PM Modi Focuses on Global Role and Border Area Development:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India’s influence is growing in a world filled with difficulties, and he stressed that the nation’s strength was recognized on the global stage during the G-20 summit. Additionally, earlier in the day, he initiated the commencement of developmental projects worth Rs 4,200 crores in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district.
During a public rally, Prime Minister Modi directed his remarks at the Opposition, noting that there was a period when the nation was enveloped in a sense of hopelessness. People across the country were left pondering when the nation would emerge from the shadow of large-scale corruption scandals.
Now, amidst the world’s array of challenges, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India’s influence is on the rise, and he posed a question: Doesn’t it bring a sense of pride when India leads the way on the global stage? He also discussed India’s growing global significance, mentioning that during interactions with international dignitaries, he senses their recognition of not just him, but the 1.4 billion people he represents. This was particularly evident during the recent G-20 summit in Delhi.
Etala to Contest Against KCR in Gajwel and Huzurabad:
Etala Rajendar, BJP’s Huzurabad MLA and head of the defector admission committee, announced that he will run against Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao in Gajwel while also contesting in Huzurabad.
Speaking at a BJP gathering of senior leaders in Huzurabad, Karimnagar, Rajendar expressed concern about the changing political atmosphere in Telangana after the state’s formation, where the government used to heed the voices of leaders from opposition parties. He highlighted the need to restore good political culture in the state.
As the former finance minister, Rajendar mentioned his practice of allocating tractors equally to all, regardless of their political affiliations, for developmental work. He noted that a certain leader later politicized this practice.
Etala Rajendar emphasized his commitment to the welfare of BJP activists and downplayed the rivalry with other leaders, stating that he is a political leader, not a troublemaker. He refuted claims that Congress was the sole alternative to the ruling party (BRS) and suggested that there is no significant ground-level support for Congress.
Addressing rumors that he was acting as a spy for Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao within the BJP, Rajendar expressed his intention to contest against the Chief Minister and defeat him.
Etala credited himself for implementing various government initiatives, including Dalit Bandhu, Girijana Bandhu, and BC Bandhu, and the construction of community buildings, and allocation of housing sites to journalists, during the BRS government’s rule.
He urged Huzurabad residents to support the BJP, promising that opposition leaders would not even secure their deposits if the people were determined. He advised BJP workers to report any police officers attempting to intimidate party members or favor the ruling BRS. Rajendar also called upon the people of Telangana to vote wisely, urging them not to be deceived by monetary incentives from BRS leaders.
Rajendar invited BJP workers to attend a public meeting in Huzurabad on October 16, where Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh would address the public.
Major Development: TDP and BJP to Form Alliance for Telangana Elections?
The meeting that occurred between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Nara Lokesh, the general secretary of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), on Wednesday evening, has sparked rumors about a potential alliance between the two parties in Telangana.
Reliable sources within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) informed the media that the alliance is highly likely and will be officially announced after the release of N. Chandrababu Naidu in the coming days. These sources also mentioned that certain minor issues, such as the inclusion of Jana Sena in the alliance, will need to be resolved before the announcement. The specifics of seat sharing and seat allocation for the election partners will be worked out as well.
During his meeting with Amit Shah, Nara Lokesh was accompanied by G. Kishan Reddy, the Telangana BJP chief, and D. Purandeswari, his counterpart in Andhra Pradesh. Telugu Desam Party sources have claimed that the Union Minister’s assurance that justice will prevail has revitalized the TDP cadre and instilled hope of some form of relief from the ongoing pressure imposed by the YSR Congress government in corruption cases.
In Telangana, a faction of veteran leaders had advocated for a TDP alliance, but their efforts were thwarted when Bandi Sanjay Kumar was at the helm. Numerous aspirants in the HMDA region, along with Kishan Reddy and Sanjay himself, were among the first to denounce Naidu’s arrest. After some wavering, the Bharatiya Rashtriya Samithi (BRS) leadership also condemned the arrest.
However, BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao faced criticism from TDP sympathizers for limiting protests in the city. As a form of damage control, Minister T. Harish Rao publicly condemned Naidu’s arrest. Some BJP leaders argue that the BRS can no longer invoke regional sentiment after making inroads into Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. “Recently, KTR encouraged investors to set up businesses in Andhra Pradesh and offered to mediate with Jagan Mohan Reddy for land for these investors,” noted a BJP leader.
The Jana Sena Party, which is a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), adhered to the “Raj Dharma” and withdrew from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections, subsequently extending support to BJP candidates. Sources indicate that BJP had informed Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party of a roadmap for Telangana as well, but this did not materialize, reportedly due to differences of opinion between Bandi Sanjay and G. Kishan Reddy.
Jana Sena Party has been actively attempting to forge a tripartite alliance with BJP and TDP in Andhra Pradesh, and sources suggest that a similar arrangement could be pursued in Telangana.
When contacted for a response, Nadendla Manohar stated that he was unaware of any developments following the meeting between Lokesh and Shah. While making the party’s position clear regarding participation in the elections in Telangana, he expressed the need to recognize the growing voices in and around Hyderabad, as demonstrated by the extensive protests in IT corridors, and provide them with the appropriate acknowledgment.
Major Development TDP and BJP to Form Alliance for Telangana Elections
The Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) intensified its social media campaign against the TDP, criticizing its “opportunistic” politics by sharing videos of Naidu and Lokesh vehemently opposing Modi and Shah.
Nevertheless, the official stance of the YSRCP remains consistent, with its general secretary, S. Ramakrishna Reddy, asserting that the party will contest the elections independently and remains unconcerned about any alliances formed by opposition parties.
PM Modi Arrives in Uttarakhand for Set to Inaugurate Development Projects:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Uttarakhand for a one-day visit, during which he is scheduled to lay the foundation stones for multiple development projects and address a public gathering. The Prime Minister reached the Adi Kailash peak at Jolingkong, as confirmed by Pithoragarh District Magistrate Reena Joshi.
His itinerary includes visiting the Adi Kailash, a sacred abode of Lord Shiva, at Jolingkong, offering prayers at Jageshwar Dham, and visiting the border village of Gunji. In a social media post, Modi expressed the government’s commitment to the welfare and rapid development of Uttarakhand and stated that he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various projects in Pithoragarh to expedite these efforts.
He also mentioned his anticipation of interacting with the people of Gunji village and expressed his eagerness for a darshan of the spiritually significant Parvati Kund and performing puja at Jageshwar Dham during the tour.
During his journey, cultural troupes from Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region will welcome Modi at various points along a renovated six-kilometer road adorned with murals and paintings, he will travel from the Naini Saini airport to the location of the public gathering.
Following the darshan of the Adi Kailash peak at Jolingkong, the Prime Minister is expected to proceed to Gunji village, where he will engage with local residents and security personnel. He will then offer prayers to Lord Shiva at the Jageshwar Dham and deliver a public address in Pithoragarh.
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy is set to launch a grand housewarming event for 7.43 lakh houses as part of the Navaratnalu-Pedalandriki Illu initiative in Samarlakota, Kakinada district, on Thursday at 9:30 a.m.
The Jagan Mohan Reddy-led government is dedicated to realizing the dream of impoverished women to become homeowners and has already distributed 30.75 lakh house sites to women throughout the state. This initiative has led to the construction of 21.76 lakh houses as part of the Navaratnalu Pedalandariki Illu.
The stage is prepared for the mass housewarming inauguration event, during which the Chief Minister will address the public following the launch.
Officials have reported that the YSRC government distributed 30.75 lakh free house site pattas to women, with construction work commencing on 21.76 lakh houses. Currently, 7.43 lakh houses have been completed and are being handed over to the beneficiaries. The construction of the remaining houses is progressing at a rapid pace.
Housing Minister Jogi Ramesh explained that the state government’s objective is not only to construct houses but also to create habitations, colonies, and new towns. He elaborated on the distribution of 30.75 lakh house sites across 17,005 YSR-Jagananna Colony layouts, covering a total area of 71,811 acres. The plots’ values range from 2.5 lakh to 15 lakh, depending on their location. Even at the minimum value of 2.5 lakh, the total worth of the plots exceeds 76,000 crore. The construction of 21.76 lakh houses is being carried out under the Navaratnalu Pedalandariki Illu initiative at a cost of 56,700 crore, with each house costing 2.70 lakhs.
In all YSR-Jagananna layouts, the state government is committed to providing infrastructure facilities, including water, electricity, internet, drainage, sewerage, roads, and social infrastructure such as schools, Anganwadi centers, and health facilities, at a cost of 32,909 crore to develop them as Model Colonies.
Apart from granting house sites free of charge, the government is offering 1.80 lakh for construction per unit, providing a pavala vaddi loan of 35,000, free sand valued at 15,000, and an additional benefit of around 40,000 by providing cement, steel, metal frames, and other building materials at subsidized rates.
Ramesh further revealed that the government distributed 30.75 lakh house sites to deserving women beneficiaries across the state, developing 17,005 YSR-Jagananna Colony layouts within 18 months after assuming power in 2019. Additionally, the government is providing TIDCO houses to 2.62 lakh beneficiaries, complete with all necessary infrastructure facilities and free registrations.
Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ramappa Lamani has switched to the Congress party, citing his dissatisfaction with the BJP’s leadership as the reason for his decision. He suggested that the BJP’s influence in Karnataka may further diminish in the future.
Lamani mentioned that the BJP won in 66 constituencies during the May 2023 elections, with some of its candidates securing victory by a margin of fewer than 1,500 votes. He believed that if those races had gone differently, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s seat count could have been limited to just 40.
Expressing his confidence in the Congress party’s future, Lamani predicted that it would remain in power for the next decade. He emphasized that his entry into the Congress party was unconditional and pledged to work tirelessly for the party’s candidate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) and Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, revealed that he had a list of 42 leaders from other political parties who were interested in joining the Congress.
Former BJP MLA Joins Congress Party
Additionally, former Bharatiya Janata Party leaders Jagadish Shettar and Laxman Savadi, who are now part of the Congress, have a substantial roster of leaders from northern Karnataka who are eager to switch sides. Shivakumar noted that approximately 100 leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party, who had contested in the 2023 Assembly polls, have also expressed their desire to join the Congress. Leaders from various regions across the state, spanning from Bidar in the north to Chamarajangar in the south, have shown interest in aligning with the Congress party.
K.T. Rama Rao, the working president of BRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi), and a minister, criticized A. Revanth Reddy, the Telangana state Congress president, accusing him of turning state elections into a money-making venture. Rama Rao claimed that Reddy, who was previously involved in a note-for-vote scandal, is now operating a “seat-for-note” operation. He even humorously referred to Reddy as ‘Rate Entha’ Reddy. Revanth is creating elections as ATMs. Revanth has got word slams about elections by KTR.
Furthermore, Rama Rao accused the Congress and its leaders of promoting fake surveys that predict their victory, labeling these tactics as “idiotic” and unsuccessful. He also took a jab at former TPCC president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, who had vowed not to shave his beard until BRS and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao were defeated in the 2018 elections, but his status remains unknown.
During his recent travels across 32 constituencies, Rama Rao noted that there was no noticeable discontent among the people, and they expressed a desire for KCR to remain as Chief Minister. He emphasized the clear agenda and mood of the people, stating their preference for KCR’s leadership.
Rama Rao ridiculed the Congress for making cosmetic changes and resorting to fake surveys before elections, emphasizing that these tactics were not new and had failed in the past.
Rama Rao made these comments during a meeting of party leaders and workers at Telangana Bhavan, where a Congress leader, Bilya Naik from Devarakonda constituency, and his supporters joined BRS. Rama Rao expressed confidence that Naik’s entry into the BRS would strengthen the party’s position.
Continuing his criticism of the Congress and BJP, Rama Rao claimed that the Congress had lost its right to seek votes after being given numerous chances by the people. He highlighted the differences between the Congress and BRS, stating that the Congress had scams while the BRS had schemes, and urged people to choose wisely.
Additionally, Rama Rao demanded an apology from Union Home Minister Amit Shah for falsely stating that Telangana had the highest number of farmer suicides, which contradicted the Central government’s official data indicating lower suicide rates among farmers. the Telangana State Congress president Revanth also criticized the government.
Rama Rao also credited KCR for uplifting tribal communities in Telangana, mentioning increased reservations for tribals, improvements in tribal hamlets, and the resolution of the fluorosis issue in Nalgonda district. He pointed out that people in Devarakonda were now benefiting from clean water from the Krishna River, thanks to the BRS government’s efforts under KCR’s leadership.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the new criminal law bills as excessively harsh and anti-citizen. She revealed that Trinamul Congress MPs will voice their concerns about the bill’s provisions during parliamentary panel discussions.
Expressing her worries, Banerjee posted on X (formerly Twitter) that she had been reviewing drafts from the Union Home Ministry aimed at replacing the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act. She was shocked to discover that these drafts quietly introduced severe and draconian provisions detrimental to citizens.
She pointed out that while there was a promise to withdraw the Sedition Law, the proposed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita introduced even more severe and arbitrary measures, potentially affecting citizens more negatively. Banerjee stressed the need to decolonize not only the form but also the spirit of the current Acts, and she encouraged jurists and public activists to carefully study these drafts for democratic contributions to the criminal justice system.
Didi Slams Draconian Criminal Law Bills
She also mentioned that her parliamentary colleagues would address these concerns during deliberations in the Standing Committee. She emphasized the need for improvements in the laws.
BJP Committed to Providing 10% Reservation for Tribals,” Affirms Kishan Reddy:
The Telangana BJP has pledged to implement a 10% reservation for Adivasis (tribals) in government jobs, local body elections, and education based on their population size. Union Minister and BJP State Chief, G. Kishan Reddy, made this commitment after offering prayers to the presiding deities Sammakka and Saralamma in Medaram, Mulugu district.
G.Kishan Reddy, speaking to the media at the temple, emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to uplift tribal and Adivasi communities across the nation, including celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju and appointing a tribal woman as a president. He hoped the presiding deities would bless Modi in his mission to preserve tribal traditions and culture and initiate further developmental programs for these communities.
The BJP leader expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for establishing the Central Tribal University in Mulugu district, named after Sammakka and Saralamma, and allocating ₹900 crore for its initial phase. He also mentioned the ₹34 crore tribal memorial museum and a ₹6.5 crore tribal research center established by the BJP government in Hyderabad.
Kishan Reddy highlighted the establishment of 17 Ekalavya schools costing ₹420 crore to promote development in the agency areas, honor tribal luminaries, and enhance tribal literacy rates. The central government also designated aspirational districts such as Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Asifabad, and Bhadradri Kothagudem, providing ₹37 crore for their development.
Furthermore, through the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the central government allocated ₹80 crore to create a tribal circuit linking Mulugu, Laknavaram, Thadavai, Damarvai, Malluru, and Bogatha waterfalls, along with providing essential facilities. The Prime Minister has taken a special initiative to secure UNESCO’s World Heritage status for the historic Sri Rudreshwara Alayam temple in Ramappa, Mulugu district.
Several prominent political figures attended this event, including former minister Etala Rajendar, former MPs Mohan Rao, Ravindra Naik, and Ramesh Rathod, former MLA Dharma Rao, Chandupatla Prahalad, Errabelli Pradeep, Rao Padma, and Rakesh Reddy.
Modi’s Spiritual Visit to Uttarakhand Spurs Development Projects:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on his visit to Uttarakhand, commencing with a pilgrimage to the Adi Kailash peak, a sacred abode of Lord Shiva located in Jolingkong. Following this, he will proceed to Gunji village to interact with local residents and security personnel, as per the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) itinerary.
During his journey from Naini Saini airport to a public meeting venue, cultural troupes hailing from Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region will extend a warm welcome to the Prime Minister. A 6-km road, adorned with murals and paintings, has been renovated for this purpose.
Modi will later visit the Jageshwar Dham to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and deliver a public address in Pithoragarh. The visit is also an opportunity for him to unveil various development projects, elevating the significance of the Adi Kailash tourism circuit, as mentioned by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in a Facebook post.
Cultural troupes from across the Kumaon region have been invited to participate in the welcome ceremony along the route from the airport to the SS Waldia sports stadium in Pithoragarh, as confirmed by organizer C.S. Chauhan.
Modi’s Spiritual Visit to Uttarakhand Spurs Development Projects
According to the PMO’s schedule, Prime Minister Modi will arrive in Jolingkong at 8.30 a.m., departing from Bareilly. He will engage in prayer at Parvati Tal, seek blessings from Lord Shiva at Adi Kailash, and conduct a puja at the Shiva-Parvati temple in Jolingkong, guided by local priests Virendra Kutiyal and Gopal Singh. Additionally, he will receive water from the holy Mansarovar lake, presented by Nepalese traders under the supervision of Ashok Nabiyal, the patron of Rung Kalyan Sanstha.
Maharashtra Politics: Language and Religion in Focus Ahead of Elections:
As the elections draw near, a linguistic dispute has erupted in Mumbai, where activists from Shiv Sena (UBT) and the MNS have vandalized Gujarati signboards in the Ghatkopar area, which has a significant Gujarati population. BJP leaders are calling for the reinstallation of these signboards by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Unidentified individuals damaged a signboard with Gujarati text and replaced it with a flex displaying the Shiv Sena (UBT) symbol at a triangular traffic junction near the ‘N’ ward BMC office in Ghatkopar. This junction was beautified in 2016 by the then-local BJP corporator Pravin Chheda, who installed a large sign in Gujarati reading ‘Maru Ghatkopar’ (My Ghatkopar) on one side.
Following this incident, MNS activists also defaced other Gujarati nameplates on RB Mehta Marg on Monday night, creating a tense atmosphere in Ghatkopar.
On Tuesday, BJP workers and Gujarati residents in Ghatkopar staged protests against these acts of vandalism. Chheda noted that the traffic junction had signages in Marathi From Maharashtra and English on the other two sides, and there was no intention to exclusively promote the Gujarati language. He accused both Shiv Sena UBT and the MNS of attempting to exploit the situation for their own political advantage by stirring up a Marathi vs. Gujarati dispute.
The Marathi vs. Gujarati dispute is expected to escalate into a significant controversy in the coming days. The incident occurred shortly after a Marathi woman, Trupti Deorukhkar, was allegedly denied access to premises in the Mulund area, which was primarily occupied by Gujarati residents. Subsequently, Gujarati office bearers of the society issued an apology.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra BJP MLA Nitesh Rane has called for restrictions on entry into upcoming Navratri festivals, permitting only Hindus to prevent ‘Love Jihad’ incidents. He urged organizers to check Aadhaar cards at the entrance and admit only Hindus to garba and dandiya venues in Maharashtra.
“We demand that individuals participating in dandiya and garba events should be from the Hindu community. We have requested organizers to verify the Aadhaar cards of all attendees at the entrance and admit only Hindus to ensure the safety of Hindu women,” said the BJP MLA.
Maharashtra Politics: Language and Religion in Focus Ahead of Elections
He claimed that several incidents have linked ‘love jihad’ cases and religious conversions to such festivities.
“Hindu women are deceived and enticed. People from outside our community attend such events wearing saffron and other attire and falsely claim to be Hindus,” added Rane.
Second Round of Questioning for Nara Lokesh in Inner Ring Road Scam:
In the ongoing investigation into the Amaravati Inner Ring Road scam case, Andhra Pradesh CID continued its questioning of Nara Lokesh, the TDP general secretary, for the second consecutive day on Wednesday.
Lokesh reached the CID’s Economic Offences Wing-II office in Tadepalli, located in Guntur district, at 9:55 a.m.
A day earlier, the CID issued a second notice to Lokesh, summoning him under Section 41 A of CrPC.
Second Round of Questioning for Nara Lokesh
The Inner Ring Road (IRR) scam centers around alleged irregularities in the construction of an internal ring road in Amaravati city. The CID’s investigation suggests that the road’s alignment was altered to provide undue advantages to companies associated with TDP leaders, including Chandrababu Naidu.
President Draupadi Murmu to Arrive in Srinagar for a 2-Day Visit Today:
Security forces, including the J&K police and commandos from central armed police forces, encircled the picturesque University of Kashmir campus in Srinagar‘s Hazratbal area ahead of President Draupadi Murmu’s visit.
The President is set to preside over the 20th convocation of the oldest public state university in Jammu and Kashmir, established in 1948, situated on the western side of Dal Lake.
All four entrances to the campus were sealed by armed personnel on Tuesday evening, and security was also heightened in the adjacent residential area The reinforcement of local police and central armed police forces, such as the CRPF, was put into effect.
Residents reported that security forces conducted searches in the nearby neighborhoods of Naseem Bagh, Sadrabal, and Kani Taar as part of security preparations. Official sources noted the use of the latest technology and security equipment, including CCTV cameras and drones, to ensure a safe visit by the President to Srinagar. Additionally, area dominance exercises are ongoing in the city, involving random vehicle checks and patrolling of residential areas, especially those around the University campus.
On Monday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha led a meeting with top police and civil administration officials to review arrangements for the President’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Prof. Nilofar Khan, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, also attended the meeting.
President Draupadi Murmu to Arrive in Srinagar
During the initial part of her two-day visit to J&K, the President will engage with local tribal groups and women from self-help groups at Srinagar’s Raj Bhavan. She will also attend a civic reception in her honor at the same venue.
On October 12, President Draupadi Murmu will visit the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in the Trikuta hills near Jammu, where she is scheduled to inaugurate a renovated Parvati Bhavan and a skywalk, according to official sources.
Political Concerns Over Electoral Roll Revision in Telangana:
Political party leaders have expressed their reservations about the summary revision of electoral rolls.
Ponna Venkat Ramana, a member of the BJP state Election Commission affairs committee, raised concerns that residents of Rangareddy and Malkajgiri districts were included as voters in the Hyderabad district.
G. Niranjan, the senior vice president of the Telangana Congress, questioned the rationale behind numerous amendments made after the publication of the electoral rolls.
The CPI(M) city secretary voiced dissatisfaction with the effectiveness of the electoral roll purification process. Additionally, members of political parties called on the authorities to distribute polling slips well in advance of the polling day rather than just before.
KCR’s Ambitious Schedule: 41 Public Addresses in Just 24 Days:
The President and Chief Minister of the BRS party, K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), has tentatively mapped out an extensive campaign schedule consisting of 41 election meetings over 24 days. This strategy is aimed at saturating the state with the party’s message. The campaign schedule was released on Tuesday evening.
K. Chandrashekar Rao, whose campaigning efforts are expected to significantly impact the fortunes of several BRS candidates in the November 30 elections, plans to address two to three meetings daily. The campaign kicks off in Husnabad on October 14 and concludes, as per the announced schedule, with a public meeting in Kamareddy on November 9.
In the interim, he will conduct meetings in various locations, including Jangaon, Bhongir, Sircilla, Siddipet, Jadcherla, Medchal, Achampet, Nagarkurnool, Munugode, Paleru, Station Ghanpur, Kodad, Thungathurthy, Aler, Jukkal, Banswada, Narayankhed, Huzurnagar, Miryalguda, Devarakonda, Sathupalli, Yellandu, Kothagudem, Khammam, Nirmal, Balkonda, Dharmapuri, Bhainsa (Mudhole), Armoor, Korutla, Gadwal, Makthal, Manthani, Peddapalli, Narayanpet, Chennur, Asifabad, Sirpur, and Bellampalli.
Meanwhile, the BJP is planning a total of 40 public meetings within a month, featuring prominent campaigners such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, J.P. Nadda, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with other senior BJP leaders.
The Congress campaign anticipates gatherings to be attended and addressed by Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, as well as senior leaders. There is also a plan for a bus yatra involving top leaders and Chief Ministers from states governed by the party.
KCR’s Election Goal: KTR as Next CM, Kavitha’s Legal Defense:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticized the ruling BRS government in Telangana, accusing them of damaging the state through family rule. Shah cautioned that Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) might attempt to create a false impression of a political alliance with the BJP as an election strategy.
Addressing a gathering of professionals and intellectuals in Secunderabad, Shah stated that KCR’s intentions were to pave the way for his son, K.T. Rama Rao, to become the Chief Minister while safeguarding his daughter, MLC K. Kavitha, from potential legal troubles by maintaining power in Telangana.
Shah emphasized that the BRS lacked a coherent ideology or governing principles for the state, suggesting that if they were to come to power, the influence of the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) would be significant.
Regarding the BJP’s track record, Shah asserted that they adhered to a consistent ideology and strictly implemented it. He highlighted the substantial financial investment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amounting to ₹9 lakh crore, towards Telangana’s development over the past nine years. Shah questioned why Telangana, which had a surplus budget at its formation, fell into a deficit during K. Chandrashekar Rao’s (KCR)nine-year tenure.
Shah urged professionals and intellectuals to carefully consider their votes and not grant the BRS another opportunity to lead the government. He called on them to elect the right candidates to establish a new government in Telangana, asserting that the BRS had failed to deliver on its promises of funds, water, and employment.
Additionally, Shah alleged a political nexus between the Congress and the BRS, and he encouraged intellectuals and professionals to put an end to the two parties in Telangana during the upcoming Assembly elections. He contended that family-dominated governments and corrupt political parties did not adequately address the concerns of the people, exemplified by the alleged corruption in the construction of projects like Kaleshwaram and Palamuru-Rangareddy lift irrigation projects by the ruling BRS government.
Shah concluded by urging the gathering to support the BJP and elect its candidates, promising to work towards the development of Telangana.
Jagan Issues Directives for Bus Yatra Meetings Starting on October 26:
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy conducted a meeting at his Camp Office on Tuesday, engaging with YSRC regional coordinators. During this meeting, he provided directives for the successful execution of upcoming bus yatras set to commence on October 26. These bus yatras are planned to extend over a two-month period and will incorporate various impromptu gatherings.
The Chief Minister has appointed organizers based on specific regions, entrusting them with the responsibility of overseeing the bus yatra meetings. Additionally, he has nominated coordinators who will disseminate the message of social justice achieved through the implementation of various welfare initiatives.
Highlighting the significance of these bus yatras and meetings, the Chief Minister emphasized that three meetings will be convened daily, each one taking place in a different region of the state. Local MLAs, party leaders, as well as representatives from SC, ST, BC, and minority communities, will address these public gatherings.
Jagan Mohan Reddy urged party leaders to make timely decisions regarding the venues and dates for public meetings in all constituencies. It is vital that leaders convey to the public the benefits accrued by SC, ST, BC, and minority populations over the past 52 months. Furthermore, they should underscore achievements such as advances in social justice, women’s empowerment, and groundbreaking developments in the fields of education, healthcare, and agriculture.
The Chief Minister Jagan instructed the organizers to conduct orientation meetings in each constituency to raise awareness about the programs introduced at the YSRC delegates’ meeting in Vijayawada on October 9. These orientation meetings will involve the participation of volunteers, Gruha Saradhulu, ward committee members, MPTCs, sarpanches, and secretariat convenors.
Various prominent party leaders, including V. Vijayasai Reddy, P. Mithun Reddy, S. Ramakrishna Reddy, Y.V. Subba Reddy, A. Ayodhya Rami Reddy, P. Ramachandra Reddy, B. Satyanarayana, Ch. Bhaskara Reddy, M. Rajasekhar, A. Amarnath Reddy, Ramasubba Reddy, T. Raghu Ram, and L. Appi Reddy, were in attendance at the meeting.
The enforcement of the model code of conduct for the upcoming state Assembly elections has impacted the implementation of two significant state government schemes: Bandhu and the distribution of Bathukamma saris. Several district collectors have reported that they have halted the progress of these schemes.
The distribution of Bathukamma saris, scheduled for the upcoming Bathukamma festival starting on October 14, has been affected. The government had allocated 1.02 crore saris for distribution, with around 50% of them dispatched to distribution centers before the suspension.
Similarly, the second phase of the Dalit Bandhu scheme has also been put on hold, and officials are not accepting new beneficiaries. This decision followed complaints by members of Congress, including Uttam Kumar Reddy, to the Election Commission of India (ECI), requesting the suspension of these schemes due to the model code of conduct in effect.
Model Code of Conduct Affects Dalit Bandhu
In response to these complaints, the ECI instructed all district collectors to investigate the distribution of Bathukamma saris and the Dalit Bandhu scheme and provide a report. Many district collectors reported to the ECI that they had suspended the government schemes.
A district collector mentioned that they had ceased Dalit Bandhu proceedings and instructed officials not to issue any orders or upload applications on that day.
The Assam cabinet has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish a 1,000-kilometer-long economic corridor, with an investment of Rs 3,000 crore. State Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah announced that the cabinet has granted its approval for this project under the Asom Mala Scheme.
In addition to this, the Assam Cabinet has also given the green light to projects totaling Rs 950 crore aimed at enhancing rural infrastructure. These funds will be secured from NABARD in the form of a loan and will be utilized to upgrade 90 rural roads and four rural bridges managed by the Public Works Department.
Furthermore, the state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has implemented cost-saving measures for cabinet meetings, capping the expenditure at Rs 5 lakh. It has also discouraged the initiation of any new repair work for circuit houses and inspection bungalows for such meetings, given that cabinet meetings are conducted in various district headquarters.
The cabinet meeting locations for the coming months have been decided, with meetings scheduled for November and December to be held in Tinsukia and North Lakhimpur districts, respectively, while the January meeting will take place in Nagaon.
Moreover, the cabinet has approved a revised draft notification to declare an eco-sensitive zone within a 1 km radius around the Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary in Tinsukia, in accordance with a directive from the Supreme Court.
Additionally, the cabinet has sanctioned the allocation of a plot for the construction of a judicial guest house in Kaziranga, intended to accommodate state guests and visitors from the Gauhati High Court. An additional Rs 11.91 crore has been approved to complete the construction of a new office building for the Commissioner of Taxes.
Supreme Court Postpones Hearing of Naidu’s Petition for Quashing:
During the hearing on Tuesday, prominent Supreme Court senior advocate Harish Salve, who is representing Chandrababu Naidu in the skill development case, presented his arguments before the court.
On the opposing side, Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), also put forth their arguments.
Despite the arguments presented by both legal teams, the Supreme Court decided to adjourn the hearing to a later date, specifically Friday.
This delay allows for further consideration of the quash petition filed by Chandrababu in connection with the skill development case.
