Karnataka CM Files Review Petition in Cauvery Row:
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on Saturday that the state has filed a review petition challenging the directive to release 3,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu until October 15. He added that if necessary, a review petition may also be submitted to the Supreme Court.
Karnataka filed the review petition in response to CWMA’s request for the release of 3,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu until October 15 and the resolution of the backlog.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that the review petition was submitted after carefully considering the advice provided by retired Supreme Court Judges and the Advocate General.
Congress BC Leaders Meet Rahul Gandhi for 34 Assembly Tickets:
Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) chief A. Revanth Reddy, along with BRS Malkajgiri MLA Mynampally Hanumanth Rao, his son Rohith, and former BRS MLA Vemula Veeresham, had a meeting with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in Delhi.
This meeting comes after Hanumanth Rao, Rohith, and Veeresham recently joined the Party, and MLC Kasireddy Narayan Reddy is expected to join the party soon. Hanumanth Rao stated that their decision to join Congress was influenced by the party’s high command offering them tickets for the upcoming Assembly elections. Rahul Gandhi expressed satisfaction with their decision, believing it would strengthen Congress in Telangana.
Simultaneously, a delegation of leaders representing backward-class communities from Telangana met with AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal. The delegation, consisting of 40 leaders, discussed the allocation of 34 tickets to the BC community, with two tickets per Lok Sabha constituency.
Congress BC Leaders Meet Rahul Gandhi for 34 Assembly Tickets
Among the delegation were TPCC working president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud, Ponnam Prabhakar and former ministers Ponnala Lakshmaiah and Shabbir Ali, former MPs V. Hanumantha Rao and They requested Venugopal to include Shabbir Ali and Suresh Shetkar in the candidate selection committee.
Venugopal assured them that the selection process was ongoing and pledged to allocate tickets to as many BC community candidates as possible. Later, the leaders met AICC Telangana affairs incharge Manikrao Thakre and AICC secretary Rohit Chaudhary to further discuss ticket allocation for BC community candidates.
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Distributes Financial Assistance to Needy Artists:
Chief Minister M K Stalin presented financial aid to various destitute artists during a ceremony at the Secretariat. This assistance included a cash reward of Rs one lakh each to 10 impoverished recipients of the Kalaimamani Award on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Iyal, Isai, Nataka Mandram (literature, music, and dance association).
During the event, the Chief Minister distributed checks to six Kalaimamani awardees and five other struggling artists who were selected from the 500 members of the state Folk Artists Welfare Board to receive Rs 10,000 each. This funding is intended for the purchase of musical instruments and attire.
Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Distributes Financial Assistance to Needy Artists
Stalin also provided monthly assistance of Rs 3,000 to six senior artists selected from a group of 1,000 beneficiaries.
BJP Leaders Raise Objections to KTR’s Remarks About PM Modi:
BJP leaders have strongly criticized Minister K.T Rama Rao’s comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that the minister resorts to such topics to gain media attention. Rama Rao recently referred to PM Modi as a “trickster.”
In response to these remarks, D.K. Aruna, BJP’s national vice president, remarked, “KTR frequently levels allegations against the BJP during his visits to Mahaboobnagar district. The BRS government altered the design of the Palamuru Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) project and did not even submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) until six months ago. The project, originally intended to draw water from Jurala, was shifted to Srisailam. PRLIS does not have a guaranteed water allocation. K Chandrashekar Rao accepted the allocation formula of 299 TMC of water for Telangana out of the 811 TMC available in the Krishna river.”
Aruna emphasized that there is an ample water supply at Jurala, which the state can access without interruption or permissions, unlike Srisailam, which both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have claims to. However, Telangana has not fully utilized the 299 TMC of water allocated to the region by completing necessary projects. Aruna also accused the BRS of favoring high-cost projects to secure commissions. She noted that the government has failed to compensate farmers for their acquired land, and canals for water distribution to fields have not been dug.
Regarding project negligence, she pointed out, “KCR, who previously touted the Rajolibanda diversion scheme with the capacity to irrigate 87,000 acres in Alampur assembly constituency with an expenditure of just Rs 796 crores, has neglected it. The project with a capacity of 15.9 TMC has been pending for nine years without budget allocation. It seems he intends to spend money to secure electoral victories.”
BJP’s state general secretary, Gujjula Premender Reddy, alleged that the BRS leaders lacked a clear agenda and criticized the state government for not adhering to the necessary norms to grant national status to the PRLIS project. He highlighted that the central government has provided loans at concessional interest rates and granted permissions, emphasizing that such comments are made for electoral purposes.
BJP Leaders Raise Objections to KTR’s Remarks About PM Modi
Reddy also noted that the central government has allocated Rs. 9 lakh crores to the Telangana State government thus far. He pointed out that the state government’s budget allocation for development projects is only Rs. 50,000 crores to Rs. 60,000 crores annually, with the remainder being utilized for salaries and other expenses. Reddy stressed the need for a double-engine government in Telangana and expressed the belief that the BRS is on the brink of defeat.
Etala Rajender, the BJP election committee convener, and MLA, accused Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR) of misleading the public regarding central funds during his inspection of the Government Giriraj Degree College grounds in preparation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Nizamabad on October 3.
Etala Rajender alleged that KCR is attempting to deceive the public once again in the upcoming Assembly elections. He criticized the BRS government for claiming credit for most of the initiatives launched by the Central government. On Friday, Etala Rajender, along with MP Dharmapuri Arvind and BJP state general secretary G. Premender Reddy, visited the Government Giriraj Degree College grounds.
Etala Rajender informed the media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would virtually inaugurate the NTPC ultra mega power plant from Nizamabad. He highlighted that the BJP government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, has prioritized power and infrastructure development across the country, ensuring a stable electricity supply nationwide. He also criticized Minister K.T. Rama Rao for his criticism of the Prime Minister’s visit to Telangana, stating that Rama Rao seemed to have forgotten his own position.
Etala Accuses KCR of Misleading on Central Funds
MP Arvind pointed out that while Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao initially hesitated to implement the Ayushman Bharat health scheme in Telangana, his photograph is now featured on Ayushman Bharat cards. Responding to a query, Arvind mentioned that an estimated 1.50 lakh people are expected to attend Narendra Modi’s public gathering on Tuesday.
CM Jagan Hails Jagananna Aarogya Suraksha for Preventive Care:
Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy has officially launched the Jagananna Aarogya Suraksha program, heralding a new era in preventive healthcare. This groundbreaking initiative is not only the first of its kind in Andhra Pradesh but also in India, according to the Chief Minister.
Jagan Mohan Reddy assured the public that the health department would provide comprehensive treatment to patients until their ailments are cured, alongside offering free health diagnoses to all.
The program’s health camps will commence across the state for a duration of 45 days, starting from Saturday. It will involve district, divisional, and mandal offices, as well as village and ward secretariats.
Jagan Mohan Reddy emphasized that the program marks a significant advancement in preventive healthcare, leveraging the extensive network of village clinics with confidence and determination. He explained the concept of a family doctor and outlined the network, with two doctors rotating between two Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in each mandal. These doctors will make regular visits to designated villages in 104 vehicles, building relationships with families and establishing themselves as family doctors.
The widespread network of family doctor-run PHCs and village clinics will play a crucial role in the success of the Jagananna Arogya Suraksha program.
Jagan Mohan Reddy elaborated, “Patients will receive treatment in Aarogya Suraksha health camps by specialist doctors after identifying their health issues through seven types of diagnostic tests in households and mapping the entire village.” Analyse around the village, He points up that the person who is taking the treatments such as running patients, including major health issues ones like cancer etc.., would take medical analysis and treatments and medicines for free of cost.
When necessary, advanced medical tests will be conducted, and patients will be guided through further treatment and referred to Aarogyasri network hospitals.
With the expansion of YSR Aarogyasri ailments and procedures to 2,356 and the number of network hospitals to 2,200, it is essential for people to understand how to access these services for free. Aarogyasri brochures will be distributed during household visits and Suraksha camps to keep people well-informed. Officials will also assist people in downloading the related App.
CM Jagan Hails Jagananna Aarogya Suraksha for Preventive Care
The Jagananna Aarogya Suraksha program will be carried out in five phases. The first phase involves teams visiting households to identify health issues and collect details. In the second phase, healthcare workers and volunteers will raise awareness about downloading the Aarogyasri App and efficiently utilizing the scheme at various hospitals.
The third phase will serve as a reminder to identified individuals to attend the Aarogya Suraksha camps, forming the fourth phase. The fifth phase will involve official teams guiding individuals through periodic medical treatment.
The program will also involve the participation of teams from the Indian Red Cross, AP Speciality Hospitals Association, Aarogyasri network hospitals, and the Indian Medical Association, according to the CM.
Pawan Kalyan to Speak at Avanigadda Public Meeting on October 1:
Pawan Kalyan, the leader of the Jana Sena Party, is set to launch the fourth phase of his election campaign, known as the ‘Varahi Vijaya Yatra.’ The campaign will kick off with a public gathering atop his vehicle named ‘Varahi’ at the Sri Yakkati Diwakar Veena Devi Government Degree College grounds in Avanigadda, located in the Krishna district. The event is scheduled for October 1 at 3:00 p.m.
During his five-day tour of the Krishna district, starting from October 1 to October 5, Pawan Kalyan will engage in a series of activities. Following the public meeting in Avanigadda on October 1, he will proceed to Machilipatnam. On October 2, he will have discussions with Jana Sena leaders from Krishna district, and on October 3, he will host the ‘Janavani’ program, receiving input from the public on various issues.
Pawan Kalyan to Speak at Avanigadda Public Meeting on October 1
On October 4, Pawan Kalyan will visit the Pedana Assembly segment, followed by a visit to the Kaikaluru Assembly segment on October 5, where he will participate in locally organized events.
Kishan Reddy: Modi Dedication of Rs13,500 Crore Projects in Mahbubnagar:
During his upcoming visit to Mahbubnagar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to unveil a package of projects worth Rs13,500 crore on October 1. These projects encompass both inaugurations and foundation stone laying ceremonies.
G. Kishan Reddy, the Telangana BJP chief and Union minister, shared that these projects span various sectors, including road, rail, petroleum, natural gas, and higher education. The Prime Minister will also participate virtually in several events at the University of Hyderabad.
Modi is scheduled to arrive in Mahbubnagar around 2:15 p.m. During his visit, he will lay the foundation stone for significant road projects connected to the Nagpur-Vijayawada Economic Corridor. These projects comprise a 108-km four-lane access-controlled greenfield highway from Warangal to Khammam on NH-163G and a similar 90-km stretch from Khammam to Vijayawada, with a combined cost of approximately Rs 6,400 crore. These initiatives are expected to reduce travel distances between Warangal and Khammam by about 14 km and between Khammam and Vijayawada by 27 km.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the 59-km four-laning of the Suryapet-Khammam section of NH-365BB, with a cost of Rs 2,460 crore, which is part of the Hyderabad-Visakhapatnam Corridor under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. This project will enhance connectivity to Khammam district and coastal Andhra Pradesh.
In the realm of railways, Modi will dedicate the 370 km Jaklair-Krishna railway line, valued at Rs 500 crore, putting Narayanpet district on the railway map for the first time. Additionally, he will initiate the inaugural run of the Kacheguda-Raichur train service from Krishna station via video conferencing, covering Rangareddy, Mahbubnagar, and Narayanpet districts.
As part of his vision to enhance logistics efficiency, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Rs 2,170-crore Hassan-Cherlapalli LPG pipeline. Furthermore, he will lay the foundation stone for a multi-product petroleum pipeline by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) running from Krishnapatnam to Malkapur in Hyderabad, estimated at 425 km and costing Rs 1,940 crore. This pipeline aims to provide a safer, faster, more efficient, and environmentally friendly mode for transporting petroleum products in the region.
Kishan Reddy: Modi Dedication of Rs13,500 Crore Projects in Mahbubnagar
The Prime Minister’s visit also includes the inauguration of five new University of Hyderabad buildings, housing the School of Economics, School of Mathematics and Statistics, School of Management Studies, the Lecture Hall Complex-III, and the Sarojini Naidu School of Arts and Communication.
On October 3, Modi is scheduled to visit Nizamabad and partake in several development projects, dedicating initiatives worth Rs 8,021 crore, including the 800 MW power project in Ramagundam and critical care health centers at district government hospitals.
The BRS intensified its criticism of the Congress, with ministers K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) and T. Harish Rao leading the charge and urging the public to reject the Opposition party in the upcoming elections. The more forceful of the two verbal assaults was delivered by Rama Rao during a public gathering in Wanaparthy.
He strongly criticized Congress, stating, “BRS stands for schemes, while Congress stands for scams.” KTR encouraged voters to ensure that other parties lose their deposits in the elections and advocated for the BRS’s return to power in the state. He emphasized the importance of the BRS’s support in forming the government at the national level.
KTR pointed out that during decades of Congress rule, the Palamuru region suffered from migration and water scarcity. He credited the BRS Bharat Rashtra Samithi government with bringing irrigation and drinking water to the area, remarking, “For Palamuru, Congress signifies migration, while BRS signifies irrigation.” He also urged people to vote for Singireddy Niranjan Reddy, the agriculture minister and criticized former Congress MLA G. Chinna Reddy for complaining about Wanaparthy’s development despite the Congress representing the constituency for 50 years. Rama Rao likened the Congress to a party in decline, suggesting that their promises were empty and that their rule would result in a revolving door of chief ministers, inadequate public services, and corruption.
In Nakrekal, Harish Rao spoke at a BRS public meeting and highlighted the BRS’s previous success in winning all 12 seats despite claims by Congress leaders that they had a strong influence in Nalgonda. He criticized Congress leaders like Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy, and N. Uttam Kumar Reddy for their inability to establish a market yard for lemon and sweet lime farmers during their tenure.
KTR-Harish Duo Takes on Congress in Battle
Harish Rao credited the BRS, under KCR’s leadership, for bringing about positive changes such as irrigation, clean drinking water, and 24-hour electricity supply for farmers. Campaigning for Chirumarthi Lingaiah, the BRS candidate from Nakrekal, Harish Rao accused the Congress of selling its election tickets for large sums and claimed that the party prioritized its own interests over those of the people. He asserted that Congress had failed to deliver during its previous tenure and was now falsely claiming a lack of adequate power supply, contrasting it with the BRS’s commitment to providing 24-hour electricity to the public.
The Telangana High Court has issued a notice to the Telangana state government, inquiring about the delay in releasing funds from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for the development of the Mulugu constituency. This delay has persisted despite the funds being officially sanctioned on paper. Dr. Justice Chillakur Sumalatha took action in response to a complaint filed by Danasari Anasuya Seetakka, a Congress MLA representing Mulugu.
She asserted that the state government had not approved the funds designated for the development of her constituency, alleging that her pleas were being disregarded due to her affiliation with the Congress party and her past association with Maoists. The court has directed notices to be sent to various government officials, including the chief secretary, principal secretaries of planning, finance, roads and buildings, tribal welfare, women and child welfare departments, as well as the district collector of Mulugu district. They have been given a ten-day deadline to respond.
The petitioner’s legal representatives, Senior Counsel Sripada Prabhakar and Naguluri Krishna Kumar Goud emphasized that the CDF funds allocated to the Mulugu constituency would expire as the MLA’s term ends in January. Despite the state government increasing CDF allocations for each constituency, the Mulugu constituency received only a meager budget, resulting in a lack of developmental projects for the district’s residents.
Telangana HC Notices State Govt on MLA Funds
Harender Pershad, the government’s special counsel, requested a two-week extension to submit a counter affidavit. However, the judge disagreed and scheduled further proceedings for October 9. Additionally, Prabhakar informed the court about a similar pending writ petition filed by M. Raghundandan Rao, a BJP MLA, which raises concerns about the approval of developmental projects by the collector, but the Minister for Tribal Welfare, Women and Child Welfare has not granted approval for any developmental projects in the constituency, according to the petitioner’s claims.
Kishan Reddy Accuses Telangana CM of Failing to Develop Airports:
Union Minister and BJP leader G. Kishan Reddy accused Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao of not responding to the Centre’s letters regarding land acquisition for airport development. He pointed out that several new airports were established in Andhra Pradesh after land allocation, including those in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Kurnool, Kadapa, Rajamahendravaram, and Puttaparthi.
Leader mentioned that the Centre had provided ₹9 lakh crore to Telangana over nine years but criticized the state government for not cooperating with the Centre. When questioned about his achievements in Telangana, he highlighted his contributions as a Union Minister and criticized KCR for his past performance as a Union Minister.
Kishan Reddy Accuses Telangana CM of Failing to Develop Airports
Kishan Reddy clarified that Chandrasekhar Rao was invited by the Centre but had not attended any official programs of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Telangana.
PM Modi Calls for Nationwide Cleanliness Drive on October 1:’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited the public to participate in a nationwide cleanliness campaign on October 1 at 10 a.m., emphasizing that maintaining a clean India is a collective duty. In a message shared on X, he stated, “On October 1 at 10 a.m., we unite for an important cleanliness drive. Achieving a Swachh Bharat (Clean India) is a responsibility we all share, and every contribution is valuable. Join us in this noble effort to create a cleaner future.”
PM Modi Calls for Nationwide Cleanliness Drive on October 1
This initiative will commence on the eve of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, paying homage to the Father of the Nation, who consistently stressed the significance of cleanliness throughout his lifetime.
Amit Shah Highlights Nine Years of Decisive Governance and Economic Growth
During his address at the 118th Annual Session of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the last nine years of governance in India, emphasizing the importance of decisive policies, political stability, and teamwork. He contrasted this period with the previous decade, from 2004 to 2014, which he described as a time of “policy paralysis” and political instability.
Shah pointed out that the last nine years have brought significant economic growth and direction under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. India’s GDP has nearly doubled during this time, growing from USD 2.03 trillion to USD 3.75 trillion, and per capita income has also seen a substantial increase.
He highlighted the successful organization of the G20 Summit, which injected fresh energy into various sectors of the country, making India an attractive destination for trade and investment worldwide. Shah stressed that trade and industries are pivotal to India’s economy and energy.
Amit Shah on Nine Years of Decisive Governance
Shah also discussed the importance of India’s youth, democratic values, teamwork, and clear policy formulation, making India an attractive destination for global businesses. He encouraged Indian companies to expand globally and emphasized the need to strengthen both small and large industries.
Additionally, Shah mentioned the impact of the new education policy, predicting that India will become a top global destination for students in the next decade.
President Droupadi Murmu Approves Women’s Reservation Bill:
President Droupadi Murmu has approved the women’s reservation bill, which mandates 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The law ministry issued a notification on Friday, stating that the president granted her approval on Thursday.
It will now be officially referred to as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act. According to its provisions, “It will take effect on a date specified by the central government through an official notification in the Gazette.”
President President Droupadi Murmu Approves Women’s Reservation Bill
In a special session of Parliament earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the law as the “Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam.”
Mahbubnagar Police Enforces Drone Flying Ban Ahead of PM’s Visit:
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s scheduled visit to Mahbubnagar on October 1, the local police have implemented a series of prohibitory orders on Friday.
Mahabubnagar’s Superintendent of Police (SP), Narasimha, announced that these restrictions are in place across the entire district to ensure security during the Prime Minister’s visit. Among the measures taken, authorities have prohibited the use of drones, releasing balloons, and setting off fireworks. Additionally, police have made it clear that no rallies, protests, hunger strikes, or demonstrations of any kind will be allowed.
SP Narasimha emphasized that legal actions will be taken against those who disregard these restrictions. To further bolster security, special checkpoints have been established throughout the district, vehicles are being inspected and individuals are being frisked as precautionary measures.
Mahbubnagar Police Enforces Drone Flying Ban Ahead of PM’s Visit
In anticipation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public meeting in Mahbubnagar on October 1, D K Aruna, the BJP National Vice President, conducted a review of the arrangements for the event. During her visit to the public meeting site, she assessed the preparations and urged the public to participate enthusiastically to make the meeting a resounding success.
Thousands Attempt to Siege Manipur Chief Minister’s Residence, Additional Troops Mobilized to Ensure Order
The northeastern state of Manipur has witnessed over 150 fatalities since violent confrontations erupted in May between the primarily Hindu Meitei population and the predominantly Christian Kuki community.
Recent images of two missing Meitei students who were found murdered have incensed the Meitei populace. Despite stringent security measures and curfews in the state capital Imphal, residents rallied near Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s residence to voice their protest.
A senior official in the chief minister’s office informed AFP that “thousands of individuals” attempted to breach the residence but were deterred by police employing force.
The official, who spoke anonymously, could not confirm any casualties as firing was still ongoing.
The chief minister’s office had requested military reinforcements to manage the mob approaching from various directions.
Demonstrators also directed their actions toward the residence of the region’s representative in the upper house of parliament.
Electricity was intentionally disconnected in the area to limit visibility for the protesters, and according to NDTV, security forces discharged multiple rounds of tear gas.
The Manipur police stated that there was sufficient security in place.
N Biren Singh belongs to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is India’s ruling Hindu nationalist party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faced criticism for his government’s inability to quell the unrest in the state.
Authorities implemented a curfew in Imphal earlier this week following incidents where numerous students sustained injuries in confrontations with security personnel.
Although a nearly five-month-long internet ban was recently lifted, it was reinstated on Tuesday.
Human Rights Watch has alleged that the Manipur government has contributed to the conflict by implementing “policies that promote Hindu majoritarianism,” according to the organization.
Harish Rao Expresses Doubt in Congress and BJP’s Trustworthiness:
On Thursday, Health Minister T. Harish Rao issued a warning, stating that if the Congress were to regain power in Telangana, the state would revert to its previous state of affairs. This would entail providing farmers with only three hours of daily power supply, witnessing the burning of agricultural pumps, and experiencing shortages of fertilizers.
Harish advised the public to remain cautious about promises made by the BJP, which had failed to deliver on its commitments under the AP Reorganisation Act, such as establishing a steel factory in Bayyaram and a railway coach factory in Kazipet.
While addressing a gathering during the foundation stone laying ceremony for a ₹36-crore 100-bed hospital in Maripeda, Mahabubabad district, Harish credited Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao for ensuring 24-hour power supply and efficient irrigation, as evidenced by the flowing water in the SRSP canal.
Harish Expresses Doubt in Congress and BJP
He also criticized the Congress for making claims about transforming “thandas” into gram panchayats, a feat already accomplished by KCR. Harish Rao emphasized that KCR was the leader who genuinely cared about the welfare of farmers, in stark contrast to others like Revanth Reddy who advocated for only three hours of power for farmers.
On Friday, Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy will transfer Rs 275.93 crore to the accounts of 2,75,931 beneficiaries as part of Phase 5 of the YSR Vahana Mitra scheme, with each beneficiary receiving Rs 10,000. During this event, the CM will also deliver a public address at 10:15 a.m. in Vidyadharapuram, Vijayawada.
The government is offering an annual financial aid of Rs 10,000 to owners of autorickshaws, taxis, maxi cabs, and mobile dispensing units to assist them in obtaining insurance coverage, fitness certificates, and more. This scheme is applicable to individuals who own their vehicles.
Jagan’s Rs 275.93 Crore YSR Vahana Mitra Plan
To date, the government has provided financial aid amounting to Rs 1,301.89 crore, which includes the disbursement of Rs 275.93 crore on Friday through the YSR Vahana Mitra scheme. During the last 50 months of the YSRC rule, each driver has received a total benefit of Rs 50,000.
The primary goal of the YSRC government in introducing the YSR Vahana Mitra scheme is to support drivers in maintaining their vehicles in optimal condition by facilitating regular maintenance and necessary repair work.
Tourism Minister R.K. Roja accused N. Chandrababu Naidu of being implicated in multiple scams and alleged the involvement of his wife, Bhuvaneswari, and daughter-in-law, Brahmani, in concealing stolen money.
Roja claimed that Nara Lokesh, whom she referred to as a “small thief,” was attempting to save the “big thief,” Telugu Desam chief Chandrababu Naidu, by visiting the national capital, Delhi. She pointed out that the father-son duo had never met the President in the past to promote the welfare of Andhra Pradesh or its people.
Speaking to the media on the Assembly premises, She questioned how Lokesh and other Telugu Desam leaders could act as if Naidu were above the law. She emphasized that Naidu had allegedly plundered the state’s wealth, and the law would take its course.
Roja listed four scams in which Naidu was accused: the skill development scam, Inner Ring road alignment scam, Fibrenet scam, and Assigned land scam. She also noted that Lokesh himself faced accusations in the Amaravati inner ring road alignment scam. Roja suggested that Lokesh was hesitant to return to Andhra Pradesh due to the fear of arrest.
Regarding a recent claim by Nara Bhuvaneswari that selling 2 percent of their business shares would yield ₹400 crore, Roja called for a deep investigation by the CID into this assertion and subsequent action. She highlighted the significant increase in Naidu’s assets, which were allegedly worth ₹2 lakh crore based on his wife’s statement, compared to his initial 2 acres of land when he entered politics.
Roja asserted that the funds allegedly misappropriated by Naidu and Lokesh were effectively managed by Bhuvaneswari and Brahmini. She criticized their attempts to portray themselves as innocent to the public.
Shah and Nadda Discuss Rajasthan Assembly Polls with BJP Leaders:
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda engaged in extended discussions with the party’s Rajasthan leadership regarding various issues related to the upcoming assembly elections. The meeting, which commenced at a hotel late on Wednesday evening, lasted until 2 a.m. on Thursday.
Speculation had arisen that two central ministers might be asked to contest in the upcoming polls, prompted by the BJP’s recent decision to include three Union ministers and four MPs in its second list of candidates for the forthcoming Madhya Pradesh elections.
Following the discussions, both Shah and Nadda departed for Delhi on Thursday. It was noted that they did not hold a meeting with local RSS leaders.
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informed reporters that the meeting had focused on election strategy. Shah and Nadda had arrived in Jaipur on a special plane and began with a 15-minute meeting with former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, followed by discussions with senior leaders regarding the party’s election strategy. Feedback from the four ‘Parivartan Yatras’ recently conducted by the BJP was also part of the conversation.
Key figures present at the meeting included Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, co-incharge Nitin Patel, BJP’s in-charge for Rajasthan Arun Singh, State Unit President C P Joshi, Union Ministers Gajendra Singh, Arjun Meghwal, Kailash Chaudhary, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Rajendra Rathore, Deputy Leader of Opposition Satish Poonia, and other leaders.
The discussions spanned approximately three hours, with Poonia and MP Rajyavardhan Rathore leaving the venue first. Subsequently, Nadda and Shah held another round of meetings with BJP’s National General Secretary (Organisation) B L Santosh, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Nitin Patel, Arun Singh, Kuldeep Vishnoi, and Vijaya Rahatkar, among others.
The leaders deliberated on assembly constituencies and strategized on how to secure the maximum number of seats in various regions during the assembly and Lok Sabha elections, particularly in Mewar, Vagad, Shekhawati, Hadauti, Marwar, and eastern Rajasthan. A clear message emphasized the supremacy of the party organization and the need for unified efforts to ensure electoral success.
Shah and Nadda Discuss Rajasthan Assembly Polls with BJP Leaders
Although ticket distribution and other election-related topics were discussed during the meeting, party leaders refrained from divulging specific details to the media. Narayan Panchariya, Convener of the Election Management Committee, indicated that an authorized party representative would provide information to the media.
Speculation suggests that Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal may contest in the assembly polls, alongside several other MPs. Additionally, there is anticipation regarding the involvement of senior RSS pracharak Prakash Chand in the upcoming Assembly election.