Revanth Reddy questions delay over setting up Turmeric Board

Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday alleged that the BJP cheated turmeric farmers of Nizamabad by not setting up the National Turmeric Board even after making the promise five years ago. He said that like in 2019, the BJP is once again taking the turmeric farmers for a ride over the issue. 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 .

Democracy Under Threat from BJP: CM Revanth

NIZAMABAD : TPCC president and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy warned that worlds largest democracy in India is under threat from the BJP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to change the Constitution and abolish reservations to the SC/ST, OBC and minorities, he alleged. If BJP is voted to power, democracy will be under threat and dictator rule may prevail, he said. Revanth Reddy took part in a rally and road corner meeting in Nizamabad on Wednesday night. To protect the Constitution, he called upon people to vote for Congress party. Congress party and the Gandhi family can only protect the Constitution, he said. He questioned why the BJP government failed to conduct the 2021 Census and caste-wise censusnad criticised that BJP is planning to destroy the rights of the poor and downtrodden in the country. The chief minister warned that 140 crore people in the country will not spare the BJP for its attempts to change the Constitution. He assured that after Congress came to power in the centre, it would conduct caste-wise census and provide proportionate reservations to all communities. It is the responsibility of people to protect the Constitution from the BJP threat, he said. Earlier, in the Armoor meeting, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy termed BJP leaders as Beggars for asking for votes in the name of Gods. For political mileage, BJP leaders cheated not only people, they also did it to gods, he criticised. He pleaded with Vedic scholars to declare the rituals of Hindus and the misdeeds of BJP leaders. What basis do BJP leaders have to distribute Akshinthalu (holy grains) to the people before Prathista (installation) of Lord Rama in Ayodhya?, he questioned.

Tuesdays unseasonal rains wreak havoc in Telangana; 10 killed

Hyderabad: The sudden downpour that lashed many parts of the State including Hyderabad on Tuesday evening wreaked havoc claiming lives of at least 10 people and causing crop damage to thousands of acres. The sweltering heat conditions kept the people on the edge for the last few weeks as day temperatures crossed 42 degrees Celsius. Instead of bringing relief from the scorching heat, the sudden rainfall caused loss of human life and damage to crops in thousands of acres in erstwhile Nizamabad, Karimanagar and other districts in the State. Seven people lost their lives after a rain-soaked wall caved in Bachupally on Tuesday night, while two bodies that were swept in rain was found in Begumpet nala on Wednesday morning. The police shifted the bodies of seven persons Thirupathi Maji, Shankar, Raju, Kushi, Ram Yadav, Geetha and four-year-old Himanshu, all hailing from Odisha and Chhattisgarh, for conducting an autopsy while two bodies found in Begumpet nala were preserved at the Gandhi hospital mortuary for identification. Following information that the unseasonal downpour extensively caused damage to crops, officials of Agriculture department on Wednesday asked the District Agriculture Officer (DAOs) to conduct field inspection in their district concerned to assess the crop damage and submit a detailed report. We gave instructions to ADOs to immediately conduct field inspections for assessing the crop damage and asked them to submit district-wise reports by today evening, a senior official of the Agriculture department said. He said the sudden showers lashed the State at a time when the department started disbursing one-time relief to farmers, who suffered crop damage during heavy rainfall occurred between March 16 to 21 in 10 districts. The State government released an amount of Rs.15.81 crore as a one-time measure, a relief of Rs. 10,000 per acre to farmers who suffered the loss in 10 districts Kamareddy, Nizamabad, Rajanna Sircilla, Siddipet, Medak, Adilabad, Nirmal, Mancherial, Karimnagar and Sangareddy. The Civil Supplies department is also seeking information about the loss suffered by farmers after their paddy got drenched due to unseasonal rains. Instructions were issued to officials to collect information from Paddy Procurement Centres across the State.

Nizamabad gears up for triangular contest

The main contestants BJP, Congress and BRS are battling it out after suffering defeat in Assembly electionsreports Asian Lite News A triangular fight is on the cards in... The post Nizamabad gears up for triangular contest first appeared on India Daily Digital .

Telangana: Nizamabad LS seat set for three-cornered contest

Hyderabad: A triangular fight is on the cards in the Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency, a key constituency in the politically significant north Telangana region. The main contestants are battling it out after suffering defeat in Assembly elections. Sitting MP Dharampuri Arvind of BJP, senior Congress leader and former minister T. Jeevan Reddy and Bharat Rashtra 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 .

Elusive Turmeric board and hardships of Gulf migrants still a key issue in Nizamabad

Five years down the line with yet another election scheduled on May 13, the promised Turmeric Board is nowhere in sight despite a promise made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah just two days ago that the National Turmeric Board will surely be set up in Nizamabad only

Congress is anti-Ram, anti-Sanatan: JP Nadda

HYDERABAD/NALGONDA: BJP national president JP Nadda on Monday alleged that the Congress was anti-Ram and anti-Sanatan and that it supports anti-national forces. Addressing an election rally at Peddapalli, Nadda accused the grand old party of hijacking the reservations of SC, ST and OBC communities. He said that when the Congress was in power in undivided Andhra Pradesh in 2004, it robbed SC, ST and OBCs of their reservations and gave them to Muslims. The Congress curtailed OBC reservations and gave it to Muslims in Karnataka but the BJP government did away with it and gave the OBCs their rights back, the BJP leader said. Who is doing the theft? he asked. Referring to the Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM, BRS and Congress as ABC, the BJP national president alleged that they follow the agenda of the Muslim League. All of them follow the principles and policies of Tablighi Jamaat, he charged. The BJP leader said that Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi remained silent when DMK leader Udayanidhi Stalin compared Sanatan Dharma with HIV, dengue and malaria. Addressing a public meeting in Nalgonda, he alleged that the Congress has a history of only announcing welfare schemes but never implementing them. BRS and Congress have not done anything for Telangana. They are family parties. While Congress is a party of scandals, Kaleshwaram has become an ATM for BRS, Nadda alleged. He said that the Congress is an enemy of Hinduism. Congress administration is responsible for the backwardness of the country. Only BJP can protect SC, ST and OBC reservations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a visionary who radically changed Indian politics, Nadda said. Utilise Central scheme, become bizmen: Arvind to turmeric farmers BJP candidate Dharmapuri Arvind on Monday urged farmers to seize the opportunity provided by the government to export turmeric. In a chai pe charcha programme in Ankapur village of Armoor mandal, Arvind said that with the backing of the government, Nizamabad could attract buyers from across the globe for processed turmeric. Bandi is my inspiration: Annamalai Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Monday said that drawing inspiration from MP Bandi Sanjay, he took up his own padayatra in TN. Addressing a Yuva Sammelanam programme at Jammikunta, Annamalai called upon BJP activists to ensure that Sanjay bags at least 60% of the votes in Karimnagar.

BJP will win less than 210 seats: K Chandrasekhar Rao

NIZAMABAD: Former chief minister and BRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao here on Monday said that after Lok Sabha elections coalition government would come to power at the Centre and regional parties would play a key role in the formation of government. Stating that the Congress government released Rythu Bandhu funds under pressure from the BRS, KCR said if his party wins 12-14 seats, the interests of Telangana would be protected. KCR, who reached Nizamabad in the evening, participated in a roadshow from the Old Collectors Office to Gandhi Chowk where he addressed a public gathering. He predicted that the BJP would win less than 210 seats in the upcoming parliament elections. Calling on the people to vote for the BRS to defeat the BJP, he appealed to Muslims to extend their support to his party candidate. He accused BJP MP D Arvind of using intemperate language and spreading confusion in society. Asserting that the BRS was the only party which could defeat the BJP, KCR said that Muslims should exercise their voting right carefully. If Muslims vote for the Congress, it would help the BJP. Therefore, they should be careful. Dismissing the allegations that he was targeting the BJP because his daughter Kavitha was put in jail, the BRS supremo asserted that he was not afraid of anything. Describing himself as a Hindu and athma bandhu of Telangana, KCR said that Hindus and Muslims have been living like brothers. Not a single communal incident take place during the nine years of the BRS government, he said and added that the BRS government spent Rs 12,000 crore for the welfare of minorities.

Heading for a photo finish in Telangana

HYDERABAD: With just five days left for all political parties to convince citizens why they deserve to represent them in Parliament, campaigning has reached a fever pitch, especially in constituencies where the contest appears to be neck-and-neck. Various internal surveys conducted by the three major parties in the fray in Telangana the Congress , BJP and BRS point to a straightforward battle between the two national parties in seven constituencies and triangular contests in five to six Lok Sabha seats. In the remaining constituencies, one party has a clear edge and is expected to win without much fuss. Considering the stakes, its hardly surprising that all the parties have pulled in their heavyweights to campaign. While the BJPs campaign is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Congress top guns like AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and its star campaigners Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi have been toiling hard. The BRS campaign is led by its supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao and former ministers KT Rama Rao and T Harish Rao. Sources in both the Congress and BJP said that both the parties are gearing up for a close finish in seven constituencies, with each claiming a slight edge over the other. According to internal surveys, the margin between these two parties stands at 3% to 4% in Adilabad, Nizamabad, Malkajgiri, Chevella, Mahbubnagar, Zaheerabad and Bhongir segments. Division of votes The internal surveys point to triangular contests in Secunderabad, Karimnagar, Medak, Warangal, Peddapalli and Nagarkurnool. In such a scenario, the division of votes will play a crucial role in determining the victor. For instance, in Secunderabad, the Congress hopes to sway voters who supported the BRS in the last Assembly elections but may now favour the grand old party as it is in power in the state. Obviously the BRS is putting in all efforts to maintain its voter base. Meanwhile, the BJP is hoping to build on its traditional vote share by tapping into anti-incumbency sentiment. BJP, Congress surveys predict close contest in 7 segments in Telangana In Medak, intense competition prevails as all three parties are vying for the seat. The BRS has fielded former IAS officer P Venktram Reddy, the Congress nominated Neelam Madhu Mudiraj and the BJP picked former MLA M Raghunandan Rao. While the ruling party fields a candidate from the BC community to appeal to the majority voter base, the BJP is relying on its presence in the constituency and the charisma of Modi. However, Medak is considered a stronghold of the BRS and is represented in the Assembly by KCR and Harish Rao. Changing scenarios In Karimnagar, BJP candidate Bandi Sanjay held the edge till about a fortnight ago, but the situation now appears to have changed with the Congress fielding V Rajender Rao. The BRS candidate is B Vinod Kumar. Minister Ponnam Prabhakar is working hard on behalf of the party to win the Karimnagar seat and prove his mettle. The BRS is doing all it can to win the seat since party working president KT Rama Rao represents Sircilla, which is part of the Lok Sabha seat, in the Assembly. Likewise, Warangal and Nagarkurnool constituencies are also expected to see a photo finish. In Warangal, Sudheer Kumar (BRS), Kadiyam Kavya (Congress) and Aroori Ramesh (BJP) are in the fray, while former IPS officer RS Praveen Kumar (BRS), former MP Mallu Ravi (Congress) and sitting MP P Ramulus son P Bharat (BJP) are facing off in Nagarkurnool. In Peddapalli too, a triangular contest is expected between BJPs Gomasa Srinivas, Koppula Eswar of the BRS and Congress Gaddam Vamshi Krishna, who is the son of MLA G Vivek Venkataswamy. Though it was initially considered a battle between the Congress and BRS candidates, the scenario changed after sitting MP B Venkatesh Netha joined the saffron party from the Congress. In February this year, Venkatesh had shifted his loyalties from the BRS to the Congress.

Nizamabad MP Aravind Dharmapuri is an enemy of Gulf migrants, alleges Congress NRI cell

Gujarat Model in Telangana Could Mean Godhra Like Violence: KCR

Hyderabad: With five days of campaigning left for the May 13 Lok Sabha elections, the BRS is sharpening its attacks on the Congress and BJP, with its focus firmly on Telangana-related issues. The BRS campaign has been focusing on issues related to farming such as the government going slow in depositing Rythu Bandhu amounts, not implementing the Rs 500 per quintal bonus for paddy to farmers, neglect of irrigation and power cuts in the state. The party has also been urging the Muslim community not to vote for Congress as such an act would only help the BJP candidates. On Monday, BRS president K. Chandrashekar Rao, addressing a meeting in Nizamabad, as part of his ongoing bus tour, reiterated that the BRS was the voice and strength of Telangana sate. Only if the BRS is voted for can the Congress government be forced to implement its promises, Rao said, citing the state governments decision to start disbursal of pending Rythu Bandhu funds from Monday. It is because KCR has hit the streets. The Chief Minister is quaking with fear because I am among the people now despite a broken leg and having to use a walking stick, he said. Addressing the Muslim community in Nizamabad constituency, Rao called the BJP a khatarnak (dangerous) party. He also called the BJPs Nizamabad candidate Dharmapuri Arvind gandha (dirty), and rounded off wondering aloud if the Gujarat model the BJP talked about, and which Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help in replicating it in Telangana, means if they will bring the Godhra model, people will be burnt alive. Is this the Gujarat model that they will bring? BRS in survival mode, returns to its roots with a vengeance

Assets of Top 52 Candidates from Telangana in LS Fray Nearly Rs 4,000 Cr

Election Commission told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it would derecognise those political parties which use children in election campaign or poll-related work. (Photo: PTI/File) Election Commission told the Bombay High Court on Tuesday that it would derecognise those political parties which use children in election campaign or poll-related work. (Photo: PTI/File) Hyderabad: The Election Commission of India has fixed a ceiling of Rs 95 lakh for a candidate to spend on the Lok Sabha election campaign. Going by the assets declared by the candidates from the three main parties in Telangana state, all of them, except one, could manage to spend this amount. Incidentally, among the three major parties, only the BRS has officially handed over cheques of Rs 95 lakh to each of its 17 candidates so far. The total assets declared by 51 candidates from the Congress, BJP, and the BRS, along with MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, the lone AIMIM candidate, stand at Rs 3,953.49 crore. Of this, BJP candidates have a lions share at Rs 2,486.21 crore, with its Chevella candidate Konda Vishweshwar Reddys assets alone account for more than half at Rs 1,696 crore. Incidentally, the BJP candidates declared assets are more than that of the Congress and BRS combine, which stand at Rs 709.25 crore and Rs 758.03 crore respectively. The only candidate whose assets are less than the Election Commission-approved expenditure limit of Rs 95 lakh is Pothugani Bharath, a BJP candidate from Nagarkurnool, with a declared wealth of Rs 33 lakh. All other candidates, including Owaisi, have declared Rs 1 crore or more as their personal wealth, whether in moveable or immovable assets. Whether the ECI limit of Rs 95 lakh is enough to cover a candidates campaigning cost in a Lok Sabha constituency that covers seven Assembly segments appears to be a moot question with leaders from different parties admitting that the campaign costs much more. But, when accounts are filed with the ECI, the expenditure limits are adhered to. Top 5 candidates Poorest Constituency CandidateParty Assets Nagarkurnool P. Bharat BJP Rs 33 lakh Karimnagar Bandi Sanjay BJP Rs 1.12 cr Nizamabad B. Goverdhan BRS Rs 1.41 cr Nagarkurnool Praveen Kumar BRS Rs 1.41 cr Warangal Dr Kadiam Kavya INC Rs 1.99 cr Adilabad Athram Suguna INC Rs 2 cr Richest Chevella Konda Vishweshwar Reddy BJP Rs 1,696 cr Chevella G. Ranjith Reddy INC Rs 294.47 cr Hyderabad Madhavi Latha BJP Rs 221.39 cr Khammam Nama Nageswara Rao BRS Rs 155.9 cr Zaheerabad B.B. Patil BJP Rs 151.69 cr

Asaduddin Owaisi, BRS and Congress are the A B C of appeasement: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed public meetings in Secunderabad, Nizamabad, and Sirpur Kagaznaga and said that Asaduddin Owaisi, BRS and Congress are the A B C of appeasement. Shah said that lotus will bloom on all 12 seats of Telangana. Shah also said that Congress and BRS cannot protect...

Congress Promoting Anti-Nationals: J.P. Nadda

Nalgonda: BJP president J.P. Nadda on Monday alleged that the Congress was anti-Sanatan and anti-Ram and had joined hands with anti-national forces. He said that Congress leaders were tight-lipped when a Tamil Nadu minister Udhayanidhi Stalin compared Sanatana Dharma with dengue and malaria. He said that the Congress advocate had said in the Supreme Court that there was no scientific evidence that Lord Rama existed. Rahul Gandhi stood with the students who raised anti-national slogans in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus, and gave a Lok Sabha ticket to one of them. Nadda was addressing public meetings at Peddapalli, Choutuppal and Nalgonda as a part of his election campaign in the state. He said that Gandhis allegation that the BJP would do away with the reservation system is like a pot calling the kettle black. It was the Congress government in the undivided Andhra Pradesh that provided a four per cent quota to Muslims, which effected reservations earmarked for SCs, STs and OBCs in 2004. In Karnataka, the Congress government curtailed reservations of OBCs and gave it to Muslims. He made it clear that even half per cent of reservation of OBCs would not be curtailed after BJP retained power. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had brought a new political culture, which is accountable, performance-based and development-centric. He said that Modi was focussed on the creation of infrastructure and logistics. HIRA stands for highways, internet, railways and airways, which led to Viksit Bharat in the last ten years. Describing the AIMIM, BRS and the Congress as ABC, he said that the ABC group was carrying out the agenda of razakars in Telangana state. He announced that Telangana liberation day would be officially celebrated on September 17. Nadda said that the BRS government had opposed the PM Awas Yojana under which four crore houses were constructed in the country and cheated the people of the state in the name of 2BHK houses. He said that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was not implementing the PM Awas Yojana. The BJP leader said that they were developing 926.5 km of new railway tracks in Telangana state. The Centre was developing 450 km NH 63 from Nizamabad to Jagdalpur via Peddapalli. Nadda said they have developed 56,000 km of national highways and 52,000 electrifications of railway lanes in the last ten years and had provided internet to 1.5 lakh gram panchayats. He also appealed the people to vote for BJP candidates Peddapallo Gomasa Srinivas, Boora Narsaiah Goud and Shanampudi Saidi Reddy.

Congress Will Abandon CM Revanth Reddy After Lok Sabha Polls: Amit Shah

Amit Shah criticizes Congress for exploiting Telangana, warns of Revanth Reddy's political vulnerability, accuses corruption with RR tax, mentions Nizamabad and Sirpurkagaz Nagar, questions 'Garibi Hatao' slogan, and predicts Modi's impact on Telangana's development.

Quotas for SC, ST, OBC secure under BJP: Amit Shah

HYDERABAD: Reaffirming the BJPs stance on quotas, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs would not end as long as there was at least one saffron party MP in Parliament. Addressing an election rally in Kagaznagar (Adilabad Lok Sabha constituency), he reiterated that while religious reservations will be scrapped, the quotas for SCs, STs and OBCs will be increased. He also alleged that TPCC president and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy shared a doctored video of him speaking on reservations. Referring to the case filed against him over engaging children in election campaigning, Shah, who also addressed public meetings in Nizamabad and Secunderabad on Sunday, said, I will not cry like Revanth Reddy. I will approach the high court. The senior BJP leader exuded confidence that the saffron party will emerge victorious in 10 out of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana. Alleging that the vote bank of the Congress and the AIMIM are the same, Shah claimed that former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi did not attend the Ram temple consecration despite being invited due to fear that their presence at the event in Ayodhya would upset their vote bank. Naxal activities to rise if Congress comes to power, says HM Amit Shah People from various places arrive in trucks to attend the public meeting of Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Parade Ground in Hyderabad on Sunday Slamming the Opposition for their lies that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will abolish reservations if the BJP secures a majority in the Lok Sabha elections, the union home minister pointed out that Modi has had the majority for 10 years. During this time, he abrogated Article 370, outlawed triple talaq and built the Ram temple, he added. Addressing a public meeting in Nizamabad, Shah alleged that while GST is collected elsewhere in the country, the RR (Rahul-Revanth) tax was being collected in the state. This tax is being sent to Delhis durbar, he added. Terming them ABC, the union home minister accused AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, the BRS and the Congress of engaging in appeasement of the Muslim community. As a part of this, they placed a ban on the Ram Shobha yatra in Hyderabad, he alleged. Taking a jibe at Kharge over his remarks on the abrogation of Article 370 at a public meeting in Secunderabad, Shah said that the Congress president was ignorant of the views of Telangana people, who are ready and willing to lay down their lives for Kashmir. Stating that while four generations of the Congress chanted Garibi Hatao slogans but did nothing to address poverty, the union home minister asserted that Modi gave houses, gas, toilets, free electricity, rations, medicines and water to 80 crore poor people. He asked voters, Tell me, what is your choice?

Temperature soars to 47C in Telangana; yellow alert for rain from May 7-9

HYDERABAD: The summer season continued to wreak havoc as the temperatures crossed 47C mark on Sunday in Telangana. Jagtial recorded the highest maximum temperature of 47.1C, while Karimnagar and Nirmal districts closely followed at 46.7C, according to the Telangana State Development and Planning Society (TSDPS) report. As per the TSDPS, 19 districts were on the red alert for extreme temperatures above 45C, while 14 others including Hyderabad were in the orange category with temperatures above 44C on Sunday. The city recorded the highest maximum temperature of 44C in Karwan and Moosapet, a slight drop from Saturday. The maximum temperatures from the previous day stood at 44.5C. One mandal in Jagtial district recorded severe heatwave conditions, whereas 50 other mandals recorded the regular heatwave conditions. As per the IMD, light rains and thunderstorms with gusty winds of around 40 kmph were experienced in the districts of Bhadradri Kothagudem, Jangaon, Mahbubnagar, Mulugu, Nagarkurnool, Rangareddy, Sangareddy, Vikarabad and Warangal, whereas moderate rains were recorded at isolated places in the districts of Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet and nearby areas. The IMD said that a cyclonic circulation persists over Marathwada and neighbourhood, owing to which, the state will experience light to moderate rains or thundershowers and lightning for next six days. Orange alert for heatwave will continue for one more day in the Adilabad, Kumurambheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Jagtial, Rajanna-Sircilla, Karimnagar, Peddapalli and Jogulamba Gadwal districts. Temperatures will see a significant dip from May 7 in most parts of the districts in the range of 36C- 40C, bringing relief from the scorching heat. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for rains and thunder showers with gusty winds around 40-50 kmph till May 9 in most of the districts including Hyderabad. For the next 48 hours, the city will experience maximum and minimum temperatures of 23C and 29C respectively, with south easterly winds around 6-8 kmph.

Senior Congress leader Sardar Ali dies

Nizamabad: Senior Congress leader Sardar Ali died at a private hospital in Hyderabad on Sunday following ill health. He contested as MLA from Nizamabad constituency in 1994 Assembly elections. His son Irfan Ali is the minority wing chairman of district Congress committee. The last rites were conducted here on Sunday. BRS MLC Farooq Hussain, Telangana state Urdu Academy chairman Taher Bin Hamdan, and others took part in the funeral.

PM Modi chose Art 370 abrogation, Ram Temple over quota removal: Amit Shah

Nizamabad , May 05 : Responding to Congress allegations that if the BJP regains power at the Centre it will remove reservation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday that Prime Minister NarendraModi has been in power for the past 10 years but instead of removing reservation he utilised the majority in the LokSabha []

MIM-Cong pact polarises votes in Nizamabad

Nizamabad: In the backdrop of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) support to the Congress candidate T. Jeevan Reddy after 10 years, all eyes are on polarisation of Muslim and Hindu votes in the Nizamabad Parliament constituency, which goes to polls on May 13. In the changed political equations in the state, MIM extended its support to the Congress instead of the BRS. As a result, Congress leadership is confident of winning the Nizamabad seat. Of 18.85 lakh voters enrolled in the constituency, Muslims voters are around 3.83 lakh. Their presence is high in Nizamabad Urban, Bodhan and Jagtial Assembly constituencies and it is sizable in Nizamabad Rural, Armoor, Balkonda and Korutla Assembly segments. MIM support became the backbone for TRS to win MP, MLA seats in Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency limits. To support TRS and avoid a split in votes, the MIM did not field its candidates in its strongholds during the Assembly elections. In the recent Assembly elections, although MIM supported the BRS, Muslim votes were divided and Congress rode to power. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Telangana State Urdu Academy chairman Taher Bin Hamdan said that MIMs decision would boost the winning prospects of the Congress. We are hopeful that Muslims will support Jeevan Reddy so as to protect the secular fabric, he said. TPCC NRI cell convener Sheik Chand Pasha also opined that this move will yield good results for the Congress and especially for the secular forces. Around four lakh Muslims are certain to support the candidature of Jeevan Reddy, he opined. The BJP is expecting to gain from the polarisation. MIMs support to the Congress candidate will force the Hindu voters to go with the BJP, they contended. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a senior BJP leader said, on condition of anonymity, that people have decided to vote for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. There is no need for Hindutva politics ahead of polling as the moves of opposition parties will benefit the BJP, he maintained. The true colours of Congress, BRS and MIM leaders that have been exposed will prompt the voters to re-elect Dharmapuri Arvind, he said.

Rain and hail bring down temperature in TS

Hyderabad: After enduring a week of relentless heat, many districts in saw a dramatic shift in weather conditions, with rain and hailstorms across several regions bringing down temperatures. The IMD has cautioned against heavy winds, lightning, and hail. However, elsewhere, the TS Development Planning Society said Velgatoor in Jagtial district hit a record high of 47.1C, the highest temperature recorded across the state this year. Though the IMD had predicted rain from the evening of May 6, Nalgonda and Suryapet experienced early signs of change and residents reported 'blasting rains' with hail in Khammam, Mahbubabad and Jangaon. In the undivided Warangal district, two farmers succumbed to lightning strikes, 46-year-old farmer Basha Bullayya in Eturunagaram and 39-year-old farmer Dasari Ajay in Raghunathpalli, along with his cow. The heavy rain damaged grains at procurement centres in Eturunagaram. A huge portion of a slab of Garla railway station in Mahbubabad district came down during the rain. Neighbouring districts such as Karimnagar, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Nalgonda, Mancherial, and Kumuram Bheem reported extreme temperatures exceeding 46C, while Adilabad, Mahabubabad, Wanaparthy, Pedapalli, Jayashankar, Nagarkurnool, Yadadgiri Bhuvanagiri, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Hanmakomda, Jangaon, Kamareddy, and Warangal saw the mercury rise above 45C, with all other 13 districts facing similar scorching conditions of above 44C temperatures.

AICC High Command will Replace Revanth After LS Poll Results: Amit Shah

Hyderabad: Union home minister Amit Shah claimed that the Congress leadership would not allow Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to continue in the post after June 4, once the Lok Sabha election results are declared. He said Revanth Reddy was collecting `RR Tax (Rahul and Revanth Tax) at the behest of the party high command by squeezing the people. The Congress was using the money for its election campaign across the country. Addressing a public meeting at Parade Ground here, in support of party Malkajgiri candidate Etala Rajendar, and in Nizamabad for Dharmapuri Arvind, on Sunday, Shah assured that the BJP government at the Centre would ensure that the corrupt ATM of the Congress would be devoid of any cash, if the Telangana people blessed the party with 12 Lok Sabha seats and an MLA from the Secunderabad Cantonment Assembly bypoll. Referring to a case filed against him by the city police after children were seen on the dais with him, Shah said that he will not cry like Revanth Reddy and that the case would be quashed in the High Court. Asking the people to elect Etala Rajendar from Malkajgiri, who belonged to the BC community, Shah said that the BJP would remove Muslim reservations and extend the same to the BCs, SCs and STs. The Congress was rephrasing this message and indulging in a false campaign against him. The Modi government had not removed any reservations. It banned triple talaq, abrogated Article 370 and constructed the Lord Rama temple in Ayodhya. As long as Modi and BJP are in this country, no one can remove reservations, he said. Alleging that the I.N.D.I alliance was a group without any acceptable leader, Shah asked people to choose between the Congress, which had indulged in scams to the tune of `12 lakh crore, and Modi, who had not faced a single corruption charge in his 10-year stint as Prime Minister nor when he was Chief Minister of Gujarat. Modi celebrates Diwali with jawans at the border, while Rahul Gandhi goes on a jolly trip to Bangkok, unable to bear the rising temperatures, he mocked. Addressing a public meeting in Nizamabad, Shah said that the Modi government would root out Naxalism. It had checked Pakistan-sponsored terror incidents. After the surgical strikes, Pakistan had realised that it was Modi and not Manmohan Singh who was in power in Delhi. Charging the Congress and BRS with adopting vote bank politics, Shah said that AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, the BRS and Congress, were known as the `ABC of Telangana and were busy in appeasement politics. The Congress government had not given permission for the Rama Navami Shobha Yatra to appease Owaisi, he said. Reacting to the doctored video featuring him, Shah said that Delhi police would approach Revanth Reddy in this regard. How can they spare you for releasing a fake video, he wondered. The Union home minister found fault with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge for his remarks that people of the southern states were no way concerned about Jammu and Kashmir. He called upon people to elect Dharmapuri Arvind from Nizamabad for the second time in order to strengthen Modis leadership. Arvind had pursued the matter with the Prime Minister and secured the Turmeric Board for Nizamabad, he said. He said that the BJP-led Centre would establish a bidi workers hospital in Nizamabad and also reopen the Nizam Sugar Factory. Stating that people were searching for Congress candidate T. Jeevan Reddy, who has been the MLC for over five years, Amit Shah said that, on the contrary, Arvind will always be available for the people. Unlike the conventional trend of having a big public meeting for multiple constituencies and leaders, Rajendar opted for a big meeting for only the Malkajgiri constituency at Parade Ground on Sunday. Fans and followers of the party ensured a big turnout despite the sweltering hot weather.

BJP Committed to Preserving Caste-Based Reservations for SC, ST, and OBC Communities: Amit Shah

BJP Committed to Preserving Caste-Based Reservations for SC, ST, and OBC Communities: Amit Shah Reservations for SC, ST, OBCs would not end as long as there is even one BJP MP in Parliament, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Sunday. Shah, who addressed election rallies at Kagaznagar and Nizamabad in Telangana, said Congress fights elections on the basis of lies and referred to the grand old party's campaign that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would end quotas if BJP is given 400 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. The Congress said Modi would scrap reservations if he gets a majority, but Modi has been having a full majority for the last 10 years, he said. The prime minister did not use the advantage (majority seats) to scrap reservations but only to remove Article 370, end triple talaq, ban the Popular Front of India (PFI) and construct a Ram temple in Ayodhya, he said. ''They want to say that we will end reservations. I give you a Modi guarantee today. As long as there is even a single BJP member in the country's parliament, we will not let Dalit, Adivasi, OBC reservations end,'' he said. Referring to the case over his doctored video being circulated on social media, Shah alleged that Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also forwarded the video. On Reddy's allegation that the Delhi police are after him (in the case of doctored video), Shah asked as to what else would happen if a fake video is made. Observing that Muslim reservation is not Constitutional, he said the BJP would scrap it when it forms government in Telangana and would increase the quotas for Adivasis and Dalits. The Congress curtailed the reservations of OBC, ST, SC and gave to Muslims, he said. PM Modi removed triple talaq but Congress leader Rahul Gandhi says his party, if it comes to power, would bring triple talaq again, the BJP top leader alleged. The Congress wants to run the country as per Muslim personal law, he claimed. The senior BJP leader also alleged that AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi did not attend the Ram Temple consecration despite being invited for fear of their vote bank. He said the vote bank of Congress and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi is the same. There are two camps in the present elections - NDA led by PM Modi and the 'Indi alliance' led by Rahul Gandhi, he said. While there is Modi, who works tirelessly and even celebrates Deepawali with soldiers, there is ''Rahul baba who goes to Bangkok, Thailand for holiday with a slight increase in temperatures,'' he said. Alleging that the BRS and Congress are scared of Owaisi, Shah questioned whether Congress or BRS could save Telangana from Owaisi. ''They have done ABC of appeasement. A - Asaduddin Owaisi, B- BRS, C- Congress,'' he said. The Congress has made Telangana its ATM, he charged. While GST is imposed in the entire country, 'RR tax' is imposed in Telangana, he alleged. 'RR tax' is 'Rahul-Revanth tax', he claimed. Shah exuded confidence that the BJP would win more than 10 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana out of the total 17. The state goes to polls on May 13. In his address at another rally in Hyderabad, Shah said as long as Modi and BJP are there, none will be allowed to scrap reservations in the country. Alleging that Congress, BRS and AIMIM indulge in appeasement, he said the parties are such that they cancel permission for the Ram Navami procession for the sake of the Muslim vote bank. He asked as to who will be prime minister if the INDI Alliance comes to power, though it is not going to happen. Mentioning the names of leaders, including Sharad Pawar, Mamata Banerjee, M K Stalin, Uddhav Thackeray and Rahul Gandhi, he asked whether they could be made prime minister. Shah said when a query was put to the INDIA bloc leaders by a journalist, they stated that, by turns, all will become prime minister for one year. The country is not like a shop that will run on partnership, he said. Urging the people to vote for BJP candidate D Arvind in Nizamabad, Shah said the EVM button should be pressed so strongly that the ''current is felt in Italy''. Referring to the case registered against him in Hyderabad, Shah said he will not ''weep'' like Revanth Reddy over the case but get quashed in high court. The city police have registered a case against Shah, BJP Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency candidate K Madhavi Latha and other BJP leaders for allegedly using minors in a poll campaign here recently. In a complaint to the Telangana Chief Electoral Officer, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee vice-president Niranjan alleged that on May 1 during a BJP rally from Laldawaza to Sudha Talkies, a few minor children were on the dais with Shah. The Congress leader alleged that a child was seen with a BJP symbol, highlighting that it was a clear violation of the guidelines of the Election Commission.

Amit Shah: Naxalism Rooted Out After Modi Become Third Time PM

NIZAMABAD: Union home minister Amit Shah said that after Narendra Modi become Prime Minister for the third time will root out Naxalism from India. Modi had succeeded to control the terrorism in the country, he said. Despite, few parts of Chhattisgarh, naxalism from Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha rooted out, he said. For the integrated development and welfare of the poor, people should vote for Lotus to elect Modi as PM for the third time, he urged. As part of the Parliament election campaign, Amit Shah addressed a public meeting here at Government Giriraj college ground on Sunday on behalf of BJP MP candidate Arvind Dharmapuri. The Union home minister said that Modi controlled the terrorism successfully. After the terrorist attack in Pulwama, Modi gave fitting lesson to Pakistan by conducting surgical strikes, he said. He said that Congress, BRS parties always appease the Muslims for vote bank politics. Congress leaders were afraid of MIM party and its chief Owaisi for vote bank politics, he criticised.

Jeevan Reddy Asserts BJP's Downfall Amidst Poll Battle in Nizamabad

T. Jeevan Reddy outlines promises for Nizamabad's development, criticizes BJP's reservation policies, and emphasizes a secular approach in electoral appeal

Telangana: Jeevan didnt slap me, clarifies woman labourer

NIZAMABAD: A day after a clip of Nizamabad Congress candidate T Jeevan Reddy purportedly slapping a woman labourer in Govindpet village of Armoor mandal, she issued a clarification that the former MLC didnt assault her. She said the Congress leader asked her to vote for the party to enjoy the benefits of government programmes. The woman, who didnt give her name, told reporters on Saturday that Jeevan was being unnecessarily blamed. The Congress candidate had visited Govindpet village on Friday as part of his election campaign, where he engaged with Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGREGA) labourers at their work site. During the interaction, the woman labourer expressed her grievances to Jeevan, mentioning the lack of land or garden to grow crops apart from the non-disbursal of monthly pensions. She also said she would vote for the flower symbol. In the video, the Congress nominee is reportedly seen getting angry and then telling her to vote for the hand symbol. Meanwhile, a video showing Jeevan slapping the woman on her cheek went viral on social media, leading to criticism from one and all. On Saturday, the woman labourer clarified to the media that Jeevan did not slap her but merely touched her cheek. She emphasised that the incident was being misconstrued and misrepresented by others.

Strategy-wise, Telangana BJP way ahead of its rivals

HYDERABAD: With the Lok Sabha elections looming large and campaigning reaching a crescendo, the Telangana unit of the BJP is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to connect with voters at the grassroots level. The party has intensified its ground-level campaigning while its leaders monitor daily reports on the situation and issue instructions to candidates and in-charges. Election management wings have been established at the state headquarters. These wings are going through updates on the progress of campaigning efforts and voter outreach. The party is maintaining a database of beneficiaries of Union government schemes over the past decade. Booth committee members are now approaching them and seeking support for the partys candidates. The party workers are knocking the door of every beneficiary with pamphlets and copies of the BJP manifesto highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modis guarantees and the developmental work done of the past decade. Simultaneously, the party is cracking down on any negligence in the campaign, with the national leadership issuing warnings whenever needed. Additionally, BJP leaders appointed as in-charges for each Lok Sabha constituency are providing feedback on campaign progress and gauging public sentiment. Party leaders say that the in-charges are working tirelessly to ensure the success of Modis and Amit Shahs rallies in the state. Senior BJP leaders are closely monitoring developments from the party headquarters, addressing any issues at the ground level in real-time. The national leadership is optimistic that the party would achieve its target of winning eight to 10 of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in the state. According to party sources, BJP candidates have an edge 12 constituencies Adilabad, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Medak, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad, Zaheerabad, Chevella, Mahbubnagar, Bhongir, Warangal and Nagarkurnool. Senior leaders told TNIE that despite the challenge from their rivals, the BJP expects a favourable result in most constituencies, and has a clear advantage in eight constituencies with less than 10 days left for polling. The remaining four are too close to call, given the fact that the contest is triangular in these seats.

Hyderabad records 44.5C as heatwave continues to scorch Telangana

HYDERABAD: The city experienced yet another highest maximum temperature of this summer season as the mercury levels soared to 44.5C in Quthbullapur and Chandanagar on Saturday. The temperatures in the GHMC limits remained well above 42C as the city was under orange alert as per a Telangana State Development and Planning Society report. The maximum temperatures also continued to see a rise with Jagtial and Karimnagar topping the charts at 46.8C, followed by Nalgonda at 46.7C and Narayanpet and Nizamabad at 46.4C, reported the TSDPS. Red alert was in place in 26 districts where the temperatures remained above 45C, while seven districts which recorded temperatures above 43C were on an orange alert. Following the pattern of Friday, 95 mandals experienced heat wave conditions, indicating the extreme weather the state is exposed to at the peak of the summers. Severe heatwave conditions were recorded at isolated places in Jogulamba Gadwal and Mahbubnagar districts, while heatwave conditions prevailed over 20 districts including Rajendranagar and Medchal-Malkajgiri. The maximum temperatures recorded the same day in the previous year was 39.8C in the state with a stark difference of seven degrees, showing the severity of summer this year. The city recorded a sharp difference of 10.8C compared to the maximum temperatures for the same day last year. As per the IMD, the minimum temperatures also remained significantly high with Rajendranagar recording the highest minimum temperature of 29C, with a departure of 4.2C. As per the IMD reports, light to moderate rains and light thunderstorms were experienced at isolated places in Khammam and Suryapet districts. The IMD said that under the influence of a cyclonic circulation prevailing over Marathwada and neighbourhood and extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea-level, the state will experience light to moderate rains or thudershowers at isolated places for the next six days till May 10. In addition, prolonged heatwave conditions will prevail over the districts of Adilabad, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Jagtial, Rajanna Sircilla, Kamareddy, Mahbubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Narayanpet, Jogulamba Gadwal and for next two days and an orange alert has been issued for the same. The state is likely to experience light to moderate rains and thunderstorms with gusty winds around 30-40 kmph and a yellow alert has been issued for the same from May 6 to May 8.

Amit Shah to address poll rallies in Hyderabad, 3 other places in Telangana

Hyderabad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will campaign in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on Sunday in support of the BJP candidates for the upcoming elections. According to a release from the BJP Telangana unit, Shah would be addressing three separate rallies at Sirpur Kagaznagar, Nizamabad and Hyderabad. A release from AP BJP wing said 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 .

Amit Shah to canvass in 3 constituencies today

Amit Shah to campaign in Adilabad, Nizamabad, Secunderabad on Sunday. He will address public meetings at various grounds, joined by party nominees like G Kishan Reddy, Eatala Rajendar, G Nagesh, and Arvind Dharmapuri.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Address Election Rallies in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Amit Shah to campaign in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for BJP candidates. He will attend rallies in Sirpur Kagaznagar, Nizamabad, Hyderabad, and Dharmavaram. TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu and Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan will join him in Dharmavaram.

NETA NATTER | 2024 ELECTIONS, A TALE OF DONKEYS AND CROWS?

Crows in Telangana better watch out. TPCC president and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy the other day declared that even if a crow from the BRS wants to land on a Congress wall, his party workers would shoot it down. His comments came while countering the BJP narrative that the Congress and the BRS were together and his allusion was to the old Telugu adage on personal rivalries and how crows from one house wont even land on the home of a rival. Swooping down on Revanths comments, BRS leader T. Harish Rao declared that the CM had nothing much to crow about after having admitted a slew of BRS leaders into his party, and even giving them tickets to contest the LS polls. What you allowed to land in your territory are eagles and kites. Be careful about them, was Harishs advice to Revanth. Now that they appear to have been done with birds, the Congress has launched a new campaign evoking donkeys with its Gadida Guddu campaign, playing again on how the BJP government at the Centre gave nothing to Telangana. Of course, donkeys dont lay eggs, and just as that has never happened, all that the BJP has given is a non-existent donkeys egg, is the Congress contention. With just about a week to go for the polls, it remains to be seen if anymore of Gods creatures will make it to the political shoot-outs now on in Telangana. CANDIDATE THREATENS VOTERS WITH EXPULSION In an electoral season that has seen its fair share of promises, parades, and pandemonium, Mekapati Rajagopal Reddy, YSRC candidate for the Udayagiri Assembly segment, has arguably taken campaigning to a new controversial high. At a recent campaign event in Mulapalle and Shakunalapalle villages, Rajagopal decided to spice things up by issuing a rather medieval edict: Vote for the cycle symbol and find yourself excommunicated from the village. Rajagopals approach to voter persuasion was immediately met with dismay and outrage from villagers, who expressed disbelief at being treated as serfs in their own land. Opposition leaders seized the opportunity, denouncing Reddys threats as an affront to the very foundations of democracy. REVANTH THE CRICKETER TO THE CONGRESS RESCUE Politics in some ways is like cricket. History is replete with last minute googlies from one party bowling the other out. The LS elections, Telangana state Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy appears to have decided, provide the perfect pitch for some hard hitting aimed at the BJP and the BRS. And with the ongoing IPL raising passions, to woo younger voters, Revanth has been talking about how the last Assembly polls were the semi-finals and the Lok Sabha polls the finals. The Congress trounced KCR in the semi-finals last December and will defeat Narendra Modi in the finals on May 13, is his pitch. The CM has also been bowling some beamers at the BRS and the BJP, comparing them with the Bangladesh and Pakistan cricket teams. The Congress defeated Bangladesh in the semi-finals and entered the finals where it will face Pakistan on May 13, indicating just how fierce the battle between the Congress and the BJP is, just like a cricket match between India and Pakistan. Not stopping there, he also says the LS polls are also a match between Telangana and Gujarat teams, adding the state team will duck out Modi and Amit Shah on May 13 and register a grand victory. TD, YSRC CONTINUE WITH THEIR PROMISES Once written manifestos are by no means a legal document with which people can hold political parties accountable, but that does not stop them from going at each other, waving the other sides manifesto and pointing out just how the promises made were not kept. Doing this has been AP Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy who has taken to showing to the public TDs 2014 manifesto, and reading out aloud every promise TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu failed to fulfil. The promises by the TD then were impractical, and the ones now are impossible, goes Jagan. For the YSRC manifesto? Jagan says he fulfilled 99 per cent of promises in his partys 2019 manifesto and vows to come up with more welfare and development in the future. Whether the TD, or the YSRC, who the people believe in will all become clear soon enough. BRITISH VS ITALIANS THIS TIME AROUND Whats in a name? Clearly a lot when it comes to taking potshots at one another by political parties amidst the electioneering heat. In other times, too, as the renaming of the TRS as the BRS showed, it lost some of its sheen as the party that stands up for the state. That aside, the campaigning has shown that if left to themselves, leaders will play on acronyms of party names and try to reap political benefit as is being witnessed in Telangana. The other day, after Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy called the BJP British Janata Party, BJP state president and Union minister G. Kishan Reddy hit back calling the Indian National Congress, the Italian National Congress. And so it goes FROM KAPU TO REDDY IN ONE ELECTION? Senior Kapu leader Mudragada Padmanabham often makes puzzling statements, leaving those around him scratching their heads. The other day, he said if he cannot defeat Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan in the Assembly elections, he will change his name to Padmanabha Reddy leaving many from the Reddy community wondering what was up with the Kapu leader. However, some Kapus who expressed support to Pawan Kalyan, commented that Padmanabham can call himself whatever he wants, and issue meaningless challenges but cannot defeat the Jana Sena chief. ONLY RICH CAN CONTEST THESE DAYS: SRIBHARAT Can cash carry an election? Or rather, how rich should a candidate be to contest and have hopes of winning? The answer to this was provided, sort of, by M. Sribharat, the TDs MP candidate from Visakhapatnam, who also found himself in hot water after his remarks at a speech on Viksit Bharat that were made in the presence of Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a poll ally. Addressing students, Bharat implied that one needs substantial financial resources to run for a Lok Sabha seat and cited Sitharamans absence from the electoral fray as an example. He remarked that he, unfortunately or fortunately, was contesting the 2024 elections because of this financial factor. The comments unfortunately for the man have not gone down well within his party. FUTURE UNCERTAIN THANKS TO POLITICAL MIGRATION Friends? Enemies? Frenemies? Leaders from the BJP, Congress and the BRS in the erstwhile unified Adilabad district are a confused lot these days what with migrations from one party to another by leaders and their followers leaving the long-timers in such parties wondering what their future or roles will be. Some leaders and former MLAs are clearly a frustrated lot with their political enemies joining their parties, while others are happy to see their enemies leave their political homes and go to another with little impact on their own prospects. All the migrants are wondering if they did the right thing as they are not receiving the kind of support they expected from the long-timers in the parties they joined recently. The latest such instance is that of former minister A. Indrakaran Reddy who joined the Congress after quitting the BRS, leaving Nirmal district Congress president K. Srihari Rao gnashing his teeth in frustration. HOT SUN PLAYS SPOILSPORT THIS ELECTION Step out into the open and the searing sun hits you. The heat from the previous day still hangs over the air like a heavy blanket. Campaigning for the Lok Sabha polls this summer is proving a challenge for political parties and their candidates, with the latter literally sweating it out every day. Public meetings are sought to be completed by 11 am, something that was not heard of in the past. Candidates from various parties in Nizamabad, setting their political differences aside, have urged the ECI to allow campaigning after the 10 pm deadline, and are keeping their fingers crossed hoping the ECI would hear their plea. Contributions from Pillalamarri Srinivas, Narender Pulloor, Balu Pulipaka, Laxmi Pranathi, Vadrevu Srinivas, Sampat G. Samritan, G. Ram Mohan, L. Venkat Ram Reddy, Avinash P. Subramanyam

IMD Forecasts Rainfall in Telangana

Though the vulnerability component of India (exposure index) is not that high (11.9 per cent), its lack of ability to cope with disasters is very high (80.2 percent). Though the vulnerability component of India (exposure index) is not that high (11.9 per cent), its lack of ability to cope with disasters is very high (80.2 percent). Hyderabad: Telangana might get a relief from the scorching temperatures as IMD predicted Light to Moderate rains in parts of the State from May 6. Thunderstorm accompanied with Lightning and gusty winds(30-40 kmph) very likely to occur at isolated places in Nizamabad, Rajanna Sirsilla, Jayashankar-Bhupalapally, Mulugu, Bhadradri-Kothagudem, Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Mahabubabad, Warangal, Hanamkonda, Rangareddy, Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajigiri, Medak, Nagarkurnool districts of Telangana, said the press release. For Hyderabad, partly cloudy sky has been forecasted for the next 48 hours. Maximum and Minimum Temperatures are likely to be around 43C and 27C respectively, added the release. Telangana is reeling under severe heatwave with temperatures reaching close to 47C.

Amit Shah to Address 3 Public Meetings in Telangana on Sunday

Hyderabad: Union home minister Amit Shah is scheduled to address three election campaign meetings in the state on Sunday, including one at the Parade Ground at Secunderabad, for the May 13 Lok Sabha polls. He is scheduled to address the first meeting at noon at SPM Cricket Ground in Kagaznagar, to canvass votes for party Adilabad candidate Godam Nagesh. At 2 pm, he will address a meeting at Nizamabad's Giriraj College ground in support for party candidate Dharmapuri Arvind. At 4.30 pm, Shah will address a public meeting at Parade Ground in Secunderabad. TS BJP chief and Union minister G. Kishan Reddy and Etala Rajendar, party candidates from Secunderabad and Malkajgiri, will take part, said N.V. Subhash, official spokesperson of the party.

Isnt this defaming me?, asks woman who was purportedly slapped by Congress Nizamabad MP

The News Mill

Telangana: Nizamabad Congress candidate slaps an old woman after she says she would vote for flower symbol, video goes viral

Jeevan Reddy reportedly slapped an old woman after she stated her intention to vote for the 'flower' symbol in the May 13 election.

Telangana Congress candidate Jeevan Reddy slaps woman after she says will vote for 'flower' symbol

Tatiparthi Jeevan Reddy, a prominent Congress figure and candidate for the Nizamabad Lok Sabha seat, became embroiled in controversy after reportedly slapping a woman who indicated her intention to vote for the 'flower' symbol in the upcoming May 13 election.

Dharmapuri Arvind: Poll stunt, not plan to revive sugar factories

NIZAMABAD: BJP candidate Dharmapuri Arvind on Friday described the decision of the state government to release Rs 43 crore for the revival of closed sugar factories in Nizamabad, Jagtial and Medak districts as an election stunt by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. Arvind was addressing a press conference at the BJP office here on Friday. He alleged that the state government paid Rs 43 crore to one of the banks to attract the attention of sugarcane farmers, employees and workers, instead of clearing the pending loans through instalments. Revanth already appointed a committee to look into the reopening of sugar factories. The committee members are saying that sugar factories will be reopened by the end of 2025. In the meantime, the CM made a statement that the sugar factories would reopen before September 17, Arvind said. He said that the chief ministers statement was made without taking into consideration the report filed by the committee. The committee members have no self-respect, they should resign in protest that their report was disregarded, Arvind said. He said that if the government genuinely wanted to revive the sugar factories, it would need to pump in Rs 700 to Rs 800 crore. The government should do a lot of legwork and prepare an action plan. The chief minister did not do any such exercise. He is simply doing election stunts, Arvind said. He said the chief minister should utilise his experience in the real estate business to resolve the issue of reviving sugar factories. This is not the correct way to revive the sugar factories. The Centre had conducted a year-long exercise and came up with a perfect action plan for the revival, Arvind said. Turning his attention to the election campaign, he quoted Modis words that as long as BJP was in power in the country, there was no threat to SC, ST, BC and OBC reservations.

Telangana: Congress candidate Jeevan Reddy slaps woman

Hyderabad: Senior Congress leader and party candidate from Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency T. Jeevan Reddy, has landed in a controversy after he slapped a woman. A video of the former minister slapping a woman during campaigning was widely circulated on social media on Friday. The incident occurred in a village in the Armur Assembly segment 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 .

Former IAS Murali Speech Obstructed in Nizamabad

Nizamabad: Former IAS officer Akunuri Murali encountered a challenging situation in Nizamabad on Friday, as his speech criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi was disrupted by a group of individuals present at the event. Addressing a meeting organised by the Telangana State Democratic Forum (TSDF) at the ITI grounds under the Jago Telangana programme, Murali voiced his concerns over the policies of the BJP government at the Centre and specifically targeted PM Modi. Murali accused the Modi government of favouring the corporate sector by waiving off a staggering `16 lakh crore in loans and failing to fulfil its promise of bringing back black money. This assertion was met with strong opposition from some attendees, who began to raise objections and disrupt the proceedings. The situation escalated as both the walkers and the organisers engaged in a verbal confrontation, exchanging slogans. The walkers chanted slogans in support of Modi, such as Jai Sriram, Jai Modi, while the organisers attempted to defend Murali and his right to express his views.

Telangana: Extreme Heatwave, Mercury Soaring Above 46 Degrees Celsius

Hyderabad : The state is currently experiencing severe heat wave conditions, with at least 18 districts recording temperatures exceeding 46C on Friday. This alarming weather phenomenon has prompted the India Meteorological Department to issue heat wave alerts across various districts. Peddapalli, Suryapet, Jagitial, and Khammam are bearing the brunt of the scorching heat, each recording a peak temperature of 46.7C. Close behind were Mancherial and Nalgonda at 46.6C, and Karimnagar at 46.5C. Other districts like Mahbubabad, Narayanpet, Jayashankar, and Warangal also reported extremely high temperatures ranging from 46.3C to 46.4C, data from the Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS) showed. Hyderabad, has reported an average temperature of 44C, while its outskirts like Keesara and Ghatkesar reached 45.1C, and Chikur and Moinabad recorded temperatures of 44.8C. The IMD has issued a yellow alert indicating a likely continuation of heat wave conditions from until May 7, across districts including Nirmal, Nizamabad, Jagitial, and Rajanna Sircilla. An orange alert for prolonged heat waves has been announced for districts such as Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Mulugu, and others. These alerts signal potential health risks and advisories for residents to take precautions. The forecast also predicted the possibility of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds ranging from 30-50 kmph, adding a layer of complexity to the existing weather challenges.

MP Arvind: Rs 43 crore for Nizam Sugars Election Stunt

Nizamabad: Nizamabad MP, BJP MP candidate Arvind Dharmapuri, criticised the recent allocation of Rs 43 crore by the Congress government for the reopening of Nizam Sugar Factory, labelling it as an election stunt. In a statement to reporters at the BJP district office on Friday, Arvind accused Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy of lacking genuine interest in resolving the issues faced by Nizam Sugars. Arvind pointed out that the Congress government had previously constituted a committee headed by Damodar Rajanarsimha to look into the matter, and the committee had submitted a report stating that the factory would be reopened in December 2025. However, he questioned the feasibility and sincerity of this plan, highlighting that the three units of Nizam Sugars owe a debt of Rs 202 crore, with 12 per cent interest. He further criticised Revanth Reddy's announcement during a visit to Nizamabad, in which the Chief Minister stated that Nizam Sugars would be reopened by September 17, 2024. Arvind alleged that this was a mere attempt to garner votes for the Congress in the upcoming Parliament constituency elections. According to Arvind, the reopening of the factory would require an investment of Rs 800 crore, yet the government had only sanctioned Rs 43 crore, which he considered insufficient. He also accused Revanth Reddy of acting like a eal estate minister, suggesting that the government was eyeing the valuable land belonging to Nizam Sugars. Arvind assured that the BJP, having reopened 62 sugar factories across the country, would also reopen Nizam Sugars if given the opportunity. He pointed out the absence of Gulf Board and Rs 2 lakh crop loan waiver in the Congress manifesto, expressing concern over the potential impact on farmers and the sugar industry in the region.

Telangana: TPCC calls out Arvinds fake propaganda over Lambada mans death

Hyderabad: The death of a Lambada person in an accident during Chief Minister A Revanth Reddys election campaign in Koratla has stirred a political controversy between Congress and BJP. BJP Nizamabad MP D Arvind alleged during a press meet earlier this week that the chief ministers convoy had hit a Lambada man while the convoy 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 .

108-year-old woman casts vote in Nizamabad in home voting

Union govt not interested in helping beedi sector: Jeevan

NIZAMABAD : Congress Nizamabad Parliamentary segment candidate T Jeevan Reddy accused the BJP of creating a crisis in the beedi industry during its 10 years of rule. Speaking at an event organised for beedi workers in Nizamabad on Thursday, he said that the Union government earned one-third of the beedi industrys revenue through GST but did not take any steps for the welfare of beedi rollers, who are mostly women, in the state. Jeevan claimed that the government was only interested in earning revenue from the industry, but not in protecting it. There are around two lakh beedi rollers living in the constituency. The beedi industry plays a crucial role in the rural economy of the state, and most rural women depend on it to earn a livelihood. If the government is concerned about the health hazards of smoking, it should also consider the injuries caused by alcohol and close down the alcohol industry as well, he said. He said that the ESI Hospital in the town is in the worst condition, adding that beedi rollers do not receive any other facilities for maternity benefits, scholarships or reservations in the education sector. To address these issues, Jeevan said that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has decided to provide Rs 4,000 as monthly financial assistance to those who have PF accounts. Maternity benefits and facilities will also be provided in the education sector, he said. Jeevan added that Congress leaders will prepare a list of beedi rollers of the district, and party activists will ensure that are beneficiaries of all government schemes. The meeting was also attended by Advisor to Government Md Ali Shabbir.

Man held while trying to snatch gold chain

NIZAMABAD : A man was caught by locals while he was trying to snatch a gold chain in Subhash Nagar here Thursday. Police said the accused, Om Prakash, who resides in Adarsh Nagar, confessed to his crimes during interrogation and was later, remanded to judicial custody. The complainant, Chikoti Pushpa, a resident of Hamalwadi, was returning on a gearless scooter with her granddaughter after offering prayers at the Ramalayam, when a masked man, the accused, stopped his vehicle and pulled the three tola gold chain from Pushpas neck before escaping, the complaint stated. When they chased him, he threw the chain away in a bid to escape but the locals caught him and handed him over to the police. Prakash was subsequently arrested and sent to judicial remand. Three Town SHO L Praveen Kumar said they analysed the CCTV footage before arresting him. During the questioning, Prakash confessed to the crime, he added.

Congress to Deploy National Leaders in Telangana for Election Push

Hyderabad: The Congress will step up campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana in the last leg by deploying national leaders like AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar between May 5 and 11. Their campaign will begin after the conclusion of the Lok Sabha elections on May 7. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar had campaigned extensively during the Telangana state Assembly elections in November 2023. The party leadership has also decided to rope in leaders from Karnataka and Maharashtra for campaigning in the bordering areas of Telangana state. Besides, Congress leaders from Bihar, West Bengal, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala etc will meet voters hailing from their states Chevella, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad and Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituencies. Rahul Gandhi: May 5: Rallies in Nirmal and Gadwal for Adilabad (Atram Suguna) and Mahbubnagar (Challa Vamshi Chand Reddy); May 9: Karimnagar and Saroornagar, for V. Rajender Rao (Karimnagar) and G. Ranjith Redddy (Chevella). Priyanka Gandhi: May 6, election rallies in Yellareddy, Tandur in support of T. Jeevan Reddy (Nizamabad), G. Ranjith Reddy (Chevella) and Secunderabad (Danam Nagender); May 7: Narsapur and Kukatpally for Neelam Madhu Mudiraj (Medak) and Patnam Sunitha Mahendar Reddy (Maljakgiri).

Yoga Guru Advises Students To Meditate For Better Results In Their Studies

His classes happen in Ram-Krishna Saraswati Vidya Niketan, Shivaji Nagar and Nizamabad district centre.

East, South continue to reel under heatwave; max temperature in Telangana to hit 45C, says IMD

East, South continue to reel under heatwave; max temperature in Telangana to hit 45C, says IMD As vast swathes of east and south India continued to bake under the scorching sun on Thursday, with the mercury in two Telangana districts hitting the 44C mark; a top scientist with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) held out no hope of an immediate respite for the state, adding that the maximum temperature can reach up to 45C over the next few days. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, IMD scientist Dr A. Sravani said, The maximum temperatures in Telangana have been on an upward curve over the last few days, It has now shot up to 44C. Over the next two to three days, the heatwave that has been building up steadily will intensify further. While across the state, the maximum temperatures have been upwards of 40C over the last few days, some parts even hit 44C. Some of the state observatories have even recorded maximum temperatures in the region of 45C or more in certain areas. The eastern part of the state has recorded temperatures in excess of 43C, while two districts have seen the mercury breach the 44C-mark. The Nizamabad district saw the mercury hit 44.1C while Ramagundam in the Peddapalli district recorded 44.4C, the climate scientist added. The prevailing condition will continue over the next four days. We will issue an orange alert (heatwave warning) tomorrow. After May 5, the maximum temperature in the state could show a marginal decrease with showers, too, predicted, Sravani added. According to a post on the official X handle of the IMD, Rentachintala in Andhra Pradesh recorded the highest maximum temperature on Thursday, at 46.2C, followed by Tirupathi and Rayalaseema at 45.6C; Khammam and Telangana at 45C; Talcher in Odisha at 45C; Purulia and Gangetic West Bengal at 44.1C; Karur Paramathi in Tamil Nadu at 44C); Malda and sub-Himalayan West Bengal at 41.8C; and Forbesganj in Bihar at 41.4C. The IMD also issued a red alert for severe heatwave in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha, saying the condition was likely to persist over the next two to three days. The Met also issued an 'Orange' alert for Telangana, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh over the next 4-5 days. Further, according to the IMD, the heatwave will persist in most areas of the eastern and southern states in May, including Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. While the political temperature south of the Vindhyas has peaked amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, in several cities of Telangana, not just the people but political leaders, as well, have had to bow to the unforgiving sun. Amid the intense heatwave, leaders across political parties have been wary not to take carry out campaign-related activities during the day and have been going door-to-door and taking out rallies and roadshows before 10 am or after 5 pm. The district administration has also been running awareness campaigns among voters in the morning or evening. From party offices, shops to religious places, all establishments stay closed in the afternoon hours, with priests, aides and devotees at temples, as well as party workers choosing to stay indoors. Dr Priyanka Ala, the district magistrate of Bhadradri Kothagudem, said, Already, the temperatures in districts are in excess of 45C and we are expecting it to inch further upward to 46 or 47C on May 13, the polling day. Considering the unforgiving weather, we have decided to make special arrangements at the polling stations. One of them is AMF, which stands for Assured Minimum Facilities. We also provide adequate drinking water facilities along with toilets. We have also made special seating arrangements under the shade. Each polling station will have a minimum of two to four tents. Medical kits, including ORS, will also be arranged. Ahead of polling on May 13, the political parties as well as the district administration are making elaborate arrangements to bring the maximum number of votes to the polling stations. The parties have not only arranged auto-rickshaws to ferry voters to their designated polling booths but also cold beverages, drinking water, and tents to enable them to get their fingers inked on May 13. Special arrangements have also been made at hospitals to attend to voters should they complain of discomfort or distress on account of the prevailing heatwave on polling day. (ANI)

Telangana to see more heatwave days in May: IMD

HYDERABAD : In the monthly outlook for temperature and rainfall released for May, the IMD predicted 24 above normal heatwave days for Telangana, as the state continues to grapple with scorching heat. Above-normal maximum temperatures are expected across most parts of the country, including Telangana, indicating harsher summers for much of May. Seven districts in the state recorded heatwave conditions as temperatures continued to rise above 46C on Wednesday. Nalgonda recorded the highest maximum temperature of 46.6C, followed by Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem and Suryapet at 46.5C, while 16 districts remained above the 45C mark of the highest maximum temperature in the red warning code of extreme temperatures. Quthbullapur records highest temp in city at 43.4C The highest maximum temperature in Hyderabad, 43.4C, was recorded at Quthbullapur on Wednesday. The state recorded a maximum average temperature of 43C against the normal 40.9C, whereas GHMC recorded a maximum temperature of 42.6C against a normal of 40.4C in April. As per the TSDPS report, comparing temperatures from the previous year to this year reveals a significant difference of 11C in the maximum temperatures in the state. On May 1,2023, the maximum temperature was 35.8C, whereas temperature has touched the 47C-mark this May, as per the TSDPS report. The IMD said that dry weather will prevail in the state till May 4, after which light to moderate rains or thundershowers are very likely to occur at isolated places from May 5 to May 7. Orange alert The state has been issued an orange alert for the next three days as prolonged heatwave conditions are likely to prevail in districts of Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalapally, Mahbubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Warangal, Hanamkonda, Narayanpet, Jogulamba Gadwal, Nizampet, Nizamabad and nearby areas; other districts have been put on yellow alert. The city will experience partly cloudy sky with maximum and minimum temperatures of around 42C and 30 degree respectively, with northwesterly wind speeds of 48 kmph for the next 48 hours. IMD observation in the monthly report Currently, El Nio conditions are present over the equatorial Pacific region, sea surface temperature anomalies continue to weaken across most parts of the equatorial Pacific Ocean. The latest MMCFS (Monsoon Mission Coupled Forecasting System) forecast suggests that these El Nio conditions are likely to turn into neutral conditions in the beginning of monsoon season. In addition to El Nio-Southern Oscillation conditions over the Pacific, other factors such as the Indian Ocean SSTs also influence the climate in India. Currently, neutral Indian Ocean Dipole conditions are prevailing over the Indian Ocean. The latest climate models indicate that positive IOD conditions are likely to develop during the monsoon, the IMD said, adding that these changes suggested favourable conditions for rainfall during the southwest monsoon season Dos and Donts during heatwave conditions The health department issued its third advisory of the summer in view of the severe heatwave conditions prevailing in the state Dos: Stay hydrated Drink sufficient water as and when possible, even if you are not thirsty. Use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and consume homemade drinks like lemon water, butter milk / lassi with some added salts, fruit juices, etc. Carry water during travel Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables with high water content such as water melon, musk melon, orange, grapes, pineapple, cucumber, lettuce or other locally available fruits and vegetables. Stay covered Wear thin loose cotton garments, preferably light coloured Cover your head Use umbrella, hat, cap, towel and other traditional headgear when exposed to direct sunlight Stay indoors as much as possible In well-ventilated and cool places Block direct sunlight Limit your outdoor activity to cooler times of the day, i.e. morning and evening Stay alert Stay updated about weather reports. Get the latest update of weather on India Meteorological Department (IMD) website at https://mausam.imd.gov.in For vulnerable population Infants and young children; people working outdoors; pregnant women; people who have a mental Illness; physically ill, especially with heart disease or high BP must be extra careful Donts: Avoid getting out in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm Avoid strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon Avoid cooking during peak summer hours. Open doors and windows to ventilate cooking area adequately Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks or drinks with large amount of sugar. These actually lead to loss of more body-fluid or may cause stomach cramps, say doctors Avoid high-protein food and do not eat stale food Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicle Danger signs: Seek immediate medical attention from nearby government health facilities if any of the following is observed Altered mental sensorium with disorientation: confusion and agitation, irritability, ataxia, seizure and coma Hot, red and dry skin Throbbing headache Anxiety, dizziness, fainting and light-headedness Muscle weakness or cramps Nausea and vomiting Rapid heart beat Rapid, shallow breathing The health department said that as a part of precautionary measures, the government has made elaborate arrangements by providing special beds, IV fluids and essential medicines at all public health facilities. ORS sachets have been made available with ANMs/ ASHAs/ Anganwadi workers to meet any exigencies

ECI extends polling hours in most booths in Telangana by an hour

HYDERABAD : Barring Maoist-affected Assembly constituencies in the state, the ECI has decided to increase the polling hours in 17 Parliamentary Constituencies by an additional one hour (from 7 am to 6 pm). A notification to this effect was issued by the ECI on Wednesday. The decision to extend the polling time on May 13 was made at the request of the Telangana Chief Electoral Officer to increase the voter turnout in 106 Assembly segments of 17 Parliamentary constituencies. This decision was prompted by representations received from various political parties and contesting candidates, as well as the prevailing hot summer and severe heat wave situation in the state. The Lok Sabha constituencies where polling will be held from 7 am to 6 pm include Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Zaheerabad, Medak, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Chevella, Mahbubnagar, Nagarkurnool (SC), Nalgonda, and Bhongir. In addition, polling in five Assembly constituencies of Khanapur (ST), Adilabad, Boath (ST), Nirmal, and Mudhole falling in the Adilabad Lok Sabha constituency, as well as three Assembly constituencies of Dharmapuri (SC), Peddapalle, and Ramagundam of the Peddapalli (SC) Lok Sabha constituency, will also be conducted between 7 am and 6 pm. Similarly, in six Assembly constituencies of Station Ghanpur (SC), Palakurthi, Parkal, Warangal West, Warangal East, and Wardhannapet (SC) falling in the Warangal (SC) Lok Sabha constituency, polling will take place between 7 am and 6 pm. Three Assembly constituencies of Dornakal (ST), Mahabubabad (ST), and Narsampet falling in the Mahabubabad (ST) Lok Sabha constituency will also have polling hours extended from 7 am to 6 pm. Additionally, five Assembly constituencies of Khammam, Palair, Madhira (SC), Wyra (ST), and Sathupally (SC) falling in the Khammam Lok Sabha constituency will see polling between 7 am and 6 pm. In the Maoist-affected 13 Assembly constituencies of Sirpur, Asifabad, Chennur, Bellampalli, Mancherial, Manthani, Bhupalpally, Mulugu, Pinapaka, Yellandu, Bhadrachalam, Kothagudem, and Aswaraopeta, polling will be held from 7 am to 4 pm as per the notification issued last month. DATA IN A NUTSHELL Parliamentary segments: 17 (SC-3, ST-2, General-12) Total Nominations filed: 1,488 Numbers of candidates who filed nominations: 893 Total number of nomination papers rejected : 428 Total number of nominated candidates : 625 Candidates withdrawn : 100 Contesting candidates: 525 (475 males & 50 females) Number of segments that require three ballot units: 7 Number of segments that requires two ballot units: 9 Number of segments that require one ballot unit: 1 Employees drafted for election duty: 2,79,519 Total seizures: Rs 212 crore, (Cash: Rs 81 crore, Liquor: Rs 46 crore, drugs & narcotics: Rs 26 crore, precious metals: Rs 30 cr freebies and other items: Rs 27 crore Number of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies allotted: 155. Additional CAPF companies requested: 66. Police personnel from other states: 20,000 Number of complaints received on voter helpline 1950: 1227 Total electorate in the state 3,32,32,318 (Male voters: 1,65,28,366, female voters : 1,67,01,192, transperson voters: 2,760) Senior citizens: 1,93,754, PwDs : 5,27,486. Voters aged between 18 to 19 years : 9,20,313, Service voters: 15,970 Total number of polling stations: 35,809. Constituency with highest number of Polling Stations: Malkajgiri (3226) Auxiliary polling stations: 453 Ballot units: 1,09,941 Control units: 44,906 VVPATs: 50,135 Critical polling stations: 9,900 Percentage of Distribution of Voter Information Slips completed : 47 percent Total number of cases filed : 7,185 Prohibition and excise : 6,560, narcotics & drugs: 287, IPC Cases: 309, RP Act: 29. No. of 12D applications received for home voting : 24,974 Number of 12D applications accepted: 23,248 (Senior citizens 10,362, PwDs 11,032, Essential Services 1,854) Home voting from May 3 to 6 Expenditure observers: 34 General observers: 17 Police observers: 9

Elect Madhavi, liberate Hyderabad from Razakars, says Amit Shah

HYDERABAD : Stating that a representative of the Razakars has been representing Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency for the last 40 years, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday urged the voters to support the BJP candidate in this elections. Addressing the gathering at a truncated roadshow in the Hyderabad constituency, he said: Elect Madhavi Latha with an absolute majority and liberate Hyderabad from the Razakars. Reiterating that the BJPs target is to secure 400 seats, Amit Shah said: Out of 400, one lotus should come from Hyderabad. Stating that no one should be afraid of exercising their franchise, Shah said: Nobody has the courage to touch anybody from Hyderabad. Be it Hindus or Muslims, everyone should press the lotus button and help Hyderabad return to the mainstream. Shah had to cut short his roadshow, which started at the Mahankali Temple, due to lack of time. It was Shahs first visit to the state since a case was filed against the Telangana Congress for circulating a doctored video of the speech he delivered at Siddipet, on reservations. Interestingly, he did not refer to the video or the case during his roadshow. Modi to address public meetings on May 8, 10 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing three public meetings in Vemulawada, Warangal and Mahbubnagar on May 8 and 10. As part of his campaign in Telangana, Modi will be covering Karimnagar (Vemulawada) and Warangal Lok Sabha constituencies on May 8. The BJP leaders are trying to mobilise people from Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Warangal segments. On May 10, the prime minister will address a public meeting in Mahbubnagar. According to sources, the party believes that Modis visit will boost the electoral prospects of its candidates in Warangal, Mahbubagar and Chevella segments, where the competition is expected to be tough.

Scrapping reservations is RSS core ideology, it is BJPs agenda: Revanth Reddy

HYDERABAD : Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Wednesday alleged that the BJP was conspiring to scrap the reservations by using the Justice Venkatachalaiah Commission report, submitted in 2002 recommending changes to the Constitution of India. Addressing the media here, he said: In the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, welfare and development are irrelevant for the BJP. Its only agenda in these polls is whether or not to change the Constitution. Stating that he has evidence to prove his claim, he said: On February 22, 2000, on the occasion of 50 years of Independence, the then Vajpayee government issued a gazette notification to constitute a commission to make suitable recommendations for any possible changes to the Constitution. Former chief justice of India Justice Venkatachalaiah headed the commission and it submitted its report in 2002. If the BJP retains power, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will try to implement its recommendations. He also asked Modi as well as Union Home Minister Amit Shah to make the BJPs stand clear on the Venkatachalaiah report. Revanth also claimed that former RSS chief MS Golwalkar and others were against reservations. In one of his books, Golwalkar said that reservations to Dalits are unfortunate. RSS ideologue MG Vaidya, former Union minister Ananth Kumar Hegde and former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan argued and spoke against reservations on several occasions, he said. Abolishing reservations is the core ideology of RSS. Its the agenda of the BJP, he said and added that the Congress will not allow the BJP to have its way. Stating that the BJP had opposed the Mandal Commission report, which recommended reservations to OBCs, he said: The BJP led the anti-reservation movement. Every vote cast in favour of the BJP will lead to scrapping of reservations. Rahul Gandhi has promised to conduct caste census across the country if the Congress wins the Lok Sabha elections. In Telangana, as soon as we formed the government, we have initiated the process to conduct caste census, he added. Muslims quota provided under BC-E category When asked about the BJP leaders promising to cancel reservations to Muslims, he said: Muslim reservations were provided under the BC-E category. Alleging that the PM has done nothing for the development of BCs, he said: Modi is a converted BC. Before he became the CM (of Gujarat), his community was under OC category. During the day, the CM also addressed a Jana Jatara public meeting at Korutla under the Nizamabad constituency and roadshows at Kukatpally and Serilingampally of Chevella segment. Stating that he will not allow Gujarats domination in Telangana, he said: Modi did nothing for Telangana. We have sought funds for the Musi rejuvenation project. But there has been no response from the Union government.

Revanth did not share Amit Shah's doctored video, says Lawyer

New Delhi: Telangana chief minister A. Revanth Reddy's lawyer on Wednesday appeared before the Delhi police and asserted that the Congress leader had nothing to do with creating or posting the doctored video of Union home minister Amit Shah's speech. Meanwhile, at a rally in Telangana, Mr Reddy accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mr Shah of adopting a vengeful attitude against him for questioning the BJP over its stand on reservations. The Delhi police had issued summons against Mr Reddy and four members of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee, namely Shiva Kumar Ambala, Asma Tasleem, Satish Manne and Naveen Pettem, under Sections 91 and 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) for allegedly posting the deepfake video of Mr Shah on X. Mr Reddy's lawyer, in reply to the Delhi police, said his client does not operate the X handle @INCTelangana and as such is unable to provide the information sought by you. He also said that the Delhi police notice appears to be misdirected and requested that they withdraw it immediately. Your attribution that 'video tweeted or retweeted by you on your X handle' is preconceived and incorrect. It is categorically stated that my client has nothing to do with the creation, uploading, tweeting or retweeting of the alleged video, reads the lawyer's reply. The lawyer further said that Mr Reddy's X handle is @revanth_anumula and o tweet or retweet of the alleged video has been made from his handle. Further, the official handle of the chief minister of Telangana on X is @TelanganaCMO. It is stated that, in view of the above facts, your notice appears to be misdirected and based on incorrect information. You are thus requested to withdraw the captioned notice immediately, it said. Meanwhile, according to sources, the Delhi police is close to identifying the creator of the deepfake video. However, before reaching out to the suspect, they have to verify with others who uploaded or forwarded it. The police are still awaiting the response from those who were summoned on Wednesday. A dozen more people are expected to appear in the coming days. Some people from Uttar Pradesh are expected to be questioned on Thursday, another police source said. The Delhi police has not received any reply from the social media platform X regarding reports on those IDs that shared the doctored video of Mr Shah. Notices have also been served to five more people from different Opposition parties for allegedly sharing the video. The Delhi police has also summoned Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur on May 2 in connection with the probe. I received the notice from the Delhi police on Tuesday. But, it is beyond my understanding why the notice was served to me. This is nothing but anarchy, Mr Thakur said. Addressing an election rally in Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency of Hyderabad, Mr Reddy said a case has been registered against him in Delhi based on the complaint of the Union home ministry. I questioned the BJP. When I did that, Mr Modi and Mr Shah resorted to a vengeful attitude and registered a case against me in Delhi, he said. Reacting to the case registered against him, the Telangana CM said, You (Mr Modi) come to my state and threaten the CM, but people of Telangana are not too innocent... They won't be scared... Khabardar (be mindful) PM Ji! You may think that you can threaten me by coming to Telangana. This is my place. This is my territory. You threaten me on my soil? The special cell of the Delhi police had on Sunday registered an FIR after the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Union home ministry, filed a complaint about the doctored video of Mr Shah, in which his statements indicating a commitment to abolish quotas for Muslims on religious grounds in Telangana were changed to make it seem that he was advocating the scrapping of all reservations.

Telangana: Nizamabad farmers demand establishment of turmeric board, higher MSP ahead of Lok Sabha polling

The News Mill

Fake deals, job offers major cybercrimes in Telangana districts

HYDERABAD : The intricate web of cybercrime feeds not only in the urban centres but also beyond the city borders, preying on unsuspecting victims. Outside the city limits, the modus operandi takes on a distinct flavour, with perpetrators alluring in the name of small-scale tasks and believable ones like credit and debit card reward points, enticing customers with irresistibility. The loss of amount may differ sometimes depending on the modus operandi and the cybercrime offences that have been taking place in the districts and villages. Explaining the kinds of modus operandi the fraudsters come up with, a police official said, Mobile phone deals on platforms like OLX sometimes are a good grab. These schemes are coupled with the deceptive promise of government initiatives such as the Pradhana Mantri Janata Yojana, luring innocent people into a web of deceit. The officer added, Cyber criminals also employ tactics such as setting up fake mobile or cell phone towers and exploiting the housing market by duping property owners with false rental agreements. Unemployment is another complexity added to the current situation where graduates from BTech colleges in areas like Suryapet and Nalgonda are suffering losses. Many young graduates find themselves falling victim to fraudulent job offers. In a recent case in Khammam, a BTech student himself resorted to the crime and was apprehended. The accused, Parepally Sai Krishna, had completed his BTech and was surviving with a small time business. In lieu of earning easy money, he used to send messages to HoDs of different colleges introducing himself as the student of the college and manipulate them into providing jobs for the students. He was contacted by three students where he promised jobs and asked them to pay Rs 35,000 to reserve the slot and Rs 35,000 after they receive their first salary. However, he escaped with the amount after three students paid him. In response to this, authorities have taken proactive measures to combat cybercrime head-on. Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau (TSCSB) SP Deendra Singh said, The establishment of six specialised Cyber Security Police Stations across the state, equipped with a dedicated team of law enforcement personnel, marks a significant step in the fight against digital threats. Led by Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) and supported by one Inspector, two Sub-Inspectors, and 20 Constables, these stations are dedicated towards tackling cybercrime with efficiency. Furthermore, the rollout of District Cybercrime Coordinator Centres (D4Cs) across all districts in the state serves as a testament to the collaborative effort to combat cyber threats at the grassroots level. The officer added, These specialised Cyber Security police stations are taking up cases in which victims suffer a loss of Rs 1 lakh or more and hand over the case to respective police stations. Meanwhile, the CCPS along with D4Cs are taking up awareness programmes every Wednesday and are going around colleges, schools and villages to shed knowledge on the ongoing digital crime and ways to stay cautious. CCPs have recently been opened in Nizamabad Siddipet Medak Ramagundam Warangal Khammam D4Cs inaugurated at Adilabad Bhadradri Kothagudem Jayashankar Bhupalapally Jogulamba Gadwal Karimnagar Kamareddy Kumurambheem Asifabad Mahbubnagar Mancherial Mulugu Nagarkurnool Nalgonda Narayanpet Peddapalli Rajanna-Siricilla Sangareddy Suryapet Vikarabad Wanaparthy

Congress wont get deposit back in Karimnagar: BJP LS candidate Bandi

KARIMNAGAR: Bandi Sanjay Kumar, the BJP candidate who is seeking re-election from Karimnagar, on Tuesday alleged that the Congress was circulating fake videos of Union Home Minister Amit Shah as it was incapable of taking on the saffron party directly. The Congress has resorted to spreading propaganda to secure a few votes in the Lok Sabha elections, he alleged. Addressing the media after inspecting arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modis public meeting in Vemulawada, scheduled for May 8, the BJP national general secretary said that Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar was using unparliamentary language against saffron party leaders. He predicted that the Congress would not even get its deposit back in Karimnagar. He said that while the BJP was committed to fulfilling the aspirations of Dr BR Ambedkar, the Congress was insulting the architect of the Indian Constitution regularly. I respect CM a lot: Arvind Nizamabad: Reiterating that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy would join the BJP after the polls, Arvind Dharmapuri, who is seeking re-election from Nizamabad, on Tuesday said the former had become the CM by shifting to one party from another and asserted that joining the saffron party was the next step for the TPCC chief. At a meeting in Donkeshwar village, the MP said he holds the CM in high regard and anticipates respect in return. He said if derogatory remarks persist, he is ready to use the same against the CM

Telangana: PM Modi to address poll rally in Medak district today

Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing a poll rally at Chilver Village in Medak district of Telangana on Tuesday, BJP sources said. This is Modi's second meeting in the state after the poll schedule was released last month. Telangana is one of the southern states on which the BJP is pinning its hopes to win a considerable number of seats to achieve its ambitious target of 370 in the Lok Sabha polls. Senior BJP leader and Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier set a target of winning double digit seats out of the 17 in Telangana. Shah will be campaigning on May 1 for the party's Hyderabad contestant Madhavi Latha, who has been fielded against sitting MP Asaduddin Owaisi of the AIMIM. The BJP won four seats in the last elections in 2019. Barring Soyam Bapurao (Adilabad), the party gave tickets to the sitting MPs in the other constituencies. BJP Telangana chief and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, the party candidate for Secunderabad, National general Secretary Bandi Sanjay Kumar, who is contesting from Karimnagar and Nizamabad MP D Arvind have already started vigorous campaigns in their respective segments.

IMD Hyderabad forecasts heatwave in Telangana until May 4

Hyderabad: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Hyderabad has issued a heatwave warning for Telangana until May 4. The weather department issued the warning due to the likelihood of temperatures surging in the coming days. Heatwave in Telangana According to the IMD in Hyderabad, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Jagtial, Kamareddy, Rajanna Sircilla, Karimnagar, Peddapalle, Medak, Mahabubnagar, Wanaparthy, 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 LS polls: 100 withdraw papers, 525 candidates in fray

HYDERABAD: With around 100 aspirants withdrawing their nominations on Monday, a total of 525 candidates are now in the fray in the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana. The state goes to polls on May 13, 2024. Most of the 625 validly nominated candidates who withdrew their nominations were independents. The Secunderabad constituency with 45 candidates has the highest number of contestants followed by Medak (44), Chevella (43), Peddapalli (42) and Warangal (42). The least number of contesting candidates are from Adilabad Lok Sabha seat with 12. The highest number of withdrawals are from Malkajgiri with 15 followed by Bhongir (12), Medak and Nalgonda (9 each); the least withdrawals are from Secunderabad and Adilabad (one each), Nagarkurnool and Mahaboobabad (2 each), Nizamabad and Chevella (3 each). As many as 15 candidates are in the fray for the Secunderabad Cantonment Assembly byelection, which will be held on May 13. Telangana requires an additional ballot units of 40,000 for the Lok Sabha elections. Barring Adilabad (SC), the remaining 16 segments require more than one ballot unit as more number of candidates are contesting the polls. There are around 35,808 polling stations in 17 LS constituencies. According to election officials, in nine LS constituencies, two ballot units and one control unit will be required and in seven LS constituencies, three ballot units and one control unit would be required. The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) comprise two units a control unit (CU) and a balloting unit (BU). EVMs can cater to a maximum of 64 candidates, including NOTA. There is provision for 16 candidates in one ballot unit. If the total number of candidates exceeds 16, a second balloting unit can be linked in series to the first balloting unit. Adilabad Lok Sabha, which has around 2,200 polling stations, will require only one BU unit as only 12 candidates are in the fray. In nine seats, more than 16 candidates and less than 32 candidates are contesting the polls where two balloting units are required for voting purpose. The constituencies include Karimnagar (2,194 polling stations), Nizamabad (1,808), Malkajgiri (3,228), Hyderabad (1,944), Zaheerabad (1,973), Mahbubnagar (1,937), Nagarkurnool (2,057), Nalgonda (2,061) and Mahabubabad (1,809). In seven Lok Sabha seats, more than 32 candidates and less than 48 candidates are in fray. Here three balloting units are required and these constituencies include Peddapalli (1,850), Medak (2,124), Secunderabad (1,810), Chevella (2,877), Bhongir (2,141), Warangal (1,900) and Khammam (1,896 PS).

PM Modi to Hold Telangana Poll Rally Today

PM Modi to Hold Telangana Poll Rally Today Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing a poll rally at Chilver Village in Medak district of Telangana on Tuesday, BJP sources said. This is Modis second meeting in the state after the poll schedule was released last month. Telangana is one of the southern states on which the BJP is pinning its hopes to win a considerable number of seats to achieve its ambitious target of 370 in the Lok Sabha polls. Senior BJP leader and Home Minister Amit Shah had earlier set a target of winning double digit seats out of the 17 in Telangana. Shah will be campaigning on May 1 for the partys Hyderabad contestant Madhavi Latha, who has been fielded against sitting MP Asaduddin Owaisi of the AIMIM. The BJP won four seats in the last elections in 2019. Barring Soyam Bapurao (Adilabad), the party gave tickets to the sitting MPs in the other constituencies. BJP Telangana chief and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, the party candidate for Secunderabad, National general Secretary Bandi Sanjay Kumar, who is contesting from Karimnagar and Nizamabad MP D Arvind have already started vigorous campaigns in their respective segments.

We Focus on Peoples Everydays Problems to Confront Modi, Says Yogendra Yadav

Hyderabad : Yogendra Yadav from the Bharat Jodo Abhiyan, an umbrella body of civil society organisations that has thrown its weight behind the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, is leaving no stone unturned in driving home its message. In an interview to Deccan Chronicle, he regrets that we have come to such a pass now that BJP president J.P. Nadda thinks the idea of bridging income inequality is a Maoist idea and not an objective as part of the directive principles of state policy. Q Why are you calling the 2024 general elections as the most unfair and unequal election? Yadav: There has always been some degree of unevenness in the electoral arena. The ruling party had more money power and state power and enjoyed preferential treatment by the media. There have been state-level elections which have been completely unfair. The elections in Punjab in 1982, and Assam in 1983 were boycotted by people. The polls in Bengal in 1972 were rigged and the Kashmir polls of 1987 were a joke. But so far no national election has come in this category, not even the one in 1977. The media has never targeted the opposition actively unlike now. The Election Commission has not been so partisan ever. The resignation and appointment of new members to the body was akin to giving a chance to one of the teams to choose the referee in a football match. Twenty crore people are being called ghuspaithiye and the EC sends notice to the party president Nadda instead of the Prime Minister. After Surat, now a Congress candidate from Indore has withdrawn his candidature from the Lok Sabha campaign. Such things happen in panchayat polls. Why did all contenders withdraw after the Congress candidate withdrew in Surat? This is a blot on our democracy. The EC had during Vajpayees tenure in 2002 called election commissioners from 70 countries and asked me to deliver a lecture on democracy. Q What role do you see for the civil society organisations in the general elections now? What impact do you think this campaign has had so far? Yadav: The civil society has come together under the banner of Bharat Jodo Abhiyan. Our role is to approach various sections like traders, Dalits, farmers, minorities and human rights activists and bring them together. Our teams are working in some constituencies on the ground. In Telangana, we are working in Mahbubnagar, Zaheerabad, Chevella, Secunderabad, Karimnagar, Adilabad and Nizamabad constituencies. Q What do you think is the narrative that can bring the people together in the present circumstances? Yadav: When PM Narendra Modi is being projected, we are focusing on the mudda (issue) and there is our narrative and we talk of real issues of the people. When they rake in Hindu-Muslim issues, we are talking of jawan and kisan, and the talk of mandir is fended off by talking of mehangai (price rise). The bulldozer is being pitted with talk of berojgari (employment). When they use money to spread lies, we are spreading the truth of Manipur. Q Do you think the opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc has been able to do that? What do you think are the shortcomings of the alliance if any? The I.N.D.I.A. bloc has done less than what was needed, hence the need for us to pitch in. The manifesto of the Congress has addressed a few pain points of the people. It would have helped if the parties had come up with a joint declaration or guarantees. Q What is your opinion on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Aravind Kejriwal and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren? We are treading on the path of Russia. All legal arguments put forward on their arrest are a distraction. Probe into the liquor policy has been happening for two years now. Why not wait for another two months? There is no danger of them running away. It should be remembered that I have criticised the Delhi liquor policy. Even a child now knows that inconvenient players are being removed from the field. Based on suspicion, half of Modis cabinet can be arrested after the exposure of electoral bonds. What is happening now is 100 times worse than the dislodging of N.T. Rama Rao in united AP in 1983. Q. How is the present situation different from the emergency imposed between 1975 and 1977? The Emergency then was visible unlike now when it is invisible and more difficult to expose. The Emergency then ended after the period. They are not even pretending and are brazenly deciding who has to be the CM of a State. Moreover, there was no targeting of a community and being reduced to second grade citizens. Q. Why do you think the political rhetoric of the BJP has changed after the first phase of elections spearheaded by none other than the Prime Minister? Post Ayodhya temple consecration the BJP thought it would be a cake walk for them. But in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, they are falling short by 10 seats in each of them. So after realising that leaving alone 400 or even 300 would be difficult for them, Modi has fallen back on their tried and tested rhetoric of whipping up communal passions. He knows that the economy is in shambles, with rural distress, massive unemployment, livelihood crisis and farmers are angry. But the EC is just watching. People know everything, I trust them. public sab janti hai (public knows everything).

Dharmapuri Arvind exhibits confidence on winning Nizamabad seat

Nizamabad: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Nizamabad Lok Sabha seat Dharmapuri Arvind has exhibited confidence that he and his party will win the elections with a huge majority. Dharmapuri Arvind, who participated in a public meeting spoke to the media and said the mood of the people is with BJP and his party will win the elections with a huge majority. When I asked the students at the event if they would vote for Rahul Gandhi, all of them were silent and everyone raised their hands when I asked if they would vote for Modi, such is the mood of the people of Nizamabad. Ab ki baar 400 paar will soon be a reality, he said. Reiterating on his works, Dharmapuri Arvind said i brought National Turmeric board to the constituency and taught how to market local turmeric across the globe and i had finished 7 railway overbridges in Nizamabad which only had one till 2019, the constituency now has two Kendriya vidyalayas. Be it infrastructure, education or agriculture, I had done in 5 years what Congress and BRS could not do in 40 years, he added. Exhiberating immense confidence, Arvind said, Modi will form the Government for the third time and will take oath before June 10. Nobody could stop India from becoming the third largest economy in the world. he said.

Telangana: Pregnant woman dies, hospital pays Rs 10L compensation

Hyderabad: Tension erupted at a private hospital in Nizamabad on Saturday as relatives of a pregnant woman staged protested after she allegedly died due to medical negligence. The incident occurred at a hospital located in Khaleelwadi, where the family of the deceased woman, identified as Khanttam Sravanthi, later gathered to express their anger. According to 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 .

Retired BSNL employee appears exam at 78

Hyderabad: A retired BSNL employee Yella Goud appeared for open Inter exams at the age of 78 years in Nizamabad leaving everyone surprised in the district. The exams started from April 25. Goud, a native of Gundepally village in Nizamabad district, retired from BSNL in 2007. He has been appearing from the exams in the district since April 25. Gouds enthusiasm and commitment to appear for the exam at the age of 78 years inspired everyone in the district, Telangana Open School Society is conducting exams from April 25 to May 2, 2024 across the State. It already completed practical exams from April 3 to 10.

Lok Sabha Polls: Women's Representation Remains Low in Telangana

Hyderabad : In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, women's representation continues to lag, with only six women candidates from major parties vying for seats. Among the prominent parties, including BJP, BRS, and Congress, the number of women in the electoral fray remains low. The Congress party has nominated three women candidates, while BJP and BRS have fielded two and one respectively. Out of the total 51 candidates from major political parties, women make up a mere 12 percent. Congress has fielded Patnam Sunitha Reddy for the Malkajgiri constituency and Kadiyam Kavya for Warangal and Athram Suguna for Adilabad. BJP's nominees include Komeplla Madhavilatha for Hyderabad and DK Aruna for Mahabubnagar parliamentary constiruency. BRS, on the other hand, has fielded Malothu Kavitha as its sole female candidate for Mahabubabad. Reflecting on past Lok Sabha Elections, the trend of low female participation persists. In the 2014 elections, only one woman contested, K Kavitha from BRS, who clinched victory from Nizamabad. In 2019, while the number slightly increased, it remained inadequate. Kavitha contested from Nizamabad again and Maloth Kavitha from Mahabubabad, Renukha Chowdhury from Congress in Khammam, and DK Aruna from BJP in Mahabubnagar. Bangaru Shruthi from BJP also contested from Nagarkurnool.

Telangana: Hospital in Nizamabad pays Rs 10L to kin after pregnant woman dies

NIZAMABAD: Tension prevailed for some time outside a private hospital here on Saturday following a protest staged by the relatives of a pregnant woman who allegedly died due to the negligence of doctors. According to sources, the management of the hospital located at Khaleelwadi gave a cheque for Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the relatives of the woman. The victim, Khanttam Sravanthi, who was one-month pregnant approached the hospital for checkup. After conducting various tests, the doctors allegedly told the woman that the foetus was facing heart and lung-related issues and advised abortion. They allegedly gave Sravanthi some medicines as preparation for abortion. She suffered bleeding and doctors prescribed medication to stop it. However, there was no improvement and Sravanthi was shifted to the hospital on Sunday. The doctors reportedly advised the relatives to take the woman to another hospital. When Sravanthi was taken to another hospital, the doctors there declared her brought dead.

KCR managed to contain BJP to an extent, but Congress cant stop us: Dharmapuri Arvind

NIZAMABAD: BJP MP Dharmapuri Arvind, who is seeking re-election from the Nizamabad Lok Sabha seat, on Sunday said that Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy would soon join the BJP. Addressing a meeting on Sunday, Arvind said that during Assembly elections propaganda that the BJP and BRS were friends misled the Muslims. Then, the Muslims voted for the Congress and dumped BRS supremo K Chandrasekhar Rao. However, when KCR was in power, he was able to contain the BJP in the state to some extent. But, the Congress cant stop the BJP from growing in the state. The Congress is weak across the country and here also, he said. At a BJYM youth wing meeting in Armoor, Arvind recalled that he already invited Revanth to join the BJP. If he (Revanth) wants to join the BJP, party president JP Nadda will take the final call on it, the MP said. Arvind recalled that Revanth shared the dais with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Hyderabad and called the latter a big brother and sought his help in developing Telangana like Gujarat. The next day, Rahul Gandhi gave an indication that Revanth would be removed as CM, he said. Earlier, addressing the media in Nizamabad, the MP wondered why the Congress was seeking votes in the Lok Sabha polls by promising to fulfil the assurances that come under the purview of the state government. During his campaign, Congress T Jeevan Reddy is promising to establish a Gulf board to address migrant issues and to provide Rs 5 lakh to kin of migrants who died in the Gulf countries. He says the state government will revive sugar factories on September 17. Why is he linking these issues with the LS polls? Isnt it the responsibility of the state government to resolve these issues, he asked. The PM, on the other hand, has been trying to find a permanent solution to this issue. His efforts are paying off and the behaviour towards Indians is also changing. Hindu temples are also being built in the Gulf nations, he said. CM lying about quotas Arvind also accused Revanth of spreading canards about reservations. The PM as well as Union Home Minister Amit Shah have clarified that the BJP will abolish Muslims reservations and extend those benefits to SCs, STs and OBCs. He also demanded that the CM clarify his stand on CAA, NRC and UCC.

Hyderabad: Killer Caught Ferrying Dead Kin in Ambulance

Hyderabad : A man caught his brother-in-law while he was transported the body of his cousin, whom he had murdered, and handed him over to the police. According to the Jubilee Hills, the accused, Chinna Manikyam, an autorickshaw driver and farmer, had murdered his cousin Kurva Shanti Kumar, 35, on Friday evening at his house in Guru Brahmanagar, Jubilee Hills. Manikyams brother in-law Astaram Arshappa, who was passing by, heard Maniykam and Shanti Kumar arguing. He was later informed by Shanti Kumars house owner that Manikyam had attacked Shanti Kumar. Manikyam placed Shanti Kumars body in his autorickshaw and took it to a private hospital nearby where the doctors declared him dead, police said. In the night, Manykam arranged an ambulance to transport the victim's body to their native place in Karnataka when Arshappa and his family member alerted the police. Police rushed to the spot, arrested Manikyam after inspecting the crime scene along with CLUES team, collected the boulder used in the murder from Shanti Kumars house, sources disclosed. Manikyam had recently registered two acres of ancestral land on his name without informing Shanti Kumar, his younger brother Chinna Manikyam and sister Lakshmi, K. Venkateshwar Reddy, Jubilee Hills police inspector. said. Fearing that Shanti Kumar would disclose it to his family members, he murdered his cousin and tried to transport the body to his native place but got caught. Based on a complaint lodged by Arshappa police registered cases of murder, giving false information, trying to disappear evidence from the investigation officer against Manikyam. Ayurvedic Meds with Misleading Advertisement Seized Hyderabad : Drugs Control Administration (DCA) officials on Saturday seized Ayurvedic medicines with misleading claims on their labels, stating they treat rheumatism, fevers and haemorrhoids. Officials seized Rumalaya Liniment, an ayurvedic oil which claims treating rheumatism being circulated in Rajanna Sircilla district, Bhringraj Choornam, an ayurvedic powder claiming to treat fevers sold in Nizamabad district, and PileBan cream claiming to solve haemorrhoids in Suryapet district. Officials also raided a quacks clinic, Raghu Rama First Aid Centre run by Gangadhari Ramesh, in Mahbubabads Dornakal. Ramesh falsely claimed he was a a rural medicine practitioner. Officials found 22 varieties from him. Telangana Police Arrest Man for Mini-Truck Theft Hyderabad : Telangana polices special zonal crime team on Saturday nabbed a man for stealing a mini-truck worth Rs.10 lakh. The accused, 23-year old Masnaaji Raju, a native of Maharashtras Nanded district, is a Golnaka resident. They also seized the mini truck from Sultan Bazaar police station limits. During interrogation, Raju claimed he stole the vehicle as he was in need of money to meet his daily expenditure. Officials handed over the car to the Sultan Bazaar police.

Similar Sounding Names Could Create Confusion in Chevella, Nizamabad

Hyderabad: The Election Commission on Saturday cleared 1060 nominations, including of major political party candidates, and rejected 428 applications. Meanwhile, independent candidates having similar names could pose a major threat to major political party candidates. For instance, in Chevella Lok Sabha constituency, of the 88 nominations that were filed, the returning officer (RO) rejected 23 nominations. In an interesting development, the nomination of one Konda Vishveshwar Reddy, a nominee of the All India Forward Bloc party, was accepted as was the case with BJP candidate Konda Vishweshwar Reddy. This is likely to create confusion among voters if the All India Forward Bloc candidate decides to be in the fray. Even in Nizamabad constituency, nominations of people with similar names were allowed by the returning officer. The Congress party candidate Thatiparthi Jeevan Reddy's nomination was accepted. There is also an independent candidate, whose name is Tutukuru Jeevan Reddy. In Nagarkurnool district, there is Congress partys Mallu Ravi and Alliance of Democratic Reforms Party nominee Amboju Ravi. Even though different symbols are allocated, confusion among voters will remain. Meanwhile, Congress partys senior leader K. Jana Reddy's nomination was rejected after the party offered B form to his son K. Raguveer Reddy, whose nomination has been accepted.

Congress Top Leaders to Descend on TG for LS campaigning in May

Hyderabad: Top Congress leaders including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi will campaign for the party candidates in Lok Sabha elections in the first week of May. Other national leaders will also join the campaign ahead of the May 13 polls. According to the preliminary schedule, Rahul Gandhi will campaign in North Telangana districts while Priyanka Gandhi will cover the southern parts of the state. Rahul Gandhi's election rallies are planned in combined Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Adilabad districts while Priyanka Gandhi's rallies are planned in undivided Medak, Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar districts. AICC president Kharge will also attend a few rallies in both parts of the state. The Chief Ministers of Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, Siddaramaiah and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhi, will also address a few election rallies. The former CMs of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh will also be invited to attend rallies, sources added. The Congress has set itself a target to win 14 Lok Sabha seats out of 17 in the state. In 2019, the Congress won Nalgonda, Bhongir and Malkajgiri. Having stormed back to power, the lead in several Assembly segments in the state polls is believed to help the party.

BJP's Arvind Focuses on Youth, Women Voters

Nizamabad: The BJP is focusing on youth and women voters in the Nizamabad parliamentary constituency, with party candidate Dharmapuri Arvind conducting a series of meetings with them. It is believed that an increase in polling percentage and majority will be possible if youths and women turn up to vote on May 13. Arvind said on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would rule to protect womens rights while speaking at a meeting with BJP women activists. He said Modi brought cheers among Muslim women with the law banning Triple Talaq. If the Congress comes to power, women will be victimised, he said. Arvind also interacted with youths and called them to extensively participate in the elections. If youths BJP leaders are planning to conduct meetings with women and youths in every Assembly segment in the Nizamabad parliamentary constituency limits. Frontal organisations like the BJP Yuva Morcha and Mahila Morcha play a key role in garnering support from targeted groups.

Two killed, 15 injured in road accident

NIZAMABAD: Two persons were killed and 15 others sustained injuries when their mini-lorry overturned at Mallaram Ghandi on Nizamabad-Varni road. The victims were going from Kammarpally to Badapahad to visit a temple when the accident occurred at about midnight on Thursday The deceased were identified as Renjarla Shyamsunder, driver, and Vasantha of Kammarpally mandal headquarters town. According to sources, three families from Kammarpally had started for the Badapahad shrine. Police said that the driver lost control of the vehicle which overturned at the Mallaram Ghandi forest area. Passers-by called the police and arranged to shift the injured to the Government General Hospital in Nizamabad. The bodies of the victims were shifted for a post-mortem. Nizamabad Rural police registered a case and investigation is on.

Konda Vishweshwar Reddy Is The Richest Candidate With Rs 4,560 Cr Net Worth

Several Lok Sabha candidates in Telangana, as per their affidavits submitted during the nomination process, are revealed to be crorepatis. Notably, Chevella BJP candidate Konda Vishweshwar Reddy tops the list with assets totaling more than Rs 4,560 crores. According to the affidavits, among the 17 Congress candidates, 12 have declared assets in excess of 10 crores, while 13 BJP candidates and 10 BRS candidates have also declared assets surpassing Rs 10 crores. Chevella Constituency garners significant attention as the wealthiest candidates from major political parties are trying their luck from this constituency. Interestingly, BJP candidate Bharat Prasad from Nagarkurnool has the lowest assets, totaling Rs 33.85 lakhs, including those of his family. Notably, his father Ramulu currently serves as the sitting MP from Nagarkurnool Lok Sabha Constituency. Warangal Congress party candidate Kadiyam Kavya has disclosed assets worth Rs 1.55 crores, whereas BRS candidate RS Praveen Kumar from Nagarkurnool has declared assets amounting to 1.41 crores. Candidates with more than Rs 100 crore in Assets are the following: Constituency Party Candidate's Name Net Worth (in Cr.) Chevella BJP Konda Vishweshwar Reddy 4568.22 Chevella Congress Dr. Ranjith Reddy 435.49 Chevella BRS Kasani Gnaneshwar 228.47 Hyderabad BJP K Madhavi Latha 221.40 Khammam BRS Nama Nageswara Rao 155.90 Zaheerabad BJP BB Patil 151.69 Bhongir BRS K Mallesh 145.34 Nizamabad BJP Dharmapuri Aravind 109.90 The deadline for filing nomination papers was Thursday, April 25.

Sweltering heat to persist in Telangana; rains might bring relief

HYDERABAD : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Hyderabad on Thursday issued a yellow alert predicting heatwave conditions in Telangana till Monday. However, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely to bring respite at isolated places in the state from Saturday. Heatwave conditions are likely to prevail at isolated pockets in Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Mulugu, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Mahbubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Narayanpet and Jogulamba Gadwal districts. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 3040 kmph are very likely to occur at isolated places in Adilabad, Kumurambheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal, Nizamabad, Jagtial, Rajanna-Sircilla, Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Mulugu and Kamareddy districts. In Hyderabad, maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 41C and 27C, respectively, with partly cloudy skies and wind speeds at 4 8 kmph. On Thursday, Nalgonda district recorded the states highest maximum temperature of 44.9C. According to the Telangana State Development Planning Society (TSDPS), the maximum average temperature in the state during the day is 41.1C against the 40.4C normal. Within Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, the highest maximum temperature of 42.9C was recorded in Medchal-Malkajgiri. Within the limits of the GHMC, the maximum average temperature during the day is 40.8C against the 39.8C normal.

Opposition working together to defeat Modi, getting funds from abroad: Pushkar Singh Dhami

NIZAMABAD/HANAMKONDA: Claiming that the opposition parties have been receiving funds from overseas sources, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday alleged that all these outfits are now working together to prevent Narendra Modi from becoming prime minister for the third consecutive time. Similarly, the Congress and BRS too are working together to halt the BJP surge in Telangana, he said. Addressing a public meeting after the BJP Nizamabad candidate Dharmapuri Arvind filed another set of nomination papers here, the Uttarakhand CM said: The Congress and BRS are two sides of the same coin. These parties are looting the people. The Congress came to power in Telangana giving several assurances to the people. Now its government is unable to fulfil those promises. Campaigns for Aroori The Uttarakhand CM also took part in a rally organised in support of partys Warangal candidate Aroori Ramesh from the historic Thousand Pillars Temple to the Ambedkar Centre in Hanamkonda. Later addressing a public meeting, he urged the people to elect Ramesh if they want to see Warangal Lok Sabha constituency developed on par with others segments. Slamming the rival parties for spreading canards against the BJP, he said: The Congress and BRS are making false allegations against the BJP. The leaders of these parties have launched a false propaganda for political and electoral gains. People should not trust them. BJP will win all 17 seats in TG: Gujarat CM Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel expressed confidence that the BJP would win all 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana in the upcoming elections. Patel, along with state BJP president and Union Tourism Minister G Kishan Reddy, participated in the nomination rally of the partys Karimnagar candidate Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Thursday. Speaking on the occasion, the Gujarat CM said: Mukesh Dalal getting elected unopposed from Surat is the first step towards the BJP achieving its target of securing 400 seats. Patel also said that Narendra Modi would take oath as the prime minister for the third consecutive time with the blessings of Karimnagar people. He asserted that Modi will focus on the welfare and development of Telangana. Patel credited the prime minister for humanitarian pauses during the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which allowed the evacuation of many Indian students stuck in the war-torn country and facilitated their return. He also raised slogans during a meeting with party activists later. Subsequently, Kishan alleged that the BRS, Congress and AIMIM are conspiring to defeat the BJP.

BJP will scrap reservations by 2025 if it wins: Telangana CM

HYDERABAD : Alleging that the BJP and RSS have declared a war on the Constitution with the aim of scrapping reservations for SC, ST and OBC communities, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday said that the saffron party was hoping to win 400 seats to implement this agenda. The BJP is trying to win 400 seats so that it gets two-thirds majority in Lok Sabha. This will enable it to pass a Bill scrapping the reservation system. The RSS has a policy to abolish quotas by 2025, as mentioned by its leaders on numerous occasions, the chief minister alleged. The TPCC president was speaking after releasing a chargesheet against the BJP and its 10-year rule at the Gandhi Bhavan in Hyderabad along with AICC in-charge Deepa Dasmunshi, co-in-charge Rohith Choudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, TPCC working president Mahesh Kumar Goud, ministers Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Konda Surekha, Ponnam Prabhakar and others. Warning the people that voting for the BJP would contribute to abolition of the reservation system in the country, the chief minister said that if the saffron party gets even a single seat in Telangana, it would deprive them of their rights. This election is a battle between upholding reservations and their abolition, Revanth said. He recalled that the BJP opposed implementation of the Mandal Commission report that recommended reservations for OBCs. At that time, its senior leader LK Advani toured the country in a rath spreading communal hatred so that attention was diverted from reservations, Revanth alleged. Whats in Cong chargesheet BJP accused of betraying Telangana by forcibly merging 211 villages of Khammam into AP BJP did not implement a single assurance as mandated in AP Reorganisation Act, like setting up of Bayyaram Steel Plant, Kazipet railway coach factory & 2,400 MW NTPC plant, alleges Cong What the Congress chargesheet said For every rupee of tax paid, Telangana gets back only 43 paise. In contrast, BJP gives Rs 7.06 to Bihar, Rs 2.73 to Uttar Pradesh, Rs 2.63 to Assam, and Rs 2.42 to Madhya Pradesh BJP did not release Rs 4,000 crore GST compensation due to Telangana, Rs 24,205 crore recommended by NITI Aayog and Rs 1,800 crore grant for the development of backward districts The saffron party did not allocate a single rupee to Telangana in the 202425 budget. It did not allocate even a rupee to the Mulugu Tribal University or the Turmeric Board at Nizamabad Allocated Rs 1,000 crore for Kumbh Mela in Uttar Pradesh but only Rs 3.14 crore for the Sammakka Sarakka Jatara No assistance when Telangana faced floods. It did not help even when Hyderabad was devastated by severe floods in 2020 In 2023, BJP gave Rs 1,420.80 crore to Maharashtra, Rs 707.60 crore to Odisha, Rs 624.40 crore to Bihar, and Rs 584 crore to Gujarat under disaster relief funds, but neglected Telangana Caused severe loss to Telangana farmers by preventing the state from getting its rightful share of Krishna river waters Lakhs of jobs lost due to privatisation of public sector enterprises like BHEL, BSNL, LIC, BDL, HAL and DRDL, which were established by the Congress in Hyderabad Did not grant national project status to any irrigation project in Telangana, including the Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme Telangana lost 13.9 lakh jobs and Rs 2.19 lakh crore in investments as a result of BJP cancelling the ITIR project given by Congress Abandoned Hyderabad-Warangal, Hyderabad-Nagpur Industrial Corridors, Fab City, Sileru Power Project, establishment of Narayanpet Handloom Park and revival of Adilabad Cement Factory Did not establish a single new airport, dry port or industrial park in Telangana Did not develop Warangal and Karimnagar as smart cities, did not give even one IIM, IIT, Central University or Medical College to Telangana. BJP is privatising coal mines allocated to Singareni by the Congress government. Auctioned Kalyan Khani, Koyagudem, Sattupalli and Shravanapalli coal blocks BJP failed in construction of railway lines on Manoharabad-Kothapalli, Bhadrachalam Road-Sathupally, Peddapalli-Nizamabad and Medak-Akkannapet routes, doubling of Secunderabad-Mahbubnagar, Mudkhed-Medchal railway lines, and third railway line on the Kazipet-Vijayawada routes Did not sanction a single Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya to Telangana since 2014. Discrimination against Telangana in establishment of Sainik Schools and Kendriya Vidyalayas Modi exploiting handloom sector via GST: Revanth The chief minister asserted that it was the responsibility of Congress leaders to explain to the people the failures and conspiracies of BJP in the last 10 years of its rule. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of miserably failing to fulfil his promise of creating 20 crore jobs in 10 years and providing only seven lakh jobs instead. The TPCC chief blamed the BJP government for the spiralling prices of essential commodities and adding to the burden of the common man. He alleged that there was rampant exploitation in industries from handloom to cottage industries, all in the name of GST. Revanth also accused Modi of imposing GST even on basic items like matchboxes and soaps. Stating that the people of the country have been burdened with a debt of Rs 168 lakh crore in the last 10 years due to the Modi government borrowing Rs 113 lakh crore, Revanth accused the prime minister of handing over assets built by successive Congress governments over 60 years to corporates within a decade.

Candidates Facing Legal Scrutiny: Adilabad BRS Contender Tops List with 51 Cases

HYDERABAD: Adilabad BRS candidate Athram Sukku appears have 51 criminal cases booked against him, the most for in the Lok Sabha elections in the state, followed by BJPs M. Ragunandan Rao (Medak) with 29 and Dharmapuri Arvind (Nizamabad) with 22. According to their affidavits, Sukku indulged in trespass, threatening, cheating, assault and other cases including PD Act. Raghunandan Rao and Arvind indulged in Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and other cases. Of the 52 candidates of the four major political parties BRS, BJP, Congress and MIM 19 candidates do not have a single case pending against them. Majority of the candidates faced cases of land disputes, cheating and MCC violations. Zaheerabad BJP candidate B.B. Patil faces 19 cases with regard to his income-tax returns.

Uttarakhand CM Alleges Opposition Funding from Abroad, Supports BJP Campaign in Nizamabad

NIZAMABAD: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami alleged that Opposition parties were getting funds from abroad to fight against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi is giving equal importance to the development of the country and to its defence, he said. Dhami along with Nizamabad MP Arvind Dharmapuri took part in election campaign meeting here at old collectorate ground in Nizamabad on Thursday. Speaking at an election meeting in support of BJP candidate Dharmapuri Arvind, Dhami said that the Congress had failed to eradicate terrorism and which Modi had done in 10 years. The people are not interested in listening to the worst history of the Congress, he said, adding, Modi is treating 140 crore people as his family members. He said that Arvind had implemented his promise of securing the Turmeric Board for Nizamabad, and was committed to reopening the Nizam Deccan Sugar Limited factory. Speaking at a press conference, Arvind said the Congress government had failed to implement its guarantees and questioned the non-payment of crop damage compensation and increased Rythu Bandhu aid. He said the BJP would remove the reservations for Muslims and increase SC/ST reservations. Muslim countries are praising Sanatana Dharma and constructing Hindu temples, he said and added that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy learn about Sanatana Dharma. He ridiculed the Congress chargesheet against the BJP and said that after the BJPs hat-trick victory at the Centre, India will experience good fortune.

Many independents file nominations in Malkajagiri, Bhongir, Nizamabad

The process can be used after proofing, validation of the process and pilot implementation in one or two constituencies in elections to the Legislative Assemblies and then scale up to more Assembly elections and finally parliamentary elections if The process can be used after proofing, validation of the process and pilot implementation in one or two constituencies in elections to the Legislative Assemblies and then scale up to more Assembly elections and finally parliamentary elections if Hyderabad: A number of independent candidates have filed nominations in a few Lok Sabha constituencies to draw the attention of political parties and governments to redress their issues. However, no transgender in the fray for the Lok Sabha polls as on April 24. Some people from the Madiga community have filed nominations as independent candidates demanding the political parties to offer the Lok Sabha tickets to their community leaders, while some filed nominations in protest against political parties failing to address local issues. According to the Election Commission of Indias reports, a total 82 nominations have been filed in Malkajgiri. Most of them entered the poll fray to raise their voice against the political indiscipline. G. Narahari, who filed his nomination as an independent candidate in Malkajgiri, said that the political parties have violated ethics. A Tamil Nadu based political party Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, which fights on issues relating to Dalits, offered a Malkajgiri ticket to Anjaneyulu Manchiti. In Bhongir, several persons from the Madiga community filed nominations in the Bhongir Lok Sabha constituency as independent candidates. Of the total 73 nominations received till April 24, a number of candidates are independents. G Anil Kumar, who filed his nomination as an independent candidate, said the political parties have failed to offer tickets to Madiga community leaders even after 50 lakh voters belonging to the Madiga community are living in the state. Similarly, a total 62 nominations were filed in Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency. Rapelly Srinivas, who filed as an independent candidate in Nizamabad, said that he filed nomination to draw the attention of political parties to the issues of Beedi workers in his district. The government must withdraw the GST on Beedi business activities and provide pension to beedi workers. I filed a nomination to draw the attention of all political leaders to our issue, Srinivas said. Total nominations filed till April 24, 2024. Malkajgiri-- 82 Bhongir-- 73 Karimnagar--62 Nizamabad--62 Nalgonda--60 Pedapalli -- 55 Secunderabad--49 Warangal--52 Medak-54

Forget the pot & kettle, black is the calling in Nizamabad

In Nizamabad, Angad Prajapati excels in crafting black pottery with silver patterns, combining ancient techniques and modern influences. The craft, recognized internationally, brings steady income to local artists, preserving a rich heritage.

Hyderabad: State Braces for Thunderstorms and Escalating Heatwave Conditions

Hyderabad: The state has been placed on alert by meteorologists who forecast a series of severe weather events over the next five days, beginning with thunderstorms and culminating in intense heat waves across multiple districts. According to the Indian Meteorological Department-Hyderabad (IMD-H), Wednesday will see a continuation of thunderstorms in Adilabad, Komaram Bheem Asifabad, Mancherial, Nirmal and Nizamabad districts, though with slightly reduced wind speeds of 30-40 kmph. A yellow alert for heat wave conditions is forecast in the southern districts of Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool, Wanaparthy, Narayanpet, and Jogulamba Gadwal. For April 25 and 26, the focus would shift from thunderstorms to worsening heat wave conditions, the IMD-H said. The affected areas will broaden to include Suryapet, Mahbubabad, Warangal, Hanamkonda, Peddapalli, Jayashankar Bhupalapally, and Mulugu districts. Residents in these areas were advised to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours and stay hydrated. The most severe conditions are expected on April 27, with an orange warning issued for extreme heat in Bhadradri Kothagudem, Khammam, Nalgonda, and Suryapet. The surrounding districts will continue to experience significant heat under a yellow warning. Nidamanoor in Nalgonda recorded the highest temperature of 45.1C on Tuesday, followed by Bhadradri Kothagudem at 44.9C. Banjara Hills recorded the highest temperature of 43C in Hyderabad as against 38.4C being the highest temperature in the city last year on April 23.

Delhi Court Extends Judicial Custody of BRS MLC K. Kavitha in Corruption Case

NIZAMABAD: A Delhi court on Tuesday extended the judicial custody of BRS MLC. K. Kavitha, daughter of former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, till May 7 in a corruption case related to the Delhi liquor scam that is being probed by the CBI. Special judge for CBI and ED matters Kaveri Baweja, extended her custody after she was produced before the court through video conference on expiry of remand. Meanwhile, BRS leaders appear to have disowned Kavitha, a former MP. Her pictures are missing in the campaign material of party candidate Bajireddy Govardhan. They are reportedly eager to avoid negativity in the campaign. She is currently an MLC elected in a bypoll to the Nizamabad local authorities Legislative Council seat. Opponents argued that Kavitha had never felt Nizamabad was her own constituency and she always treated the entire state as her constituency. During her stint as MP, Kavitha preferred to visit foreign countries, other states and entire Telangana districts, they recalled. Meanwhile, some followers of Kavitha have joined the BJP and the Congress. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a BRS youth leader said. We are not in a position to sustain any negativity due to Kavithas arrest. She was once associated with the Bathukamma festival, he noted.

BJP Leaders to Accompany Candidates Filing Lok Sabha Nominations

Hyderabad: The Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled Gujarat and Uttarakhand and Union ministers Dr S. Jaishankar and Anurag Thakur will accompany the party nominees when they file their papers for the May 13 Lok Sabha polls, the party said on Tuesday. External affairs minister Jaishankar, OBC Morcha Dr K. Laxman and Assembly floor leader Aleti Maheshwar Reddy will attend a rally by Adilabad candidate Gudem Nagesh in Adilabad town on Wednesday, TS BJP general secretary G. Premender Reddy in a statement. Union information and broadcasting minister Anurag Thakur along with Goshamahal MLA T. Raja Singh will take part in a rally by Hyderabad candidate K. Madhavi Latha. The rally will commence from the Lord Vittobha temple in Gowliguda to the Hyderabad district collectorate. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel along with TS BJP chief G. Kishan Reddy will take part the rally of Karimnagar candidate Bandi Sanjay on Thursday. After filing of nomination papers, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Kishan Reddy will address a public meeting. Then, they will proceed to Nagarkurnool to address a public meeting in support of party nominee P. Bharath. The Gujarat Chief Minister will address a public meeting in the city, being organised by the Kishan Reddy and Madhav Latha, party candidates from Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Dhami and Dr Laxman will attend a rally taken out by partys Nizamabad candidate Dharmapuri Arvind on Thursday. They will proceed to Warangal to take part in an election meeting. Gomasa Srinivas Reddy will file his papers from Peddapalli in the presence of Maheshwar Reddy and party MLA Dr P Harish Babu.

Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency: BJP's Arvind Dharmapuri to fight against Congress' Tatiparthi Jeevan Reddy

Arvind Dharmapuri and Tatiparthi Jeevan Reddy face off in Nizamabad. 2019 winner Dharmapuri battles 2014 victor Kalvakuntla Kavitha. Kiren Rijiju predicts tough times for Congress. BJP aims for double-digit wins, supporting PM Modi for the June oath.

Nizamabad Lok Sabha constituency: BJPs Arvind Dharmapuri to fight against Congress Tatiparthi Jeevan Reddy

The News Mill

Oppn Conspire to Topple Cong. Govt, Says Revanth

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday alleged that Opposition parties had hatched a conspiracy to topple the Congress government as they are unable to bear the successful implementation of five out of Six Guarantees within 100 days of coming to power. Revanth Reddy appealed to voters at election rallies in Adilabad, Nizamabad, and Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituencies to thwart the conspiracies of the Opposition parties stating that if the Congress was defeated in the Lok Sabha polls or removed from power, it would be the people who will lose the benefits of Six Guarantees and welfare schemes of the Congress government. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments on Muslims, Revanth Reddy alleged that BJP leaders were trying to divert the attention of people from real issues concerning them such as unemployment, inflation among others by raising 'communal issues' to provoke one religion against the other. He said that even the family's property will be divided among the children following the due procedure and said statements made by Modi would not bring respect to a person of his stature who worked as Prime Minister and Chief Minister. He said that Modis comments were intended to divide the people on communal lines and said the legislation and the Constitution would not allow anybody to give one communitys assets or wealth to another community. He said such statements made by a person at the top would affect the secular fabric. He said the BJP was doing politics in the name of Lord Rama and the Ayodhya temple. He made it clear that he was proud of being a Hindu and he worshipped all Hindu Gods and Goddesses and village deities. Revanth Reddy said Hindus and Muslims support each other during their festivals. Hindus observe Peerilu in villages, while Muslims extend support to Hindus during Vinayaka Chavithi in Hyderabad. Some are using Gods for elections and political mileage. God should be in the temple. Bhakti should be in the heart and not in polling booths. This thought process is not good for our country, Revanth Reddy said. He said the Congress government would give irrigation water to the erstwhile Adilabad district by constructing the Pranahita Chevella project at Thummidihatti. He appealed to the people to vote for Congress candidates for the development of their respective districts. He said the Congress government will implement a crop loan waiver of up to Rs 2 lahks before August 15 and freshly took the oath on Goddess Basar Saraswati. He also promised to reopen the Adilabad unit of the Cement Corporation of India (CCI) under private management and to set up a university in the Adilabad district. The Kupti project will be constructed on the Kadam river to give water to the irrigation in Boath Assembly Constituency, said Revanth Reddy who criticised the BRS government for neglecting the construction of the project in ten years of its rule. He said the Kadam project was damaged due to the negligence of the previous government. He observed that former chief minister K. Chandrashekar Rao was not interested in naming the Pranahita-Chevella Project after Dr B.R. Ambedkar or acknowledging the services of Vivek Venkatswamy. Revanth Reddy said Nizamabad candidate Jeevan Reddy would become Union agriculture minister in the I.N.D.I.A. government and would reopen the Nizam Sugar Factory before September 17 and set up a turmeric board if elected. Nizamabad farmers stand for self-respect, he said and equated them with Haryana and Punjab farmers who fought against the anti-farmer legislation. He pointed out that the Nizamabad farmers had taught a lesson to BRS MLC K. Kavitha who cheated them with false promises. Revanth Reddy said the order issued by the Centre had not said that a Turmeric Board would be opened in Nizamabad, and BJP MP Dharmapuri Arvind was cheating them with false claims.

Congress Khammam ticket tussle reaches Bengaluru

Hyderabad: The stalemate over Congress candidates for Khammam, Karimnagar and Hyderabad Lok Sabha seats continues even though filling of nominations ends in three days on April 25. Party sources said that the Congress high command has roped in Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to resolve the Khammam candidate issue between Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy. While Bhatti is seeking the ticket for his wife Nandini, Srinivas Reddy wants it for his brother Prasad Reddy. Sources added that they headed to Bengaluru on Monday and discussed the issue with Shivakumar. It was learnt that AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge was in town and the TS leaders discussed the issue with him. Former Warangal MP R. Surender Reddy's son R. Raghurami Reddy is also in the race for the Khammam ticket. Sources said that both Bhatti and Srinivas Reddy pitched for fielding a local from Khammam district, whoever it may be, against the backdrop of speculation over party leadership considering the candidature of Mandava Venkateshwar Rao of Nizamabad district. For Karimnagar, former Congress MLA A. Praveen Reddy and Velichala Rajender Rao, who has the support of minister Ponnam Prabhakar, are in the race. For Hyderabad, the Congress is reportedly considering Sameer Waliullah, president of Hyderabad district Congress committee.

CM Revanth Address Public Meeting in Nizamabad Today

Nizamabad : Chief Minister and TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy is scheduled to address a public meeting in Nizamabad on April 22. Congress candidate for the Nizamabad Parliament constituency, T. Jeevan Reddy, will file his nomination papers on Monday. The public meeting will take place at the Old Collectorate ground, and officials are making arrangements for the event. Congress leaders and supporters are optimistic that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's visit to Nizamabad will strengthen the party's prospects in the region. The party currently holds two of the seven Assembly constituencies in the Nizamabad Parliament constituency, with P. Sudarshan Reddy and R. Bhupathi Reddy representing the Bodhan and Nizamabad rural constituencies, respectively.

KCR Announces 17-Day Roadshow Schedule for Lok Sabha Polls

Hyderabad: The BRS on Sunday released the schedule for party supremo K. Chandrashekar Raos 17-day long road shows for the Lok Sabha elections. The events will be held in the evening in view of the summer heat, and will last from April 24 to May 10. The schedule is as follows: April 24: Miryalaguda, 5.30 pm, Suryapet 7 pm; April 25: Bhongir, 7 pm; April 26, Mahbubnagar 6 pm; April 27: Nagarkurnool 6 pm; April 28: Warangal 6 pm; April 29: Khammam 6 pm; April 30: Tallada 5.30 pm and Kothagudem 6.30 pm; May 1: Mahbubabad 6 pm; May 2: Jammikunta 6 pm; May 3: Ramagundam 6 pm; May 4: Mancherial 6 pm; May 5: Jagtial 6 pm; May 6: Nizamabad 6 pm; May 7: Kamareddy 5.30 pm and Medak 7 pm; May 8: Narsapur 5.30 pm and Patancheruvu 7 pm; May 9: Karimnagar 6 pm; May 10: Sircilla 5 pm and Siddipet 6.30 pm.