Backward Class Ticket Seekers in Congress Request Allocation of 34 Seats:
“Congress MLA Hopefuls from Backward Classes Urge Party to Fulfill Promise of 34 Seats Allocation”
During a gathering, Congress aspirants for MLA tickets from Backward Classes emphasized the importance of the party honoring its commitment to allocate 34 seats, as originally pledged in The commitment was initially made within the party’s Political Affairs Committee (PAC) and the Pradesh Election Committee (PE).
In recognition of the pivotal role played by the Backward Class communities in strengthening the party, they underlined that the Congress would be unable to secure a governing position without their support. These leaders are scheduled to meet with AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Sonia Gandhi, with the issues to be formally addressed in the screening committee and the Central Election Committee (CEC).
Backward Class Ticket Seekers in Congress Request Allocation of 34 Seats
Furthermore, the gathering expressed its gratitude to Rahul Gandhi for advocating for OBC, SC, and ST reservations within the Women’s Reservation Bill.
Telangana State Sees Decline in Cultivated Area Due to Unpredictable Rainfall
Unpredictable Rainfall Causes Significant Decline in Telangana’s Kharif Crop Area
Telangana‘s agricultural sector has faced adverse consequences over the past few months due to erratic rainfall patterns, resulting in a reduction of nearly 6.5 lakh acres in the sown area for the kharif season compared to the previous year, as reported by the agriculture department.
The region experienced heavy rain followed by a delayed monsoon period, followed by another bout of heavy rains, which disrupted farming activities.
As the southwest monsoon prepares to withdraw, this year’s kharif crop sown area decreased to 1.25 crore acres, down from 1.32 crore acres in 2022. However, paddy cultivation remained stable, accounting for 44.22 lakh acres, the largest among all other crops.
Telangana State Sees Decline in Cultivated Area Due to Unpredictable Rainfall
According to the agriculture department’s report submitted to the state government, the total sown area for kharif crops in TS as of September 20 stood at 1,25,77,607 acres, in contrast to 1,32,25,878 acres the previous year, marking a decline of 6,48,271 acres.
Bandi Alleges KCR Used Donations for Ganesh Pandals to Attract Voters:
BJP’s National General Secretary and Karimnagar MP, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, accused Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) of employing various tactics to secure votes in upcoming elections. Sanjay Kumar alleged that KCR’s party had contributed substantial amounts of money to establish Ganesh pandals in each assembly constituency and was using Ganesh Chaturthi festivities for political gains. He made these claims during a media interaction after visiting Ganesh pandals in different Karimnagar city neighborhoods.
The MP further accused KCR of allegedly distributing sums ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000 per vote during past by-elections in the state, criticizing KCR’s tenure as ten years of mismanagement and political maneuvering, devoid of significant achievements for the people.
Sanjay Kumar condemned KCR for suspending Group-I examinations, impacting the lives of numerous students, and expressed concerns about the state’s inability to conduct 10th and intermediate examinations effectively. He underscored the adverse consequences of KCR’s rule on youth, highlighting the tragic suicide of a student named Murali Mudiraj at the university.
The BJP MP called for the state government to grant Rs 1 lakh to each Group-I examination candidate and requested age relaxation for future exam attempts to enable all unemployed youth to participate. He also advocated for financial support of Rs 3,116 for every unemployed individual until they secure employment.
Bandi Alleges KCR Used Donations for Ganesh Pandals to Attract Voters
Bandi Sanjay Kumar expressed concern about the high prevalence of drug use in the state and criticized KCR’s promotion of liquor, which, he claimed, was contributing to alcohol addiction.
He emphasized the BJP’s efforts to challenge and potentially unseat CM KCR, urging the public to join forces with the BJP in opposing the BRS government.
Jana Sena and Telugu Desam to Collaborate Closely: A Unified Effort:
Nara Brahmani, the spouse of Telugu Desam General Secretary Nara Lokesh, emphasized on Sunday the need for Jana Sena and Telugu Desam to collaborate closely, akin to a fraternal bond, in order to collectively remove the YSRC from power.
During their meeting with Brahmani in Rajamahendravaram, Jana Sena leaders such as Kandula Durgesh, East Godavari president, Tummala Babu, in charge of Peddapuram, Varupula Tammayya, and others expressed their solidarity with the family of the detained TD chief, Chandrababu Naidu. They vehemently criticized the arrest, deeming it unlawful.
They stressed that a unified effort was imperative to confront the YSRC. Brahmani shared her perspective on the deteriorating conditions in the state under the current administration. She mentioned having thoroughly reviewed all the CID documents and reports pertaining to N. Chandrababu Naidu, concluding that no incriminating evidence against him had been found.
Brahmani asserted that the case against Chandrababu was politically motivated and an act of vengeance. She also lamented the lack of employment opportunities for the youth, alongside the prevalent use of ganja and drugs in Andhra Pradesh.
In attendance at the meeting were Jana Sena leaders like Mootha Sashidhar, Thota Sudhir, Pithani Balakrishna, Tangella Udaya Srinivas, Polisetty Chandrasekhar, Ganta Rani, Bathula Balaramakrishna, Vasireddy Siva, Marreddy Srinivas, and others.
Former Home Minister and senior Telugu Desam leader introduced the Jana Sena leaders to Brahmani.
Jana Sena and Telugu Desam to Collaborate Closely A Unified Effort
Jana Sena leader Kandula Durgesh disclosed that a coordination committee comprising representatives from both parties would be established to organize protests against the ruling YSRC. The committee would also make decisions regarding seat allocation in upcoming elections.
The Manipur government has called for the termination of the free movement agreement with Myanmar, which enables residents living near the India-Myanmar border to travel up to 16 km into each other’s territory without documentation.
This move, with potential international implications, comes as mobile internet services, suspended since May 3 due to ethnic violence, are set to be reinstated on Saturday. Manipur’s Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, explained that the suspension aimed to curb the spread of fake news and hate speech during the unrest. Internet services have been resumed there.
He emphasized that the ongoing situation is a consequence of previous governments’ poorly planned policies, rather than a recent decision. Singh also noted that his government has urged the Union Home Ministry to cancel the free movement agreement and highlighted that security forces were not effectively guarding the border, often stationed 14-15 km within Indian territory instead of at the zero point.
Manipur’s Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, has disclosed that the Union Home Ministry is actively implementing measures to secure 60 km of the international border in Manipur. He emphasized his government’s commitment to addressing the issue of “illegal immigrants” and highlighted the importance of completely fencing the India-Myanmar border. Singh also confirmed the ongoing collection of biometric data from “illegal” immigrants in the state and Internet sericies too.
Furthermore, the chief minister criticized the prevalence of strikes (bandh culture) and incidents involving widespread verbal abuse directed at MLAs, ministers, and police officials. He expressed concern about these issues diverting people from genuine concerns and generating conflicts among residents.
Singh reported improvements in the security situation over the past two months, with a reduction in the frequency of firing incidents thanks to heightened security force presence in vulnerable areas.
He emphasized the rising problem of drug and substance abuse among the state’s youth and reiterated his government’s commitment to the ‘war on drugs’ initiated in 2018. Singh emphasized the need to intensify efforts to eradicate poppy plantations in the hills, facilitated by a committee established in collaboration with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Narcotics & Affairs of Border (NAB). This committee will employ Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drones for poppy plantation surveillance and eradication.
Mobile Internet Services Resume in Manipur
The chief minister also noted the resettlement of people from Torbung, Serou, and Koutruk, who were displaced due to ethnic violence, and the completion of prefabricated house construction in various locations.
Singh highlighted the surge in extortion, kidnappings, and other crimes committed by individuals posing as police officers and stressed that his government has initiated several measures to establish the rule of law in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Moreh, and Imphal.
Supreme Court to Review High Court Verdict on Naidu’s Quash Petition:
Chandrababu Naidu’s Legal Team Files Supreme Court Petition Challenging High Court Ruling Counsel representing N. Chandrababu, the leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), has submitted a petition to the SC challenging the decision of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
The Supreme Court registry has received a copy of the petition, and it is expected to be scheduled for a hearing on Monday. The Andhra Pradesh High Court rejected the quash petition, citing its inability to intervene in the late stages of the investigation.
The court also noted that the petition, filed under Section 482, cannot serve as a mini-trial. Additionally, the court expressed concerns that releasing funds to Siemens with certain recommendations could potentially lead to the misuse of public funds, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive examination by experts.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan asserted on Friday that the BJP would secure a historic mandate in the year-end assembly polls, ensuring their continued rule in the state.
He attributed his confidence to the overwhelming response received during the ongoing ‘Jan Ashirwad Yatra,’ a large-scale outreach initiative initiated by the Bharatiya Janata Party on September 3, which has garnered tremendous enthusiasm among the people across the state.
Mr. Chouhan declared, while addressing party workers here, that the Jan Ashirwad Yatra is generating an unparalleled and enthusiastic response from the people across the state. He added that he could sense the sentiments of the people during the yatra, leading him to assert confidently that it would result in the party’s most significant victory in the upcoming state assembly elections.
The chief minister remarked that the yatra received acclaim from the people wherever it traversed, and he had never witnessed such fervor among the people for the party’s yatra before.
BJP initiated five yatras across the state, which began on September 3 and are set to converge in a grand event on September 25, coinciding with the birth anniversary of BJP ideologue Deendayal Upadhyaya. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address a Bharatiya Janata Party rally on that day.
The BJP’s mass outreach program has already reached approximately two crore people in the state, according to a party spokesperson.
Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, leading one of the yatras in Budhni, which is currently represented by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, asserted on Friday that Bharatiya Janata Party would secure a two-thirds majority in the upcoming Madhya Pradesh assembly elections. He noted that in previous assembly elections, BJP only launched one yatra before the polls in the state, but this time, they opted for five yatras to ensure extensive coverage of the state’s population.
BJP to Win Big: Shivraj Chouhan
In response, the opposition Congress dismissed the claims made by the two senior BJP leaders, stating that they were indulging in wishful thinking. Congress spokesperson K K Mishra confidently stated that Congress would secure a majority in the upcoming state assembly elections.
Kamal Nath Unveils Statue of Shivaji in Pandhurna, Madhya Pradesh:
Kamal Nath, the Madhya Pradesh Congress chief, unveiled a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the district headquarters of Pandhurna, Madhya Pradesh, on Friday. Aditya Thakre, a leader of Shiv Sena (UBT) and former Maharashtra minister, attended the event. Pandhurna, a newly formed district, was carved out of Chhindwara district, which is considered Mr. Nath’s political stronghold. The district shares a border with Maharashtra and has a significant Maharashtrian population.
Mr. Nath had previously represented the Chhindwara parliamentary constituency nine times before winning the polls from the Sauser seat under the Lok Sabha constituency in the last assembly elections. Currently, Chhindwara LS constituency and all the assembly seats under it are held by Congress.
During the event, Mr. Nath mentioned his long-standing association with the Thakre family and their old bond. He recounted how he was asked by the late Sanjay Gandhi to meet the founder of Shiv Sena, the late Balasaheb Thakre, to seek his support for the government at the Centre during the imposition of the emergency. According to Mr. Nath, Balasaheb Thakre had supported the Congress on the issue at that time.
Mr. Thakre expressed his desire to see Mr. Nath return as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh. He criticized the Centre for failing to control inflation and referred to the Maharashtra Chief Minister as an “illegal Chief Minister.”
In a post on social media, Mr. Thakre announced the unveiling of the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji in Pandhurna, Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, by former Chief Minister Kamal Nath. He mentioned that there was an atmosphere of change in Madhya Pradesh.
Kamal Nath Unveils Statue of Shivaji in Pandhurna, Madhya Pradesh
Notably, the unveiling of the Shivaji statue in Pandhurna by Mr. Nath has sparked a political controversy, with Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan describing it as “double standards” by the Congress leader. Mr. Chouhan stated that Mr. Nath had previously opposed the installation of a Shivaji statue in Sauser, which he currently represents. He accused Mr. Nath of showing a fake face and hiding his true intentions.
Women’s Group Calls for Reintroduction of Bill with 50% Reservation:
The All India Coordination Committee of Progressive Organisation of Women (POW), Pragatisheel Mahila Sangathan (PMS), and Istri Jagriti Manch (IJM) have called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reintroduce the Women’s Reservation Bill with an increased reservation for females, raising it from 33 percent to 50 percent.
The committee criticized the current version of the Nari Shakti Vandan Bill proposed by the BJP-led government, likening it to a mere political tool. They accused the BJP of using it for election propaganda and noted that government-owned media outlets are already promoting it as a gift to females from the Modi government.
Women’s Group Calls for Reintroduction of Bill with 50% Reservation
The All India Coordination Committee urged for the immediate implementation of the bill, emphasizing its inclusion in the 2024 elections. They suggested disconnecting it from census and delimitation, as these factors are unrelated to the implementation of women’s reservations. The committee also proposed accommodating sub-quotas for OBCs, SCs, and STs within the bill.
Furthermore, the committee advocated for the bill’s applicability to seats in both the Rajya Sabha and legislative councils.
Assess Success of Schemes,” Urges CM MK Stalin to Planners:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has urged the State Planning Commission’s deputy chairperson and members to assess the effectiveness of government welfare schemes, provide reports on their impact, and ensure that the advice they offer to various government departments is being properly implemented.
During the fourth meeting of the State Planning Commission, Stalin also encouraged the commission to expedite the development of policies related to waste management, agricultural land use, water resources, employment and skill development, and housing.
Assess Success of Schemes, Urges CM MK Stalin to Planners
He expressed gratitude for the commission’s contributions to policy decisions in areas such as gender dysphoria, medical rights, tourism, and more, emphasizing its role in guiding the government’s progress. Stalin also called for a study on the impact of the “Naan Mudhalvam” (I am Leader) scheme, which aims to prepare students for post-education careers and has helped 1,74,183 youth secure jobs.
BRS Secures Advantage by Announcing Early Assembly Election Candidates:
The BRS has taken the lead by announcing its candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections ahead of other parties. Most of these candidates have already covered all the manuals, with some even campaigning in villages. Meanwhile, other parties are still in the process of finalizing their candidate lists.
In addition to promoting the government’s welfare and development initiatives, several party candidates have already begun distributing voter slips, a task typically reserved for closer to the polling day.
BRS Secures Advantage by Announcing Early Assembly Election Candidates
This early announcement has allowed the party leadership to address concerns among aspirants who were not selected and potentially prevent rebellions or defections to other parties. Party President and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has renominated nearly all sitting MLAs, minimizing the chances of discontented aspirants seeking alternatives
Rambabu’s Recommendation to Balakrishna: Take Charge of TDP Leadership:
Water Resources Minister Ambati Rambabu has called upon MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna to capitalize on the current situation within the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and assume leadership of the party.
Rambabu encouraged leader to uphold the legacy of the Nandamuri family and emphasized that the legislative assembly is not the party’s headquarters. He suggested that Balaya and other legislators should address public concerns within the assembly.
Regarding discussions on the arrest of former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and allegations of corruption, Rambabu expressed readiness to engage in dialogue anytime and anywhere. He claimed that the TDP members had evaded discussions and preferred chaos over a meaningful debate.
Rambabu objected to Balakrishna’s symbolic twirling of his mustache and suggested that this was the moment for Balaya to take a more assertive stance. He asserted that Balaya now has a unique opportunity to contribute to the survival of his father NTR’s party, countering rumors that he had not supported NTR during a challenging period.
Rambabu’s Recommendation to Balakrishna: Take Charge of TDP Leadership
Highlighting the absence of key TDP leaders, Rambabu pointed out that Balakrishna’s brother-in-law, Chandrababu Naidu, is in jail, and his son-in-law, Nara Lokesh, is in Delhi. He emphasized that this opportunity may not come again for leader to assume control of the party. Rambabu also raised concerns about perceived injustices within Balakrishna’s family, including his own electoral victories without ministerial appointments, while his brother Harikrishna was initially given a ministerial role but later sidelined.
Interrogation Room Prepared for Chandrababu Naidu’s Detention in Jail:
A Special Room Prepared for Interrogation of Former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in Central Jail” The Central Jail in Rajamahendravaram has set up a dedicated room just beyond its main gate for AP CID officials to conduct an interrogation with former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The jail authorities received a 30-page set of instructions from the ACB Court detailing the procedures for Naidu’s interrogation. A team of 10 CID members and two legal advocates will be dispatched to the Central Jail.
The lawyers will maintain a 10-meter distance from the CID officials who will conduct the questioning. Currently, the former Chief Minister is in custody in the Sneha block of Central Jail, where he is under tight security and surveillance by closed-circuit cameras.
Interrogation Room Prepared for Chandrababu Naidu’s Detention in Jail
To prevent any potential leaks due to camera presence, a separate room has been arranged for the interrogation. Additionally, there has been a campaign involving the sending of 7.43 lakh postcards to Central Jail authorities, each bearing the message “Babutho Nenu (I am with Babu).” Prisons DIG M.R. Ravi Kiran informed news that the jail is preparing for the CID’s interrogation of the former Chief Minister in compliance with the court’s directives. Regarding the postcards, he mentioned that they have not yet been counted, but they have been received by the jail personnel. These postcards will be reviewed before any further action is taken, the DIG stated.
Passage of Women’s Bill Attributed to Strong Central Government, Says PM:
PM Modi Celebrates Women’s Reservation Bill, Credits Strong Government
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the recent passage of the 33 percent reservation for women legislation during a special parliamentary session. He hailed this achievement as a “declaration of India’s renewed commitment to democracy.” The success of this long-awaited bill, according to Modi, is attributed to the presence of a “decisive and stable government with a strong majority at the Centre.”
Modi received recognition from the BJP’s ‘Mahila Morcha’ at the party headquarters for this legislative victory. He also used the occasion to criticize regional parties like Bihar’s RJD and Uttar Pradesh’s SP, noting that those who had previously opposed bills advocating reserved seats for women were now supporting the proposed law. He credited this shift to the increasing influence of women during his government’s tenure. The Prime Minister emphasized that his government had taken multiple steps to empower and promote women before passing this bill.
Passage of Women’s Bill Attributed to Strong Central Government, Says PM
He remarked, “We made decisions to enhance women’s status at all levels and did not allow political interests to obstruct women’s reservation. In the past, such bills were often a mere formality, lacking committed efforts. Attempts to undermine women were also prevalent.”
Modi also addressed critics who questioned the use of the term ‘Nari Shakti Vandan’ (Salutation to Women Power) by the government for the bill, asking whether the women of the country shouldn’t be honored and their dignity enhanced.
Rajiv Kumar’s Focus on IPS Transfers and Bogus Voters in Telangana:
The Central Election Commission team, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, is scheduled to visit Hyderabad in early October. During their visit, they are expected to focus on three key issues: ensuring smooth elections in Maoist-affected areas on the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border, engaging with political parties, and addressing law and order concerns.
In response to previous elections where 17 polling stations reported zero voter turnout in the Telangana and Chhattisgarh border region, the Central Election Commission will hold a day-long meeting with Telangana police officials. They will also gather information on police officer transfers, particularly focusing on IPS officers who have remained in the same position for three years or more.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar is said to be particularly interested in addressing complaints made by political party leaders to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Telangana. These complaints involve allegations of bogus voters and the improper removal of voters from electoral rolls. Both the BJP and Congress party leaders have met with the CEO to submit their concerns regarding bogus voters.
Recently, Marri Shashidhar Reddy, Chairman of the BJP Election Commission Affairs Committee, filed a complaint with CEO Vikas Raj regarding discrepancies in the preparation of the draft electoral roll. The CEO has instructed District Election Officers (DEOs) to provide a report on these issues by October 19. Marri Shashidhar Reddy formally petitioned the CEO, expressing serious reservations about the draft electoral roll’s preparation and urging a thorough examination of the matter. Leaders from the TPCC also submitted petitions to the CEO related to concerns about bogus voters.
Rajiv Kumar’s Focus on IPS Transfers and Bogus Voters in Telangana
Additionally, it is anticipated that the Chief Election Commissioner will investigate the ongoing voter enrollment drive in Telangana by consulting with District Election Officers from various regions.
Supporting the protest held by members of the Ratha Hitarakshana Samiti in Mandya district on Friday against the release of water to Tamil Nadu, as directed by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), Swamiji Nirmalanandanatha, the seer of Adichunchanagiri Mutt, a prominent religious institution, emphasized the necessity of engaging in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Jalshakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekawat to address the River Cauvery dispute.
Swamiji conveyed to reporters in Mandya that the Central Government should intervene on behalf of the State Government, and the State Government should stand up for the farmers. Ultimately, he stressed that the government, elected by the people, should take measures to protect its citizens.
Regarding the release of water to Tamil Nadu, the seer stated that the current situation in Karnataka did not allow for water discharge. He urged the State Government to exercise caution when releasing water to Tamil Nadu to avoid legal complications, pointing out past legal entanglements over Cauvery River water distribution.
Seer Joins Cauvery Protests in Mandya, Karnataka
He recommended that the State Government once again appeal to the Supreme Court, explaining that the distress-sharing formula for Cauvery River water allocation was not yet prepared. Additionally, he suggested bringing to the Court’s attention that the water levels in Karnataka’s Cauvery basin were low, while Tamil Nadu’s reservoirs had more water storage.
Priyanka Praises Chandigarh’s Development Model for Transforming Farmers’ Lives:
AICC General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi’s Comments on Chhattisgarh’s Development Approach for Benefiting Farmers and Rural Communities.
Priyanka Gandhi, the AICC General Secretary, commended the “Chhattisgarh model of development” during the ‘Mahila Samridhi Sammelan’ in Bhilai, highlighting its positive impact on farmers and rural residents. She stated that this development model, now gaining national recognition, has brought happiness to Chhattisgarh’s farmers, making farming a lucrative profession due to the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana,’ which provides the highest paddy prices in the country.
This farmer-centric approach has led to a growing number of people engaging in agriculture in the state. Priyanka Gandhi also mentioned the successful millet mission, recognized and appreciated both nationally and internationally. She emphasized the resolution of the common issue of stray cattle through ‘Gauthans’ (cattle shed projects) in Chhattisgarh, hailing it as a solution that other regions could adopt.
Priyanka Praises Chandigarh’s Development Model for Transforming Farmers’ Lives
Priyanka Gandhi lauded Chhattisgarh’s leadership as service-oriented and commended the state government’s efforts to alleviate the impact of inflation on its citizens.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Chhattisgarh has implemented numerous measures, including the waiver of farmers’ crop loans upon assuming power in 2018, distribution of over five lakh ‘pattas,’ and free healthcare for millions of people living below the poverty line, offering treatment facilities up to Rs five lakh.
Additionally, the state has introduced the ‘Chhattisgarh Mahtari Cultural Promotion Scheme’ to enhance cultural, historical, and tourist sites within the state.
Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s Remand Extended, To Spend Two Additional Days in Jail:
The ACB court has decided to extend the judicial remand of Opposition leader and TD supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu for an additional two days.
During a video conference with the ACB court judge, Naidu expressed that he had been incarcerated without just cause, emphasizing his reputation for integrity, well-known to the people of Andhra Pradesh and the entire nation.
He asserted that his imprisonment was solely a result of a ‘political vendetta.’ In response, the judge informed Naidu that his detention was part of the legal process and inquired about any difficulties he might be facing in jail.
Nara Chandrababu Naidu’s Remand Extended, To Spend Two Additional Days in Jail
The judge also requested authorities to provide a report on the conditions within the prison. This request came after allegations from Naidu’s son, Lokesh, who claimed that YCP president and Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy was plotting harm to his father within the jail, citing the potential risk of dengue due to the prevalence of mosquitoes in the prison premises.
Strengthened Police Force in Vizag Amid Jagan’s Move to the City:
The Vizag district administration is preparing to enhance civic amenities and beautify the city, simultaneously reinforcing the local force, in anticipation of Chief Minister Jagan Reddy’s planned relocation to Visakhapatnam on Dasara day.
To maintain a high level of security and peace in the city, the city police will have to assume additional responsibilities. The new Commissioner of crop, Ravi Shankar, is evaluating the required increase in force presence, mainly since the Chief Minister is classified under the Z-category security protocol. He also mentioned appointing two joint commissioners to lead these forces.
Addressing concerns about the presence of around 500 rowdy individuals with criminal records in the city, Commissioner Ravi Shankar assured that measures would be taken to address this issue before the Chief Minister’s arrival. Regarding issues like ganja smuggling and drug abuse, he mentioned that he is reviewing the information collected by his officers and that additional police personnel would be deployed in the city, which already has approximately 4,000 police officers.
When it comes to new police recruits, the Commissioner noted that 30 percent of them have qualifications suitable for training in cybercrime.
Strengthened Police Force in Vizag Amid Jagan’s Move to the City
Another senior police official emphasized that efforts would be made to control ganja smuggling in the ASR district agency areas and increase surveillance of Maoist activities.
Regarding civic amenities, Mayor Hari Kumari mentioned that the city had been beautified for events like the G-20 summit, the Global Investors Meet, and the international fleet review organized by the Navy at RK Beach. She added that the focus now is on maintaining these amenities consistently and expanding the underground drainage system to cover more areas.
The Congress screening committee, which convened in New Delhi, has submitted a list of nearly 300 candidates to the Central Election Committee (CEC) for review. Following a lengthy meeting that lasted over seven hours, the first list is expected to be released, featuring approximately 35 to 40 candidates, including prominent leaders like CEC member Uttam Kumar Reddy, TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy, and CLP leader Bhatti Vikramarka, others.
In constituencies where multiple candidates are vying for nominations, selection will be based on survey reports and input from the team led by poll strategist Sunil Kanugolu. The meeting also addressed the demand for reserving two seats for BC community candidates in each parliamentary constituency.
Furthermore, the meeting discussed ensuring adequate representation for the Youth Congress, NSUI, and women.
In Hyderabad, the TS Congress manifesto committee convened at Gandhi Bhavan to draft the party’s document for the state elections. TS Congress manifesto committee chairman D. Sridhar Babu challenged ministers K.T. Rama Rao and T. Harish Rao, as well as BRS leaders, to visit Karnataka with him to assess the implementation status of Congress promises there.
Addressing the media at Gandhi Bhavan, he stated, “We are fulfilling our promises 100 percent. BRS leaders can inquire about the promises from the women in Karnataka to gain insight into the actual status.”
He accused the BRS of deceiving the people and failing to fulfill its commitments. Sridhar Babu mentioned that the party would gather public opinions through state-wide tours to finalize its manifesto.
During the meeting, some DSC and contract lecturers approached the committee to advocate for their demands. DSC aspirants pointed out that the state government had only announced 5,000 teacher posts, contrary to the 13,000 vacancies announced by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao in the Assembly. The fishermen’s community requested exclusive ownership of ponds.
In response, Sridhar Babu announced that the party would announce a comprehensive DSC plan once in power. The committee is actively seeking input from various organizations.
“We can interact with the district Congress committees that would be instantly maintainer discussion with stakeholders. District and Assembly constituencies will have manifestos tailored to their local requirements,” he stated.
Regarding claims by the BRS and the BJP that the Congress’ six promises would strain the state budget, Sridhar Babu asserted that the government possessed sufficient finances to support the schemes. He emphasized the need for financial discipline and pledged that the Congress manifesto would contain promises that could be implemented without fail.
Congress Panel Submits List of 300 Candidates
“The government led by the BRS is experiencing difficulties in disbursing salaries to its employees on a timely basis. We will ensure that they receive their salaries on the first of every month,” he added.
Former Manakondur MLA Arepalli Mohan, who resigned from the BRS, will soon join the Congress, according to Sridhar Babu.
