Student dies by suicide in private college at Khammam

A first-year Intermediate student died by suicide in her hostel room at Sri Chaitanya Junior College in Kavirajunagar early on Friday morning.

Andhra drawing excess water but Telangana Government in deep slumber: BRS MLA Harish

HYDERABAD: BRS MLA and former irrigation minister T Harish Rao on Thursday alleged that the Telangana government was in deep slumber even as the AP government was illegally diverting Krishna river waters. Speaking to reporters, Harish claimed that there was no action from the government even though the state is set to face a drinking and irrigation water crisis in the summer. He said that there was a danger of standing crops in one lakh acres drying up in the state. Around 10,000 cusecs of water is being diverted by AP from Nagarjunasagar right canal. The BRS government used to divert water to parched lands. But the present Congress is unable to protect the interests of the farmers, he alleged. Against the ad hoc allocation of 512 tmcft to AP, it diverted 657 tmcft from Krishna river so far, Harish Rao claimed and wondered why the Congress was silent on this issue. In the last 25 days alone, AP diverted 60 tmcft water, he said. The Siddipet MLA said: Krishna river received 1,010 tmcft this year. As per the ad hoc arrangement, the share of AP should be 666 tmcft. But it already used 657 tmcft. The balance to AP was just nine tmcft. In the same ratio, Telangana should get 343 tmcft. But it got only 220 tmcft. The balance due to Telangana was 123 tmcft. But the available water is only 100 tmcft, he said. Harish Rao said that farmers in Suryapet and Khammam need more water to save the standing crops. People in Khammam, Mahabubabad, Nalgonda, Suryapet and Hyderabad need Krishna water for drinking purposes. To meet these requirements, the government should stop the illegal drawing of water by AP government, he suggested. If the government is unable to do this, then it should lead an all-party delegation to KRMB or Ministry of Jal Shakti to stage a dharna before those offices, he added.

5,660 govt school students found with vision problems in Khammam

Hyderabad: A total of 5,660 students from government schools and junior colleges in Khammam district of Telangana have been diagnosed with vision defects after screenings conducted under the Rashtriya Bala Swasthya Karyakram. The screenings covered 1,89,784 students between April and October last year, with expert doctors assessing their eye health. A second round of screening 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 logs over 17K malware attacks per day

HYDERABAD: Telangana witnessed at least 17,128 malware attacks per day through 2024, the attackers spared no one from your nondescript homemaker to government websites. The Telangana Cyber Threat Report-2025 compiled by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), in collaboration with Seqrite and released at the ongoing SHIELD-2025 cybersecurity conclave on Wednesday says that 62,52,023 malware instances were detected in 2024 in the state. This is roughly 2% of the 36.9 crore detections in the country. Being an IT hub, its no surprise that Hyderabad was the most affected city with 59,81,619 detections, followed by Khammam with 52,518, Warangal with 52,037 and Nizamabad with 28,049 detections. However, what is surprising is that the targets included government websites such as the deputy chief ministers portal. Shockingly, the hackers not only leaked the login credentials but also sensitive data. Hackers put sensitive data in public domain Malware is a term derived from malicious software. Its a broad term for any harmful software thats designed to damage or steal data from computers. Common types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojan viruses, spyware, adware, and ransomware. Cyber threat actors operating through Telegram targeted various sectors, breaching data and disrupting operations. Some of the significant incidents include the February 19, 2024, attack by the Telegram-based group Black_Code, which leaked credentials from the Telangana government portal (data.telangana.gov.in), the February 21, 2024, attack by Nusantara on the SC/ST Commission portal (scstcommission.telangana.gov.in), the March 2, 2024, targeting of Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarkas website and more. Likewise, the group Z-BL4CX-H4T leaked credentials of the Telangana governments official portal (telangana.gov.in), Garuda Security defaced the website jnafau.ac.in, Bangladesh Dark Net Hacker Boys launched a DDoS attack on www.uohyd.ac.in and many others. Even private entities like the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation were not spared by malware, with the hackers making public sensitive government documents, citizen data and confidential communications. A ransomware attack on one of Asias largest educational conglomerates targeted its hospitals and educational services, disrupting patient care and administrative operations. The attackers likely gained access through phishing emails or RDP vulnerabilities, allowing them to install malware and deploy ransomware across critical systems. The attack encrypted electronic medical records (EMR), billing systems, and student data, leaving hospital staff unable to access vital patient information. A ransom was demandedin cryptocurrency, but the group refused to pay, opting instead to restore systems from secure backups. According to the report, the threat environment in Telangana is further complicated by a diverse range of attacks targeting critical sectors government, banking, financial services and industries, healthcare, education, manufacturing and IT/ITES.

Telangana: BJP MPs saffron book warning to corrupt IAS, IPS officers

Hyderabad: Malkajgiri BJP MP Eatala Rajender has made significant remarks regarding the misuse of power by IAS and IPS officials, asserting that they will be named in a saffron book for engaging in corruption under the influence of political leaders. Speaking at a press conference in Warangal during the campaign for the combined Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda constituency 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 .

Three cops, two forest department staffers held for taking bribe in Telangana

HYDERABAD/ KHAMMAM: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday arrested three policemenan inspector and two constablesof Makhtal circle, Narayanpet, for demanding Rs 40,000 bribe and accepting Rs 20,000 from a complainant. According to officials, the accused officer, Gundemoni Chandra Shekar, demanded the amount for reducing the gravity of charges while filing chargesheet against the complainant in a rape case. He demanded the amount through constable Singasani Shiva while another constable, Kurva Narsimhulu accepted the amount. All the three accused were produced before Additional Special Judge, SPE and ACB cases, Nampally. 2 Forest dept employees held for taking Rs 30K bribe In another case, two Forest department employees were arrested while accepting a Rs 30,000 bribe in Yellandu of Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Tuesday. According to officials, the accused Komararam forest range officer Uday Kiran and forest guard Nunawath Harilal had demanded Rs 30,000 from the complainant to approve his application to transport clay from the forest area. ACB DSP Ramesh said the accused would be produced in court.

Demand for establishment of Chilli Board in Khammam intensifies

Chilli farmers plan protest at Khammam on February 18 as prices plummet

Set up Chilli Board at Khammam: Farmers

4 more held for attacking Chilkur Balaji priest in Hyderabad, total arrests now 18

Hyderabad: Four more persons were arrested on Saturday, February 15 for attacking Chilkur Balaji head priest CS Rangarajan in Hyderabad. The accused were identified as G Ramadevi, A Rajyalaxmi and B Mukambika, all from Khammam district of Telangana and C Jagadish from Visakhapatnam of Andhra Pradesh. According to Moinabad police, they were lured by 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 .

Speeding granite truck overturns in Telangana leaving 2 dead, injuring 8

Hyderabad: A speeding truck carrying granites lost its control and overturned in Telanganas Khammam district on Friday, February 14, killing two labourers on the spot and severely injuring eight others. The accident occurred near Mudigonda on the Khammam-Kodad National Highway (NH-365A) when the minitruck, carrying polished granite slabs from Guvvalagudem village reportedly broke a wheel 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 MLC polls: 90 candidates in fray

HYDERABAD: After the last day of withdrawal of nominations, a total of 90 candidates remain in the fray for three MLC seats in Telangana, for which polls scheduled for February 27. Among the total candidates, 56 are contesting from the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar graduates constituency, 15 the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar teachers segment and 19 in the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda teachers constituency. On Thursday, the last day for withdrawal of nominations, 12 candidates pulled out of the graduates constituency race, leaving 56 in the race. One candidate withdrew from the teachers segment, leaving 15 candidates, while three withdrew from the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda teachers constituency, leaving 19 candidates. Polling will be held from 8 am to 4 pm on February 27, with vote counting scheduled for March 3. The entire election process is set to be completed by March 8. The term of the three sitting MLCs T Jeevan Reddy (graduates constituency), Kura Raghotham Reddy (teachers constituency) and A Narsi Reddy (teachers constituency)will end on March 29.

Labourer Killed in Auto, Tractor Collision

Tractor-Auto Collision in Khammam: One Killed, Seven Injured

Bird flu scare hits Telangana; poultry sales plunge, prices drop

KHAMMAM/KARIMNAGAR /NIZAMABAD/KAMAREDDY: The fear of bird flu has severely impacted poultry sales across Khammam, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, and Kamareddy districts, with consumers shifting to fish and red meat. According to P Sundaram, a chicken seller in Bhadrachalam, sales have declined by 40 to 50% since reports of poultry deaths due to a suspected virus emerged. K Veerababu, a seller in Kothagudem, added that even after reducing prices and offering free half kg chicken per kg sold, buyers remain reluctant. Recently, thousands of broiler chickens have died due to an unidentified virus in poultry farms across Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts. With confirmed bird flu cases in East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh, which are close to Telanganas borders, authorities suspect that the same virus led to poultry deaths. Samples have been sent for testing, and officials are awaiting lab reports. Meanwhile, sources said that the state government is expected to step in with relief measures soon. Prices drop, farmers suffer losses The poultry crisis has led to a sharp decline in chicken prices. In Khammam, broiler chicken prices dropped from Rs 270 per kg to Rs 200, yet sales remain low. In Karimnagar, prices plunged from Rs 240 per kg to Rs 140 to Rs 150 per kg. However, ahead of the mini Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, demand for country chicken surged, causing its price to skyrocket to Rs 450 per kg, while mutton prices soared from Rs 750 to Rs 1,150 per kg. Poultry farmers, already reeling from huge losses, are struggling to sustain their businesses. In Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts, poultry deaths and dropping sales have triggered fears among farmers, prompting them to sell off their stock and reconsider raising new flocks. According to sources, about 450 farmers in Karimnagar district rely on poultry farming, with about 1.20 crore poultry population. Ramchandar, a poultry farmer from Borlam village reported that his 8,000 chickens (each weighing over 2 kg) died suddenly. While the company he works with suffered Rs 16 lakh in losses, he personally lost Rs 2.5 lakh. If the chickens had survived a few more days, they would have been sold in the market. Instead, we faced a massive loss within just three days, he lamented in a video message. Poultry deaths in Telangana Between February 1 and 7, an estimated 25,000 to 40,000 chickens reportedly died in Velpur and Bheemgal mandals of Nizamabad district. A farm in Birkur mandal (Kamareddy) lost 4,000 chickens, and another in Banswada mandal recorded 8,000 deaths in two days. Officials stated that no new poultry deaths were reported for three days, suggesting that the virus might not have spread further. Officials implement measures Authorities across districts have set up check posts at key entry points to regulate chicken transportation from affected states like Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Veterinary doctors have been deployed to monitor poultry health and enforce biosecurity measures. Additionally, awareness campaigns have been launched to educate farmers on disease prevention and farm sanitation. Nizamabad District Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Officer (DVAHO) C Jagannadha Chary told TNIE that the district has over 100 poultry farms, all of which operate under company contracts. We have received information that the virus outbreak started in Latur and Aurangabad districts of Maharashtra. In response, we have established check posts at Salura and Kandakurthi, near the Maharashtra border, in coordination with the police department to prevent the entry of poultry and feed from the affected areas, he said. He added that officials are awaiting lab reports and that poultry farmers are urging the government for assistance. A team of veterinary doctors has been formed to address poultry-related issues. Assistant Director of Animal Husbandry department Dr Azimira Vinod Kumar told TNIE: A meeting was held with poultry farmers and a training programme for staff will begin soon. The district has not reported cases of bird flu yet. However, we are on high alert and are prepared to fight the flu. Additionally, considering the onset of summer, we are enlightening farmers on measures to control temperature in poultry farms. Authorities are closely monitoring poultry units at both farms and markets to detect any potential threats, Rajanna-Sircilla Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha told TNIE. Heatwave adds to farmers woes Kamareddy in-charge District Animal Husbandry Officer Dr K Sanjai Kumar stated Kamareddy has a total chicken population of 14.55 lakh, with 262 poultry farms, including 41 layer farms. Apart from the suspected virus, sudden rising temperatures have led to additional poultry deaths, he noted and advised farmers to strictly follow biosecurity protocols and adopt temperature control measures in poultry farms. (With inputs from MVK Sastry, Naveen Kumar Tallam, B Satyanarayana Reddy)

KTR posts video criticising KCR govt

As part of the BRS' attempt to slander the government using social media, Rama Rao shared on his X account a video on the problems being faced by chilli farmers in Khammam district

140 file nominations for three MLC constituencies in Telangana

HYDERABAD: As many as 140 candidates have filed their nominations for three MLC constituencies, which are set to go to polls on February 27. Monday was the last day for filing nominations. A total of 100 candidates have filed nominations for the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Graduates constituency, while 17 candidates have filed for the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Teachers constituency and 23 candidates have filed for the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda Teachers constituency. The scrutiny of nominations will take place on Tuesday while the last date for withdrawal is Thursday. Polling will be held on February 27 from 8 am to 4 pm, with vote counting scheduled for March 3. The entire election process is set to be completed by March 8. The term of three sitting MLCs T Jeevan Reddy from Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Graduates constituency, Kura Raghotham Reddy from Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Teachers constituency and A Narsi Reddy from Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda Teachers constituency will expire on March 29, upon their retirement. Both the Congress and the BJP have decided to field candidates for the elections, while the BRS has opted not to contest for the three vacant MLC seats in Telangana.

Forest to Fantasy: New Nature Park in Khammam

Puligundala to open for public by month-end

Warangal DTC remanded in 14-day custody

Srinivas, who underwent a medical examination after his arrest, has now been transferred to Khammam jail

Driver found dead at National Highway in Telanganas Khammam

Hyderabad: A 45-year-old autorickshaw driver was found dead under suspicious circumstances beside National Highway 365A in Gopavaram, Konijerla mandal of Khammam district on Saturday morning, February 8. The victim has been identified as Hatla Biksham who is a resident of Nagiligonda village in Chinthakani mandal of Khammam district. The victim reportedly left his residence on 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 .

Centre failed to protect self respect of Indians: Congress

Congress leaders on Saturday staged a protest at the old bus stand centre in Khammam, burning effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump over the deportation of 104 Indians from the United States.

Train Cancellations & Diversions Due to Khammam Works

South Central Railway announces train cancellations, diversions, and rescheduling due to non-interlocking works

Khammam farmer finds Kakatiya-era sword in field

KHAMMAM: A sword, believed to be from the Kakatiya era, was found in the agriculture fields of Tumburu village in Satthupalli mandal of Khammam district. While ploughing his field with a tractor, Ch Ranga Rao came upon the rusted sword and took it to Gubbala Mangamma Thalli temple nearby. This is not the first time Ranga Rao has discovered a relic from the Kakatiya era in his field. A few years ago, he found an idol of Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, puja material, and even gold ornaments there. The farmer handed over the treasure to local revenue officials. I always feel ecstatic upon discovering valuable items from the Kakatiya era in my field, said Ranga Rao. He urged the government to survey the area, as more relics might be discovered. The local officials have informed the Archaeological Survey of India about the sword.

Congress yet to announce candidate for Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda teachers MLC poll

NALGONDA: Even as the last date for filing nominations for the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda teachers constituency MLC poll nears, the Congress is yet to announce its candidate for the February 27 election. Nominations will not be accepted on the second Saturday and Sunday, and the process ends on Monday. Incumbent and independent candidate A Narsi Reddy and the BJPs Puli Sarotham Reddy have already filed their nomination papers. So far, 20 candidates have entered the fray, with 13 of them submitting their papers on Friday. G Harshavardhan Reddy has reportedly been trying to secure a B-form from the Congress. As he has not received any positive response from the ruling party, he has filed his nomination as an independent candidate. Meanwhile, it is being speculated that the BRS, which has not picked any candidate for this poll, may offer support to the BJP candidate. It remains to be seen if the Congress will ultimately announce its candidate on Monday.

Rural children display scientific prowess at NXplorers Carnival

Smile Foundation, with the support from Shell India and in association with Govt. of Telangana, organised NX Corner Carnival in Khammam.

Woman killed as tractor overturns at Nagarjuna Sagar canal in Bonakal

Khammam: An agricultural labourer died and 10 others were injured when a tractor in which they were travelling overturned at Nagarjuna Sagar canal at Bonakal in the district on Friday morning. Yarlagadda Varamma (60), an agricultural labourer from Bonakal, died on the spot in the accident. The incident took place when 20 agricultural labourers were going to Lingala from Bonakal in a tractor for mirchi cutting work. The injured have been shifted to a hospital at Bonagal for treatment, according to police.

Two Women Crushed to Death by Boulders

Hyderabad: Two workers of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme were crushed to death after heavy boulders fell on the victims at Govardhana Giri village of Siddipet district on Thursday. Two other workers suffered injuries. The deceased were identified as K Sarojana, 45 and her daughter A Mamatha, 28, residents of Govardhanagiti village of Akkanapet mandal of Siddipet. According to police, the women were working in soil digging at Govardhanagiri village. Suddenly, two heavy boulders fell on the victims. In the mishap, mother and daughter were crushed to death. two other women suffered injuries. The locals noticed the mishap and informed the 108 medical emergency service staff. The police removed boulders from the place to recover two bodies. Police have registered cases and shifted bodies to Husnabad government hospital. Tanker drivers reflexes save girl on highway Khammam: A tanker driver's swift response averted a tragedy on the Khammam-Kodad Highway near Painampally, Nelakondapally mandal. A schoolgirl on a bicycle suddenly veered onto the highway from the service road, trying to cross at a divider. The alert driver immediately hit the brakes, narrowly avoiding a collision. Startled, the girl retreated to the service road, escaping unharmed. The incident exposed safety concerns on the newly laid highway, where the absence of proper road measures and reckless driving pose risks.

TSUTF, TPTF to jointly back Narsi Reddy, Ashok

Hyderabad: The Telangana State United Teachers Federation (TSUTF) and the Telangana Progressive Teachers Federation (TPTF) have announced their support for MLC Alugubelli Narsi Reddy and former TPTF president Y. Ashok Kumar in the upcoming Teacher MLC elections on February 27. At a joint press conference held on Wednesday at the TSUTF state office, the organisations officially announced their candidates, highlighting their decades-long contribution to the teachers movement. The two organisations declared Narsi Reddy as their candidate for the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda teacher constituency and Ashok Kumar for the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar teacher constituency. Narsi Reddy, elected in 2019, has worked to improve schools and colleges using constituency development funds. He has also taken steps to solve teacher and education-related issues. Ashok Kumar, a former TPTF leader, has led many protests and was actively involved in the Telangana movement with Prof. Kodandaram.

MLC elections in Telangana, AP to be held on Feb. 27: ECI

Hyderabad: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to hold MLC elections in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on February 27 from 8 am to 4 pm while the counting would be conducted on March 3. The last date for filing nominations is February 10 while the last date of withdrawal of nominations is February 13, according to ECI. The term of office of three members of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council from two Graduates' and one from Teachers' Constituency and three members of the Telangana Legislative Council from one Graduates' and two from Teachers' Constituencies were expiring on March 29 due to retirement of the sitting members. The three constituencies in AP are East-West Godavari Graduates', Krishna-Guntur Graduates' and Srikakulam-Vizianagaram-Visakhapatnam Teachers' while three in Telangana are Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Graduates', Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Teachers' and Warangal-Khammam -Nalgonda Teachers' The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) concerning these elections will come into force with immediate effect in the constituencies, according to ECI under secretary Prafull Awasthi.

ASER 2024: Telangana Faces Foundational Learning Gaps

HYDERABAD: The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024, released on Tuesday, has revealed that Telangana has achieved near-universal level enrollment for certain age groups. Only 0.5 per cent of children aged 6-14 in rural areas are not enrolled in schools. This positions it among the best-performing states in access to education. Overall, Telangana has registered 73.5 per cent average enrollment in schools in 2024 against 75.5 percent last year. This success in access contrasts with challenges in foundational learning outcomes, which remain significantly below desirable levels. Districts like Karimnagar, Medak, Nalgonda and Warangal recorded zero non-enrollment, while Adilabad had the highest rate at 1.5 per cent. Government school enrollment stood at 59.8 per cent for children in the same age group, with Adilabad leading at 73.8 per cent and Khammam at 70.4 per cent. Nizamabad reported the lowest government school enrollment at 47.9 per cent. Across India, more than 95 per cent of children aged 614 are enrolled in schools. However, challenges continued in foundational literacy and numeracy, according to the report. Among students in Classes III to V, only 18 per cent could read a Class II-level text, while 49 per cent could perform basic subtraction. In Classes VI to VIII, the report found, only 46.4 per cent of students could read a Class II text, and 34.7 per cent could do divisions. Medak consistently performed poorly, with the lowest reading and arithmetic levels across grades, while districts like Mahbubnagar and Rangareddy showed better arithmetic skills. Southern states, including Telangana, generally performed better in literacy and numeracy compared to other regions, the report said. It also said that the digital literacy showed another kind of challenge. In Telangana, 96 per cent of households reported smartphone availability, but only 78 per cent of the children could bring one to complete digital tasks and 73 per cent could use it independently. There was also a small but noticeable gap between boys and girls, with boys generally more comfortable using smartphones on their own. When given simple tasks like setting an alarm or looking up information online, the success rates were fairly high, but things changed as to safety and security. More than 80 per cent of students reported using social media, but only 67 per cent knew how to block or report a user, and just about 60 per cent could change a password. More importantly, the report reaffirmed that Telangana had been lagging behind in computers in schools and student computer usage. The availability of computers improved from 9.3 per cent (2010) to 14.1 per cent (2022) but dropped to 9.0 per cent in 2024, compared to the all-India average of 27.4 per cent of schools having computers available for children in 2024. The report found that school facilities in Telangana had improved in areas like electricity, which is available in 91.1 per cent of schools. Toilets for girls are usable in 73.7 per cent of schools and libraries are there in most of the institutions, though only 56.8 per cent of them actively engage children. Drinking water was not available in 15.8 per cent of schools and only 60.4 per cent had designated playgrounds, a broader issue across the country, where sports infrastructure has not seen much progress since 2018. Student and teacher attendance in Telangana, at 73.5 per cent and 85.5 per cent respectively, is consistent with national averages, though multi-grade classrooms remain common and pose challenges to effective learning.

BJP gears up for MLC polls

Hyderabad :Union minister and BJP state president G. Kishan Reddy convened a meeting of election coordinators at the BJP state office on Monday, ahead of the upcoming MLC elections. He said that the party must seize the first-mover advantage by taking the lead in the campaign. The BJP is optimistic about repeating its strong performance from the parliamentary elections, in which it won eight out of 17 MP seats. Party insiders believe the BJP has an edge, as Congress has not yet announced its candidates, and it remains unclear whether BRS will even contest. The party directed its cadre to focus on connecting with every voter in the two teacher council seats and the one graduate constituency. With the voter enrolment window open, the BJP plans to launch a drive to enlist new voters. The notification for the MLC elections is expected in the second or third week of February, and the elections are likely to be scheduled for the first or second week of March. The party is confident in its prospects, particularly in the two teacher constituencies, which cover Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Adilabad and Medak districts in North Telangana. These districts were strongholds for the BJP in the parliamentary elections, where the party won all four MP seats and seven out of eight MLA seats. The third graduate MLC seat is from the Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda districts. The meeting was attended by several key BJP leaders, including Union minister of state for home Bandi Sanjay, Rajya Sabha member and BJP OBC Morcha national president Dr K. Laxman, BJP Legislative Council head A.V.N. Reddy, state general secretaries G. Premendar Reddy and Kasam Venkateshwarlu, BJP state vice-president Manohar Reddy, BJP national executive member Garikapati Mohan Rao and Tamil Nadu and Karnataka incharge Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy. BJP MLAs Payal Shankar and Rama Rao Patel were also present.

Assistant engineer from Medak, ward officer from Khammam in ACB net

Telangana ACB nabs two persons for accepting bribe

Hyderabad: Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) here on Monday arrested two persons including an Assistant Engineer on charges of accepting bribes in separate incidents in the State. Ch. Krishna, an Assistant Engineer at Kallakal Circle in Kallakal village in Manoharabad Mandal in Medak district, was caught by ACB when he allegedly demanded and accepted a bribe amount of Rs.20,000 from a complainant to release power supply by erecting 63KVA third-phase Distribution Transformer (DTR) under LT category III. Krishna had initially demanded a bribe amount of Rs.30,000 from the complainant, out of which he had already accepted Rs.10,000, ACB officials said. In the second incident, the ACB caught Nallanti Vinod, who is a 32nd ward officer at Sathupalli Town in Khammam district, red handed by the ACB when he allegedly demanded and accepted the bribe amount of Rs.2.500 from a complainant, to process her ration card and Indiramma house sanction applications. The ACB officials said the bribe amount was recovered from the possession of the arrested persons. They produced the two accused before the special court for ACB cases in Warangal and Nampally after which the court remanded them to judicial custody.

Khammam: Ward officer in ACB net

Khammam: Anti Corruption Bureau(ACB) sleuths have caught a ward officer in Khammam district on Monday. He demanded Rs 2,500 from a woman applicant to process ration card and sanction of Indiramma house applications. He caught red-handedly while accepting the bribe. In an another trap, Ch. Krishna, Assistant Engineer, Kallakal Circle and Village, Manoharabad Mandal, Medak District was caught by ACB Officials for demanding and accepting a bribe amount of Rs. 20,000/- from the complainant o release power supply by erecting 63KVA 3-phase DTR Under LT Category III. The Assitant Engineer had initially demanded bribe amount of Rs.30,000 from the complainant, out of which he had already accepted Rs.10,000.

Rs 22,000 Cr in Crop Loans Waived in Within a Year: Komatireddy

Khammam: Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said on Sunday that the state government aims to extend welfare benefits exclusively to the poor, ensuring no eligible individual is overlooked while preventing ineligible persons from receiving assistance. During the distribution of sanction letters for four new schemes at Mallepally in Raghunadhapalem mandal, he stressed the importance of financial discipline amid funding challenges inherited from the previous BRS government. Tummala highlighted the crucial role of panchayat secretaries in the effective implementation of the sops. Meanwhile, roads and buildings minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy showcased the governments commitment to fulfilling electoral promises by launching four new welfare schemes in Khanapur, Mudigonda mandal, Khammam district. He distributed sanction letters to beneficiaries and announced the waiver of Rs 22,000 crore in crop loans within a year. Komatireddy assured that the Congress government remains dedicated to honouring all its promises, including the distribution of fine rice to ration card holders starting from the Ugadi festival. Additionally, he noted that the Indiramma Houses scheme will significantly benefit poor families burdened by high rental costs.

Four migrant labourers killed in road mishap on NH

Warangal: A road accident on the Warangal-Khammam National Highway resulted in the deaths of four migrant labourers and left four others injured on Sunday. The incident occurred at Mamnoor in Warangal when a speeding truck carrying heavy iron poles overturned, crashing into two autorickshaws. Authorities report that the truck driver was allegedly drunk during the accident. Police nabbed him and started an investigation after registering a case against him. On receiving reports from local residents, police teams rushed to the spot to conduct rescue operations. The injured were shifted to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital for immediate medical attention, while the bodies of the four deceased were also taken to the same facility for post-mortem examinations. The victims included six migrant labourers from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, who were residing in temporary shelters in Warangal. Additionally, two auto drivers sustained injuries in the crash. District collector Satya Sharada visited the accident site to oversee the relief efforts. She directed officials to provide the best possible medical care to the injured and arranged for the transportation of the deceased to their hometowns using special vehicles. During her visit to MGM Hospital, collector Sharada interacted with the relatives of victims and extended her condolences. In response to the accident, police and municipal departments cleared the highway by removing the iron poles and the overturned truck with the help of heavy cranes.

Telangana: Angry Praja Palana beneficiaries lock up officials for chosing another village

Hyderabad:Chaos ensued in Khanapuram village of the Mudigonda Mandal in Khammam district of Telangana when officials suddenly switched the launch of the pilot program of Praja Palana schemes from Khanapuram to Suvarnapuram village, agitating the likely beneficiaries leading them to lock up the survey officers in the gram panchayat office. As per the governments orders, 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 .

Six killed in ghastly road accident near Warangal

Tragic road accident on Warangal-Khammam highway leaves six dead, three critically injured, lorry driver suspected of alcohol influence

Video: Seven including infant killed in accident in Telangana

Hyderabad: In a gruesome accident in Telangana, seven persons including an infant were crushed to death after iron bars fell on them. The incident occurred on Sunday, January 26, around 11 am on the Warangal-Khammam highway. According to reports, a truck laden with iron bars used for laying railway tracks tried to overtake two autorickshaws 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: 4 killed, 3 injured as iron poles fall on autorickshaws from lorry in Warangal (VIDEO)

Four people lost their lives, and three others were injured when iron poles fell from a lorry onto two autorickshaws near Mamnuru 4th Battalion on the Warangal-Khammam National Highway on Sunday.

Flood drain works in Khammam by monsoon: Tummala

Khammam: Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Friday directed officials to ensure the completion of the 249-crore flood drain system in Khammam city before the onset of monsoon. The project aims to prevent the reoccurrence of floods that submerged several areas in the previous monsoon seasons. The minister laid the foundation stone for the 3.95-crore expansion of the Ballepally-Balapet road and emphasised maintaining high-quality standards for all development works. He instructed officials to regularly inspect and monitor the quality of ongoing projects. Rao also announced 8 crore for the construction of a slaughterhouse in Khammam, with work set to begin once land is identified. Additionally, city parks will be developed with a budget of 1 crore. He was confident that Khammam would see major transformation in the next six months with these development initiatives, including improved road connectivity to thandas and remote areas in the district. The minister further stated that 30 irrigation tanks would be filled through the Manchukonda Lift Irrigation Scheme by Ugadi, ensuring better water availability for agricultural needs.

Khammam MP bats for greenfield airport in Kothagudem

Woman ends life after strangling two daughters to death in Khammam

Telangana: Woman hangs children, then herself, after husband taken away by police

Hyderabad: Unable to bear the insult of her husband being taken away by police in connection with a theft case, a woman hanged both her daughters before hanging herself to death. The incident happened in Nidanapuram village of Madhira mandal in Khammam mandal on Thursday morning. Shaikh Baji and his wife had a love marriage 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 .

Woman Kills 2 Daughters, Dies by Suicide

Khammam: Unable to bear the humiliation of the arrest of her husband in a theft case, a 35-year-old woman, Shaik Preja died by suicide after allegedly killing her two daughters, Mehak, 6, and Menurul, 7, at Nidhanampuram of Madhira mandal in the district on Thursday. Grandmother of the children who resides near their village came to their house on Thursday morning and found the door locked from inside. When she looked into the house from an open window, she found the three unconscious. Alerted by her, locals broke open the doors and found the mother and her daughters dead in the house. According to her relatives, her husband Shaik Bhaji was picked up by Khammam police for questioning in connection with a theft case. She was also asked by the police to come to the police station. She could not beat the insult and resorted to the extreme step. Khammam police said Bhaji was picked up to inquire about a case. His wife was not asked to come to the police station. Madhira police filed a case and took up an investigation.

Real-Time Flood Forecasting Mooted for Dam Safety

Hyderabad: Telangana has mooted real-time monitoring of rainfall and creation of advanced modelling and forecasting systems to improve flood forecasting and create gate operation protocols for dams on the Godavari and Krishna rivers. At a meeting of the State Dam Safety Organisation on Wednesday, officials proposed a committee comprising irrigation chief engineers from Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to take the idea forward. It also said that required studies could be carried out by IIT Hyderabad or IIT Roorkee. Gate operation protocols play a vital role in dam safety, especially during floods in rivers on which the dams are built, and if faulty or incorrect protocols are followed, can result in serious damage to structures. One of the many reasons that damages occurred to the Medigadda barrage of the Kaleshwaram project in Telangana, is believed to be absence of comprehensive flood forecasting and flood data and improper gate operation protocols. The SDSO meeting also discussed a study report on Gundlavadu dam in Khammam district which, the study found, needs to be rebuilt from the ground up. A study by the former director general of the Geological Survey of India M Raju found that the long-pending problems at the small dam, which serves an ayacut of around 3,000 acres in Wazeedu mandal of Khammam district, can only be solved if it is built afresh. A new dam can be built after the foundation, and hydrological issues, among others, are studied. The new structure can be built to replace the dilapidated and ruined dam structure. For many years, farmers in the area have been complaining that even during flood seasons when the dam is filled up, the water disappears leaving nothing for those dependent on it for irrigation.

Telangana: District collector Muzammil Khan sits on floor to chat with students

Stepping beyond formalities, the District Collector of Khammam Muzammil Khan sat down on the floor with students during a visit, creating an open and approachable atmosphere for them. The interaction was marked by genuine curiosity and encouragement as the Collector listened to their aspirations and challenges. This simple yet heartfelt gesture bridged the gap between 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 .

Protests Erupt During Grama Sabhas in Khammam

Khammam: Grama sabhas, currently being conducted across the state for selection of beneficiaries for four new welfare schemes by the government, were delayed at several places in Khammam districts due to protests by people. In Khammam district, villagers of Gattusingaram in Kusumanchi mandal tore the beneficiary list, alleging the list included names of ineligible persons. Villagers flew into heated arguments with officials at Chinthakani over missing of their names in the list. They alleged that the household survey was not conducted properly by the officials, resulting in the current mess. They, however, relented after officials assured them that they can resubmit their applications and can raise objections on the names of ineligible persons. In all, 250 grama sabhas were conducted in the district on the day and 41, 282 applications including 14,783 for Indiramma houses, 15,752 for ration cards, 1,565 for Rythu Bharosa and 9,213 for Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa were received from people. In Suryapet district, people staged protests at a grama sabha in ward no 3 of Suryapet and at Tirumalagiri.

BJP confident of winning all three MLC seats

Hyderabad: As Telangana gears up for the upcoming elections to two teachers and a graduate MLC constituencies, the BJP, which holds sway among the educated class, is making an aggressive push to woo voters. In a strategic shift, the BJP named MLC candidates well ahead of other parties on January 10. Taking a lead, the party named educationist and Peddapally resident Malka Komaraiah, who runs several educational Institutions for the teachers constituency of Karimnagar-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Medak MLC seat. Warangals Puli Sarotham Reddy, who served as general secretary of the Panchayat Raj Teachers Union (PRTU) has been fielded for the Teachers constituency of Nalgonda-Warangal- Khammam MLC seat. C. Anji Reddy, an industrialist associated with service activity with his trusts, has been named for the Graduates constituency of Karimnagar-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Medak. The tenure of the incumbent MLCs - T. Jeevan Reddy (Congress), Alugubelli Narsi Reddy (independent) and Kura Raghotham Reddy (PRTU), will end on March 29. Senior party leader and educationist P.L. Srinivas said that they are into micro management to reach out to every voter. Our expertise in holding street corner meetings is a huge advantage for us. We are confident of making a clean sweep of the three seats, Srinivas said. Komaraiah told Deccan Chronicle that the party was in a strong position as four MPs and seven MLAs represent the region, where the MLC polls are slated to be held in February. Stating that north Telangana is a part citadel, Komaraiah said that so far 27,000 members have enrolled for the teachers constituency election and the number would touch 30,000 as the Election Commission has allowed enrolment of voters till the date the notification is issued. As per the final electoral rolls for the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Graduates constituency, the total number of voters is 3,41,313.

Man Dies in Road Mishap at Chityal

Nalgonda: A 35-year-old man, identified as K. Venkat Reddy from Bongoni Cheruvu of Chityal mandal, died on the spot in a road accident on National Highway 65 near Velminedu on Friday. According to police, Venkat Reddy was driving a tractor when a TSRTC bus from Khammam district allegedly hit it from behind. The impact caused the tractor to overturn, resulting in severe head and chest injuries to Venkat Reddy. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Police suspect the bus drivers negligence led to the accident and are investigating further.

Minister Tummala for ban on plastic in parks

Khammam : Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao on Friday proposed a ban on plastic items in urban parks. During an inspection of the Velugumatla urban park in Khammam with district collector Muzammil Khan, the minister emphasised the need to protect these parks from pollution, especially from plastic. He directed officials to prohibit the entry and use of plastic items in the park. Rao also urged officials to develop the Velugumatla park into a tourist destination by monsoon and suggested introducing millet-based food items in the park's canteen. The state government plans to establish similar urban parks in Kothagudem and Sathupalli, to set an example for future generations on balancing environmental protection with development, Rao said. District forest officer Sidharth Vikram Singh revealed that Velugumatla urban park spans 500 acres and is just a 10-minute drive from Khammam city. Upcoming attractions include boating, cycling facilities, and a deer park.

Annaram Dargah Urs Begins on Grand Scale in Warangal

Warangal: The three-day annual Urs of Hazrat Syed Yakubshavali Dargah at Annaram village in Parvathagiri mandal, Warangal district, started on Thursday with grandeur under the supervision of the Waqf Board. Annaram Sharif Dargah, a symbol of religious harmony, draws thousands of devotees not only from Warangal but also from neighbouring districts. Devotees gather at the shrine to seek blessings and believe their prayers are answered at this sacred site. Along with Annaram Sharif Dargah, other revered shrines in the area include the Dargahs of Yakub Baba, Gouse Pasha, Mahaboobima, Boleshawali, and Gunshawali. The festivities, held annually from January 16 to 18, feature traditional rituals. On the first day, devotees offer sandalwood, followed by Diya Aradhana (lamp worship) and an Annadanam programme on January 17. The celebrations end on January 18 with the recitation of Khatmul Quran. To ensure smooth conduct, the government sanctioned Rs 8.5 lakh through the Waqf Board for necessary arrangements. The shrine authorities have provided facilities for devotees, while the police have implemented tight security measures to prevent untoward incidents. The RTC department has also introduced special bus services from Warangal, Hanamkonda, Thorrur, Narsampet, and Khammam depots to accommodate the heavy influx of devotees attending the event.

Fire Accident in Khammam Market Guts 800 Cotton Sacks Worth Rs 30 Lakh

Khammam: Around 800 sacks of cotton were completely gutted in a fire accident that occurred at the agricultural market in the district on Wednesday. The estimated value of the lost cotton is Rs 30 lakh. Upon receiving information, officials and staff from the Marketing Department were alerted. Fire tenders were dispatched to the spot and managed to extinguish the fire. However, the cotton sacks were entirely destroyed. A short circuit is suspected to be the cause of the fire. The cotton sacks were stored in the market after being brought in by farmers. Among the damaged goods, 800 cotton sacks belonged to one trader, while another 500 sacks belonged to a different trader. Market Committee Secretary P. Praveen Kumar stated that more details about the fire accident will be revealed on Thursday. Minister Tummala Nageshwar Rao inquired about the incident and requested a detailed report from the concerned officials. He visited the market on Thursday to inspect the site of the accident. Speaking to the media, the minister stated that he had sought an explanation from the officials regarding the fire. He also announced plans for a model market to be developed at a cost of Rs 100 crore. Additionally, he mentioned that efforts are being made to develop Warangal and Khammam to better support farmers.

Committed to provide irrigation to every acre: Uttam

Khammam : Irrigation minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Monday announced the governments commitment to provide irrigation facilities to every acre of cultivable land in the state by completing pending and new irrigation projects. He was speaking at a public meeting after laying the foundation stone for the 54.27 crore Manchukonda Lift Irrigation Scheme. The scheme will irrigate 2,400 acres under 27 tanks in Raghunathapalem mandal. Highlighting the government's focus on cost-effective irrigation projects, Reddy criticised the previous BRS government for spending 1.81 lakh crore on major projects like Kaleshwaram, Palamuru-Ranga Reddy, and Sitarama, which he claimed created minimal ayacut. He alleged that despite spending 8,500 crore on the Sitarama Project, no additional land was irrigated. Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka assured the public that the Manchukonda scheme would be completed by Ugadi. He emphasised the importance of creating an action plan for agriculture-based industries to complement irrigation efforts. Minister for roads and buildings Komatireddy Venkat Reddy added that the government would expedite the completion of ongoing irrigation projects to ensure irrigation facilities for all cultivable land in the state.

Special train between Vizag and Cherlapalli

Visakhapatnam :The East Coast Railway has decided to run special train services during Sankranthi between Visakhapatnam and Cherlapalli. Train No. 08523 Visakhapatnam-Cherlapalli special train will leave Visakhapatnam on January 14 (Tuesday) at 6.20 pm, which will reach Duvvada at 6.48pm and depart at 6.50 pm to reach Cherlapalli at 7.30 am the next day. In the return direction, Train No. 08524 Cherlapalli-Visakhapatanam special train will leave Cherlapalli on January 15 (Wednesday) at 10 am, which will reach Duvvada at 9.28 pm, and depart at 9.30 pm to reach Visakhapatnam at 10.30 pm. Duvvada. Samalkot, Rajahmundry, Nidadavolu, Tanuku, Bhimavaram Town, Akividu, Kaikalur, Gudivada, Rayanapadu, Khammam, Warangal, Kazipet, and Jangaon are stoppages between Visakhapatnam and Cherlapalli stations.

Cock fights: Betting of Rs 700 crore in Godavari districts

During Sankranti time the banned cock fights and Jallikattu resurface too. During Sankranti time the banned cock fights and Jallikattu resurface too. Kakinada :The gambling in traditional sports like cockfight, Gundata, playing of cards etc were held in a grand manner this time despite the high court ban on these games. The police conducted a series of raids on the cockfight dens but remained silent on Monday, the first day of Bhogi. The cockfights started early in the morning in erstwhile Godavari districts like Eluru, Kakinada, BR Ambedkar Konaseema, East and West in a grand manner. Last year, under the YSRC rule, the police did not allow cockfights till the afternoon of Bhogi Day. It was after exertion of strong pressure that the police allowed the game at the last minute. However, then the police did not allow Gundata tables, a pure gambling game. This year, doors have opened for all gambling games and also for dances in several places. On the first day, it is said that betting of nearly `700 crore was held, including Gundata and playing of cards amid the serving of food and liquor. This time, the police were conspicuous by their absence. The cockfights were organised in all the villages this time. Large numbers of professionals, techies, businessmen and others thronged the major cockfight grounds. Surprisingly, this year, hundreds of people came in from districts like Kurnool, Prakasam, Nellore, Kadapa, Khammam and other parts of Telangana to the cockfight grounds. They came by cars and other vehicles. The women, in particular, enjoyed the sight at the cockfight grounds and tasted various food items with enthusiasm. Several MLAs and MPs participated in the cockfight evens. Kakinada Lok Sabha member Uday Srinivas was at an event in Pithapuram and U Kothapalli areas, Mummidivaram MLA Datla Subba Raju in Mummidivaram, and Kakinada Rural MLA Pantham Venkateswara Rao (Nanaji) in Karapa. According to sources, in Kakinada Rural, there was betting of `100 crore, West Godavari, East Godavari and Konaseema districts had nearly `600 crore. The big cockfight grounds were at Peda Amiram, Karapa, Gollavanithippa, Unguturu, Veeravasaram, Kamavarapukota, Kalarayinigudem, Chintalapudi, Tanuku, Muramalla, Mummidivaram, Yedurlanka and other villages. Cockfights were organised in small villages too. Notably, in some of the cockfight grounds, there was no betting. The organisers said they spent nearly `10 lakh to prepare the grounds. According to sources, there were no betting gamblers at 30 grounds. These wore a deserted look. Some of the grounds were closed by afternoon. There were clashes in some areas. The Gundata organisers did not allow betting in `100 and `200. They allowed betting beyond `500. This led to clashes between Gundata organisers and the betting lot. Clashes erupted in the cockfight grounds at Bayyannagudem in Koyyalagudem mandal. The participants and some of the organisers created flutter and beat each other with wooden logs. Some 12 persons were injured. On the second day on Tuesday, marking Sankranti, betting can be held in a grand manner.

Financial Situation Sole Criteria to Pick Sop Beneficiaries: Ponguleti

Khammam: Revenue and housing minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy reaffirmed on Monday that the Congress government prioritises financial need as the sole criterion for selecting beneficiaries of welfare schemes, distancing itself from the alleged political favouritism of previous administrations. Speaking at the inauguration of a model Indiramma house built on the premises of the tahsildar's office in Kusumanchi, the minister emphasised that the Congress government has never discriminated based on caste, religion, or political affiliation. The selection of beneficiaries is purely based on their financial condition, ensuring the benefits of welfare schemes reach all poor families in the state, he said. The minister highlighted the Congress governments commitment to poverty alleviation, citing the earlier achievements of the united Andhra Pradesh Congress government, which constructed the highest number of Indiramma houses in Telangana from 2004 to 2014. He revealed that the current Congress government aims to build 20 lakh Indiramma houses across the state within the next four years. Srinivas Reddy noted that Telangana voters had chosen the Congress for change in the 2023 elections, and the government has been working diligently to fulfill their aspirations. Despite the financial challenges inherited upon taking office, he assured that fiscal discipline was being maintained, and welfare schemes were being implemented without any compromise. Our goal is to bring smiles to the faces of the poor and ensure they lead happy lives, he added. The minister also announced the upcoming launch of four new welfare schemes on January 26, which aim to further improve the living conditions of the underprivileged. He assured that there is no cap on the issuance of ration cards, and all eligible poor families would be covered under the program. Khammam MP Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy also attended the event.

Rs.45,000 Cr being spent on four schemes in Telangana: Bhattti

Khammam: The Sankranti festival-2025 would remain in the history as the best one since the formation of Telangana, said Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu. He was speaking at the review meeting on four new welfare schemes with officials and peoples representatives of undivided Khammam district on Monday. The best implementation of welfare schemes is being witnessed in Telangana in the entire country. He said that already free bus travel for women, cooking gas cylinder at Rs.500, enhancement of Rajiv Arogya Sri insurance limit to Rs.10 lakh, construction of Young India International Schools, 40 per cent hike in diet charges of hostel students, 200 per cent hike in charges of cosmetics charges, Rs.500 bonus for fine variety of paddy were being implemented by the Congress government as per assurances given by the party before elections. In addition to the welfare schemes, the government was implementing four more important schemes - Rytu Bharosa, Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa, Indiramma housing and sanction of new ration cards from Sankranti, Bhatti said. The implementation of these four schemes will impose additional burden of Rs.40,000 crore to Rs.45,000 crore on the State exchequer. Irrespective of financial constraints, peoples government is going ahead with new schemes to keep its assurances given to people, he said. He explained that Rs.22,500 crore for construction of Indiramma houses, Rs.2,000 crore for Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa, Rs.19,000 crore for Rytu Bharosa will be spent. The Deputy Chief Minister asserted that no one should have any misgivings or doubts on the implementation of these new schemes. The State Cabinet made an announcement about the new schemes after a thorough discussion about guidelines for selection of beneficiaries and implementation of schemes. For all cultivable lands, an amount of Rs 12,000 per acre will be deposited into the accounts of farmers per year. The scheme will be applicable to farmers,who were given pattas under RoFR. The agriculture department will implement the Rytu Bharosa scheme as per the revenue records. Landless agriculture families, which do not own even a cent of land and have job card given under the employment guarantee scheme and have worked for at least 20 days will be eligible for Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa scheme. Bhatti said that only eligible people will be selected for issuance of ration cards and Indiramma houses. He said that though Rs.22,000 crore were credited into the accounts of farmers in a span of two months under the loan waiver as promised by the Congress - a feat nowhere witnessed in the country other than Telangana, the achievement did not get much publicity. In the wake of this experience, he instructed the officials to organise grama sabhas for four new schemes to be implemented from this month. The selection and finalisation of beneficiaries will be done in grama sabhas alone. The officials and peoples representatives will hand over the sanction certificates to the beneficiaries in these grana sabhas. Indiramma committees will supervise if the welfare schemes are being implemented as per the GO or not. He said as the role of Indiramma committees was important in implementation of welfare schemes, the committees should extensively tour in the villages. Bhatti suggested that each mandal should be divided into three parts for organising the grama sabhas. At the time of grama sabha, a good dais, microphone set, officers and Indiramma committee members should be present. The incharge Ministers approval is must for the identification of beneficiaries and list of eligible beneficiaries, he said. Bhatti said that the names of farmers who benefited under the loan waiver scheme and the amount waived should be mentioned in a flexi and displayed in the village centre for transparency. Similarly flexis with the names of beneficiaries and the amount received by them under the new schemes should be displayed through the flexis. Three big flexis related to three schemes be displayed prominently for clear visibility, he instructed the officials. He said that if district Collectors faced any issues or have any doubts regarding implementation of schemes, they should speak to the incharge Minister and seek clarification.

Drone surveillance helps Khammam police to keep cock fighting organizers at bay

Hyderabad: Surveillance stepped up by the Khammam police using drones helped them in keeping those indulging in cock fighting and playing cards in mango and palm oil farms at bay during Sankranti festival this time. Using three high-resolution drone cameras intensified surveillance in mango and palm oil farms in Sathupalli, Vemsoor and VM Banjar, among other areas bordering Krishna district and Eluru in Andhra Pradesh one week before the festival. Realizing that the police would take stern action against those indulging in cock fighting and playing cards, most of them from Khammam district left for Krishna district and Eluru to take part in cock fighting. The check posts between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh borders also prevented several people from organizing cock and sheep fights in the district. Following instructions from Khammam Commissioner Sunil Dutt, the district police enhanced surveillance using drones and if anyone was caught indulging in such activity, the police decided to initiate stern action against them. Apart from drones, special teams were also formed to check motorists on the border areas connecting Krishna district and Eluru. As a precautionary measure, the police summoned over 100, who were earlier involved in similar activity and bound them over after producing them before the Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO). They were let off after obtaining an undertaking from them stating they would not indulge in cock fighting and play cards. The police said that the precautionary steps enabled them to prevent it in advance in the district.

Adivasis Elated After CM Revanth Promises to Meet Them Every 4 Months

Adilabad: Adivasis from former Adilabad district expressed their joy and relief following Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's pledge to meet with Adivasi community leaders every four months to address their issues and develop empowerment strategies. Two days ago, Adivasi representatives held a groundbreaking two-hour meeting with Chief Minister Reddy, marking the first such engagement of its kind. The Mesram clan of Adivasis invited the Chief Minister to participate in the traditional darbhar ceremony of the Nagoba Jatara. In addition to the Chief Ministers commitment, rural development minister Seethakka assured attendance at the goddess Jangu Bais Mahapuja during the Pournami festival on January 13 at Kota-Parandholi Bidwar in Kerameri mandal, Komaram Bheem district. Purka Bapurao, a member of the Jangu Bai temple committee, announced plans for a special event at the temple, which will host community leaders from neighbouring Maharashtra and Telangana. During the meeting, the Chief Minister outlined the state government's initiatives focused on improving education and healthcare for Adivasis. He also announced the allocation of funds for the development of Adivasi religious sites. Mesram Venkat Rao, the Peetadhipati of Nagoba Temple, was happy with the Chief Ministers dedication. Chief Minister Reddy promised to attend the traditional darbhar of Nagoba Jatara on January 31. It is heartening to see a Chief Minister take the time to discuss our issues in depth and commit to regular meetings, he said. Political analysts are now speculating that the Chief Minister may initiate the Congress campaign for local body elections from Adilabad, leveraging the positive sentiment among the Adivasi communities. Party insiders revealed that the Congress previously held a public meeting of the Dalitha Girijana Dandora in Indravelli under then TPCC presidents leadership. Despite winning only one MLA seat out of seven in the Adilabad Parliament Constituency and losing the MP seat in recent elections, the party remains determined. To strengthen their foothold in tribal areas, the Congress is intensifying efforts to win sarpanch, MPTC, and ZPTC positions in regions with significant Adivasi populations across the erstwhile Adilabad, Warangal, Khammam, and Karimnagar districts. Additionally, the party organised a training camp for tribal leaders at Nagarjunasagar aimed at developing leadership skills and raising awareness about constitutional rights and their protection.

Sankranti rush leads to traffic jam on NH 65 again

Traffic jam on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway. (DC Image) Traffic jam on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway. (DC Image) Nalgonda: Thousands of travellers on National Highway 65 faced severe traffic congestion for hours while heading to their hometowns in Andhra Pradesh to celebrate the Sankranti festival. Many were left stranded in their vehicles, enduring significant inconvenience, especially elderly passengers and children. The bumper-to-bumper traffic made it challenging for commuters to stop at hotels or tea stalls along the highway, fearing they would lose their place in the long queues. Parking areas near hotels, particularly after the Korlaphad toll plaza, were overwhelmed due to limited space, adding to the frustration of travellers. Gullanki Murali, who left Banjara Hills in Hyderabad at 5 am on Sunday, reported taking over four hours to reach the Panthangi toll plaza due to the gridlock. The traffic from Banjara Hills to Hayathnagar was no better. Im unsure when Ill finally reach my destination in Vijayawada, he said. Another commuter, Singam Sai Kumar, who departed from Miyapur at 7 am, reached Panthangi toll plaza at 11 am without being able to stop for breakfast. He lamented that hotel staff along NH-65 were restricted by police from selling food to travellers to prevent additional congestion. Its frustrating not knowing when Ill reach Gannavaram, he added. Frequent jams at the Panthangi and Korlaphad toll plazas caused long delays, though timely interventions by police helped ease congestion periodically. Authorities noted that many travellers ignored the advisory to use alternative routes to reach destinations like Khammam, Vijayawada, and Guntur. The rush at Panthangi toll plaza could have been minimised if motorists had followed the traffic advisories, a police officer remarked.

Narrow escape for Revenue Minister, Bhadrachalam MLA as car tyre bursts at Tirumalayapalem in Khammam district

PURE EV Expands Footprint in Telangana

Khammam: PURE EV, one of Indias leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, today announced the opening of another showroom in Madhira, Khammam, Telangana. The strategically located showroom & Service spans an area of 2000 square feet, providing an excellent space for customers to experience the brand's advanced technology delivering best-in-class products. The new showroom will display PURE EVs complete product portfolio, addressing the increasing demand for sustainable, clean, and cost-effective transportation solutions. The inauguration was honored by distinguished dignitaries, including Smt Mallu Nandini. Chairman, Amma Foundation and other distinguished guests who appreciated the companys initiatives in advancing green mobility and contributing to the regions sustainability goals. Mr. Rohit Vadera, Co-Founder and CEO of PURE EV, expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion, saying, Driven by our commitment to innovation and sustainability, PURE EV is excited to announce the launch of a new showroom in Khammam, Telangana. This expansion allows us to further our mission of making electric mobility accessible to everyone in the region. Customers can now conveniently explore our range of high-performance electric two-wheelers, designed with sustainability and cutting-edge technology in mind. Smt Mallu Nandini, Chairman, Amma Foundation, during the inauguration said PURE EV's expansion into Khammam with a new showroom is commendable. This initiative not only brings their high performance and sustainable electric vehicles closer to the people of Telangana but also demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting the government's vision for a cleaner and greener future. By providing sustainable commute solutions, PURE EV is playing a crucial role in making this vision a reality. PURE EV today is one of the top 10 EV 2 Wheeler manufacturers in India.The company is also making progress by cutting-edge battery technology which has helped reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by an impressive 96,848 tons. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability. PURE EV currently offers ePluto 7G MAX, ePluto 7G, ecoDryft 350, ETRANCE Neo+ and eTryst X. The company recently unveiled an ambitious growth roadmap, targeting the addition of 250 new dealerships over the next 30 months. This expansion will elevate Pure EVs network to over 320 outlets nationwide, driven by the rising demand for long-range electric scooters, motorcycles and large B2B contracts.

Electrician Electrocuted While Repairing Power Line in Santoshnagar

Hyderabad : B. Prashanth, a 26-year-old electrician, was electrocuted in Santoshnagar while repairing a 11-KV power line. Police said Prashanth, from Khammam, was employed by a contractor at SS Electricals. Police said that while the repair was taking place at two different spots within Santoshnagar, the power supply had been temporarily halted. After one of the lines was repaired, the power was allegedly restored without officials realising that Prashanth was still at work on the second spot. When Prashanth fell to the ground, residents quickly administered CPR and called the police and an ambulance. By the time Prashanth reached the hospital, he was dead. Jawaharnagar police registered a case of death under suspicious circumstances and began investigations.

Rabi Operations Progressing Well in Telangana

During the last rabi season, the previous government started disbursement of Rythu Bandhu amount from December 28, 2022, and covered all 70 lakh farmers by January 31, 2023. (DC) During the last rabi season, the previous government started disbursement of Rythu Bandhu amount from December 28, 2022, and covered all 70 lakh farmers by January 31, 2023. (DC) Hyderabad: With sufficient water and prediction of good weather, Rabi operations are progressing well in the state with 25.61 lakh acres sown. Excess rainfall has been recorded in 17 districts and normal rain in 16 districts. The cumulative storage in all the major reservoirs is 724.62 tmc ft as on January 8. Last year, the storage at this time was 426.35 thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft). Telangana normally receives 14 per cent of its annual rainfall from the northeast monsoon (October-December), or 113.20 mm. Rainfall in the period was 86.6 mm, a deviation of minus-23.50 per cent. Overall, the rainfall received in Telangana from June 1, 2024, to January 8, 2025, was 1,049.20 mm as against the normal of 853.10 mm, an excess of 23 per cent. The groundwater level which had fallen to 10.36 metres below ground level (mbgl) in April 2024 improved to 6.72 mbgl in December. This is 0.08 mgbl above the level of last year. The state has the potential to reap a bumper harvest in the Rabi season with good water reserves. Adilabad, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Jangaon, Khammam, Jogulamba Gadwal and Nagarkurnool districts have witnessed maximum sowing of above 50 per cent. Maize, a major crop in the state along with other crops like jowar, black gram and groundnut have had sowing of above 75 per cent in normal cropping acreage. Paddy, another major crop along with wheat, korra (millet), cow gram, safflower and sunflower have so far been sown in less than 50 per cent by 8 January, 2025. The meteorological department is projecting above-normal rainfall over Telangana during January to March 2025. Below-normal minimum temperatures are likely over the state during January 2025.

BJP names candidates for Telangana MLC polls

Hyderabad: BJP in Telangana on Friday announced candidates for the upcoming poll for the three vacancies in the Legislative Council. Union Minister and state BJP president G Kishan Reddy announced Puli Sarotham Reddy, a teacher and activist, as the candidate from Nalgonda-Warangal-Khammam Teachers constituency. Malka Komaraiah, who established educational institutions in Hyderabad and other places, 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: BJP Announces Candidates for Council Elections

TS BJP president and union minister G. Kishan Reddy said the Vajpayee government had introduced many reforms, kickstarted development and welfare programmes. (File Image: Twitter) TS BJP president and union minister G. Kishan Reddy said the Vajpayee government had introduced many reforms, kickstarted development and welfare programmes. (File Image: Twitter) Hyderabad: Telangana BJP president and Union minister G. Kishan Reddy on Friday nominated party candidates for polls to three Legislative Council seats. Puli Sharat Kumar, school assistant from Warangal and general secretary of the Panchayat Raj Teachers' Union, was fielded from the MLC teachers constituency of Nalgonda-Warangal-Khammam. Malka Komaraiah of Peddapalli in Karimnagar district, chairman of the Pallavi group of institutions, was fielded from the MLC teachers constituency for Karimnagar-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Medak. Sangareddy-based entrepreneur C. Anji Reddy, who hails from Ramachandrapuram in Medak district, was fielded as the candidate from the MLC graduates constituency for Karimnagar-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Medak. His wife, Godavari Anji Reddy, is presently president of the partys Sangareddy district unit.

Agri Coops to Be Strengthened: Minister

Khammam: Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao announced on Friday that the state government will strengthen agricultural cooperative societies to benefit farmers. Alongside Sathupalli MLA Matta Ragamayee, he laid the foundation stone for the Singareni Agricultural Godown near Sathupalli, a project estimated at Rs 61 lakh. Speaking at the event, the minister highlighted the governments priority for agriculture, evident in allocating one-fourth of the budget to agriculture and allied sectors. He urged officials to submit proposals for establishing new cooperative societies if farmers requested them. The government also plans to provide agricultural tools through these societies, in addition to fertilisers and storage facilities. Minister Rao noted that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had waived Rs 21,000 crore in crop loans, relieving farmers of debt. Under Rythu Bandhu, Rs 7,000 crore was disbursed to farmers last year. Despite financial challenges, the state allocated Rs 40,000 crore to agriculture in the past year and plans to spend an additional Rs 10,000 crore by March 2025. Starting January 26, Rs 10,000 crore will be deposited directly into farmers' bank accounts under the Rythu Bharosa scheme. He also announced a new crop insurance scheme to cover all crop types, ensuring compensation for crop damage or significant yield declines starting next season. MLA Matta Ragamayee emphasised that Sathupalli and Vamsooru mandals would receive irrigation facilities through the Sitarama project within a year. She mentioned that farmers earned Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per acre, with a Rs 500 bonus per quintal for fine rice varieties. She requested the minister to allocate funds for development projects in Singareni residential areas under the District Mineral Fund.

BJP announces Malka Komariah, Anji Reddy and Sarottham Reddy as candidates for MLC polls

Hyderabad: Telangana BJP here on Friday declared the names of three candidates including renowned educationist Malka Komariah and industrialist C Anji Reddy for the ensuing MLC elections in the State. Following instructions from BJP All India president Jagat Prakash Nadda, Telangana BJP State president and Union Coal Minister G Kishan Reddy released the list of three candidates for the MLC elections. The party announced the name of Komariah from Peddapally for MLC Teachers Constituency - Karimnagar-NizamabadAdilabad-Medak, C Anji Reddy from Sangareddy for MLC Graduates Constituency - Karimnagar-NizamabadAdilabad-Medak and Puli Sarottham Reddy of Warangal for MLC Teachers Constituency - Nalgonda-Warangal-Khammam. Komaraiah hails from Peddpally in the Karimnagar district. He completed his B.E. from Osmania University. Subsequently, he established schools and has done significant work in promoting quality education at the school level. He established educational institutions in Peddapally, Nirmal and Hyderabad. Currently, he is the Chairman of Pallavi Group of Institutions Hyderabad. As an academic administrator and an educator, he has made immense contributions towards enhancing quality education. Further, with his vast experience in the domain, he has a vision for the promotion of educational architecture in Telangana. Anji Reddy, who is a BA Maths graduate, hails from Ramchandrapuram in Medak district. He has been an entrepreneur with investments in diverse areas. He has been associated with the nationalist ideology right from childhood. His wife Godavari Anji Reddy is presently the president of the BJP Sangareddy district. Anji Reddy runs SR trust for last two decades. SR trust has been actively working for providing drinking water in the villages in addition to enhancing education opportunities for the poor. Sarottham Reddy hailing from Warangal served as a school assistant for over 21 years and as a headmaster for over 10 years. He was general secretary of PRTU from 2012 to 2019. He was very active in the separate Telangana agitation as part of Teachers JAC. As a teacher and as an activist, he has done exemplary service for the resolution of long-pending teachers issues.

Bus enroute to Hyderabad collides with truck, 4 migrant workers killed

Hyderabad: Four migrant workers died in a bus accident in Telangana on the Suryapet-Khammam highway on Friday, January 10. The bus was on its way to Hyderabad from Chhattisgarh. The accident occurred at the Ailapur village in the Chivvemla mandal of the district. The bus passengers were migrant workers coming to Hyderabad to earn their 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 .

Bhu Bharati to be enacted at the earliest: Ponguleti

Khammam: Revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy announced on Thursday that the Telangana Bhu Bharati (Record of Rights) Act will be enacted at the earliest to address existing lapses in land records. During a ceremony at the B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat, principal secretary of revenue Naveen Mittal was handed the copy of the Act, which had been signed by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, officially approving the legislation. Speaking on the occasion, minister Ponguleti directed officials to finalise the implementation modalities for the Bhu Bharati Act, emphasising that the Act had received the Governors approval. He reiterated that the state government introduced the Act to provide efficient and swift land revenue services to the public. He thanked Governor Varma for sanctioning the Act and acknowledged the contributions of Cabinet members, officials, and intellectuals who provided suggestions during its formulation. He further instructed the officials to expedite the implementation process, expressing confidence that the Bhu Bharati Act would offer a lasting solution to the states land-related issues. Highlighting the challenges faced by farmers under the previous Telangana Land Revenue Act-2020, enacted by the former BRS government, the minister criticised the lack of progress in finalising its modalities over the past three years. He accused the BRS administration of undermining the revenue system during its decade-long tenure, claiming that revenue services were monopolised by a few individuals for personal gain. Since assuming power, the Congress government has undertaken measures to decentralise revenue services to the village level. Ponguleti announced plans to appoint revenue officers in each village to ensure effective land record administration at the grassroots level. He emphasised that the state governments initiatives are aligned with the aspirations of the people, urging revenue officials to enhance the departments strength and accessibility. Concluding his remarks, minister Ponguleti reminded officials that the state governments decisions are people-centric and called on them to implement policies effectively in the field to ensure the welfare of the populace.

Sitarama project to boost irrigation in Nalgonda: Minister

Khammam: Agriculture minister Tummala Nageswara Rao announced on Thursday that all 10 Assembly constituencies in the former Nalgonda district will get better irrigation facilities upon the completion of the Sitarama project, which is progressing rapidly. Accompanied by Sathupally MLA Matta Ragamayee, Rao inaugurated the Primary Agriculture Cooperative Society (PACS) building and its godown in Nuthankal, Thallada mandal. During his speech, Rao said his long-standing aspiration to secure irrigation from the Godavari River for the district has been fulfilled. He said that both Sathupalli and Wyra Assembly constituencies will benefit from Godavari water through the Sitarama project within a year. Additionally, he noted that the 10 Assembly constituencies in the erstwhile Khammam district receive irrigation from Sitarama Projects, especially when water levels in the Nagarjunasagar project are low. Rao emphasised that similar to the lift irrigation schemes that utilise the left canal of NSP to serve tail-end areas, the Sitarama project was also meticulously designed to ensure comprehensive irrigation coverage. Addressing financial relief for farmers, Rao announced that the state government has waived crop loans up to 2 lakh despite ongoing financial challenges. He expressed confidence in the states ability to overcome economic hurdles, reaffirming the Congress governments commitment to fulfilling all promises to farmers, including the Rythu Bharosa initiative. Rao detailed that a crop insurance scheme will be launched from the kharif season, covering all crops. In cases of reduced yields or crop damage, insurance companies will compensate for the losses. Further, Rao encouraged farmers to transition from paddy cultivation to alternative crops to increase their income. He assured that the state government is prepared to provide godowns and agricultural tools to farmers through PACS, supporting them in adopting more profitable agricultural practices.

Govt school in Telangana's Khammam district operates with single student, teacher

Hyderabad: A government school in a village in Khammam district of Telangana is functioning with just one student and a teacher this academic year due to lack of enrolment. The lone student, a girl studying in class four, attends the upper primary school in Wyra mandal in the district to ensure that her education continues without disruption, a district education official told PTI on Wednesday. While the school had a healthy number of students, enrolment has steadily declined over the years. According to the official, the primary reasons for this are the growing preference for private and English medium schools, as well as parents opting to enroll their children in state-run social welfare residential schools after class 4. Currently, the school is being managed by a single teacher, as staff allocation follows the prescribed pupil-to-teacher ratio. Efforts are underway to encourage parents to enroll their children for the upcoming academic year. Officials are optimistic about admitting at least 25 students. In fact, we have highly qualified teachers, the official said. To attract more students, the school has introduced an innovative programme titled 'we can learn', which focuses on enhancing English and communication skills. This initiative is being actively promoted to boost admissions. Additionally, teachers are being trained to improve their skills. We are expecting positive outcomes (in terms of admissions), the official added.

Eco-tourism Hub at Errupalem of Khammam Soon: Bhatti

Khammam: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Tuesday said that eco-tourism would be developed in the forests of Errupalem mandal in the district which has a reputation for its flora and fauna. Laying the foundation stone for an urban forest park at Jamalapuram, to be developed at a cost of Rs.5.83 crore, Bhatti said that forests, mountains and water bodies were wealth of society. Utilizing its geographical advantage, Errupalem would be developed as a tourism centre. He pointed out that an ancient temple dating back to Sri Krishnadevarayas time was found at Jamalapuram, he said locals have been requesting for development of Jamalapuram near Errupalem. The minister said that the tourism department had planned to set up cottages beside local ponds at Jamalapuram. He instructed officials to develop the eco-tourism park in the area. Tourism would provide direct and indirect employment to locals, he added. Bhatti He instructed officials to complete the work of urban forest park at Jamalapuram at the earliest. District collector Muzammil Khan, chief conservator of forest Bheema Naik and district forest officer Siddarth Vikram Singh attended the programme.

BJP Should Teach Its Leaders on How To Respect Women: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka

Khammam: Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Tuesday said that the BJP leadership should teach its cadres on how to respect women in Hindu culture. Condemning the attack on Gandhi Bhavan at Hyderabad by BJP workers, he said that Congress activists might have attacked the BJP office following abuses hurled by BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri at Priyanka Gandhi, a woman from a family that had made sacrifices for the country. The Congress activists attack on the BJP office happened without notice of the party leaders, Bhatti said. He noted that BJP leaders had not contemned the comments of Ramesh Bidhuri, a BJP former MP, and nor had taken action against him.

Excise Police Dispose of Rs 2 Cr Drugs in Nelakondapally

nstances of drug peddling and seizing of drugs have multiplied in 2023 in Cyberabad jurisdiction, which has the maximum number of pubs from among the three commissionerates. (DC) nstances of drug peddling and seizing of drugs have multiplied in 2023 in Cyberabad jurisdiction, which has the maximum number of pubs from among the three commissionerates. (DC) Khammam: The excise police on Monday disposed of 831 kg of ganja and 11 grams of MDMA, valued at Rs 2 crore, seized in 91 cases under the jurisdiction of Nelakondapally police station. The operation was conducted under the supervision of deputy commissioner of excise, Janardhan Reddy. The confiscated drugs were disposed of at an authorised AWM Limited facility in Gopalpet, Thelleda mandal.

Girl's life saved after rare tumor, ASD detected at KIMS Hospital

A 15-year-old tribal girl from Khammam district has undergone life-saving surgery after being diagnosed with a rare tumor between her heart and lungs. Doctors at Kondapur KIMS Hospital also detected a large Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) a congenital heart condition that had gone unnoticed for years. The complex procedures to address both conditions were successfully performed by Dr Nisarga, chief cardiothoracic surgeon, and Dr C. Rohan Reddy, consultant minimal invasive onco-thoracic surgeon. The girl, the daughter of daily wage labourers, had been suffering from breathlessness when local doctors referred her to KIMS Hospital. Upon examination, she was diagnosed with a mediastinal teratoma, a rare germ cell tumor situated in the space between her lungs and in front of her heart. Further tests revealed the presence of a significant ASD, a hole in the wall separating the hearts chambers. The ASD had caused mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, threatening severe circulatory complications. The tumors location made it particularly challenging to remove, explained Dr Nisarga. It had invaded the pericardium, adhered to parts of the lungs, and extended into the left chest cavity, pressing on critical nerves and blood vessels. A portion of the lung had to be excised during the surgery, though fortunately without compromising lung function. The teratoma, which contained granular materials like hair and cartilage, was completely removed through minimally invasive incisions. Following this, the ASD was repaired in a separate procedure, which required stopping the heart and using a cardiopulmonary bypass machine. The defect was patched using tissue from the hearts outer layer. The girl was discharged five days after surgery. These surgeries demand exceptional skill and advanced medical facilities, noted Dr Rohan Reddy. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for such complex cases. This rare case highlights the importance of improving healthcare access and awareness in underserved tribal areas, where congenital conditions like ASD often go unnoticed due to lack of resources.

Govt committed to filling up vacancies, says Sridhar Babu

Hyderabad: The government is committed to filling all vacant government positions on a regular basis by resolving legal and procedural challenges in the recruitment process, said IT and industries minister D. Sridhar Babu, adding that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had placed special emphasis on filling vacancies in the home department. The minister was addressing the passing out parade of 196 fire driver operators at the Telangana State Fire Services and Civil Defence Training Institute, Vattinagulapally, Rangareddy district, on Saturday. The recruitment process, which was stalled for the past decade, has been revived under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the minister stated. Sridhar Babu praised the services of the fire department personnel, particularly their critical role during the floods in Khammam. Whenever a crisis arises, they step forward with determination to safeguard lives. Their work is exemplary, embodying the spirit of service and brotherhood, he said. Addressing the newly inducted driver operators, who completed a four-month training programme, the minister congratulated them on their achievement. As you step into your roles, I urge you to uphold integrity, efficiency and professionalism. Treat the public with respect and fulfill your duties with dedication, he advised. Special chief secretary, home, Ravi Gupta and fire services DG Y. Nagi Reddy, Rajendranagar MLA T. Prakash Goud, MLC B. Dayanand and others were present in the meeting.

Telangana: 19-Yr-Old Thief Nabbed, Gold Seized

After searches, officials had concluded that ornaments worth Rs 2.13 lakh were missing. (Representational image) After searches, officials had concluded that ornaments worth Rs 2.13 lakh were missing. (Representational image) Khammam: Khammam Town-II police caught a 19-year-old thief, Gugulothu Naveen, from Ramparthi Nagar in the city. Authorities seized 290 grams of gold ornaments worth Rs 16.8 lakh and 1.5 kg of silver valued at Rs 1.2 lakh from his possession. Naveen, a resident of Nallgundi Thanda in Nellikuduru mandal, Mahbubabad district, was identified as the suspect involved in multiple property offenses. Assistant commissioner of police Ramana Murthy announced the arrest at a press meet in Khammam. During the investigation, police found the gold and silver ornaments in Naveen's bag while he was moving suspiciously in Ramparthi Nagar. Further inquiry revealed that Naveen had confessed to committing property offenses in both Medchal and Khammam districts. Naveen is recognised as a habitual property offender, having committed thefts in Mahbubabad and Hyderabad since 2016. His repeated offenses led to his eventual arrest by the police authorities aiming to curb ongoing criminal activities in the region.

Ponguleti Promises Funds to Complete 2bhk for Poor Families

Khammam: Minister for revenue and housing Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy announced on Saturday that the state government will allocate funds to complete the construction of 2bhk houses for poor families. Accompanied by Khammam MP Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy, the minister distributed cheques from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund (CMRF) to 106 beneficiaries at his camp office in Kusumanchi. Speaking at the event, Srinivas Reddy criticised the previous BRS government for leaving many double bedroom housing projects unfinished despite claiming to prioritise housing for the poor. He assured that these projects would be completed by Sankranti and allocated to eligible families. The minister revealed that 3,500 Indiramma houses will be allocated to each Assembly constituency in the first phase. Of the 80 lakh applications received for Indiramma houses statewide, surveys for 64 lakh have been completed, with the remaining to be finalised within four days. Highlighting the Congress governments focus on welfare, Srinivas Reddy stated that upcoming announcements would benefit farmers and reaffirmed commitments to women and youth made during the elections. He noted that efforts were being made to avoid financial constraints impacting welfare schemes. He also emphasised womens empowerment through the Indira Mahila Shakthi Scheme, aimed at financial self-sufficiency. Encouraging women to leverage government initiatives like loans to become entrepreneurs, he stressed the importance of standing independently. Earlier, the minister inaugurated an Indira Mahila Shakthi Tea Stall at Warangal Cross Road in Khammam.

Telangana Coldwave: Asifabad Records 6.5C

As a cold wave swept across south-interior Karnataka, the minimum temperature fell to below 7 degrees Celsius on Friday morning, but warmed gradually, said the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC). As a cold wave swept across south-interior Karnataka, the minimum temperature fell to below 7 degrees Celsius on Friday morning, but warmed gradually, said the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC). Hyderabad : The state is witnessing a significant drop in night time temperatures. According to Telangana Development Planning Society (TGDPS) data, the cold wave has gripped several parts of the State, marking a sharp decrease in mercury levels. Kumuram Bheem Asifabad registered 6.5C, followed by Sangareddy at 6.9C and Adilabad at 7.1C. Other districts Vikarabad (7.3C), Rangareddy (7.5C), Kamareddy (8C), Nirmal (8.5C), Mahabubnagar and Rajanna Sircilla (both at 9C), Medak (9.1C), Medchal Malkajgiri (9.6C), Siddipet (9.7C), Jayashankar Bhupalpally (9.9C), and Narayanpet and Jagtial (10C). Districts recording temperatures above 10C include Nagarkurnool (10.3C), Nizamabad (10.6C), Mancherial (10.7C), and Mulugu, Nalgonda, and Yadadri Bhongir (all at 10.8C). Karimnagar saw a minimum of 10.9C, followed by Warangal (11.1C), Jangaon (11.3C), Mahabubabad (11.4C), Peddapalli (11.5C), and Bhadradri Kothagudem (11.8C). Hyderabad recorded a minimum temperature of 12.1C. Other areas included Hanamkonda (12.2C), Suryapet (12.3C), Jogulamba Gadwal (12.4C), Wanaparthy (12.9C), and Khammam, which recorded the highest minimum temperature in the state at 13.2C.

Colder nights return to Telangana; lowest of 6.5C in Asifabad, highest of 13.2C in Khammam

Hyderabad recorded a minimum temperature of 12.1C

Tiger Keeps Cops, Forest Staff on Toes; People Panic

Warangal: The movement of a tiger along the Godavari riverbank has become a major concern for forest officials, police, and local residents in the erstwhile Warangal district. The officials spotted the footprints of a tiger in Kothaguda forest region in Mahbubabad on Thursday. Approximately one and a half months ago, the tiger entered Telangana from Chhattisgarh via the Godavari riverbank. Its footprints were first spotted in Mulugu, followed by sightings in Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mulugu again, and later in Mahbubabad and Warangal districts. Forest officials speculate that the tiger might have originated from sanctuaries such as Tadoba, Tippeshwar, or Kadamba. After a two-week absence, it reappeared in Mulugu forests and was later seen in Rudragudem of Nallabelli mandal, Warangal district. Authorities are still determining whether it is the same tiger or if two are present. Officials are uncertain if the tiger will establish its territory in the area or return to its native habitat. Some believe it is searching for a new territory, while others suggest it may be seeking a mate, as winter is the ideal season for tiger mating. Mulugu district forest officer (DFO) Rahul Kishan Jadav explained that mother tigers care for their cubs until they are 18 months to two years old, after which the cubs seek their own territories. The tiger in question, a two-year-old sub-adult male, appears to favour the Godavari belt, which includes Mulugu, Khammam, Bhupalpally, and Mahbubabad districts, known for their dense forests. Tigers prefer areas that are safe and provide abundant prey, he added. Mahbubabad DFO B. Vishal noted that tigers are naturally shy and tend to avoid human habitation, roaming primarily in forests. He emphasised that the tiger, being young and healthy, is not a threat to humans as it can hunt effectively. Older tigers with diminished hunting abilities are more likely to attack humans. Tigers can travel 3540 km daily and survive without food for up to four days. The tiger might be exploring the region or searching for a mate. Dense foliage makes tracking its movements challenging for forest staff. Residents have been cautioned against provoking the tiger, as it could lead to attacks. Villagers are advised to report sightings to forest officials and avoid visiting fields at night. To monitor the tiger's movement, six teams have been deployed in Mulugu and three in Mahbubabad. Tracking cameras have been installed at various locations, and comprehensive measures are being implemented to mitigate risks to both the tiger and the public.

SCR to run 26 additional Maha Kumbh Mela special trains

Hyderabad: In order to clear extra rush of passengers participating in the Maha Kumbh Mela - 2025, the South Central Railway (SCR) is operating 26 additional Maha Kumbh Mela special trains between various destinations in February. Train No. 07081/07082 Guntur Azamgarh Vijayawada (Two services): These special trains will stop at Guntur Azamgarh special train will stop Vijayawada, Khammam, Dornakal, Mahbubabad, Warangal, Ramagundam, Mancherial, Sirpur Kaghaznagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Mirzapur, Varanasi and Shahganj stations in both the directions. Train No. 07083/07084 Machilipatnam Azamgarh Machilipatnam (Two services): These special trains will stop at Gudlavalleru, Gudivada, Vijayawada, Khammam, Warangal, Ramagundam, Mancherial, Sirpur Kaghaznagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Mirzapur, Varanasi and Shahganj stations in both the directions. Train No. 07085/07086 Kakinada Town Azamgarh Vijayawada (Two services): These special trains will stop at Samalkot, Nidadavolu, Tadepalligudem, Eluru, Vijayawada, Khammam, Warangal, Ramagundam, Mancherial, Sirpur Kaghaznagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Varanasi and Shahganj stations in both the directions. In the return direction, Train No. 07086 will be terminated at Vijayawada station and will not stop at Kakinada Town, Samalkot, Nidadavolu , Tadepalligudem, Eluru stations. Train No. 07087/07088 Moula-Ali Banaras Moula-Ali (Two services): These special trains will stop at Bhongir, Jangaon, Kazipet, Jammikunta, Peddapalli, Ramagundam, Bellampalli, Sirpur Kaghaznagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur and Prayagraj Chheoki stations in both the directions. Train. No. 07089/07090 Moula Ali Gaya Moula Ali Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Bhongir, Jangaon, Kazipet, Jammikunta, Peddapalli, Ramagundam, Bellampalli, Sirpur Kaghaz Nagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn, Bhabua Road, Sasaram, Dehri on Sone and Anugraha Narayan Road stations in both the directions. Tr. No. 07091/07092 Vikarabad Gaya - Vikarabad Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Lingampalli, Cherlapalli, Jangaon, Kazipet, Jammikunta, Peddapalli, Ramagundam, Bellampalli, Sirpur Kaghaz Nagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn, Bhabua Road, Sasaram, Dehri on Sone and Anugraha Narayan Road stations in both the directions. Tr. No. 07093/07094 Vijayawada Gaya Vijayawada Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Madhira, Khammam, Dornakal, Mahbubabad, Warangal, Jammikunta, Peddapalli, Ramagundam, Bellampalli, Sirpur Kaghaz Nagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn, Bhabua Road, Sasaram, Dehri on Sone and Anugraha Narayan Road stations in both the directions. Tr. No. 07095/07096 Kakinada Town Gaya Vijayawada Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Samalkot, Nidadavolu, Tadepalligudem, Eluru, Vijayawada, Madhira, Khammam, Dornakal, Mahbubabad, Warangal, Jammikunta, Peddapalli, Ramagundam, Bellampalli, Sirpur Kaghaz Nagar, Balharshah, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Betul, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn, Bhabua Road, Sasaram, Dehri on Sone and Anugraha Narayan Road stations. In the return direction, Train No. 07096 will be terminated at Vijayawada station and will not stop at Kakinada Town, Samalkot, Nidadavolu , Tadepalligudem, Eluru stations. Tr. No. 07099/07100 Nanded Patna Nanded Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Purna, Basmat, Hingoli, Washim, Akola, Malkapur, Khandwa, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn., Buxar, Ara and Danapur stations in both the directions. Tr. No. 07101/07102 Aurangabad Patna Aurangabad Special Trains (Four services): These special trains will stop at Jalna, Selu, Parbhani, Purna, Basmat, Hingoli, Washim, Akola, Malkapur, Khandwa, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn., Buxar, Ara and Danapur stations in both the directions. Tr. No. 07103/7104 Kacheguda Patna Kacheguda Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Bolarum, Medchal, Kamareddi, Nizamabad, Basar, Dharmabad, Umri, Mudkhed, Nanded, Purna, Basmat, Hingoli, Washim, Akola, Malkapur, Khandwa, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn., Buxar, Ara, Danapur, stations in both the directions. Tr. No. 07105/07106 Secunderabad Patna Secunderabad Special Trains (Two services): These special trains will stop at Bolarum, Medchal, Kamareddi, Nizamabad, Basar, Dharmabad, Umri, Mudkhed, Nanded, Purna, Basmat, Hingoli, Washim, Akola, Malkapur, Khandwa, Itarsi, Pipariya, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Satna, Manikpur, Prayagraj Chheoki, Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya Jn., Buxar, Ara, Danapur, stations in both the directions. All these special trains will consists of 2A, 3A, sleeper and general second class coaches, according to a press release.

Couple among three injured due to kite manja in Telangana

Hyderabad: Three persons including a couple suffered injuries due to kite manja that got tangled around their hands and neck in Shamshabad and Bhadradri-Kothagudem district on Wednesday. In the first incident, a couple was returning home at Shadnagar in erstwhile Mahbubnagar district on their motorcycle after visiting a temple at Muchintal in connection with New Year. After crossing Muchintal, kite manja got tangled to the neck of Ranganath and when his wife was trying to remove it, she also suffered injuries on her hands. Ranganath said that he escaped with minor injuries only after his wife reacted immediately and tried to remove it and appealed to the people, especially youngsters not to use Chinese manja while flying kites on account of Sankranti festival. In a separate incident, a motorcyclist, A Krishna Rao, sustained grievous injuries after manja tangled his neck at Ramavaram village in Kothagudem Town in Khammam district. Rao, a resident of Gurvaigudem of Chandrukonda mandal, was on his way to his office in Kothagudem when the incident occurred. Locals first rushed him to a private hospital in Kothagudem. As his condition became serious, the family members rushed him to a private hospital in Hyderabad for better treatment. Youngsters started flying kites for the last 10 days even before the Sankranti festival on January 13 and 14.

Telangana To Build Modern Offices for SROs With CSR Funds

Hyderabad: The state government has decided to construct ultra-modern sub-registrar office (SRO) buildings using corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, aimed at improving public services and infrastructure. Revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said that many SROs were operating from rented premises, lacking basic facilities. This initiative aims to alleviate these issues and provide more efficient and transparent services to the people. In the first phase, the state government will focus on building new SROs in four key districts, including Hyderabad. Srinivas Reddy was speaking at a review meeting at the Secretariat on Tuesday, where he discussed the reorganisation and development plans for these offices. The meeting was attended by collectors and registrars of Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Sangareddy districts, and Khammam MP Ramasahayam Raghurama Reddy. Revenue principal secretary Navinn Mittal, Stamps and registration inspector-general Jyoti Buddha Prakash, and senior officials participated. The minister said that by building new, permanent offices, the government aims to enhance public access to services while providing a better working environment for officials. The minister instructed collectors to identify suitable land sites for the construction of these offices. He said that people visiting the SROs would no longer need to wait for long hours under trees. The state has 144 sub-registrar offices of which only 37 are housed in their own buildings. In the first phase, the new sub-registrar offices will be built at Sangareddy and Patancheru in Sangareddy district, Medchal, Quthbullapur, and Uppal in Medchal-Malkajgiri district, and Kandukur in Rangareddy district in upcoming Fourth City. An integrated sub-registrar office will be constructed at the Telangana Academy of Land Information and Management (TALIM) office premises in Gachibowli encompassing the SROs of Gandipet and Serilingampally, and the Rangareddy district registrar office. Additionally, three sub-registrar offices in Hyderabad located in Banjara Hills, SR Nagar, and Golconda will be consolidated into a single integrated office at Shaikpet. These are expected to streamline services, improve supervision, and reduce corruption by making it easier to manage and monitor operations. The new SROs will be designed to offer better facilities for the public, including spacious waiting halls, drinking water facilities, and ample parking. Each new office will cover a minimum area of three acres, with buildings ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 square feet. The minister also highlighted the role of technology in improving services and reducing corruption in SROs. He instructed officials to make extensive use of digital tools to ensure transparency and efficiency. He directed officials to formulate an action plan to implement these changes. The foundation stones for the new buildings are expected to be laid within a month. The integrated SRO at Gachibowli is expected to serve as a model for future offices.

Final electoral rolls out for Council polls

Hyderabad : The final electoral rolls for Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad- Karimnagar Graduates Constituency, Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad- Karimnagar and Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda Teachers Constituencies, were released on Monday. Chief electoral officer C. Sudharshan Reddy announced the final publication of electoral rolls following the completion of claims and objections. For Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad- Karimnagar Graduates Constituency, 499 polling stations have been proposed, wherein male voters are 2,18,060, female (1,23,250), and transgenders (3). The constituency has total 3,41,313 electors. For Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad- Karimnagar Teachers Constituency, 274 polling booths have been earmarked. It has 16,364 male voters and female voters (9,557). The constituency has a combined strength of 25,921 voters. For Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda Teachers Constituency, 200 polling stations have been proposed. The constituency has 14,940 male voters and female (9,965) with total strength of electors is 24,905.

Khammam to host State-level Archery championship

Pastor dies after getting electrocuted in Telanganas Khammam

Hyderabad: A pastor died after he was electrocuted in Dendukuru village of Madhira mandal, Khammam on Saturday, December 28. The deceased was identified as Meesala Srinivas Rao. Police said the pastor came into contact with electric traps set upfor wild boars. The pastors body was shifted to a hospital for postmortem. A case has been 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 .

Police find property offences, crime on women rise in Khammam

Khammam: Khammam saw a surge in property offences, crimes against women, and cybercrimes in 2024 compared to 2023, as per the annual crime report released by police commissioner Sunit Dutt. Property offences rose by 50.2 per cent, with 700 cases reported in 2024 compared to 466 in 2023. Despite a 22.4 per cent improvement in detection due to the use of CC cameras and CLUES teams, the recovery rate dropped to 28 per cent from 35 per cent in 2023. The police recovered 1.56 crore out of 5.58 crore lost in these offences and arrested 352 offenders in 345 cases. Economic offences increased by 63 per cent, with 727 cases in 2024, up from 446 in 2023. Crimes such as cheating, forgery, counterfeit currency, and breach of trust saw significant growth. Crimes against women rose by 10 per cent, with 858 cases reported in 2024, up from 789 in 2023. Road accidents increased by 11.9 per cent, with 789 incidents reported, including 271 fatal and 405 non-fatal accidents. Fatalities rose from 233 in 2023 to 281 in 2024. Cybercrimes surged by 61 per cent, with 2,148 cases in 2024 compared to 1,332 in 2023. The majority were online financial frauds (1,742), followed by 195 social media-related crimes, six hacking cases, and four cryptocurrency-related offences.

2025 will commence with key election battles in Telangana

Hyderabad : The year 2025 is poised to witness a high-stakes political showdown in the state as the tenure of multiple local bodies comes to an end. With the term of the existing municipalities concluding on January 26, and the tenure of gram panchayats having ended this February, followed by those of zilla and mandal parishads in July, the state government is preparing for a series of elections. It is planning to conduct local body elections in phases between January and March. Incidentally, they will coincide with elections to teacher MLC seats and one graduate MLC seat, which are slated for March. The state Cabinet, in its scheduled meeting on December 30, is expected to finalise the election roadmap for these local bodies. The term of incumbent MLCs, including Graduate MLC T. Jeevan Reddy (Congress) from the Nizamabad-Adilabad-Medak-Karimnagar constituency, and two Teacher MLCs Alugubelli Narsi Reddy (Independent) from Nalgonda-Warangal-Khammam, and Kura Raghotham Reddy (PRTU) from Nizamabad-Adilabad-Medak-Karimnagar, will expire on March 29. The Congress government is sparing no effort to secure these seats, towards which it is engaging with voters across seven of the ten undivided districts in Telangana. The elections are widely seen as a referendum on the Congress governments performance since assuming office in December 2023. The last local body elections in 2019 resulted in an overwhelming victory for the then-ruling party BRS. However, the political dynamics have since shifted significantly. Over the past year, numerous district-level leaders and grassroots cadre have defected from the BRS to the Congress, altering the states political landscape. The Congress is pinning hopes on its flagship farmer-centric welfare schemes to sway the rural electorate. The`21,000 crore crop loan waiver that has benefitted 23 lakh farmers is expected to resonate strongly with the rural populace. The scheduled Sankranti launch of the Rythu Bharosa scheme will replace the BRS-initiated Rythu Bandhu. It promises Rs 15,000 per acre annually to farmersan increase from the Rs 10,000 provided under Rythu Bandhu. Additionally, Rythu Bharosa will extend support to landless and tenant farmers with Rs 12,000 per year, a provision that did not exist earlier. The Congress has also wooed paddy farmers by providing a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal for fine variety paddy during the kharif season. These initiatives are expected to tilt the rural vote bank in Congresss favour, feel its leaders. The elections will cover a vast demographic, with the states rural and urban electorate set to vote for ward members and sarpanches in 12,769 gram panchayats, 5,857 MPTCs (mandal parishad territorial constituencies) and 539 ZPTCs (zilla parishad territorial constituencies). These elections are critical for the Congress, which recently marked its first anniversary in power on December 7. As the BRS attempts to regain lost ground and BJP attempts to make inroads into rural areas, the Congress hopes that its pro-farmer schemes and grassroots mobilisation will consolidate its position ahead of these crucial elections.

CPI Only Party Supporting Working Class: Kunamneni

Hyderabad: CPI MLA Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao said it is the only party that stands by the aspirations of the working class. He averred that the party functionaries had given up the chance to adorn many posts. He made the remarks while addressing the centenary celebrations of the party in Khammam. The party took out a rally in the city after paying homage to the portrait of Chakali Ilamma. Addressing the rally he said, All the communist parties should come together. The fact that so many have turned up for the party conference of their own volition is a testament to our strength. Not a single penny has been spent to mobilise the people. Our leaders dont switch sides even at the altar of money. If we were interested in bagging posts we would have sought them. CPI national general secretary Syed Azeez Pasha flayed Union home minister Amit Shah for belittling the architect of the Indian Constitution Dr B.R. Ambedkar. He reminded that CPI had played a pivotal role in the struggle for independence. Expressing dismay at the way Parliament is being run he felt that the Rajya Sabha chairman and vice chairman are behaving as BJP workers. Another national executive member Chada Venkat Reddy said, The basic rights promised in the constitution have failed to materialize even 77 years after independence. The land laws, welfare schemes, labour laws became a reality only because of the struggles led by CPI and its mass organisations. CPI national executive member K. Srinivas Reddy said, No party has the capacity to come to power alone. The progressive parties which came to power in Nepal and Latin American countries are part of the larger Marxist, Leninist partys ideology though they may not avowedly vow by the theory. CPI national executive member Puvvada Nageshwara Rao and CPI state secretary executive Bhagam Hemanth Rao also took part in the event.