districts recorded 46.4C on Thursday, followed by Mahabubabad district at 46.3C. In Hyderabad, Quthbullapur recorded the highest temperature of 43.4C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Hyderabad has predicted prolonged heatwave conditions at isolated pockets in various districts of the state, with an orange alert being issued till May 5. Prolonged heatwave conditions are likely to prevail at isolated pockets in Jagtial, Rajanna-Sircilla, Karimnagar, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem and Khammam districts. However, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are very likely to bring respite at isolated places over Telangana from May 6. The city is anticipated to experience partly cloudy skies with maximum and minimum temperatures hovering around 42C and 29C respectively for the next 48 hours. Surface winds are likely to be North-westerlies with wind speeds around 4 and 8 kmph, the IMD forecast.
Workshops for TSRTC employees on e-buses
HYDERABAD : To increase awareness about electric buses, the TSRTC employees will attend workshops on the management of these vehicles. The decision was taken at a meeting attended by British Deputy High Commissioner Gareth Wynn Owen and TSRTC managing director VC Sajjanar at Bus Bhavan on Thursday. The meeting was part of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) pilot project. The discussion moved around the financing mechanism of ZEVs, which has to be strengthened as per the agreement reached with the UK, the US and India at the G-20 meetings held in Goa last year. The usage of electric buses in the RTC, technical support, upgrading skills, and training were primarily discussed.
I-T raids on Sangareddy MLAs aide
SANGAREDDY : Income Tax officials conducted searches on Wednesday night on the residences and chit fund enterprises of S Vijayender Reddy, the former chairman of the market committee, who has close ties with Sangareddy MLA Chinta Prabhakar. The searches commenced late on Wednesday and extended into the early hours of Thursday. During these operations, Rs 80 lakh in cash and 3 kg gold jewellery were seized from Vijayender Reddys residence. Additionally, I-T officials discovered Rs 8 lakh in chit fund holdings. The proprietors of the chit fund clarified to the authorities that these funds belonged to their customers. However, despite the explanation, the authorities seized the money.
2 years on, Padma Shri awardee Mogulaiah toils as daily wager
Padma Shri awardee 'Kinnera Mogulaiah' struggles as a laborer in Turkayamjal after exhausting a 1 crore grant on family needs. Despite meeting officials like CM Revanth Reddy, unresolved aid issues persist, leaving him in dire straits.
Depleting water at Kondapochamma reservoir marks raise nostalgia levels
SIDDIPET : The rapidly plummeting water level of the Kondapochamma reservoir in Gajwel constituency is leaving oustees of the project nostalgic. The oustees are being reminded of the past by the sight of monuments and graves in their villages that were submerged to make way for the reservoir. The Kondapochamma project is of 8 tmcft capacity, and the submerged villages are now once again visible with the water level receding. It may be noted that four villages Bailampur, Mamidala, Thanedarpally and Thanedarpally thanda were submerged in the project after the government diverted water into the project in 2020. Singham Raju, once a resident of Thanedarpally village said that traces of three villages, except Bailampur, are now visible. He said that when they look at the village, they remember their past, their family members, relatives and close friends. He said that when the villagers left, some started living in the resettlement colony while others moved to Gajwel town or Hyderabad. He said that when they were in the village, they used to greet each other affectionately, but now many of them are living in different areas and their lifelong ties have been broken. Along with Thanedarpally, the landmarks of Mamidala village are also visible. Officials of the Irrigation department said that the project, which has a capacity of 8 tmcft, currently has only 4.5 tmcft. If the water level dips further, all the four submerged villages will be visible. Officials expect the villages submerged for the Mallanna Sagar project to be visible in a few more days as the water level there is dipping too. Officials said that drinking water is being supplied to many areas every day from the project.
Doctored video of Amit Shah: 5 Congress SM in-charges held by Hyderabad cops
HYDERABAD : Hyderabad police detained five Congress members on Thursday in connection with the circulation of a doctored video by the Congress on their X handle featuring Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Two complaints have been filed against the Telangana Congress in Hyderabad and Delhi alleging that the team had reportedly morphed and circulated a video of Shahs statement on reservations. After several tweets and retweets, the video was later deleted from the Congress X handle. In their complaint in Hyderabad, the BJP stated that Amit Shah said: If Bharatiya Janata Party forms the government, then we will cancel the unconstitutionally given Muslim reservations. In Telangana, SC/ST and OBC rights will be given but Muslim reservation will be cancelled. However, the BJP alleged that TPCC chief Revanth Reddy, in his X account, had doctored the video to instead convey, If Bharatiya Janata Party forms the government, then SC/ST and OBC reservations will be cancelled. Following the complaints, a team of Delhi police earlier visited Gandhi Bhavan and issued notices to Revanth and five other Congress leaders asking them to join the investigation on May 1 at New Delhi. However, due to the CMs involvement in the election campaign, his legal team represented him and requested a four-week extension. The Delhi police also reportedly arrived in Hyderabad on Thursday for further investigation into the case. However, the five accused were already detained at the Central Crime Station here, sources said. Interestingly, though two FIRs were filed against the Congress on the same issue, the sections invoked by the Hyderabad police are different from that of the Delhi police. While the Delhi police registered a case under IPC Sections 153, 153-A, 465, 469 and 171G read with Section 66-C of the Information Technology Act, the Hyderabad Cyber Crime police booked the accused under IPC Sections 469 and 505(1) C. Notably, 153-A is a cognisable and non-bailable offence. The Delhi Police is likely to serve a second notice to the members of the Telangana Congress. The members of the Telangana Congress, who were supposed to appear before the office of the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO), have not done so till now. We will again ask them to appear before the IO (investigating officer), as they did not come on Wednesday, an officer privy to the investigation was quoted as saying by agencies. Earlier, advocate Soumya Guptha, representing Revanth Reddy before the officials of IFSO in New Delhi, said the video was not posted from the personal account of the TPCC chief. She clarified that the CM was not the owner of the Telangana Congress X handle.
Telangana HC bench upholds lifer for Suris killer
HYDERABAD : A bench of the Telangana High Court on Thursday upheld the life sentence awarded to Malisetty Bhanu Kiran, also known as Bhanu, for the murder of Gangula Suryanarayana Reddy alias Maddilacheruvu Suri. Suri was a key figure in the 2005 assassination of TDP MLA Paritala Ravi. Earlier in 2018, an additional sessions judge had sentenced Bhanu Kiran to life imprisonment. Bhanu had shot dead Suri at Yousufguda in Hyderabad when they were travelling together in a car in January 2011. Challenging the local courts verdict, Bhanu Kiran had appealed in the high court. The decision came after a thorough consideration of the criminal appeal filed by Bhanu Kiran challenging the trial courts verdict. Despite Bhanus contention of insufficient direct evidence and alleged contradictions in witness statements, a bench comprising Justice K Lakshman and Justice P Sree Sudha affirmed the conviction. Public Prosecutor Palle Nageswara Rao argued that Bhanu meticulously planned and executed the murder. According to Rao, Bhanu was travelling with Suri on the day of the incident, positioned strategically behind him in the car. Bhanu fired fatal shots at Suri from behind, causing injuries consistent with his position in the vehicle. Refuting the defences claim of unidentified gunmen attacking Suri, Nageswara Rao pointed to medical evidence indicating bullet wounds on the right side of Suris neck and scalp, inconsistent with shots fired from outside the car. Bhanu also attempted to evade justice by fleeing to MP, assuming a new identity as Mukesh Kunjam. The prosecution highlighted Bhanus manipulation of Suris associates to carry out the murder, implicating him in a premeditated scheme. Assistant Public Prosecutor Shalini Saxena and advocate Sahala Kamalla supported the prosecutions argument before the bench. The bench endorsed the trial courts meticulous examination of evidence and declined to intervene in its 2018 verdict.
Revanth Reddy to voters: Don't let BJP govt 'abolish' quotas
A Revanth Reddy accuses NDA govt of skipping 2021 census to end reservations. Urges support for Congress candidate Atram Suguna in Asifabad. Warns about the need for more than 50% reservation for SCs, STs, OBCs.
Kerala: Climate change reality gets heatwave check
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Valerian Isaac, a traditional fisherman from Anchuthengu in Thiruvananthapuram, is deeply concerned about the impact of climate change on his livelihood and the overall quality of life. He used to enjoy his summer with the sea cooling down when folks in the town sweltered in the heat. The situation however has changed dramatically. The sea has warmed up significantly. Consequently, the fish have migrated to cooler waters away from the coast. Previously, we relied on good winds and occasional rains to alleviate the heat. But this summer has proven to be the toughest yet, Isaac said. With the dwindling catch, only a handful of fishermen dare to venture out into the sea in his area. And they are not the only ones suffering. Adverse weather has also affected autorickshaw drivers, tour operators, vegetable vendors and those in the construction sector. As the government considers imposing further restrictions on operations between 11am and 3pm, the livelihoods of even more sectors hang in the balance. Isaac, like many others, had not heard of the term El Nino, a climate phenomenon responsible for warming the sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean and often cited as a primary cause of harsh summers. However, he, along with the rest of the populace, has become acquainted with the term heatwave in recent times. Its sudden appearance in the vocabulary coincided with its confirmation in Palakkad on April 26, the day of the general elections. Such weather was once considered unusual, mostly associated with the traditional hot regions of the country. The India Meteorological Department first issued a heatwave alert in Kerala in 2016, the warmest year on record for the state, primarily focused on Palakkad. This year, the focus has again been on Palakkad which experienced scorching temperatures throughout April, with Thrissur following suit. Subsequently, heatwave alerts were issued for Kollam, Kozhikode and Alappuzha, as temperatures in these districts deviated from the norm significantly. A majority of those belonging to the fishing community in Perumathura in Thiruvananthapuram are spending their time under the shade of coconut palms. The reason being the roofs of their homes are made of asbestos and tin sheets, which increase the heat Weather experts assert the situation is similar across south and east India. An Asia-wide heatwave map published by international weather agencies depicts most countries in the region coloured in red. The temperature rise is attributed to global warming induced by climate change. The impact of El Nino exacerbates the situation, said D Sivananda Pai, senior scientist and ADGM of India Meteorological Department. According to him, the dry weather in Kerala has increased the temperature. In Palakkad, the relative humidity is now in the 30-40% range in comparison to the normal 60-80%. Thats why the temperature remains high. The condition is worse for people living in more humid areas as high moisture content does not help reduce body temperature, he said. Like this year, 2016 too was an El Nino year. While it was the warmest year in recent history, the damage, technically, was limited to a heatwave alert in Palakkad. What makes the conditions worse than 2016 is the absence of summer rain, especially in the northern districts, and the land use and land cover changes because of urbanisation, said Rajeevan Erikkulam, a meteorologist with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority. Weather experts pointed out the situation is likely to improve by the second week of May when summer rains are expected to be more regular. The El Nino effect is expected to be neutral during the time of monsoon, but the experts have a warning the next El Nino year could be much worse than 2024. What is heatwave? Qualitatively, heatwave is a condition of air temperature that becomes fatal to human body when exposed. Quantitatively, it is defined based on the temperature thresholds over a region in terms of actual temperature or its departure from normal. Criterion for declaring heatwave Heatwave is considered to be in effect if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40Celsius or more in the plains, at least 30Celsius or more in hilly regions, and 37 Celsius or more in coastal regions. The departure from normal is 4.5 to 6.4Celsius. If the above criteria is met in at least two stations in a meteorological sub-division for at least two consecutive days, a heatwave is declared on the second day. A woman carrying a pedestal fan on a two-wheeler in Kochi. With mercury level going up, residents are opting for various methods to beat the scorching heat Heatwave prone states Heatwave generally occurs over the plains of northwest India and central, east and north peninsular India from March to June. It covers Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Sometimes, it occurs over Tamil Nadu and Kerala too. Impact of heatwave Water stress Health problems Livelihood problems Heatwave in Kerala First alert - Palakkad, in 2016 First alert - Kozhikode - 2020 First confirmation this year - Palakkad, on April 26 First alert in Alappuzha - April 30 Reasons for heatwave Global warming El Nino Absence of summer rain Urbanisation Number of days above 40 degrees Celsius in April in Kerala 2024 - 16 (15 in Palakkad) 2023 - 3 2016 - 14 1989 - 8
Konda Vishweshwar Reddy moves HC for shield against namesake poll rival
Hyderabad's Konda Vishweshwar Reddy petitions Telangana high court to prevent voter confusion in Chevella Lok Sabha election. Requests Election Commission to eliminate the presence of a namesake from Forward Bloc among 42 rivals.
'Double jeopardy' concerns over Amit Shah fake video probe
Telangana & Delhi police file FIRs in Amit Shah video case, invoking different sections. Congress leaders issued notices. BJP alleges posting manipulated video. Concerns raised over double jeopardy in legal proceedings.
Man hides Rs 20 lakh cash, 275 grams of gold in special vest, arrested in Telangana
Man hides Rs lakh cash grams of gold in special vest arrested in Telangana
