Will Botcha equal Babu Rao’s feat?
All eyes are on this constituency as Minister for Housing Botcha Satyanarayana, Congress strongman, who wrested the seat from the Telugu Desam after 25 years, in his very first attempt, is the candidate once again.
In 2004, he defeated TDP’s Gadde Babu Rao, who won this seat twice earlier, and is facing him once again as also former ZPTC member Rowthu Sunita of Praja Rajyam.
During delimitation, Gurla and Merakamudidam mandals, the strongholds of Congress, were added to the constituency while Cheepurupalli and Garividi were retained.
In the Panchayat elections, the Congress won Gurla, Merakamudidam and Cheepurupalli ZPTCs and also a majority of MPTCs.Instead of receiving a fillip, Mr. Satyanarayana is facing protest from his own party men in Gurla after the resignation of senior Congress MLA Penumatsa Sambasiva Raju.
Another Congress leader Rowthu Sugunakar Rao, who was his confidante earlier, also resigned and joined the PR. Mrs. Sunita is his wife.
The Minister is leaving no stone unturned to woo voters in Gurla and Merakamudidam.
He has been playing the caste card and also banking on the development plank in the last five years.
Yet, his adversaries criticise him for not fulfilling the promise of Thotapalli channel and giving Revenue Division status to Cheepurupalli.Mr. Babu Rao was the first to break the peculiar order that voters never elected a candidate for the second term from the same constituency. He launched campaigning ahead of others and is sure that anti-incumbency factor and support of workers, particularly from FACOR workers, affiliated to CITU, in Garividi will help him in the polls. Ms. Sunita has a hold in Merakamudidam mandal as it is her native place and her presence in fray will only split the Congress votes.
Moreover, Kemburi Ram Mohana Rao, former TDP MP and joined the PR after he was denied the ticket, has adopted a wait and watch posture.
In 2004, he defeated TDP’s Gadde Babu Rao, who won this seat twice earlier, and is facing him once again as also former ZPTC member Rowthu Sunita of Praja Rajyam.
During delimitation, Gurla and Merakamudidam mandals, the strongholds of Congress, were added to the constituency while Cheepurupalli and Garividi were retained.
In the Panchayat elections, the Congress won Gurla, Merakamudidam and Cheepurupalli ZPTCs and also a majority of MPTCs.Instead of receiving a fillip, Mr. Satyanarayana is facing protest from his own party men in Gurla after the resignation of senior Congress MLA Penumatsa Sambasiva Raju.
Another Congress leader Rowthu Sugunakar Rao, who was his confidante earlier, also resigned and joined the PR. Mrs. Sunita is his wife.
The Minister is leaving no stone unturned to woo voters in Gurla and Merakamudidam.
He has been playing the caste card and also banking on the development plank in the last five years.
Yet, his adversaries criticise him for not fulfilling the promise of Thotapalli channel and giving Revenue Division status to Cheepurupalli.Mr. Babu Rao was the first to break the peculiar order that voters never elected a candidate for the second term from the same constituency. He launched campaigning ahead of others and is sure that anti-incumbency factor and support of workers, particularly from FACOR workers, affiliated to CITU, in Garividi will help him in the polls. Ms. Sunita has a hold in Merakamudidam mandal as it is her native place and her presence in fray will only split the Congress votes.
Moreover, Kemburi Ram Mohana Rao, former TDP MP and joined the PR after he was denied the ticket, has adopted a wait and watch posture.
CPI(M) withdraws from Guntur LS seat
Communist Party of India (Marxist) district secretary D. Rama Devi withdrew her nomination on Wednesday from Guntur Parliamentary Constituency giving a sigh of relief to Telugu Desam Party nominee Madala Rajendra Prasad.Now 10 candidates are left in the fray for the seat.
In the seven Assembly segments under the Guntur Parliamentary constituency there are 104 candidates in the fray, while there are 14 candidates from Narsaraopet Parliamentary Constituency and 102 from the seven Assembly segments under the Lok Sabha constituency. From three Assembly segments of Bapatla Parliamentary constituency 42 candidates remained in the fray.
There are 11 candidates in Vemuru (SC), and 18 candidates in Repalle including Minister for Ports Mopidevi Venkata Ramana, and 13 in Bapatla constituency.
In Narsaraopet Assembly constituency 13 candidates, including Minister for Civil Supplies Kasu Venkata Krishna Reddy, are in the fray compared to 21 candidates from Guntur West where Minister for Transport Kanna Lakshmi Narayana is contesting.
Number of candidates in the fray in other constituencies in the district are: Guntur East (16), Prathipadu (SC) 16, Tenali (22), Ponnur (19), Mangalagiri (21), Tadikonda SC - (13), Pedakurapadu (15), Chilakaluripet (17), Narsaraopet (19), Sattenapalli (14), Vinukonda (14), Gurazala (17) and Macherla (28).
In the seven Assembly segments under the Guntur Parliamentary constituency there are 104 candidates in the fray, while there are 14 candidates from Narsaraopet Parliamentary Constituency and 102 from the seven Assembly segments under the Lok Sabha constituency. From three Assembly segments of Bapatla Parliamentary constituency 42 candidates remained in the fray.
There are 11 candidates in Vemuru (SC), and 18 candidates in Repalle including Minister for Ports Mopidevi Venkata Ramana, and 13 in Bapatla constituency.
In Narsaraopet Assembly constituency 13 candidates, including Minister for Civil Supplies Kasu Venkata Krishna Reddy, are in the fray compared to 21 candidates from Guntur West where Minister for Transport Kanna Lakshmi Narayana is contesting.
Number of candidates in the fray in other constituencies in the district are: Guntur East (16), Prathipadu (SC) 16, Tenali (22), Ponnur (19), Mangalagiri (21), Tadikonda SC - (13), Pedakurapadu (15), Chilakaluripet (17), Narsaraopet (19), Sattenapalli (14), Vinukonda (14), Gurazala (17) and Macherla (28).
We kept quite because…Jeevitha
Answering to a media question about why the Dr. Rajashekar couple keep quite before, and why they are now chasing behind Chiranjeevi , Ms.Jeevitha replied that, ‘We are forced to keep quite because Chiaranjeevi’s influence on the film industry.
He is a dominant figure in the film industry. He and his family members are holding the strings of the Tollywood industry, in their hands.
There, no one can go against their will, and no one in the industry dares to speak against them, fearing to loose their position in the film industry. We are also one among those many people who are silently suffering from the dominant influence of the Mega brothers and their relatives. Virtually they are ruling the film industry.
But, now this is not Tollywood to bear with him and his relatives any more. We have our own voice here, and can express our feelings and opinions about them freel
He is a dominant figure in the film industry. He and his family members are holding the strings of the Tollywood industry, in their hands.
There, no one can go against their will, and no one in the industry dares to speak against them, fearing to loose their position in the film industry. We are also one among those many people who are silently suffering from the dominant influence of the Mega brothers and their relatives. Virtually they are ruling the film industry.
But, now this is not Tollywood to bear with him and his relatives any more. We have our own voice here, and can express our feelings and opinions about them freel
Dr.Rajashekar is a failure case: Posani
Dr.Rajashekar is a failure case: Posani
Posani Krishna Murali’s absence from the current political scene surely makes the politics less tasty and less spicy. He is busy with his latest film, ‘ Rajavari Chepala Cheruvu ,’ in which he is playing the lead role. He is very much labouring on the film to release it before the elections begins.
When he was contacted by a news channel to express his opinion about film stars crossing swords with each other through different political platforms, he said though it is not appreciable, but inevitable as they all stands on different platforms.
Responding to the criticism by Dr. Rajashekar and Jeevitha against Chiranjeevi , he said that, ‘ Chiranjeevi has nothing do with the others business. He worked hard to establish himself in the film industry. He is striving hard to establish himself and his Praja Rajyam party in politics. Then, what is wrong with it?
Its’ quite natural that failure candidates like Dr.Rajashekar and Jeevitha envies Chiranjeevi and his brothers. Even they failed in politics, as neither of them got party ticket. They can’t reach the level of Chiranjeevi and his brothers during their life time. Hence, they are vomiting their hatter and jealousy through political platforms. Once the elections are over, no one from the Congress party will allow them into their offices.
My politics is to stand by poor, says Rahul
Mr Rahul Gandhi, Congress general secretary and party star campaigner, told an appreciative audience that the party would provide opportunity for the poor to change their fortunes.
Speaking at poll meetings at Visakhapatnam and Ana-kapalli on Wednesday, Mr Gandhi said, “The difference between the rich and the poor is an opportunity. There is not much difference between a rich businessman and a poor man. It is the opportunity that matters.”
The Congress has resolved to provide that opportunity to help the poor improve their lives. “The spirit of the poor is not going to change India alone but the entire world,” Mr Gandhi said.
“The Opposition parties feel ashamed of accepting them (poor people). This is the difference between the Congress and the Oppos-ition parties,” he said, taking a dig at the BJP’s India Shining campaign. “The NDA never thought of the poor and overlooked them.”
Mr Gandhi said his politics was simple: To stand by the poor. “I stand by the poor, irrespective of his caste, creed and religion or state. Without the progress of the poor India can never beco-me an economic power,” he said.
He pointed out that the UPA government at the Centre and the Congress government in the state had effectively delivered development to the poor, and listed out programmes like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, farm loan waiver and Right to Information Act and Rajiv Arogyasri health insurance.
He said the difference between the TD regime and the Congress government was that the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy wanted to develop not only Hyderabad but the state . Mr Gandhi started his speech with the words, “Mee Andhariki Naa Namaskaramulu,” to cheers from the audience.
Earlier, the Chief Minister castigated the TD chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, who had said he (Mr Naidu) would fund free power, free rice, colour TV set and Cash Transfer Schemes “by bringing back hundreds of crores of rupees stashed in Swiss accounts of the Congress leaders.”
Dr Reddy said: “If at all the TD assumes power, he will say there is no money stashed in Swiss accounts, so we are not going to give you any sops.” He said the PR’s train had only “(cash) boxes but no bogies. Its bogies are vanishing by the day, he said.
Speaking at poll meetings at Visakhapatnam and Ana-kapalli on Wednesday, Mr Gandhi said, “The difference between the rich and the poor is an opportunity. There is not much difference between a rich businessman and a poor man. It is the opportunity that matters.”
The Congress has resolved to provide that opportunity to help the poor improve their lives. “The spirit of the poor is not going to change India alone but the entire world,” Mr Gandhi said.
“The Opposition parties feel ashamed of accepting them (poor people). This is the difference between the Congress and the Oppos-ition parties,” he said, taking a dig at the BJP’s India Shining campaign. “The NDA never thought of the poor and overlooked them.”
Mr Gandhi said his politics was simple: To stand by the poor. “I stand by the poor, irrespective of his caste, creed and religion or state. Without the progress of the poor India can never beco-me an economic power,” he said.
He pointed out that the UPA government at the Centre and the Congress government in the state had effectively delivered development to the poor, and listed out programmes like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, farm loan waiver and Right to Information Act and Rajiv Arogyasri health insurance.
He said the difference between the TD regime and the Congress government was that the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy wanted to develop not only Hyderabad but the state . Mr Gandhi started his speech with the words, “Mee Andhariki Naa Namaskaramulu,” to cheers from the audience.
Earlier, the Chief Minister castigated the TD chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, who had said he (Mr Naidu) would fund free power, free rice, colour TV set and Cash Transfer Schemes “by bringing back hundreds of crores of rupees stashed in Swiss accounts of the Congress leaders.”
Dr Reddy said: “If at all the TD assumes power, he will say there is no money stashed in Swiss accounts, so we are not going to give you any sops.” He said the PR’s train had only “(cash) boxes but no bogies. Its bogies are vanishing by the day, he said.
Chiru flays Congress, TRS on Telangana issue
Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi on Wednesday alleged that both the Congress and the TRS are using the Telangana card for political gain instead of addressing the issue.
“Had they been serious why the issue was not addressed in the past four or five years. How long they want to cheat the people?” he asked while addressing a series of public meetings in Medak district on Wednesday.
At Patancheru, Mr. Chiranjeevi said that even the AICC president Sonia Gandhi tried to get the votes in the name of Telangana once again at her public meeting held on Tuesday.“Praja Rajyam is for Telangana and I have not broken the promises like they did,” he said .
“Had they been serious why the issue was not addressed in the past four or five years. How long they want to cheat the people?” he asked while addressing a series of public meetings in Medak district on Wednesday.
At Patancheru, Mr. Chiranjeevi said that even the AICC president Sonia Gandhi tried to get the votes in the name of Telangana once again at her public meeting held on Tuesday.“Praja Rajyam is for Telangana and I have not broken the promises like they did,” he said .
Parakala Prabakar is resigning to Praja Rajyam
Latest TV News says that Parakala Prabakar is resigning to Prajarajyam party
it is said that Allu Aravind went prabakar’s residence and waited for more than one hour but prabakar dint want to meet aravind by noon today it is said that he is going to resign to Prajarajyam Party
The party’s official spokesman and general secretary Parakala Prabhakar is quitting. He is expected to make an announcement to this effect on Thursday.Prabhakar, the PRP’s intellectual face along with another spokesman Dr Mitra, has been keeping away from party affairs for almost a week and remains inaccessible to both Chiranjeevi and Allu Aravind.Prabhakar’s exit will come as a blow to the PRP, from which former IPS officer C Anjaneya Reddy walked out a couple of days ago, questioning the party leadership’s style of functioning and despite pleas from Chiranjeevi that he should stay back.Even in the case of Prabhakar, sources said both Chiranjeevi and Aravind made several attempts to reach out to him and somehow convince him to remain with the party. But Prabhakar has decided not to continue in the PRP and, therefore, saw no point in engaging in any discussion with the leadership.Prabhakar’s view, according to his close aides, appears to be that the PRP is being run like a ‘commercial establishment’ rather than a political party.This only amounts to betraying intellectuals like him who have joined the party believing in its promise of bringing in a clean culture into politics
it is said that Allu Aravind went prabakar’s residence and waited for more than one hour but prabakar dint want to meet aravind by noon today it is said that he is going to resign to Prajarajyam Party
The party’s official spokesman and general secretary Parakala Prabhakar is quitting. He is expected to make an announcement to this effect on Thursday.Prabhakar, the PRP’s intellectual face along with another spokesman Dr Mitra, has been keeping away from party affairs for almost a week and remains inaccessible to both Chiranjeevi and Allu Aravind.Prabhakar’s exit will come as a blow to the PRP, from which former IPS officer C Anjaneya Reddy walked out a couple of days ago, questioning the party leadership’s style of functioning and despite pleas from Chiranjeevi that he should stay back.Even in the case of Prabhakar, sources said both Chiranjeevi and Aravind made several attempts to reach out to him and somehow convince him to remain with the party. But Prabhakar has decided not to continue in the PRP and, therefore, saw no point in engaging in any discussion with the leadership.Prabhakar’s view, according to his close aides, appears to be that the PRP is being run like a ‘commercial establishment’ rather than a political party.This only amounts to betraying intellectuals like him who have joined the party believing in its promise of bringing in a clean culture into politics
Tirupati - [Chittoor District]
Contestants
Congress
| Name: | Karunakar Reddy |
| Age: | 51 |
| Date of Brith: | 05 Apr 1958 |
| Sex: | Male |
| Education: | BA |
| Place: | Tirupati |
| Party: | INC |
| No of times participated: | 0 |
BJP
| Name: | Bhanu Prakash Reddy |
| Age: | 38 |
| Date of Brith: | 27 Sep 1971 |
| Sex: | Male |
| Education: | B.Tech |
| Place: | Tirupati |
| Party: | BJP |
| No of times participated: | 0 |
LokSatta
Name: G Malyadri
TDP
Name: Kandati Sankar Reddy
PRP
| Name: | K Sivasankara Varaprasad (chiranjeevi) |
Elected So Far
| Name | Year | Party | |
| 1 | M.venkata Ramana | 2004 | INC |
| 2 | Chadalavada Krishna Murthy | 1999 | TDP |
| 3 | A. Mohan | 1994 | TDP |
| 4 | Mabbu Rami Reddy | 1989 | INC |
| 5 | Mabbu Rami Reddy | 1985 | INC |
| 6 | N. T. Rama Rao | 1983 | TDP |
| 7 | Agarala Easwara Reddi | 1978 | INC(I) |
| 8 | Vijayasikhamani | 1972 | INC |
| 9 | E. R. Agarala | 1967 | SWA |
Tirupati is a pilgrimage city located in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. Tirupati is located at the foothills of Tirumala. The city owes its existence to the sacred temple situated on the Tirumala Hills. Tirumala is the abode of Lord Venkateshwara, one of the Avatars of Lord Vishnu, located atop Seshachala hills often called as "Yaedu Kondalu" (seven hills). Thetemple of Lord Venkateshwara was built by the Tamil king Thondaimaan, and reformed periodically by Cholas and later Telugu Kings. It is the richest and most visited temple (of any faith) in the world.
Tirupati has been a city for many years though recognised as a major municipal Corporation (MCT) only recently. Although the district headquarters is 60 km from the city, major government establishments and operations take place in Tirupati alone. The Tirupati Urban Development Authority further expanded its horizon to about 1380 km² with a total population of about 10 lakhs. Tirupati is one of the fastest growing cities in India with IT, BPO and Health industries coming up. It is a major boom for real estate. Tirupati is also emerging into a major educational, entertainment, tourism and a commercial city. Near the bus stand, stands a statue of the great singer Bharatharatna M.S. Subbulakshmi.
History
The Tirumala hills are the world's second oldest rock mountains. The Sangam literature of Tamil such as Silapadikaram and Satanar'sManimekalai, dated between 500 BC to 300 AD, mentions Tiruvengadam (now named Tirupati) as the northernmost frontier of the Tamil Kingdoms.
It is believed that it was "Aadi Varaha Kshetra" (the ancient site of Varaha) mentioned in Indian literature dating during the Mauryan and Guptaregimes. Lord Venkateswara is referred in Vedas, Tirupati is considered as Kaliyuga Vaikuntha (Heaven on the earth).
Front View of Tirumala Temple
The site was an established center by the 5th century A.D, and the Alvars (Vaishnava saints) belonging to the Bhakti movement in Dravidian land sung in praise of Venketeswara. Its significance in Southern Vaishnava tradition is next only to Srirangam, and the temple rites were formalized by the vaishanvite saintRamanujacharya himself, in the 11th century AD. The temple was richly endowed by the kings of various dynasties thus adding to its current reputation as the richest and most opulent pilgrimage centre in the world. It was supported by Cholas, later by Hoysalas, the Vijayanagaras. Krishna Deva Raya of Vijayanagara led the temple to great popularity by donating gold and other ornaments for the temple and constructing extended shrines. The place of Chandragiri, presently a village near Tirupati, was used as the secondary capital of Vijayanagara kings.
Tirupati survived the Muslim invasions of South India, unlike other temples such as the Meenakshi temple inMadurai and Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam. It is believed that during the invasions the deity of Sriranganatha from Srirangam was brought to Tirupati for safekeeping. To commemorate this event, a hall in Tirupati is still known as the Ranganatha mandapa.
In 1843, with the coming of the East India Company, the administration of the Sri Venkateshwara temple and a number of shrines was entrusted to Seva Dossji of the Hathiramji Mutt at Tirumala as Vicaranakarta for nearly a century until 1933, when the temple was under the administrative charge of the mahants. The Madras legislature passed a special act in 1933 whereby the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) committee was invested with powers of administration and control through a commissioner appointed by the Government of Madras. A Ryot Advisory Council was formed for the management of the estates of the TTD, and was assisted by a Religious Advisory Council with regard to religious matters.
New City
The first establishment of the city was done near Kotturu, today's K.T.Road area. Later it was shifted near the temple of Govindaraja Swamy with the temple as the center of the city. It is today's railway station area. Now the city is expanded to nearby areas. Tirupati city now includes Srinivasamangapuram, Tiruchanoor, Renigunta,Chandragiri, Avilala etc.
Geography
Tirupati is located in southern part of Andhra Pradesh. It has an average elevation of 162 metres (531 feet).
Tirumala
The Tirumala hill is 3,200 ft (980 m) above sea level, and is about 10.33 square miles (26.8 km 2) in area. It comprises seven peaks, representing the seven hoods of Adisesha, thus earning the name, Seshachalam. The seven peaks are called Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrishabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri.
Climate
In summer, temperatures may go up to 42 to 45 degrees Celsius (107.6 F to 113 F), and in winter the minimum temperatures will be between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius ( 50 F to 64.4 F). Usually summer lasts from March to June, with the advent of rainy season in July, followed by winter which lasts till the end of February. It has an extreme type of climate. Rainy Season remains pleasant.
Economy
Being a pilgrimage centre, the floating population appears to be the main source of economy but is not. Of late, Tirupati is becoming the education hub for the nearby areas because of the presence of educational institutions and universities offering almost all fields of studies at all levels. Trade and industry are burgeoning and business is flourishing. Revenues generated by travel sector is also high.
Government
Tirupati is a major municipal corporation in Andhra Pradesh state. It contributes a member in central parliament and a member in state legislature in Indian politics. Chinta Mohan is the current MP and Venkatramana is the MLA from the ruling party Congress (INC). Chandragiri is a suburb accounting to one more seat for the state assembly. TUDA (Tirupati Urban Development Authority) was established long back to develop the city. It is involved in the construction of second fly-over in the city and extending all two lane roads to four lane. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) also contributes a maximum of funds for the development of the city. Major roads like the traffic-loaded Tirumala bypass and the rail underpass near the railway station was taken up by TTD along with TUDA.The eco-city project selected Tirupati for its Green and Clean campaign.
City Life
Tirupati is mainly a tourist and piligrim spot. Traffic is peak 24 hours near Bus stand and railway stations. Otherwise the residential localities are very calm and quiet. Tirupati has many multi cuisine restaurants and eateries.It is house for many multi brand showrooms , malls and automobile showrooms. It is generally very cultural, but a busy city.The city has many places of attraction. In the evening, Municipal music gardens, also known as Centenary Park is filled with the youth. It has many musical fountains to attract children. The second hot spot in the city is the exhibition grounds near the bus-stand. The Central Park shopping mall and Arcades nearby have huge shops to cater the public with their requirements like jewellery, gifts, clothes, cosmetics, super marts, gadget showrooms and many more. Pasuparthy's Super Market, Sarayu Hyper Mart and TMC on the Tirumala bypass road (Near Krishna Dev Raya Junction Signal) are other shopping malls. A shopping mall has recently been inaugurated at NTR Square near Town Club. The multiplex in T.P area and the group theatres near the bus stand are worth visiting. One can also pay a visit to the famous Hastha-kala-ramam, formerly known as Urban Haat, near STPI on Tiruchanur Express road. The major center of attraction for the children and youth is Grand Water World by near Karakambadi, some 13 km from the city centre. Not to mention about the other places like Mahati auditorium, Annamacharya Kalamandapam which host the culture and traditional aspects of the city. The traffic is moderate to very high in peak hours. Traffic is managed by well maintained traffic signals at every important junction. The roads are wide and good parking facility and lane systems have been provided. You find young guys and girls in modern dresses and elder residents in traditional dress. A walk in the evenings near K.T. road and ISCKON is a pleasant surprise for you. Shopping and commercial localities on Prakasham Road, Big Bazaar, Chinna Bazaar Street, T.K Street, Kola Street, M.G Road, G. Car Street, Tilak Road, V.V Mahal Road, K.T Road and also Tirumala Bypass Road and Tiruchanur Express Road, a few parts of Maruthi Nagar in Tirupati-West. The Reliance have started a big hypermarket Reliance Mart which is the third Reliance Hypermarket in India and the first Reliance Hypermarket in South India.
SV Zoological Park and Regional Science Center
Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park is the second of its kind in the Andhra Pradesh. It has many species of animals and plants which are being conserved. Nearly 10 to 15 tigers are present in this zoo. Regional Science Center, unique of its kind and a must visit for students and teachers, is also present nearby(< 1 km from Alipiri).
Palacole - [West Godavari District]
Palakol (also called as Palakollu or Palacole) is a coastal town in the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. It is an important trading town in West Godavari district and is in proximity with other trading towns such as Bhimavaram, Eluru, Tanuku and Narasapu. Palakol's population is about 80,000 (palakol mandal population included) and is well recognized for its surrounding fertile lands. Both Telugu and English are spoken here.
Tourist Attractions
Main tourist attraction of Palakol is the Ksheera Rama Lingeswara Swami Temple (A 15th century temple built for the Hindu God Shiva. It is one of the five Pancharamas). The temple has a unique white shiva lingam and the temple tower is one of the tallest among the temple towers in Andhra Pradesh. This place was earlier called as "Ksheera Puri" based on this temple. Later called as "Pala Kolanu", which all tries to convey the meaning of milk pond. This town and the Ksheera Rama Lingeswara Swami temple are located in the area subtended by the Shiva temples at Srisailam,Draksharamam & Kaleswaram also called "Trilinga Desam"(meaning "the region bounded by three lingas") which in following centuries of existence became Telugu desam,the language spoken by the people around these locations was named as Telugu,hence it is believed by some historians that the word "Telugu" was born from this region .
Ashtabhuja Lakshmi Narayana Swami Temple which is known for its traditions and festivities like Bhramostavam draw large number of devotees from all over the town. Dhanurmasam is celebrated in the month of December in the remembrance of love of Andaal for Lord Sri Krishna.
Lush green fertile Paddy Farms, Coconut farms, Fisheries and prawn ponds add to the attractions around the town.
Interesting facts
Palakol is a coastal town with a population of approximately 80,000 (including the sub district population) and is an important trading centre for the surrounding villages. Palakol is the birth place of Padmasri Allu Ramalingaiah. Other popular Telugu film film celebrities like Dasari Narayana Rao, Kodi Rama Krishna, Addala Chanti, Chalam, Vakada Appa Rao, Relangi Narasimha Rao, Mutcherla Aruna and Nalla Ramamurthy hail from this place. U. Srinivas, a world renowned exponent of Mandolin, was born here. He was the first person to play carnatic music on this German instrument. Ghazal maestro 'Gajal Srinivas' (Dr. Ghazal Srinivas) also hails from Palakol.
Buses operated by APSRTC & Private Travel Agencies run from Palakol to Hyderabad, Vizag, Vijayawada and Tirupati. Situated along the Narsapur-Vijayawada Railway route, two express trains service the town . A bridge was built on Vasista Godavari near Chinchinada 7 km away from Palakol connecting East Godavari & West Godavari Districts of Andhra Pradesh, which makes it a part of National Highway 214.
Palakol is surrounded by rich fertile paddy fields and coconut groves.It is said Dutch started plantations of lemon and orange. The Town is also famous for Pomelo fruit (pumpara panasa kaaya). Weekend market on Saturday makes the town busy with business. The town has a festive look every Saturday with people coming to the market from in and around Palakol for purchases.
Lalita Kalanjali Nataka Academy supported by famous film artist & director Kodi Ramakrishna conducts Nataka Potilu (Drama Competitions) every year, which are famous in the State.
Elected So Far
Tourist Attractions
Main tourist attraction of Palakol is the Ksheera Rama Lingeswara Swami Temple (A 15th century temple built for the Hindu God Shiva. It is one of the five Pancharamas). The temple has a unique white shiva lingam and the temple tower is one of the tallest among the temple towers in Andhra Pradesh. This place was earlier called as "Ksheera Puri" based on this temple. Later called as "Pala Kolanu", which all tries to convey the meaning of milk pond. This town and the Ksheera Rama Lingeswara Swami temple are located in the area subtended by the Shiva temples at Srisailam,Draksharamam & Kaleswaram also called "Trilinga Desam"(meaning "the region bounded by three lingas") which in following centuries of existence became Telugu desam,the language spoken by the people around these locations was named as Telugu,hence it is believed by some historians that the word "Telugu" was born from this region .
Ashtabhuja Lakshmi Narayana Swami Temple which is known for its traditions and festivities like Bhramostavam draw large number of devotees from all over the town. Dhanurmasam is celebrated in the month of December in the remembrance of love of Andaal for Lord Sri Krishna.
Lush green fertile Paddy Farms, Coconut farms, Fisheries and prawn ponds add to the attractions around the town.
Interesting facts
Palakol is a coastal town with a population of approximately 80,000 (including the sub district population) and is an important trading centre for the surrounding villages. Palakol is the birth place of Padmasri Allu Ramalingaiah. Other popular Telugu film film celebrities like Dasari Narayana Rao, Kodi Rama Krishna, Addala Chanti, Chalam, Vakada Appa Rao, Relangi Narasimha Rao, Mutcherla Aruna and Nalla Ramamurthy hail from this place. U. Srinivas, a world renowned exponent of Mandolin, was born here. He was the first person to play carnatic music on this German instrument. Ghazal maestro 'Gajal Srinivas' (Dr. Ghazal Srinivas) also hails from Palakol.
Buses operated by APSRTC & Private Travel Agencies run from Palakol to Hyderabad, Vizag, Vijayawada and Tirupati. Situated along the Narsapur-Vijayawada Railway route, two express trains service the town . A bridge was built on Vasista Godavari near Chinchinada 7 km away from Palakol connecting East Godavari & West Godavari Districts of Andhra Pradesh, which makes it a part of National Highway 214.
Palakol is surrounded by rich fertile paddy fields and coconut groves.It is said Dutch started plantations of lemon and orange. The Town is also famous for Pomelo fruit (pumpara panasa kaaya). Weekend market on Saturday makes the town busy with business. The town has a festive look every Saturday with people coming to the market from in and around Palakol for purchases.
Lalita Kalanjali Nataka Academy supported by famous film artist & director Kodi Ramakrishna conducts Nataka Potilu (Drama Competitions) every year, which are famous in the State.
Elected So Far
| Name | Year | Party | |
| 1 | Ch. Satyanarayana Murty | 2004 | TDP |
| 2 | Allu Venkata Satyanarayana | 1999 | TDP |
| 3 | Allu Venkata Satyanarayana | 1994 | TDP |
| 4 | Allu Venkata Satyanarayana | 1985 | TDP |
| 5 | Allu Venkata Satyanarayana | 1983 | TDP |
| 6 | Vardhineedi Satyanarayana | 1978 | INC(I) |
| 7 | Harirama Jogaiah | 1972 | INC |
| 8 | P. Seshavataram |
‘Mahakootami’ will sweep polls: Naidu
Telugu Desam Party chief N. Chandrababu Naidu has said the ‘Mahakootami’ comprising TDP, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, CPI and CPI (M) will sweep the current elections and said going by the huge turnout of people and their enthusiasm to the Grand Alliance meetings everywhere doubled his confidence.
People have been waiting for the appropriate time to give a fitting lesson to the Congress party as its five year’s rule turned the State into darkness and increased the woes of people with price rise and corruption everywhere.
There was no limit to the greed of the Chief Minister and he used the position and power to amass assets for himself.“The Chief Minister set up a newspaper and a television channel. He and his colleagues had eaten money and mines. Dr. Rajasekhara Reddy earned Rs.1 lakh crore and that is enough to give Rs.2,000 per month to each poor family in the State for full five years,” he said while addressing an impressive gathering at a road show in this town on Tuesday.
The Opposition leader who flew down here one hour behind his schedule was received by TDP leaders Pocharam Srinivas Reddy (party Banswada candidate) and the TRS leaders Md. Yousuff Ali and E. Ravinder Reddy, party nominees for the Zaheerabad Parliament and Yellareddy Assembly constituencies respectively.
Mr. Naidu, who immediately set on his road show from here, addressed meetings at Pitlam, Nizam Sagar, Jukkal, Banswada, Varni, Nizamabad, Dichpally and concluded at Armoor. En route at several villages people waiting along the road cheerfully waived to him.
There were big gatherings everywhere as the day temperature on Tuesday dropped due to cloudy weather. At Varni the TDP president reiterated that the separate Telangana, a long awaited dream of Telangana people would become a reality after the Mahakootami’s coming to power.
“I know you all have confidence over me as the TDP had never reneged on its promises if once made,” he said and accused the Congress of deceiving the Telangana people on the issue of delivery of separate statehood and the MRPS on the SC Categorisation.
Chiranjeevi rubbishes cash scheme
Praja Rajyam president Chiranjeevi alleged that the TDP was trying to entice the voters with impractical schemes like cash transfer.
Mr. Chiranjeevi, who was on a whirlwind election campaign in a helicopter, addressed several public meetings in the district on Tuesday to boost the electoral prospects of the party candidates.
Addressing a moderate gathering at a public meeting held in Nalgonda on Tuesday, Mr. Chiranjeevi, who arrived more than two hours behind the schedule, demanded that the TDP leaders explain as to how they would mobilise thousands of crores to implement the cash transfer scheme. The TDP has a dubious track record in implementation of its promises.
Training his guns on the Congress, he alleged that the persons at the helm of affairs looted crores of rupees public money under the pretext of development.
The tribal hamlets in the district are plagued with a plethora of problems including fluorosis due to denial of basic amenities like drinking water. “The Praja Rajyam will weed out political corruption and ensure the fruits of development to all”, he asserted.
On separate Telangana, he alleged that the promise made by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in 2004 has remained unfulfilled. The Congress and the Grand Alliance have no sincerity on the statehood issue, he said and asserted that the PRP has demonstrated its commitment by including “Samajika Telangana” in its manifesto.
Mr. Chiranjeevi, who was on a whirlwind election campaign in a helicopter, addressed several public meetings in the district on Tuesday to boost the electoral prospects of the party candidates.
Addressing a moderate gathering at a public meeting held in Nalgonda on Tuesday, Mr. Chiranjeevi, who arrived more than two hours behind the schedule, demanded that the TDP leaders explain as to how they would mobilise thousands of crores to implement the cash transfer scheme. The TDP has a dubious track record in implementation of its promises.
Training his guns on the Congress, he alleged that the persons at the helm of affairs looted crores of rupees public money under the pretext of development.
The tribal hamlets in the district are plagued with a plethora of problems including fluorosis due to denial of basic amenities like drinking water. “The Praja Rajyam will weed out political corruption and ensure the fruits of development to all”, he asserted.
On separate Telangana, he alleged that the promise made by Congress president Sonia Gandhi in 2004 has remained unfulfilled. The Congress and the Grand Alliance have no sincerity on the statehood issue, he said and asserted that the PRP has demonstrated its commitment by including “Samajika Telangana” in its manifesto.
YSR’s one-man show surges on
It seems that he is taking a leaf out of Indira Gandhi’s book. The former prime minister had mesmerised the nation in such a way that her sycophants used to chant: India is Indira, Indira is India.’ Almost four decades later, in an aggressive one-man show, chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy’s style is telling the masses that ‘YSR is Congress and Congress is YSR in AP.’ In marked contrast to his earlier campaigns in Telangana where he was rather apologetic about his party’s stand on the separate state issue and used to merely state that the Congress was committed to the T issue, there is no reference to it this time around. “I gave you development, Indiramma houses, Arogyasri health benefits, pension to the old and Rs 2 a kilo rice to the poor. Vote for the Congress (read ‘me’) and the state will march towards further glorious development,” Reddy said in various meetings while criss-crossing Warangal district in his Jaitra Yatra on Monday. By addressing eight roadshows in blistering heat with no cover over his head and hopping between a helicopter and an exclusively designed bus, an untiring YSR appears to have stolen a march over his rivals. And by directly addressing the electorate and cracking jokes at TDP, TRS and PRP presidents N Chandrababu Naidu, K Chandrasekhar Rao and Chiranjeevi, the CM conveyed to the people the message that their promises were unimplementable while his have been proven already. The campaign, in fact, looks like the continuation of his solo grip on the state government for the last five years. He stood alone in the last five years and wants to stand alone in the campaign, too. To ensure that people were getting the message that he and he alone is the Congress in the state, YSR ensured at every meeting that he alone was visible on top of the bus. At each meeting, before he began his speech, the 10-15 personnel including securitymen surrounding him are told to steer clear of him with the result that people can see only him. It appeared as though the chief minister was emboldened to go it alone on the premise that there was no space for Telangana this time around. “Earlier, when touring the Telangana region, Rajasekhara Reddy needed at least one leader from the region to be visible next to him. Perhaps it is not an issue now, which is why he has dared to tour the region all by himself,” said a Congress leader from Hanamkonda. Surprisingly, barring one pro-Telangana cry at a meeting in Sayampet, throughout his yatra that ended in Thorru on Monday night, there was no Telangana tension in the air. Rajasekhara Reddy himself made only one passing remark on the issue, that too to blame Naidu and KCR for not having given a thought to develop the region when they were in power. “What prevented them from taking up irrigation projects like Devadula when they were in power, if the T issue was so dear to them,” he asked the people at Station Ghanpur and it was received with approving cheers and whistles from the crowd. Referring to Chiranjeevi, YSR said: Politics is not like dancing with heroines. It is a tough job where you have to be ready to serve the people.” An entirely new element in his campaign is engaging the public during his speech. As a result, all the five roadshows turned into a dialogue between him and the people. By asking them to state the development schemes initiated by the Congress that they are enjoying, YSR said: “This development will get derailed if the Congress does not come back to power.” In all, YSR addressed roadshows at Sayampet, Wargal, Desaipet, Karimbad, Hanamkonda, Station Ghanpur, Vardhannapet and Thorrur on Monday before returning to Hyderabad.
Mirror, mirror, who is the richest of them all? Lagadapati!
The people of Vijayawada Lok Sabha constituency have some thing to “boast” about. Their LS representative Lagadapati Rajagopal, seeking re-election, is the richest among all the contestants in the country so far, going by the assets declared. According to the information provided to the Election Commission by the candidates, Rajagopal topped the wealthiest candidates’ list by owning properties and cash to the tune of Rs 299 crore. His nearest competitor in the list and PRP chief Chiranjeevi is far behind with Rs 88 crore worth of assets. Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, son of chief minister Rajasekhara Reddy, is the third wealthiest person with Rs 77 crore worth of assets. The cadres of TDP need not sulk: their party supremo Chandrababu Naidu closely follows with assets worth Rs 68.70 crore. “All these assets are only on-the-record properties and there could be more to what they have shown to the EC,” averred a returning officer. Analysts said it has been the practice of candidates to own up only one-third of the assets in the individual’s name and keep other assets in benami names to avoid laws and taxes. According to the affidavit filed by Rajagopal, he has movable properties worth Rs 90,45,43,881. And the value of his immovable assets is Rs 14,05,77,335. In addition, he has $3,61,45,600 (Rs 180,72,80,000 in Indian currency) with him. His wife Padma has secured properties — both movable and immovable — worth Rs 14,16,98,903. In all, both wife and husband put together own assets worth Rs 299,40,99,209. Of these, Rajagopal alone has cash reserves of Rs 6,57,694 and bonds and debentures worth Rs 82,82,76,375. He has invested Rs 2,00,368 in LIC policies and owns gold ornaments of 7,202 grams worth Rs 1,07,31,300. He has agriculture land worth Rs 70,24,600 and houses, apartments worth Rs 13,35,52,735. He has loans to the tune of Rs 5,91,34,867 from different banks. Rajagopal promoted the Lanco group, but he does not look after the company any more. On the other hand, Chandrababu Naidu is reported to be having a cash balance of Rs 23,400 only and deposits worth Rs 11,26,453. However, his wife Bhuvaneswari has more assets than the TDP leader. Naidu has two houses worth Rs 3.30 crore and Rs 8.89 crore in Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad. Bhuvaneswari has Rs 9 crore worth agriculture land in Madinaguda and a commercial complex worth Rs 5.69 crore. The couple also own a warehouse near Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu worth Rs 10,49,63,700. Surprisingly, chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy is at the bottom of the richie rich list with assets of only Rs 1,34,78,487. He has a bank balance of Rs 12,379 while his wife Vijayalakshmi has Rs 31,069. YSR and his wife have Rs 1.93 lakh and Rs 4.5 lakh as bank deposits respectively. Interestingly, the CM is in possession of Rs 13 lakh worth jewellery and his wife Rs 10.57 lakh. YSR’s close follower and Narasaraopet Congress LS candidate V Balasoury owns assets worth more than those of the CM. Balasoury put the value of his assets at Rs 45 crore, next only to Naidu. Chiranjeevi’s brother-in-law and Prajarajyam strongman Allu Aravind’s assets total to a “poor” Rs 24 crore, while that of his wife’s Rs 28 crore. “It is surprising that Allu has only Rs 24 crore both movable and immovable assets. Remember he is one of the richest film producers in the country,” a trade analyst said.
CM’s son-in-law arrested
Chief minister’s son-in-law Anil Kumar was arrested here on Monday and later given bail in connection with the alleged distribution of money and leaflets at a meeting of pastors at Karunagiri church in Khammam district on March 26. Anil Kumar reportedly urged the pastors to vote for the Congress at the meeting. Anil surrendered before district SP Mahesh S Bhagwat after a complaint was filed by the tehsildar.
we want Naidu as Chief Minister again
Communist Party of India general secretary A.B. Bardhan said here on Monday that the formation of four-party Grand Alliance was a historic necessity to usher in a change not only in Andhra Pradesh but also the entire country.
Addressing a public meeting, the first one organised jointly by the Telugu Desam, the CPI, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Telangana Rashtra Samiti here, Mr. Bardhan said the onus was on the people of the State to herald this change by voting out the Congress and supporting the Grand Alliance.
“We want to see TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh again.”
Mr. Naidu, TRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao, the CPI Lok Sabha candidate from Nalgonda, Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, and State CPI (M) secretary B. V. Raghavulu spoke at the modest meeting held in a district that shot into prominence during the Telangana Armed Struggle.
Mr. Bardhan said the people had seen the NDA government in the past and then the UPA rule. The former raised the slogan of ‘India Shining’ even as darkness prevailed in every home and the latter broke all promises and conditions agreed upon when it formed the government in 2004. One of these conditions was to attempt formation of separate Telangana at an appropriate time. They forgot about the time and failed to evolve consensus. The CPI had no doubt supported united Andhra Pradesh in the past, but it changed its stand in view of a different situation prevailing now.In a strong attack on the Congress, Mr. Naidu said the party had considerably weakened and was on the “verge of bankruptcy” as was evident from its manifesto that had no new schemes or plans.
Addressing a public meeting, the first one organised jointly by the Telugu Desam, the CPI, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Telangana Rashtra Samiti here, Mr. Bardhan said the onus was on the people of the State to herald this change by voting out the Congress and supporting the Grand Alliance.
“We want to see TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh again.”
Mr. Naidu, TRS president K. Chandrasekhar Rao, the CPI Lok Sabha candidate from Nalgonda, Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy, and State CPI (M) secretary B. V. Raghavulu spoke at the modest meeting held in a district that shot into prominence during the Telangana Armed Struggle.
Mr. Bardhan said the people had seen the NDA government in the past and then the UPA rule. The former raised the slogan of ‘India Shining’ even as darkness prevailed in every home and the latter broke all promises and conditions agreed upon when it formed the government in 2004. One of these conditions was to attempt formation of separate Telangana at an appropriate time. They forgot about the time and failed to evolve consensus. The CPI had no doubt supported united Andhra Pradesh in the past, but it changed its stand in view of a different situation prevailing now.In a strong attack on the Congress, Mr. Naidu said the party had considerably weakened and was on the “verge of bankruptcy” as was evident from its manifesto that had no new schemes or plans.
‘Non-local’ tag bogs down Geeta Reddy
Ministers for Major Industries J. Geeta Reddy who is contesting from the Zaheerabad (SC) Assembly seat has been testing her luck for the first time from this constituency. Earlier, she represented Gajwel Assembly constituency which was de-reserved during delimitation.
With more than 30 per cent Muslim voters, Zaheerabad was a Congress stronghold ever since 1957 when the constituency was formed. Except in 1994 when Ch. Baganna was elected as the TDP candidate, the Congress has won this seat in ten elections. Former Minister late M. Bagareddy created a record of sorts by getting elected from here seven times consecutively. In the last two elections, Cooperation Minister Mohd. Fariduddin represented the constituency.
Ms. Geeta Reddy will face Y. Narottam of TDP and D. Vasanth Kumar of Praja Rajyam besides BSP (AP) president Nalla Suryaprakash and P. Rajakumar of BJP. Being a non-local in the constituency, she is facing a tough time and the Opposition parties have been exploiting this to their advantage.
“Geeta Reddy never stays here even if we get her elected. She is not accessible also. If we have to meet her we need to go to Hyderabad. It will be useful for us if we elect a local person,” says Bucahaiah, who runs a photo studio. His argument was supported by Basheer and others who stood nearby.
On the other hand, Mr. Narottam, who was earlier a divisional engineer in the Irrigation Department, did some groundwork in the constituency even while in service. This, according to locals, has made people trust him as someone who would be more accessible.
Praja Rajyam’s Vasanth Kumar had been championing the farmers’ cause and even undertook a padayatra till New Delhi to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister to highlight farmers’ problems.
With more than 30 per cent Muslim voters, Zaheerabad was a Congress stronghold ever since 1957 when the constituency was formed. Except in 1994 when Ch. Baganna was elected as the TDP candidate, the Congress has won this seat in ten elections. Former Minister late M. Bagareddy created a record of sorts by getting elected from here seven times consecutively. In the last two elections, Cooperation Minister Mohd. Fariduddin represented the constituency.
Ms. Geeta Reddy will face Y. Narottam of TDP and D. Vasanth Kumar of Praja Rajyam besides BSP (AP) president Nalla Suryaprakash and P. Rajakumar of BJP. Being a non-local in the constituency, she is facing a tough time and the Opposition parties have been exploiting this to their advantage.
“Geeta Reddy never stays here even if we get her elected. She is not accessible also. If we have to meet her we need to go to Hyderabad. It will be useful for us if we elect a local person,” says Bucahaiah, who runs a photo studio. His argument was supported by Basheer and others who stood nearby.
On the other hand, Mr. Narottam, who was earlier a divisional engineer in the Irrigation Department, did some groundwork in the constituency even while in service. This, according to locals, has made people trust him as someone who would be more accessible.
Praja Rajyam’s Vasanth Kumar had been championing the farmers’ cause and even undertook a padayatra till New Delhi to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister to highlight farmers’ problems.
Chiranjeevi’s party promises to probe rivals’ graft
The Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) of actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi Monday promised that if voted to power it would order judicial probe into all cases of corruption reported during the last 15 years of the Congress and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) rules.
The PRP’s election manifesto said the party will conduct a probe by a sitting judge of the high court into corruption in construction of irrigation projects by the Congress government.
The manifesto promised cooking gas cylinder and grocery items for Rs.200 a month for every poor family, distribution of land among poor and total prohibition in phases.
Releasing the manifesto here, Chiranjeevi said if voted to power the first file his party would sign would be for supply of grocery items for Rs.100 per month for every poor family. The party will also supply cooking gas cylinder for Rs.100.
The manifesto promised many populist schemes to counter the Telugu Desam Party’s free colour television and cash transfer scheme for poor and the schemes like Rs.2 a kg rice currently being implemented by the Congress government. The megastar said the grocery scheme would provide food securityto the poor.
"This manifesto has been prepared keeping in view the socio-economic conditions prevailing in the state and to achieve our party’s goal of social justice," he said.
The PRP promised to implement land reforms and allot two to five acres of land for landless poor. It also vowed to usher in ’gram swaraj’ by transferring powers and finances to village level bodies.
Promising to continue the current scheme of free electricity to farmers, the manifesto said the duration would be increased from the present seven hours to 10 hours. It said it would provide social security to farmers by introducing pension scheme for them.
Under another populist scheme promised in the manifesto, the government would deposit Rs.100,000 in the name of every new-born girl child. She would be paid the amount on reaching the age of 18 years.
All women will get free education from kinder garden (KG) to post-graduation (PG) level. The women members of self-help DWACRA groups will be provided interest-free loans. Women will also be provided 50 percent reservationsin appointment of teachers.
The PRP promised creation of half a million jobs in 1,000 days. It said it would also pay unemployment allowance of Rs.1,000 a month to every unemployed youth, and assured Rs.1,500 monthly pension to physically challenged.
The party said it would try to introduce total prohibition in phases and shut down all ’belt shops’ (illegal counters of licensed liquor shops).
The PRP’s election manifesto said the party will conduct a probe by a sitting judge of the high court into corruption in construction of irrigation projects by the Congress government.
The manifesto promised cooking gas cylinder and grocery items for Rs.200 a month for every poor family, distribution of land among poor and total prohibition in phases.
Releasing the manifesto here, Chiranjeevi said if voted to power the first file his party would sign would be for supply of grocery items for Rs.100 per month for every poor family. The party will also supply cooking gas cylinder for Rs.100.
The manifesto promised many populist schemes to counter the Telugu Desam Party’s free colour television and cash transfer scheme for poor and the schemes like Rs.2 a kg rice currently being implemented by the Congress government. The megastar said the grocery scheme would provide food securityto the poor.
"This manifesto has been prepared keeping in view the socio-economic conditions prevailing in the state and to achieve our party’s goal of social justice," he said.
The PRP promised to implement land reforms and allot two to five acres of land for landless poor. It also vowed to usher in ’gram swaraj’ by transferring powers and finances to village level bodies.
Promising to continue the current scheme of free electricity to farmers, the manifesto said the duration would be increased from the present seven hours to 10 hours. It said it would provide social security to farmers by introducing pension scheme for them.
Under another populist scheme promised in the manifesto, the government would deposit Rs.100,000 in the name of every new-born girl child. She would be paid the amount on reaching the age of 18 years.
All women will get free education from kinder garden (KG) to post-graduation (PG) level. The women members of self-help DWACRA groups will be provided interest-free loans. Women will also be provided 50 percent reservationsin appointment of teachers.
The PRP promised creation of half a million jobs in 1,000 days. It said it would also pay unemployment allowance of Rs.1,000 a month to every unemployed youth, and assured Rs.1,500 monthly pension to physically challenged.
The party said it would try to introduce total prohibition in phases and shut down all ’belt shops’ (illegal counters of licensed liquor shops).
Focus on Chiranjeevi’s kin in Anakapalle
Anakapalle Lok Sabha Constituency received national attention when Mr Konathala Ramakrishna, the current Minister for Commercial Taxes, won by a margin of just nine votes in the 1989 general elections.
The famous jaggery town with a 100-year-old history has come into prominence again with noted Film Producer Allu Aravind, brother-in-law of Praja Rajyam President Chiranjeevi, entering the fray.
The Congress had fielded Former Vizag Mayor Sabbam Hari while the TDP had given ticket to ’Surya’ (Telugu Daily) Managing Director Nookarapu Surya Prakasa Rao, who joined the party a day before filing his nomination.
Anakapalle was one of the five Lok Sabha seats won by the TDP in 2004. Mr P Chalapathi Rao was the winner.
Though almost all Assembly seats have been with the TDP, the constituency retained Congress candidates mostly till 2004.
Even Mr Chriranjeevi’s campaign attracts voters, the caste of the candidate was expected to be a decisive factor.
While Mr Aravind was banking on Kapu votes, which are the highest in number here, Mr Hari and Mr Rao, belonging to Koppula Velama Community, were trying to get maximum support from their community.
The Lok Sabha constituency has seven Assembly segments-- Pendurthy (added after delimitation), Chodavaram, Madugula, Anakapalle, Narsipatnam, Elamanchili and Payakaraopeta (SC).
The constituency, with 635 polling stations, has 15,57,980 voters, including 7,89,809 women.
Mr Konathala Ramakrishna, Former Minister and State Legislative Council Deputy Floor Leader D Veerabhadra Rao and Former Lok Sabha Member and present PRP District Convenor Ganta Srinivasa Rao were in the fray.
Mr Ganta Srinivasa Rao, who was elected from Chodavaram during the last elections, joined the PRP and was contesting from Anakapalle Assembly Segment.
The famous jaggery town with a 100-year-old history has come into prominence again with noted Film Producer Allu Aravind, brother-in-law of Praja Rajyam President Chiranjeevi, entering the fray.
The Congress had fielded Former Vizag Mayor Sabbam Hari while the TDP had given ticket to ’Surya’ (Telugu Daily) Managing Director Nookarapu Surya Prakasa Rao, who joined the party a day before filing his nomination.
Anakapalle was one of the five Lok Sabha seats won by the TDP in 2004. Mr P Chalapathi Rao was the winner.
Though almost all Assembly seats have been with the TDP, the constituency retained Congress candidates mostly till 2004.
Even Mr Chriranjeevi’s campaign attracts voters, the caste of the candidate was expected to be a decisive factor.
While Mr Aravind was banking on Kapu votes, which are the highest in number here, Mr Hari and Mr Rao, belonging to Koppula Velama Community, were trying to get maximum support from their community.
The Lok Sabha constituency has seven Assembly segments-- Pendurthy (added after delimitation), Chodavaram, Madugula, Anakapalle, Narsipatnam, Elamanchili and Payakaraopeta (SC).
The constituency, with 635 polling stations, has 15,57,980 voters, including 7,89,809 women.
Mr Konathala Ramakrishna, Former Minister and State Legislative Council Deputy Floor Leader D Veerabhadra Rao and Former Lok Sabha Member and present PRP District Convenor Ganta Srinivasa Rao were in the fray.
Mr Ganta Srinivasa Rao, who was elected from Chodavaram during the last elections, joined the PRP and was contesting from Anakapalle Assembly Segment.
LOKESH GRADUATES IN ELECTION CAMPAIGN
Lokesh, the son of Chandrababu Naidu seems to have set his career in politics in the foot prints of his father, as his recent trip to Kuppam, where he filed nomination on behalf of his CBN has graduated in politics with his debut in election campaign. He was seen busy participating in many meetings across the constituency and seeking votes for his father and made clear in all the gathering that the TDP will impellent all of its schemes without failure or disruption and will stick to its stand. He is been very well received and enjoyed great reception of the public in the constituency and he said he was happy for being showered with so much of affection like they have for his father. He also detailed about the schemes of money transfer and Youth Empowerment and others through out the day and was also busy with the close range meetings with the part cadre. The close door meetings have rolled out some strategies by evaluating the latest trends and issues in the elections, as he is very certain that CBN on to win the elections with huge margins. Being young, active, well behaving and communicative Lokesh have attracted the public and this campaign is considered to be a huge hit in the region. He was also applauded thoroughly for his comments made on the ruling Congress and its quality of governance in the last 5 years.
Mohammed Saleem Sahab
Name: Mohammed Saleem Sahab
Age: 41
Date of Brith: 21 Dec 1967
Sex: Male
Place: Jubilee Hills
Party: TDP
No of times participated: 0
Mr. Janab Alhaaz Mohammed Saleem Sahab, MLA candidate for Jubilee Hills Constituency from Telugu Desam Party is Ex-Chairman of Wakf Board comes across as a man of masses. He is known for his secularist approach and social justice.He is always there at arms reach for people in need and highly recognized and appreciated for his social services. During his tenure as Chairman of Wakf Board, he protected Wakf properties and duly discharged his services without accepting any remuneration. He even paid expenses of Wakf Board from his own income, which deserves a mention here.All his selfless social services made him as unanimous choice for TDP by Chandra Babu Naidu. Md. Saleem Sahab is a social activist by choice and a business man by profession. Presently, He is Managing Director and Chairman of Anmol Group of Hotels.
Position
1 Ex-Chairman of Wakf Board
2 Managing Director and Chairman of Anmol Group of Hotels.
Megastar has assets worth 88 crore
Telugu megastar and Praja Rajyam Party president Chiranjeevi, who filed his nomination papers on Saturday for the Tirupati assembly seat in Andra Pradesh, has declared assets worth over Rs. 88 crore in his and his wife Surekha’s name. The couple has beaten Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy’s son Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy and his wife, who declared assets of Rs. 77 crore.
As per the affidavit Chiranjeevi submitted to the election authorities along with his nomination, the 53-year-old actor-politician had fixed assets worth Rs. 30,32,74,250 and liquid assets worth Rs. 3,50,05,579 in his name. His wife Surekha, daughter of noted Telugu comedian late Allu Ramalingaiah, has fixed assets worth Rs. 48,05,25,600 and liquid assets worth Rs. 6,16,83,210.
Chiranjeevi has Rs. 6,24,521 in cash, deposits worth Rs. 21,20,979, bonds and shares worth Rs. 1,12,95,000, gold and diamond jewellery worth Rs. 1,95,73,561 and other liquid assets worth Rs. 5,64,368. He owns a Honda CRV SUV valued at Rs. 8,27,150. His residential building on a sprawling 3,333 sq yd site at Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad is worth Rs. 14.36 crore and the 4092 sq yd site on Mount Road in Chennai is valued at Rs. 2,04,60,000. He has some other properties and real estate in and around Chennai worth several crore rupees.
As per the affidavit Chiranjeevi submitted to the election authorities along with his nomination, the 53-year-old actor-politician had fixed assets worth Rs. 30,32,74,250 and liquid assets worth Rs. 3,50,05,579 in his name. His wife Surekha, daughter of noted Telugu comedian late Allu Ramalingaiah, has fixed assets worth Rs. 48,05,25,600 and liquid assets worth Rs. 6,16,83,210.
Chiranjeevi has Rs. 6,24,521 in cash, deposits worth Rs. 21,20,979, bonds and shares worth Rs. 1,12,95,000, gold and diamond jewellery worth Rs. 1,95,73,561 and other liquid assets worth Rs. 5,64,368. He owns a Honda CRV SUV valued at Rs. 8,27,150. His residential building on a sprawling 3,333 sq yd site at Jubilee Hills in Hyderabad is worth Rs. 14.36 crore and the 4092 sq yd site on Mount Road in Chennai is valued at Rs. 2,04,60,000. He has some other properties and real estate in and around Chennai worth several crore rupees.
Jeevitha says Chiru opened tickets sales counter in PRP
Dr. Rajashekar and Jeevitha yesterday addressing the media at Srikakulam city, stated that, ‘ Chiranjeevi shouldn’t be believed, as he is a tiger in disguise which came to eat the sheep, that’s- people. He earned lot of money in film industry, and now opened his sales counters through his party, for selling the tickets. He, very well knew that, this latest film ‘Praja Rajyam party’ won’t be success, and he will leave for America after his defeat in the coming elections.
They also advised Pawan Kalyan that first know how to stand stable on the vehicle top, and then try for campaigning for your party.’ They said that, YS.Rajashekar Reddy do not need film stars to campaign for his party, but they both came on their own, with personnel interest.
They also advised Pawan Kalyan that first know how to stand stable on the vehicle top, and then try for campaigning for your party.’ They said that, YS.Rajashekar Reddy do not need film stars to campaign for his party, but they both came on their own, with personnel interest.
TRS chief KCR drops dam row for polls
The Telangana Rashtra Samiti chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, has been maintaining utmost restraint on certain issues which had been highlighting till now to instigate regional passions. Mr Chandrasekhar Rao is silent on the controversial Pothireddypadu head regulator though he has been contesting from the Mahbubnagar Lok Sabha segment. The TRS was claiming that the project will affect inflows from the river Krishna into Mahbubnagar district. The TRS chief has already launched his election campaign and addressed several meetings in the constituency but avoided speaking about Pothireddypadu and other controversial projects like Polavaram and Pulichintala.
“We will have major problems in other regions if too much significance is attached to issues that flare up emotions. There is a way out as we are all agreeing to the bigger issue of separate Telangana,” a senior TD leader pointed out. The TRS made an emotional issue out of Pothireddipadu when the Congress government tried to increase the capacity of head regulator and accused the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, of diverting waters to his native district. The TRS leader and Siddipet MLA, Mr T. Harish Rao, even threatened to launch a massive agitation and mobilise people’s opinion against the government’s move by spending a night in every village of Telangana.
Similarly, the TRS strongly opposed the construction of Pulichintala and Polavaram which it feared will affect Telangana. Despite the Mahakutami partner Telugu Desam announcing in its manifesto its commitment to complete the two projects the TRS remained silent. The TRS chief kicked off another controversy by threatening to drive away the managements of schools and colleges belonging to the Andhra region. There is no negative talk of Andhra in Mr Chandrasekhar Rao’s campaign this time.
“We will have major problems in other regions if too much significance is attached to issues that flare up emotions. There is a way out as we are all agreeing to the bigger issue of separate Telangana,” a senior TD leader pointed out. The TRS made an emotional issue out of Pothireddipadu when the Congress government tried to increase the capacity of head regulator and accused the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, of diverting waters to his native district. The TRS leader and Siddipet MLA, Mr T. Harish Rao, even threatened to launch a massive agitation and mobilise people’s opinion against the government’s move by spending a night in every village of Telangana.
Similarly, the TRS strongly opposed the construction of Pulichintala and Polavaram which it feared will affect Telangana. Despite the Mahakutami partner Telugu Desam announcing in its manifesto its commitment to complete the two projects the TRS remained silent. The TRS chief kicked off another controversy by threatening to drive away the managements of schools and colleges belonging to the Andhra region. There is no negative talk of Andhra in Mr Chandrasekhar Rao’s campaign this time.
CM rules out hung Assembly
Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Sunday made light of the allegation made by senior party leader V. Hanumantha Rao that he offered ‘kanduva’ to a history-sheeter and welcomed him into the party. “A large number of people come to me and I offer them ‘kanduvas’. How do I know whether somebody is a rowdy-sheeter or not? If there is anything serious, the party will take a decision,” he remarked. Addressing a press conference at the residence of former Minister Vasantha Nageswara Rao, Dr. Reddy reacted in a similar fashion to the allegation made by former Minister Maganti Venkateswara Rao (Babu), who defected to the TDP, that he had been sidelined because of his inability to offer ‘suitcases’.
“It will not be the right to react to the criticism made by a person who left the party,” he said. Dr. Reddy dismissed the talk of possibility of formation of a hung Assembly, reiterating that the Congress would win at least 230 seats, of which 80 would be in Telangana. On TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu’s criticism of the Congress manifesto, that it had nothing new to offer to people, Dr. Reddy said there was no need to react to the criticism made by those who lacked credibility. Nothing could be more advantageous than having a Leader of the Opposition like Chandrababu Naidu, he remarked in a sarcastic tone.
Dr. Reddy held the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) solely responsible for the delay in completion of Pulichintala project, saying the project would have been completed more than a year ago had the TRS not gone to court and secured a stay on its construction. “If there is anybody who is responsible for non-completion of Pulichintala project, it is the TRS alone. And, see where the TRS is now,” he remarked, alluding to the Grand Alliance.
“It will not be the right to react to the criticism made by a person who left the party,” he said. Dr. Reddy dismissed the talk of possibility of formation of a hung Assembly, reiterating that the Congress would win at least 230 seats, of which 80 would be in Telangana. On TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu’s criticism of the Congress manifesto, that it had nothing new to offer to people, Dr. Reddy said there was no need to react to the criticism made by those who lacked credibility. Nothing could be more advantageous than having a Leader of the Opposition like Chandrababu Naidu, he remarked in a sarcastic tone.
Dr. Reddy held the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) solely responsible for the delay in completion of Pulichintala project, saying the project would have been completed more than a year ago had the TRS not gone to court and secured a stay on its construction. “If there is anybody who is responsible for non-completion of Pulichintala project, it is the TRS alone. And, see where the TRS is now,” he remarked, alluding to the Grand Alliance.
Megastar slams deserters
The Praja Rajyam chief Chiranjeevi slammed his long-time fans and friends who had left him saying, “It is better for people with such weak character to leave the party.” He said he was pained that his long-time fans and friends were leaving him because they did not get tickets to contest the elections. He never knew politics could destroy human relations, he told a meet-the-press programme organised by the AP Union of Working Journalists.
“Those who adored me for 30 years have switched loyalties just because of denial of tickets,” he pointed out. “I call it childish. I am not angry with them.” The PR had allotted tickets to three aspirants among fans of Chiran-jeevi. The party did not accommodate other fans as they had lacked clout among the people, he added. Chiranjeevi, made light of the desertions, saying they were common in every party. Leaders whose views differ with the party line leave abruptly, he said. He asserted the Praja Rajyam would remain intact.
However, Chiranjeevi did express regret over the resignation of the party vice-president, Mr C. Anjaneya Reddy. “I was shocked by Mr Reddy’s exit. He is a sincere and committed leader in the party. I am ready to apologise for any wrongdoing,” he said. That seemed to have worked, as Mr Reddy later met Chiranjeevi at the Praja Rajyam for about an hour and withdrew his resignation.
Rebutting the cash-for-seats allegations levelled against the party, Chiranjeevi said these accusations were scripted by his political rivals and they had “succeeded” in this false propaganda. He said the rail engine would remain the PR’s common poll symbol despite the objections raised by the Rashtriya Krantikari Samajwadi Party. Women and differently-abled persons, who were not given due share of tickets, would be accommodated in the Legislative Council, he said
“Those who adored me for 30 years have switched loyalties just because of denial of tickets,” he pointed out. “I call it childish. I am not angry with them.” The PR had allotted tickets to three aspirants among fans of Chiran-jeevi. The party did not accommodate other fans as they had lacked clout among the people, he added. Chiranjeevi, made light of the desertions, saying they were common in every party. Leaders whose views differ with the party line leave abruptly, he said. He asserted the Praja Rajyam would remain intact.
However, Chiranjeevi did express regret over the resignation of the party vice-president, Mr C. Anjaneya Reddy. “I was shocked by Mr Reddy’s exit. He is a sincere and committed leader in the party. I am ready to apologise for any wrongdoing,” he said. That seemed to have worked, as Mr Reddy later met Chiranjeevi at the Praja Rajyam for about an hour and withdrew his resignation.
Rebutting the cash-for-seats allegations levelled against the party, Chiranjeevi said these accusations were scripted by his political rivals and they had “succeeded” in this false propaganda. He said the rail engine would remain the PR’s common poll symbol despite the objections raised by the Rashtriya Krantikari Samajwadi Party. Women and differently-abled persons, who were not given due share of tickets, would be accommodated in the Legislative Council, he said
Congress leader resigns
The Pradesh Congress Committee member, Mr I. Raghuraju, resigned from the party on Friday angry over being replaced as the candidate for the local Assembly segment.
Mr Raghuraju was first given a ticket to contest from the local Assembly segment which was later allotted to Mr A.K.V. Joginaidu.
Protesting against the party high command’s decision, Mr Raghuraju filed papers as an Independent. His wife Ms Subbalakshmi and brother Mr Ramaraju also filed papers as Independents.
Mr Raghuraju was first given a ticket to contest from the local Assembly segment which was later allotted to Mr A.K.V. Joginaidu.
Protesting against the party high command’s decision, Mr Raghuraju filed papers as an Independent. His wife Ms Subbalakshmi and brother Mr Ramaraju also filed papers as Independents.
PRP rebels plan new fronts
The rebellion in the Praja Rajyam intensified on Friday with the party’s women’s wing chief attacking the party, and disgruntled leaders forming their own outfits.
Ms Sobha Rani, Mahila Rajyam president, said the allotment of tickets lacked rationality. The PR leadership was not implementing its self-professed social justice formula in allotting tickets, she said after the Vemuru (SC) seat she was aspiring for was given to Mr Katti Padma Rao, writer and dalit activist.
The activist and Vijayawada-based physician, Dr G. Samaram, who conducted meetings with social groups before the party was launched, disapproved of the role of Chiranjeevi’s brother-in-law, Mr Allu Aravind, in allotting tickets.
A senior leader, Mr K.S.R. Murthy, is said to be unhappy as he was denied a ticket from Amalapuram Lok Sabha. The spokespersons, Ms Vasireddy Padma and Mr G. Sridhar, are contemplating quitting the party as they did not get tickets from Nandigama Assembly and Warangal Lok Sabha seats.
The former MLA, Mr Masala Eranna, decided to continue fast unto death in front of the party office despite his ill health. Mr M. Sudarshan, brother of the former minister, Mr M. Mareppa, is also on fast.
In Visakha-patnam, the fans and rebels have formed Jai Chiran-jeeva to take on official candidates. Angry fans in Warangal are planning to float the Telangana Praja Rajyam along with rebels.
Ms Sobha Rani, Mahila Rajyam president, said the allotment of tickets lacked rationality. The PR leadership was not implementing its self-professed social justice formula in allotting tickets, she said after the Vemuru (SC) seat she was aspiring for was given to Mr Katti Padma Rao, writer and dalit activist.
The activist and Vijayawada-based physician, Dr G. Samaram, who conducted meetings with social groups before the party was launched, disapproved of the role of Chiranjeevi’s brother-in-law, Mr Allu Aravind, in allotting tickets.
A senior leader, Mr K.S.R. Murthy, is said to be unhappy as he was denied a ticket from Amalapuram Lok Sabha. The spokespersons, Ms Vasireddy Padma and Mr G. Sridhar, are contemplating quitting the party as they did not get tickets from Nandigama Assembly and Warangal Lok Sabha seats.
The former MLA, Mr Masala Eranna, decided to continue fast unto death in front of the party office despite his ill health. Mr M. Sudarshan, brother of the former minister, Mr M. Mareppa, is also on fast.
In Visakha-patnam, the fans and rebels have formed Jai Chiran-jeeva to take on official candidates. Angry fans in Warangal are planning to float the Telangana Praja Rajyam along with rebels.
Naidu switch: TD rice isn’t free
The Telugu Desam chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, dumped the free rice scheme within 24 hours of promising it.
On Friday, Mr Naidu clarified that the 20-kg rice promised in the party’s election manifesto will be adjusted in the Cash Transfer Scheme wherein he has promised to pay Rs 1,000, Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 cash to the poor directly every month.
The Rs 2-a-kg rice scheme would continue, he told the media at Tandur in Ranga Reddy district, about 100 km from here, where he had halted for the night.
When a reporter asked about the free rice scheme, he said the Rs 2-a-kg rice scheme would continue and there would be no change in the price of essential commodities supplied by the civil supplies department.
Does it mean that there would be no free rice scheme, he was asked. “This will form part of the cash transfer scheme,” he said.
The TD manifesto released on Thursday stated that every poor would get 4 kg rice per head to a maximum of 20 kgs per month free. The cash transfer scheme, which Mr Naidu sees as his trump card, has been listed as a separate scheme.
Before he could be asked more questions, Mr Naidu ended the press conference.
The Congress was quick to seize on the turnaround. In a statement, the Chief Minis-ter, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, ridiculed the TD election manifesto as full of “impractical promises.”
He said Mr Naidu was “trying to fool the people.” Mr Naidu had always been insincere in keeping promises made before the polls.
Dr Reddy said the cash scheme required an outlay of Rs 40,000 crore. The scheme was “utterly impractical” unless the government itself printed currency.
The finance minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, said: “I wasn’t surprised. He never keeps his promise. We have to see how many more schemes will be dumped.”
On Friday, Mr Naidu clarified that the 20-kg rice promised in the party’s election manifesto will be adjusted in the Cash Transfer Scheme wherein he has promised to pay Rs 1,000, Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 cash to the poor directly every month.
The Rs 2-a-kg rice scheme would continue, he told the media at Tandur in Ranga Reddy district, about 100 km from here, where he had halted for the night.
When a reporter asked about the free rice scheme, he said the Rs 2-a-kg rice scheme would continue and there would be no change in the price of essential commodities supplied by the civil supplies department.
Does it mean that there would be no free rice scheme, he was asked. “This will form part of the cash transfer scheme,” he said.
The TD manifesto released on Thursday stated that every poor would get 4 kg rice per head to a maximum of 20 kgs per month free. The cash transfer scheme, which Mr Naidu sees as his trump card, has been listed as a separate scheme.
Before he could be asked more questions, Mr Naidu ended the press conference.
The Congress was quick to seize on the turnaround. In a statement, the Chief Minis-ter, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, ridiculed the TD election manifesto as full of “impractical promises.”
He said Mr Naidu was “trying to fool the people.” Mr Naidu had always been insincere in keeping promises made before the polls.
Dr Reddy said the cash scheme required an outlay of Rs 40,000 crore. The scheme was “utterly impractical” unless the government itself printed currency.
The finance minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, said: “I wasn’t surprised. He never keeps his promise. We have to see how many more schemes will be dumped.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)