AP: Devireddys efforts for Rayalaseema cause lauded
Former minister MV Mysoora Reddy, a close friend of Srinath Reddy, recalled his association with the veteran journalist and said Srinath played a vital role in Rayalaseema movement. KADAPA: Commemoration meeting of senior journalist and former chairman of AP Press Academy Devireddy Srinanth Reddy was organised in Kadapa on Friday. His contribution to the Rayalaseema movement was hailed by several speakers. The 65-year-old journalist passed away on March 22, while undergoing treatment in Hyderabad after a bout of illness. Srinath Reddy, who worked as a journalist in Kadapa for several decades through his numerous articles highlighted the woes of the people in the drought-prone Rayalaseema, the desertification of the region due to lack of proper water resources. The speakers said his articles were not only in simple language but made people sit and take note of the crux of the problem. Several people were influenced by his articles and become part of the Rayalaseema movement. He will forever be remembered in the history of Rayalaseema, they said. After garlanding the portrait of Srinath Reddy, Government Advisor (National Media) Devulapalli Amar said, Though he had several opportunities of promotion for higher positions, he chose not to go for them, as he wanted to serve Rayalaseema in general and Kadapa in particular. Former minister MV Mysoora Reddy, a close friend of Srinath Reddy, recalled his association with the veteran journalist and said Srinath played a vital role in the Rayalaseema movement. He was courageous and feared none. He made people realise the gravity of Rayalseemas problems through his numerous articles, which were frank and to the point, he said.
Vontimitta annualBrahmotsavams begins in Andhra Pradesh
He said CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will offer Pattu Vastrams on behalf of the State to Sri Sita Ramulavaru on the day of Kalyanotsavam. KADAPA:Sri Ramanavami Navahnika Brahmotsavam began on a grand note with Dhwajarohanam at the famous Sri Kodandarama Temple in Vontimitta, YSR district on Friday. The officiating priest Rajesh Kumar performed a series of rituals, including Garuda Dhwaja procession, Garuda Pratista, Prana Pratista, Netronmeelanam and hoisting of the sacred Garuda flag atop the temple pillar flagpost, signalling the commencement of the nine-day festival. The Garudalwar flag is a symbol of invitation to the deities of all the 14 celestial worlds, urging them to descend on earth to witness the festival. Garuda Ragam, Garuda Melam, Garuda Talam and Garuda Slokas were recited as per Pancharatra Agama Vidhi. TTD joint executive officer Veerabrahmam said TTD has made arrangements for brahmotsavams. He said CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will offer Pattu Vastrams on behalf of the State to Sri Sita Ramulavaru on the day of Kalyanotsavam.
Every year, Avurudu is celebrated amidst family and friends by marking traditional customs and traditions associated with the beloved festival. As the nation gears up to celebrate the upcoming Avurudu season, Sampath Bank is offering Sampath Cardholders the opportunity for Celebrating Traditions, Celebrating Values by extending amazing discounts at leading merchants and service providers. This offer is SampathCards way of giving back to its Cardholders as The Responsible Choice this Avurudu season, to infuse cheer and a mood of happiness and hope. As a premier, value-driven lifestyle partner, SampathCards is enabling its Cardholders to celebrate all the customs and traditions of the festival by extending steep discounts across Retail, Jewellery, Footwear, Supermarkets, Hospital, Insurance, Education, Electronics & Furniture, Auto Care, Dining and Travel sectors to fulfil dreams this season. SampathCards is pleased to herald the beginning of the Avurudu celebrations with some wonderful offers that assist our Cardholders to save as they spend and indulge their aspirations. The amazing discounts make for irresistible deals which equals responsible spending! We want nothing but the best for our valued Cardholders and invite them to make the most of Avurudu celebrations by using their SampathCards through the season in our Celebrating Traditions, Celebrating Values Avurudu campaign, says Darshin Pathinayake, AGM Card Centre, Sampath Bank. Sampath Bank Cardholders can indulge in retail therapy with discounts upto 45% at some of the most popular fashion and retail brands including Arienti, Beverley Street, Chamathkara, CIB, Cool Planet, Cotton Island, Crocodile, Dilliganz, Double XL, Emerald, Fashion Bug, FIG, Hameedia, House of Fashion, Kadapatha, Mimosa, Mondy, Nolimit & Glitz, Spring & Summer and Under Armour, while Cardholders can also avail themselves to an exclusive 15% off on Sampath Debit Cards at Nolimit & Glitz. Avurudu is also a time for giving and Cardholders looking to purchase jewellery for themselves or their loved ones can avail themselves of savings of up to 60% as well as 0% interest extended settlement plans of up to 24 months at stores including Abdeen Jewellers, Alankara Jewellers, Aminra, Arthur De Silva, Chamathka Jewellers, Diamond Dreams, Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers, Radella, Raja Jewellers, Ravi Jewellers, Tiesh and Vogue Jewellers. Accessorizing was never as easy as with savings of up to 25% on offer at Bata, DSI, DSI Premier, Genelle, Helanka and K+. Other specialists in gifts and watches are also offering savings of up to 25% including Bag.lk, DLas International, Miniso and Wimaladharma Watches. Savings of up to 25% are up for grabs for parents when buying gifts and essentials for their kids at Arista, Cool Kids, Elaris, Kids Warehouse and Velona. Avurudu is also a season for beautifying homes, which is why SampathCards is offering discounts of 30% at Celcius, Comfort World, Dankotuwa, Homelux and Robbialiac. SampathCards is also making electronics and furniture purchases a breeze during the holiday season with up to 24 months 0% interest installment plans at Abans, Arpico Furniture, Browns, Ceylon Furniture, Damro, Dialog, Dinapala, Eser Marketing International, Mike Audio, Seetha Holdings, Yamaha Music Centre and more. Book lovers can access a world of books by visiting Atlas.lk, Promateoworld.com and Samayawardhana Books for discounts up to 25%. Sampath Cardholders can save up to 40% at DS Jayasinghe, Eagle Vision, Eric Rajapaksha, Life Vision and Wickramarachchi Opticians. The season is also a time to make traditional dishes and SampathCards is extending up to 25% discounts at Arpico, Cargills FoodCity, Glomark, Keells and Laugfs Super to help Cardholders stock up their pantries while balancing their budgets. Extending greater savings this festive season, Sampath Cardholders get the opportunity of enjoying 10% off on the total bill at all Cargills FoodCity outlets. Cargills FoodCity is offering 10% off on the total bill for Sampath Cardholders. Committed to easing the financial burden faced by Cardholders, SampathCards has arranged easy settlement plans for educational, hospital payments and auto care payments. Automotive related payments at Associated Motorways, Access Motors, DIMO Autolab, KIA Automobile, Micro Cars, Pit & Drive, Stafford Motor Company, Toyota Lanka and United Motors are eligible for conversion under this offer. This has been coupled with easy settlement plans at any local insurance company as well. All these payments can easily be converted into installments by calling 011 2300 604. Additional auto care discounts are being offered for Cardholders by Access Motors, Mahesh Motors Biyagama, McLubricants, Pit & Drive, The Pink Auto and Toyota. Doubling celebrations this Avurudu, Cardholders can save up to 20% when hosting their family and friends at some of the most popular dining establishments including the Allstar Sports Lounge; Botanik; Colombo Court Hotel Restauurants; Harbour Court, Ocean, Yue Chuan, Sky Loung & Tenku restaurants at The Kingsbury Hotel; Flow by Hilton; Pranzo ; Kobe and Thuna Paha at Waters Edge. Additionally, Great Wall Restaurant, The Tuna & The Crab and other are also extending discounts.Special offers with PickMe Food, UberEats and indulgence.thekingsburyhotel.com ensure that Sampath Cardholders can dine at home and still celebrate the season. Sampath Bank Cardholders can also enjoy online discounts through the online stores of Atlas.lk, Catchme.lk, Cooplanet.lk, Daraz, Dsifootcandy.lk, Esentials.lk, Hemas e-store, Nolimit.lk, Promateworld.com, Protecto.lk and Takas.lk These Celebrating Traditions, Celebrating Values Avurudu discounts are on offer till 30 th April 2023. Cardholders are encouraged to visit http://www.sampath.lk to view the complete list of offers and valid dates or call 011 2300 604 for more information. Image Caption : Darshin Pathinayake, AGM Card Centre, Sampath Bank PLC
Three held for extorting KIADBofficial posing as Lokayukta officers in Bengaluru
The caller allegedly threatened her that he would prepare a report against her and submit it to the ADGP and raid her house in the morning. BENGALURU:Three persons who extorted the joint director to Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) by claiming to be Lokayukta officers and threatening to raid the house have been arrested by the Siddapura police. The accused have been identified as Nageshwar Reddy Uppaloor (33), Buchupalli Vineet Kumar Reddy (22) and Shivakumar Reddy (19), all residents of Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh. The kingpin of the racket, Srinath Reddy, is absconding and efforts are on to trace him. The police said that Asha Bharath, Joint Director (Town Planning) of the KIADB, filed a complaint on March 21 stating that a person had contacted her the previous day and introduced himself as an official from the Karnataka Lokayukta. The caller allegedly threatened her that he would prepare a report against her and submit it to the ADGP and raidher house in the morning. To stop the same,he demanded Rs 1 lakh. As per his instruction, the money was transferred online to the bank account number given by him.Based on her complaint, information was gatheredabout the accused and three were arrested. Investigationsrevealed that the accusedwere running the racket ofextorting government officials by claiming themselvesas Lokayukta and ACB officials since 2013. They had purchased SIM cards and opened bankaccounts using fake credentials to avoid detection. They collected the phone numbers ofgovernment servants on official websites and demanded money from them. It is found thatthey have extorted severalofficials in Karnataka andwe are investigating intothe same, the police said, adding five mobile phones have been seized from the accused. Uppaloor, a diploma holder in mining, had worked as a section engineer with the Railways and also with the Uranium Corporation of India for a brief period. He has 32 criminal cases against him in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the police added.
Speak out on reasons for usurping power: Nani
Nani said Naidu does not have the confidence to go to elections alone and added that he is claiming that the partys morale is on a high, which is totally false. VIJAYAWADA:On a day when TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu sang peans to the party founder NT Rama Rao on the occasion of the 41st Formation Day, the YSRC demanded that Naidu speak out as to why he had backstabbed his father-in-law. Lashing out at Naidu for using NTRs words for his political gains, former minister and Gudivada MLA Kodali Sri Venkateswara Rao (Nani) said while NTR started the party to serve the poor, Naidu has been encouraging capitalists. Naidu had sold away tickets and made the party as a commercial establishment, Nani alleged. He asked why Naidu had dislodged NTR as the Chief Minister and also suspended him from the party. Why did you snatch away the CM post from NTR, his party and the trusts he started? Naidu does not have an answer to this question, Nani observed. The former minister said Naidu had done away with the Rs 2 a kg rice scheme, which was introduced by NTR. The party established by NTR to serve the people has now turned into a commercial establishment, selling MP, MLA and MLC tickets, he alleged. Nani said Naidu does not have the confidence to go to elections alone and added that he is claiming that the partys morale is on a high, which is false. Of the five times, he went to general elections, he won only once in the unified Andhra Pradesh and once after the State was divided. In 1999, it was because of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the TDP came to power, he said and added that Naidu lost the majority of the MP seats six of the seven times he contested, he pointed out. Nani further said Naidu was caught red-handed while purchasing MLAs in the vote-for-note scam. You have tried to split the YSRC by encouraging defection of its MLAs, but the people of the State have taught you a lesson by defeating you in the elections, Nani remarked. Meanwhile, Bapatla MP Nandigam Suresh alleged that Naidu was trying to politicise the murder of Atchanna, a Dalit of Kadapa, even when the police arrested the accused in the case. He was murdered due to some disputes at the workplace. But, Naidu is trying to portray it as an attack on Dalits, Suresh said.
Telangana: 20 booked for trolling netas on social media
The accused persons have been identified as the administrators or admins of social media groups and pages who trolled politicians, including MLC K Kavitha. HYDERABAD:Cybercrime sleuths on Wednesday booked 20 persons and served them notices under Section 41 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) for reportedly circulating morphed images and posting derogatory comments against political leaders on social media platforms. The accused persons have been identified as the administrators or admins of social media groups and pages who trolled politicians, including MLC K Kavitha. Addressing the media, DCP (cyber crime) Sneha Mehra said, To make money through viewership, subscribers and shares, trollers started several channels under different names and began posting a plethora of posts and pictures, which are derogatory and abusive. They focused on political figures as they were aware that the algorithms would help them, earning them multiple views and making large amounts of money on social media platforms in the process. The posts that have been posted from their own devices by morphing pictures in a vulgar manner are indecent and offensive to womens modesty and integrity. They were confident about their anonymity as they were using different names, but these incidents attract charges under the penal codes and the Information Act. Sleuths used open source tech to zero in on admins: DCP She explained that the officials tracked the social media admins using open-source intelligence techniques for 10 days. The booked persons are between the ages of 20 and 30, the DCP said.If no action is taken against such acts, it gives a sense of encouragement to such kinds of trolls, she opined. Mehra added that it sends a wrong message to the public if someone, who is not accused of anything, is being targeted by trolls and modifies the public opinion in the process. Addressing trolls engaging in similar behaviour, the DCP said this move of booking social media admins should act as a warning and cautioned them against trolling women, especially politicians. Those who have been issued notices are Attada Srinivasa Rao of TrollerKurradu (@trollerkurradu4308) from Vizianagaram), Sirasani Manikanta of Massabbayi (@MrMassabbayi) from Kadapa, Baddanj Sravan of Yankamma Tolls from Nizamabad, Motam Srinu of Telugu Trolls New from Warangal, Peraka Nagavenkata Jyothi Kiran of Chimtu Trolls from Krishna, Vadluri Naveen of Team of Trolling: Banthipuvvu Trolls from Jagital, Bolli Chandrashekar of Chandu Trolls from Karimnagar, and Billa Srikanth of Chevilo Puvvu from Kadapa.
AP:One shot dead, another injured after miscreant openfire in Pulivendula
Upon learning about the incident, Pulivendula DSP Srinivasulu reached the crime scene and rushed the victim duo to the Pulivendula area hospital. KADAPA:A 30-year-old man was shot dead after a miscreant opened fire at two individuals with his licensed gun in broad daylight on a main thoroughfare in Pulivendula of Kadapa district on Tuesday. The deceased Dileep (30), breathed his last while he was being shifted to the Vempalle government hospital from the Pulivendula area hospital. The condition of the second victim Mehaboob Basha is out of danger, the doctors said here on Tuesday. According to the information, the accused Bharat Kumar Yadav had lent some money to the deceased Dileep. On Tuesday afternoon near Venkateswara Swamy temple, the duo entered into a verbal spat which soon turned into a brawl. Irked Bharat opened fire two bullets on Dileep which hit his chest. His friend Ragipati Mehaboob Basha alias Akshan Basha, who tried to contain Dileep from shooting, also suffered bullet injuries. Upon learning about the incident, Pulivendula DSP Srinivasulu reached the crime scene and rushed the victim duo to the Pulivendula area hospital. It has been learnt that Bharat Kumar Yadav is a close relative of Sunil Yadav who is accused of the murder of YS Vivekananda Reddy. Kadapa SP Anburajan said that the accused was given a gun license under Witness Protection Scheme 2018 clause 7 after he submitted a plea to CBI and the police department stating that his life is in danger. A case under FIR 119/2023 has been registered against the accused and the gun will be seized. The department will also cancel his gun license.
Vontimitta decked up for annual fete in AP
Two lakh devotees likely to witness the divine wedding at Kodandarama Swamy temple KADAPA:Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple in Vontimitta was decked up as the 11-day annual Brahmotsavams is set to commence from March 30. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) has made elaborate arrangements for the grand conduct of the fete. As part of it, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will take part in the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam on April 5, and also offer silk robes and Mutyala Talambralu to the deity on behalf of the State government. The TTD held the traditional temple cleansing ritual, Koil Alwar Tirumanjanam, at the temple on Tuesday. After the Vontimitta temple was merged with the TTD in 2015, the latter has been conducting the annual event every year. According to temple officials, around 2 lakh devotees are expected to witness the Kalyanam. To provide a smooth darshan to devotees, temple authorities in tandem with the Kadapa district administration have set up galleries, LED screens and CCTV cameras at the venue. Further, toilets, drinking water kiosks, anna prasadam counters, interim medical camps and help desks with health and medical care staff have been set up as well. For the Kalyanam, the AP State Transport Corporation (APSRTC) will operate 100 special buses to ferry devotees from various parts of the district to the Vontimitta temple. A total of 4,000 police personnel have been deployed for bandobast arrangements. The TTD has further readied four lakh packs of Mutyala Talambralu which will be distributed to devotees on the day of the divine wedding. District collector Vijayarama Raju said the administration and TTD have made foolproof arrangements for the annual fete.
As many as 10,960 digital libraries to be set up in AP
He appealed to the authors for the sample copies of newly published books and submit it at the special counters set up at Branch Library Building, First Floor, Next to Shiva Temple. VIJAYAWADA: Seminars under the banner of Visionary Jagan will be held from April 5 in all the universities in the State, said the Mandapati Seshagiri Rao, Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Grandhalaya Parishad while holding the review meeting with the officials of the Department of libraries at Tagore Library Speaking to the media, Mandapati said that a fund of Rs 15.75 crore was allocated in the 2022-23 budget for the purchase of books for libraries in the State. So far, Rs 10 crores worth of books have been purchased and handed over to the libraries. Seshagiri Rao further stated that following the Chief Ministers ideology to set up digital libraries in all villages, the first digital library in the state has been set up in Kadapa and as many as 10,960 digital libraries will be set up by spending Rs 450 crore in AP, which is said to be the first-of-its-kind initiative. He appealed to the authors for sample copies of newly published books and submit it at the special counters set up at Branch Library Building, First Floor, Next to Shiva Temple.
A local scribe, who is also the witness in a high profile case, opened three rounds of fire in broad daylight, leaving one dead and another injured at Pulivendula in Andhra Pradesh's YSR district on Tuesday.
Andhra Pradesh: Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple at Vontimitta gets a facelift ahead of Brahmotsavam in Kadapa district The Hindu
Andhra police arrests three people for Dr Atchannas murder
During the case investigation, the police found that the prime accused Bose had serious misunderstandings with Atchanna. KADAPA:One Town police arrested three accused in connection with the abduction and murder of Dr Atchanna, Deputy Director of Government Veterinary Poly Clinic, and produced them before the judicial magistrate here on Monday. The three arrested included Bollu Subhash Chandra Bose (43), assistant surgeon, Veterinary Poly Clinic, Bavuluri Chenna Krishna (43), and Mude Balaji Naik (26) of Kadapa and Annamayya districts. Following a complaint lodged by Atchannas son Clinton Chakravarthi that his father went missing, the One Town police registered a case on March 14. During the case investigation, the police found that the prime accused Bose had serious misunderstandings with Atchanna. The Deputy Director had withheld the salaries of some employees, removed them from CFMS and FRS systems and surrendered them to the government, which provoked the accused to murder him. Bose with the help of Krishna and Naik abducted Atchanna from the CSI church at 11 am on March 12 and killed him, the police said.
Karnataka elections: Gali Janardhana Reddy unveils party symbol, announces 12 candidates
Noting that his party's organisational work is on in about 15 districts, the ex-Karnataka Minister and mining baron said, he has been travelling in rural areas, where there is lack of development. BENGALURU: Almost three months after announcing his new party, former Karnataka Minister and mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy on Monday announced 'foot ball' as its poll symbol, fist list of candidates, and also manifesto, ahead of Assembly elections, due by May. Reddy, who is an accused in an illegal mining case, had recently formed Kalyana Rajya Pragati Paksha (KRPP), snapping his two-decade-old association with the BJP. When I was in politics earlier, I was treated like a foot ball by everyone, irrespective of whether they were my own or others or enemies. Now I have entered the fray to prove that I too can play football with everyone, Reddy told reporters after unveiling the party logo. According to some political observers, KRPP may have some impact on the BJP's electoral prospects in certain constituencies, especially in the Ballari belt, by cutting into its votes. , . #football # #KalayanaRajyaPragathiPaksha pic.twitter.com/nYZyHPmNra Gali Janardhana Reddy (@GaliJanardhanar) March 27, 2023 KRPP is by and large concentrating on certain constituencies of Kalyana-Karnataka (earlier Hyderabad-Karnataka) region, and constituencies where there is considerable presence of Telugu speaking population. Confirming his candidature from Gangavathi in Koppal district, and that of his wife Aruna Lakshmi from Ballari city assembly segment, Reddy today announced the list of candidates for 10 other constituencies. They are Mahesh (Hiriyur), Srikanth Bandi (Nagathan), Mallikarjuna Nekkanti (Sindhanur), Nagendra Neralekunte (Pavagada), Mehaboob (Indi), Lallesh Reddy (Sedam), Arekere Krishna Reddy (Bagepalli), Bhima Shankar Patil (Bidar South), Darappa Nayaka (Siruguppa), and Dr Charul (Kanakagiri). Noting that his party'sorganisational work is on in about 15 districts, Reddy said, he has been travelling in rural areas, where there is lack of development, and people there have hope in him and his party to bring about change and usher in development in their villages. Reddy's KRPP's manifesto released today includes Rs 15,000 capital support annually for farmers with less than 5 acres of land, 9 hours of continuous free power supply for farmers every day, Arogya Shree health cover to those whose annual income is less than Rs 5 lakh, Rs 2,500 per month financial assistance for women who run the house, 250 units of free power to every household, Rs 2,500 monthly unemployment allowance to jobless youth. Other promises include 2BHK houses in the name of women for families without houses, and an increase in certain social security schemes. The announcement of a new political outfit, is by and large seen as an attempt by Reddy to re-assert his political credentials. Ballari is Reddy's political backyard and, as he is handicapped by court-imposed restriction on his entry into home district, he is contesting outside the district, while has fielded his wife from there. Reddy had been by and large inactive politically for nearly 12 years, since the time he was arrested by the CBI for his alleged role in the mining scam. Ahead of the 2018 Assembly polls, the J P Nadda-led party had disassociated itself from him, with the then BJP national President Amit Shah stating that BJP has nothing to do with Janardhana Reddy. Accused in a multi-crore illegal mining case, Reddy has been out on bail since 2015 and several conditions were imposed by the apex court in its order, including prohibiting him from visiting Ballari in Karnataka and Anantapur and Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh.
Bamboo decoratives set to glow at G20 conferencein AP
Over 1,350 decorative items of bamboo made by craftsmen of Kadapa will adorn the city for the Summit KADAPA: Flower vases, flower planters and decorative items made out of bamboo including modern bamboo tablas, drums and baskets made by craftsmen from Rayachoti, Mydukur and Madanapalle areas will adore the Visakhapatnam city which is getting decked up and beautified for hosting the prestigious three days G20 Summit, scheduled to be held on March 28, 29 and 30. The Andhra Pradesh Greening and Beautification Corporation, Vijayawada has given an order of 1,350 bamboo decorative items to the Bamboo Mission of Medari Handicraft Welfare Development Society. In this regard, around 200 craftsmen from Rayachoti, Mydukur and Madanapalle regions are being trained in the Medari style of bamboo manufacturing under the supervision of the Handicrafts Society president Thammineni Raghavendra. The Society has procured bamboo from Assam and is paying Rs 1,500 daily wage to these craftsmen for making the decorative items. Raghavendra said the society has been imparting training on the making of modern bamboo decorative items and striving to improve their skills. ALSO READ | 2,500 cops deployed at main venue forG20 IWGmeeting in AP Ramaiah, one of the workers said that although they have been manufacturing bamboo products for many years, they have been selling their products for low prices due to a lack of proper awareness. Now with the proper training, we have learnt to make modern bamboo products. This contract of supplying products for the conference has not only opened employment opportunities but has also given us exposure to new things, he added. ALSO READ | Marathon, folk dances at Vizag carnival; Sita Konda view point inaugurated
Andhra urges Union govt to include Boyas in ST list, but only in Rayalaseema
Reservation Boya activists have criticised the move and sought uniform ST status throughout the state. The community is currently classified as a Scheduled Tribe only in Agency areas in AP. The Andhra Pradesh Assembly adopted a resolution on Friday, March 24, urging the Union government to include the Boya or Valmiki community specifically from the states Rayalaseema region in the list of Scheduled Tribes (ST). The resolution seeks the inclusion of Boyas from the erstwhile Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur and Chittoor districts (as defined before the district reorganisation in April last year) home to a large population of the community in the ST list. This move contradicts the community's demand to be classified as ST across the state without regional restrictions. At present, Boyas enjoy ST status only in a few areas in Andhra Pradesh that fall under the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA). In the remaining areas, they are categorised as Backward Classes (A). Speaking in the Assembly, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy dismissed reports that the move would result in a reduction of the quota in government jobs and educational institutions for ST communities living in ITDA areas. He assured that communities in Agency areas would not be affected, due to the zoning system in force as per the six-point formula of 1973, which accords preference to local candidates. Jagan said that the inclusion may only have a negligible impact on Group 1 jobs which fall under the non-zoning category. A one-man commission comprising retired IAS officer Samuel Anand Kumar constituted in October last year to study the social and economic conditions of the Boyas in the four erstwhile districts of Rayalaseema as well as the state ST Commission, agreed with this assessment, said Jagan. He noted that the resolution was in line with his promise to the Boya community made during his padayatra preceding the 2019 Assembly election. Read: The Boya agitation for ST status is taking a serious turn in Telugu states However, members of the Boya community who have been fighting for ST status expressed disappointment with the partial fulfilment of the promise. The resolution, which is exclusive to Rayalaseema, leaves out the coastal Andhra and north Andhra regions. Speaking to TNM, Jakkula Srinivas, general secretary of the Andhra Pradesh Valmiki Boya Sangam (APVBS), said that the latest resolution has created yet another regional classification for the community. For more than six decades, the demand has been to remove area restrictions [within ITDAs], but instead of rectifying this, this resolution adds one more category of Rayalaseema to the existing Agency and non-Agency classification, he said. Srinivas also said that the multiple committees set up by the Union and state government in the past such as the Satya Pal Committee and Chellappa Commission had all recommended removing area restrictions while granting ST status to Boyas. The previous Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government had also passed a resolution without mention of any area restrictions, he noted. In 2017, the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP government in Andhra Pradesh had passed a similar resolution seeking inclusion of Boyas and their subsects in the ST list, with no regional restrictions. However, it did not materialise as the final decision rests with the President. APVBS president Kranti Naidu believes that the latest study by Samuel Anand Kumar only considered the districts bordering Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, as both neighbouring states recognise the Boya or Valmiki community as ST unlike Andhra Pradesh. While acknowledging that the population of the community is relatively low outside Rayalaseema, he said that the community is socially, educationally and economically backward in other districts too. The study did not evaluate the communitys backwardness within the state. The community is present as a minority in other districts [outside Rayalaseema], and their socio-economic conditions in these districts are even worse. But the committee failed to acknowledge this, said Kranti Naidu. What is the reason [behind limiting the resolution to Rayalaseema] if not for votes from a community that can affect election outcomes? Kranti Naidu questioned, alleging that the move would further create disparities among members of the Boya community residing outside Agency areas. While the state government can only send a resolution passed in the Assembly requesting to grant Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe status to a certain community, the Union government, the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, and the President must also give their assent for a certain community to be added to the ST list. However, Boya activists say the onus is on the state government to follow up with the Union government and exert pressure to ensure the resolution is accepted and enforced. The Andhra Pradesh Assembly also adopted another resolution on Friday, requesting the Union government to extend SC status to the members of Scheduled Caste communities who have converted to Christianity. CM Jagan noted that peoples economic and social status doesn't change automatically just because they converted to another religion.
Statue of martyred soldier to be unveiled on March 25 in AP
In 2005, he climbed the Chaukhamba-1 mountain peak. KADAPA:The family of Konduru Yugandhar (24), who died in 2005 while climbing down the Chaukhamba-1 mountain peak in the Himalayas after hoisting the national flag, are set to unveil the statue ofthe martyred soldier at his native Rachapalli village in Vontimitta mandal of Kadapa district on Sunday. The statue has been installed as a tribute to his bravery and inspires the young generation to join the armed forces to serve the motherland. Konduru Jayaramaraju, the father of Yugandhar, said this is the first statue of a martyred soldier installed in the Rayalaseema region. The entire cost of the statue is borne by Yugandhars family. Yugandhar joined the armed forces soon after completing his Intermediate education in 2000. He climbed Sri Kailash (6,932 metres) mountain peak in 2003 and won the bravery award. Yugandhar received the award from the then-President APJ Abdul Kalam. In 2005, he climbed the Chaukhamba-1 mountain peak. While climbing down the 7,138 metre-high mountain peak, Yugandhar and his expedition team died in a snow avalanche, which hit them when they were stationed at a height of around 3,000 metres above the ground level. Jayaramaraju said, On one hand it is a proud moment for me as a father as my son died while serving the nation, on the other hand, the death of my son makes me sad at times. However, I am the happiest father because my son always wanted to serve the country. As per his wish, he joined the armed forces and served the motherland. Also, my son stands as a source of inspiration to many youngsters who aspire to become soldiers and serve the nation.
Include Boya community in ST list, State urges Centre
The inclusion may have only negligible impact on the Group 1 posts, which come under the non-zoning category. VIJAYAWADA: The AP Legislative Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution, urging the Centre to include the Boya/Valmiki community residing in the erstwhile districts of Anantapur, Kurnool, Kadapa and Chittoor in the list of STs. The State Assembly also adopted another resolution, requesting the Centre to amend the Constitution to extend SC status to members of SCs in India, who have converted to Christianity. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy said the inclusion of the Boya/Valmiki community in the list of STs would not affect the interests of the STs living in the Agency areas in the State. The inclusion of the Boya/Valmiki community people in the ST list doesnt reduce the quota of the STs of the Agency areas in government jobs or educational institutions as the zoning system is in force as per the six-point formula, he explained. The inclusion may have only a negligible impact on the Group 1 posts, which come under the non-zoning category. It will be negligible as only 386 Group 1 posts have been notified for the past 10 years and the 6% reservation only amounts to a meagre 21 or 22 posts, the Chief Minister elaborated.
Govt backs development of soft tennis: Minister
On this occasion, Minister Roja said that the State government is working towards the development of sports across the State. VIJAYAWADA: The State government will provide full support for the development of soft tennis, stated Minister for Sports RK Roja. Andhra Pradesh soft tennis womens team calls on Roja at her office in the secretariat on Friday. On this occasion, Minister Roja said that the State government is working towards the development of sports across the State. All the necessary sports facilities will be provided to the players, she added. She lauded the players and said, Winning a bronze medal in the 19th National Senior Soft Tennis Championship held in Odisha from March 19 to 23 and qualifying for the National Games to be held in Goa is a good result. We will provide full support to the National Junior Soft Tennis Championship to be organized in the State in the month of July and all facilities will be provided for the development of soft tennis. Jobs were given in the sports quota by their government she added. Chairman of Andhra Pradesh Soft Tennis Association Daram Naveen Kumar, Kadapa District Secretary D Munaiah, Anantapur District Executive Secretary C Shekhar and others participated in this programme.
Former AP Press Academy chief Devireddy dies at 65
CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Devireddy and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members. VIJAYAWADA: Senior journalist and former chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Press Academy Devireddy Srinath Reddy passed away on Wednesday. He was 65. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. He was suffering from ill-health for quite some time and passed away while undergoing treatment in Hyderabad. His last rites will be performed at his native village Kovaramguttapalli in Kadapa district. Devireddy served as the president of Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) Kadapa district unit for 24 years. He also served as the APUWJ State secretary. Governor S Abdul Nazeer expressed his profound grief over the death of Devireddy. CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Devireddy and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.
Avinashs fatherchallenges relief toShaik Dastagiri
Bhaskar Reddy argued that Dastagiri being an approver was part of a scheme to unjustly blame innocent people in the case, leaving the actual criminals out. HYDERABAD:Y S Bhaskar Reddy, father of Kadapa MP Y S Avinash Reddy who is facing CBI probe in Vivekananda Reddy murder case, challenged the order of the Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Principal Assistant Sessions Judge, Kadapa, granting relief to Shaik Dastagiri, one of the accused in the case in the Telangana High Court on Monday. He claimed that the lower court erred in granting bail because it failed to assess the greater scheme that had been planned. He urged the high court to vacate the lower courts ruling and stop any further proceedings until the outcome of the main petition. The CBI petitioned the trial court under section 306 of the CrPC for Shaik Dastagiris bail after he confessed his role in the murder and expressed desire to turn approver. Bhaskar Reddy argued that Dastagiri being an approver was part of a scheme to unjustly blame innocent people in the case, leaving the actual criminals out. He claimed that the trial court should have considered the fact that the CBIs failure to disclose to the court, when assessing Dastagiris bail plea, that they had received a letter from him was a breach of 306 CrPC. He further claimed that on the same day Dastagiri was granted anticipatory bail, the CBI filed a pardon plea. It is claimed that as the inquiry was ongoing, the Investigating Officer (IO) began using unlawful tactics to fraudulently incriminate several people who had nothing to do with the purported occurrence. It is claimed that the IO is using unlawful means at the request of the deceaseds daughter, Dr. Sunitha, and others for motives best known to them. In such a case, the investigative agency persuaded Shaik Dastagiri to make a statement under Section 161 in the direction they desired. Under this enticement, Dastagiri also prepared a statement under Section 164 of the CrPC making blatant and unfounded claims against the petitioner, D. Shiva Shankar Reddy, and two others. Y.S. Bhaskar Reddy urged the court to stay all further proceedings in accordance with the order dated November 26, 2021, on the file of the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Principal Assistant Session Judge, Kadapa. The case was scheduled for hearing on Monday before Judge K Surender of the Telangana High Court, where Dr. Sunitha, daughter of deceased YS Vivekananda Reddy, filed an implead petition, the court will hear both petitions, one day or another, alongside other petitions.
Alliance, caste, anti-incumbency What led to TDPs sweep in Andhra MLC polls?
politics After TDP secured all three graduate constituency seats in the recent MLC polls in Andhra Pradesh, party chief Chandrababu Naidu called the results indicative of an anti-incumbent rebellion against the YSRCP government. Having secured all three graduate constituency seats in the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) elections, the Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh is optimistic. In a press meet held at the partys central office on Sunday, March 19, along with top leaders of the party, TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu said that the election results were indicative of an anti-incumbent rebellion among the voters. He referred to TDPs wins as a victory for the people, and added that by choosing TDP candidates, the electorate had placed their complete trust and confidence in the party. The TDP has wrested the graduates MLC seats in both West and East Rayalaseema as well as in the north coastal Andhra region. Opposition party leaders have since claimed that this victory was a referendum by the people of north Andhra and Rayalaseema against the ruling YSR Congress Party (YSRCP)'s plan to establish three capitals in the state. In the East Rayalaseema graduate constituency (Prakasam-Nellore-Chittoor), Kancharla Srikanth Choudhary of the TDP defeated Pernati Shyamprasad Reddy of the YSRCP after the counting of second preference votes, with a majority of more than 34,000. The loss came as a shock to the YSRCP, as the constituency has been a party stronghold for years. The TDP candidate for north coastal Andhra (Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts), Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao too obtained the required votes in the second preferential counting and defeated YSRCPs Sitamraju Sudhakar. The West Rayalaseema graduate constituency (Anantapur-Kurnool-Kadapa), where TDPs Bhumi Reddy Ramgopal Reddy emerged as winner, has meanwhile been embroiled in a controversy. Though YSRCP candidate V Raveendra Reddy had maintained a slim lead during the first round of counting, he fell short of the required number of votes to be declared the winner. The officials hence began counting the votes for second preferences, which eventually went in favour of the TDP. Later, however, the TDP candidate along with party supporters staged a protest at the counting station alleging that he was not given the declaration certificate even after the returning officer announced him as the winner. The party president also took this to the notice of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (APSEC), alleging that the declaration certificate has been withheld due to pressure from Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddys office. The YSRCP also wrote to the ECI and the APSEC demanding that the votes be counted again, claiming that there were irregularities in counting and that YSRCP votes have been transferred to TDP bundles. What analysts say According to political analyst Telakapalli Ravi, the TDPs victory in the graduates seats is definitely a setback to the YSRCP. It demonstrates an anti-establishment sentiment among the graduates, particularly among those who are unemployed, he said. In addition, the TDP supremos strategy to tie up with the Left-aligned Progressive Democratic Front (PDF) for second priority votes have also helped them greatly, especially in the north coastal Andhra constituency, Ravi said. Nearly 8,000 second preferential votes came via the PDF in the north coastal constituency. But the TDP has not acknowledged this enough, he said. Pawan Kalyans Jana Sena Party sending a strong message to its voters against voting for the ruling party has also been a contributing factor, he added. Ravi said that caste has also played a significant role in the election, pointing out that north coastal Andhra MLC-elect Chiranjeevi Rao belonged to the Kapu community, a numerically strong Telugu caste. Chiranjeevi is also a well-known figure among the youngsters. He is a popular economics coach in the city and is widely known as Economics Chiranjeevi, he said. Political analyst and professor K Nageshwar believes that the election results from graduate constituencies cannot be considered as the opinion of the general public, as it is limited to only a section of registered graduate voters. But it still sends a strong message about the dissatisfaction among the educated class of the state. The vote was against YSRCP, not in the favour of TDP, he said. Development is a significant subject of debate among the urban middle class, Nageshwar said. Most middle class people do not care about welfare schemes. They are bothered about what immediately affects them factors such as roads, employment etc. But the government has not paid much attention to this, he said. He added that while development is a matter of concern in rural areas as well, it is mostly balanced out by the popularity of welfare schemes. Meanwhile, Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy, Advisor to the Government of Andhra Pradesh for public affairs, told the media that the [graduate constituencies] did not represent the lakhs of beneficiaries of welfare schemes. We might not have done well in understanding this particular section of voters. But teachers have shown their support to us. Moreover, considerable votes were polled for our candidates. The Opposition candidates were able to poll more votes because of their alliance with the PDF, he added.
Sajjala justifies YSRC demand for recounting
Sajjala said it was the habit of TDP to misuse official machinery and they had even used IAS and IPS officers to induce our party MLAs into their party earlier. VIJAYAWADA: YSRC general secretary Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy alleged lapses in the counting of votes of West Rayalaseema Graduates MLC Constituency and said they have every right to demand recounts. He took a swipe at Opposition Leader N Chandrababu Naidu for terming the win in the graduates MLC seats a peoples victory. Speaking to the media on Sunday, Sajjala said the TDP chief levelled allegations against officials that several irregularities took place in the MLC elections. He said it was the YSRC that had become a victim of the lapses. Though it was proved with evidence, the officials did not act on our complaint, he said. Sajjala alleged that senior TDP leaders from Kadapa, Anantapur and Kurnool reached Anantapur for counting and they influenced the officials at the counting centre to include invalid as well as votes of YSRC into the bundles of TDP. Naidu has the habit of managing institutions and infiltrating into them like a virus, he remarked. Sajjala questioned as to why the YSRC would lose three graduate MLC seats if it had resorted to irregularities in the election process as alleged by the TDP chief. The YSRC senior leader said they raised objections against the transfer of YSRC votes into the bundles of TDP in the eighth round of counting itself, but the returning officer promised to look into them after the completion of the counting process. We have asked the officials to verify the votes and it is our right. We also have proof to show that there are lapses. Even in elections to Parliament, there are instances where the difference is just nine to 10 votes between the winning candidate and the loser and that is why we have asked for recounting, he explained. Sajjala said it was the habit of TDP to misuse official machinery and they had even used IAS and IPS officers to induce our party MLAs into their party earlier.
TTD gears up for Vontimitta annual brahmotsavam
District SP Anburajan said around 3,500 police were deployed in 2022, while this year 4,000 security personnel will be deployed. KADAPA: The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) officials should coordinate with district officials and make the annual brahmotsavam at Vontimitta temple a huge success, said TTD EO AV Dharma Reddy. During the review meeting held with the district Collector Vijaya Ramaraju, SP Anburajan and other officials in Vontimitta at YSR Kadapa district, the EO said all the departments should complete the Kalyana Vedika works by March 31 including CC cameras, Control Room, Barricades, Galleries, electrical and other works. Another high-level review meeting will be held before this month's end, he added. He said Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy will present the Pattu Vastrams on behalf of the State government on the day of the state festival of Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam on April 5. The Collector said all arrangements for Annaprasadam, security, electricity, traffic regulation, parking, first aid centres, Help Desks, VIP passes, sanitation and public address system have to be completed within time schedule. District SP Anburajan said around 3,500 police were deployed in 2022, while this year 4,000 security personnel will be deployed.
TDP wins Rayalaseema MLC Graduates seats in AP
In West Rayalaseema, the ruling party has claimed a big win in the two Teachers constituencies. VIJAYAWADA:Results of elections to the Graduates and Teachers MLC seats have brought cheer for both YSRC and Opposition TDP. After winning the North Andhra Graduates MLC seat on Friday night, the TDP continued its winning streak and won the remaining two Graduates constituencies of West and East Rayalaseema. In Prakasam-Nellore-Chittoor, TDPs Kancharla Srikanth Choudhary was declared victorious by 34,110 votes against his rival Pernati Shyamprasad Reddy of YSRC after second priority vote counting. In West Rayalaseema, the ruling party has claimed a big win in the two Teachers constituencies. However, Anantapur-Kurnool-Kadapa Graduates seat was embroiled in a controversy. While YSRCs V Raveendra Reddy maintained lead from the first round of counting that started on March 16, he did not exceed 2,000.With none of the candidates getting a clear majority, the officials started counting of second preference votes on Saturday. Following this, tables turned in favour of TDPs B Ramgopal Reddy as votes of BJP, PDF and independents went in his favour. As soon as the result was out, YSRCs Raveendra Reddy and former MLA K Visweswara Reddy staged a protest alleging lapses in counting and demanded recounting. The party shot off a letter to the Chief Election Commission and AP Chief Electoral Officer. Poll results dont reflect anti-incumbency: Sajjala In the letter, they stated that they noticed transfer of YSRC votes to TDP bundles, which was later re-transferred. Demanding the votes be counted again, they alleged that there might be irregularities during the counting. Defeat in East Rayalaseema was shocking for the YSRC as it has a stronghold in the region with 32 legislators off the 36 Assembly constituencies falling under the graduates MLC seat. The party had formed a committee for enrolling graduates as voters, particularly in urban areas such as Nellore, Tirupati, Ongole and other major areas in the MLC Assembly constituency. Opposition leaders criticised that the YSRC, which tried to show its might by winning both Graduates and Teachers MLC seats in the East Rayalaseema region, fell flat on its face due to anti-incumbency. Though Energy Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, who is also Rayalaseema regional coordinator for the party, monitored the election campaign, the ruling party has failed to attract graduate voters. TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, too, wrote a letter to the election commission to declare the party candidates win from the West Rayalaseema graduats seat. Undeterred by the defeat in graduates MLC elections, YSRC general secretary and Government Advisor (Public Affairs) Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy said the voters constitue a minor section of the society and that majority of the graduates are not beneficiaries of their welfare schemes. The MLC election results do not reflect anti-incumbency. In fact, we pulled a great victory by winning the two teachers constituencies in the MLC elections for the first time, he pointed out. Congratulating the three winning candidates, Naidu tweeted, I salute to the leaders and activists who have stood tall against the atrocities of the YSRC during the elections. This is a victory of the people and an indication of change. It is a good omen for the State. YSRC WRITES TO POLL PANEL, DEMANDS RECOUNT In a letter to the Chief Election Commission and Chief Electoral Officer of Andhra Pradesh, the YSRC stated that they noticed transfer of YSRC votes to TDP bundles, which was later re-transferred. Demanding the votes be counted again, they alleged that there might be irregularities during the counting
Avinashs plea for no coercive action rejected
The order said that while Avinash Reddy must be questioned in the presence of his attorney, the latter was not permitted to engage in or interfere with the petitioners examination. HYDERABAD: Justice K Lakshman of the Telangana High Court on Friday rejected a petition filed by Kadapa MP YS Avinash Reddy urging the court to order the CBI not to take any coercive action against him in the YS Vivekananda Reddy murder case. Ruling that the petitioner failed to prove a prima facie case and that the balance of convenience favours extending the inquiry into an offence committed four years ago, Justice Lakshman said that continuing of the inquiry causes no irreparable harm to the petitioner (Avinash Reddy) as he was still not listed as an accused. This viewpoint was reinforced by the Supreme Court, which declared that the probe must be concluded as soon as possible, the judge said. Citing the Supreme Court order dated November 29, 2022, the judge said that he was not inclined to stay the examination of the petitioner under Section 161 of the CrPC, and rejected the interlocutory application. Considering the submissions made by both the parties, the CBI shall continue the investigation and may summon the petitioner under Section 160 of CrPC, if required. In light of the submission of CBI, the examination of the petitioner under Section 161 of the CrPC shall be audio-video recorded, the court said. The order said that while Avinash Reddy must be questioned in the presence of his attorney, the latter was not permitted to engage in or interfere with the petitioners examination.
Social welfare hostel students from Andhra Pradeshmeet PM
The visited Delhi as a part of Sandarshan cum Educational tour organised by the Indian Bank under its CSR to give an opportunity to the poverty-stricken Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe children. VIJAYAWADA/KADAPA: Social Welfare Hostel students from Andhra Pradesh met PM Narendra Modi on Thursday in New Delhi, as a part of Delhi Sandarshan cum Educational tour organised by the Indian Bank under its CSR to give an opportunity to the poverty-stricken Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe children. A total of 75 students of class 8 and 9, including 15 from Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam and Kadapa of Andhra Pradesh, and 60 students from Viruddha Nagar and Ramanathapuram of Tamil Nadu were selected for the tour. Bhaskar Rao, HWO from Vizianagaram district said, The children interacted with the PM, who asked them about their studies and living conditions and inquired them about the Jan Dhan Yojana. The PM also distributed books like Exam Warrior and Gandhis India Unity in Diversity to the students. K Alivelu Mangamma, HWO, Gajuwaka, Visakhapatnam said, All the students also visited Pradhanamanti Sangrahalaya with great enthusiasm.Speaking to TNIE, N Lavanya, a student from Pendurti, said, All of us fostered life-long memories. Thanks to Indian Bank for the great opportunity, she said.
TDP wins North Andhra Graduates MLC seat
Stating that the same trend would continue till the 2024 polls, Ganta said the poll percentage of YSRC slumped to 30% from 50% in the last election. VISAKHAPATNAM/TIRUPATI: In a setback to the ruling YSRC, TDP won the North Andhra Graduate MLC seat as its candidate, Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao, secured the required 94,510 votes in second preferential counting on Friday. At the end of eighth round of first preference vote, Chiranjeevi was leading with 27,350 votes against YSRC candidate Sitamraju Sudhakar. The TDP candidate polled 82,956 votes, but was 11,551 votes short of the magic figure. Following this, second preference counting was taken up.With 786 second preference votes from 32 independents, 3,000 from BJPs candidate PVN Madhav and 8,000 votes from PDF (Progressive Democratic Front) pick Ramaprabha, Chiranjeevi was declared winner. Elections to five MLC seats under Teachers and Graduates quota were held on March 13 and the counting began on Thursday.Election to North Andhra Graduates constituency was a keenly fought battle as senior YSRC leaders terming it a semi-final and even appealed to the people to gift the seat to the Chief Minister.The outcome clearly indicates the beginning of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddys downfall, TDP general secretary Nara Lokesh remarked. Asserting that the election result was proof that voters were against the government, Former minister and TDP MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao said, While YSRC announced its candidate six months ago, the TDP declared its nominee only on February 1. The mandate is against Vizag being announced as executive capital. Stating that the same trend would continue till the 2024 polls, Ganta said the poll percentage of YSRC slumped to 30% from 50% in the last election. On the other hand, the YSRC maintained that the outcome will have no impact on the government. NREDCAP chairman and YSRC leader KK Raju said people should not be misled by detractors of North Andhra. Development of the region is possible only with Chief Minister Jagan, he asserted.It may be noted that the TDP had initially announced GVMC (Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporator) corporator Chinna Kumari Lakshmi as its candidate, but replaced her with Chiranjeevi in the last minute.With 37 candidates in the fray, the main contest was between YSRC, TDP, BJP and PDF. Economy Chiranjeevi: A political novice The choice of Chiranjeevi has puzzled many as he is a political novice. Popularly known as economy Chiranjeevi, he worked as a teacher in a renowned coaching centre.A number of students trained by him have excelled in various fields and hold key posts.He visited all 35 Assembly segments in as many days and struck a chord with many people.Meanwhile, the YSRC was also trailing in Prakasam-Nellore-Chittoor Graduate seat, while the YSRC-supported candidates bagged two MLC seats under teachers quota. The ruling party is poised to win the Kadapa-Anantapur-Kurnool Graduates constituency. Tight fight in Kadapa region In combined Prakasam-Nellore-Chittoor Graduates Constituency, TDP candidate, Kancharla Srikanth, is leading in all six rounds with 1,12,514 votes as against 85,252 votes polled by YSRCs Pernati Shyam Prasad Reddy. In East Rayalaseema Graduate seat, a total number of 2,48,360 votes were polled. Although the YSRC tried to show its might by winning both Graduates and Teachers MLC seats in the region, the ruling party failed to attract graduate voters, but bagged the Teachers Legislative Council seat in East Rayalaseema as well as Anantapur-Kadapa-Kurnool. Minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, regional coordinator for the party in Rayalaseema, monitored the election campaign.For Kadapa-Kurnool-Anantapur Graduates constituency, a tight fight was witnessed between the YSRC and the TDP. By the end of eighth round, YSRCs V Ravindra Reddy was leading by over 1,000 votes against TDPs B Ramgopal Reddy.
Polavaram project, Special Category Status figure in AP CMs plea to Modi
In a memorandum submitted to Modi, CM reminded him of key issues that remain unresolved, despite several rounds of discussions by the special committee under Union finance secretary's chairmanship. VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Friday and once again discussed matters related to the Polavaram project, unresolved issues pertaining to the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and special category status (SCS) among others. In a memorandum submitted to Modi, Jagan reminded him of the key issues that remain unresolved, despite several rounds of discussions held by the special committee constituted under the chairmanship of Union finance secretary to attend to plethora of issues mentioned in the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act. The Chief Minister sought the Prime Ministers intervention in release of pending amount of Rs 36,625 crore under Resource Gap Funding for the financial year 2014-15, while reminding him that the Central Government had promised the same in Parliament. Highlighting the importance of the Polavaram Irrigation Project to Andhra Pradesh, the Chief Minister observed that the project will become a reality, if the Central government provides adequate support in a timely manner. He urged PM Modi to reimburse arrears of Rs 2,600.74 crore, pending for the past two years,incurred by the State government on the project at the earliest.Chief Minister Jagan requested him to accept the Technical Advisory Committees estimates pegged at Rs 55,548 crore for the project and treat drinking water supply component as its part. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy calls on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Friday | Express He also asked the PM to release Rs 10,000 crore on an as-hoc basis to expedite the construction of the irrigation project and pay compensation to the displaced.Pointing out that the States borrowing limit has been restricted due to previous governments excessive borrowing, the Chief Minister said his government was at the receiving end as borrowing limit of Rs 42,472 crore, provided in 2021-22, was subsequently reduced to Rs 17,923 crore. He requested Modi to intervene and take a positive decision. The CM urged Modis intervention in clearing of pending dues to the tune of Rs 7,058 crore outstanding from Telangana Discoms to AP Power Generation Corporation (APGENCO) for electricity supplied between 2014 and 2017. Further, Jagan brought to the PMs notice that Andhra Pradesh has incurred a financial burden of Rs 5,527 crore on supplying ration to 56 lakh families under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) due to irrational selection of beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act. The CM pointed out that even NITI Aayog had determined that APs request is genuine in this regard and stressed the need for appropriate action by the Centre. He requested the PM to allocate the unutilised ration quota to the State as compensation. Once again, Jagan urged Modi to intervene in fulfilling the promise of Special Status to Andhra Pradesh made during bifurcation and noted, It will ensure AP gets more grants and tax concessions, benefitting the State financially. Besides, it will also support expansion of large-scale industries and the service sector, further helping the State to move towards self-reliance. Informing the Prime Minister about the reorganisation of the State to carve out 26 districts for administrative convenance, Jagan said while each district has an average population of 18 lakh, there are only 14 medical colleges in the State, including the three that were recently sanctioned. He requested Modi to grant permission for 12 medical colleges in the State for which clearances are pending. Reminding the PM of the Centres promise to set up a steel plant in Kadapa district, the CM requested for allotment of required mines to APMDC for catering to its raw material needs.Later in the day, the Chief Minister also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah before returning to Andhra Pradesh. Kadapa steel plant promise Reminding the PM of the Centres promise to set up a steel plant in Kadapa district, the CM requested for allotment of required mines to APMDC for catering to its raw material needs Give nod for 12 med schools There are only 14 medical colleges in AP, including three that were recently sanctioned, said Jagan & requested Modi to approve 12 medical colleges for which clearances are pending
Andhra CM Jagan to call on PM Modi,Home Minister Shah in Delhi today
Timing of CMs visit to Delhi coincides with ongoing developments with respect to the investigation into YS Vivekananda murder case VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy would call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Friday. CM Jagan Mohan Reddy flew to Delhi from Gannavaram airport on Thursday evening after his appointment with the PM Modi got confirmed. According to sources from the Chief Ministers Office (CMO), the Chief Minister Jagan was trying to get an appointment of the Prime Minister for quiet a few days and got confirmation on Thursday. The Chief Minister would meet Modi and Amit Shah on the premises of the Parliament, sources said. The Chief Minister would be taking up the issue of liberal financial support from the Centre to the State government to implement the plethora of welfare schemes to the downtrodden. Also, Jagan Mohan Reddy is likely to take up the issue of release of pending funds for Polavaram irrigation project so that the government could expedite the works and complete the project. The dearth of funds has delayed the construction of the Polavaram project and the State government wanted the Centre to reimburse more than Rs 2,500 crore that it had spent on the project apart from approving the revised cost estimate of Rs 55,548.87 crore. The State government has been urging the Centre to compensate the revenue deficit, release of NREGS arrears and also to sanction new medical colleges that it was proposing to ramp up medical facilities in the State. The timing of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddys visit to Delhi and meeting PM Modi and Union Home Minister coincided with the ongoing developments with respect to the investigation into the murder of former Minister YS Vivekananda Reddy. The partys MP from Kadapa YS Avinash Reddy and his father Bhaskar Reddy have been summoned by the CBI couple of times in the past few days. Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddys visit also came in the midst of the Assembly session. He also cancelled a public meeting scheduled on Saturday with the sudden appointment of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. AP government in dire need of funds The dearth of funds has been delaying the construction of the Polavaram project and the State government wanted the Centre to reimburse more than Rs 2,500 crore that it had spend on the project apart from approving the revised cost estimate of Rs 55,548.87 crore
Vivekas PA asks Telangana HC to suspend pardon
The case was scheduled for hearing on Thursday before Justice K Surender, where some others also wanted to intervene. HYDERABAD: MV Krishna Reddy, the personal assistant (PA) of YS Vivekananda Reddy and the complainant in the late leaders murder case, has challenged in the Telangana High Court the order of the Chief Judicial Magistrate-cum-Principal Assistant Sessions Judge, Kadapa, awarding pardon to Shaik Dastagiri, an accused in the case. Krishna Reddy claimed that the lower court erred in granting pardon to Dastagiri as it failed to assess the greater conspiracy. He asked the High Court to suspend the lower court order until the outcome of the main petition. The case was scheduled for hearing on Thursday before Justice K Surender, where some others also wanted to intervene. After hearing the other counsels, the court adjourned the matter to March 20, so that all petitions can be heard together.
Karnataka Mining Baron Janardhan Reddy's Political Comeback?
The big suspense ahead of the Karnataka assembly election in 2023 has been revealed. Mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy, and a former BJP minister has floated a new party. The party will be called the Karnataka Rajya Pragathi Paksha (KRPP). While he will be contesting from Gangavathi constituency, in Koppal district of Karnataka, his wife Aruna Lakshmi will also be contesting in the upcoming polls; however, the constituency from where she will contest from is yet to be decided. His announcement has created unrest amongst BJP leaders, especially BJP MLA Paranna Munavalli, and has caused a worry in the BJP if the former minister will shift the majority of BJP votes to his party. Mr Reddy is an accused in a multi-core illegal mining case, in which he was jailed in 2011. He was released on bail in 2015 and banned from entering Ballari, his district; Anantpur and Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh.
