Express News Service
First Published : 29 Dec 2009 03:21:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: With the Opposition TDP joining the all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Telangana, party leaders have started moving about freely in the region.
In Warangal and Ranga Reddy districts respectively, TDP MLAs Seethakka and KS Ratnam launched indefinite fast programmes.
Earlier, when Desam legislators, including E Dayakar Rao and Seethakka, visited the agitating student leaders at the Kakatiya University in Warangal, the students demanded that the party MLAs too take up a fast, and this was immediately acceded to by Seethakka.
KS Ratnam followed suit in Ranga Reddy district, but was arrested and shifted to NIMS hospital. According to party leaders, he is continuing his hunger strike there.
Meanwhile, TDP leaders visited Osmania University today and participated in the students' agitation.
TDP MLA M Narasimhulu said they were committed to a separate State. He also demanded that the State Government accept all the resignations submitted by Telangana MLAs. His speech on campus drew applause. It may be recalled that prior to joining the JAC, Desam legislators had been attacked by OU students recently.
TDP TO MEET SPEAKER: Meanwhile, TDP Telangana MLAs who met here today at NTR Bhavan reviewed their position consequent on joining the JAC yesterday.
They felt that the Speaker should accept their resignations and decided to meet Assembly Speaker N Kirankumar Reddy on December 31 and request him to do so. The Telangana TDP leaders also asked their cadres to actively participate in the December 30 bandh. The party leaders will tour the villages to prepare their cadres for the Vidyarthi Garjana in the city on January 3.
Thursday 31 December 2009
TDP’s credibility at stake in T
Express News Service
First Published : 27 Dec 2009 03:56:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 27 Dec 2009 08:54:13 AM IST
HYDERABAD: Though the principal Opposition party has decided to take on the `deceptive’ Congress and the `untrustworthy’ Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) to launch its own T-agitation, the party’s credibility is at stake in the region.
Though the TDP leaders claimed that they were sincere in their efforts for separate Telangana, the people of the region, it seems, are doubting the credibility of the party as the TDP was saying one thing and actually doing something in so far as the separate Telangana is concerned.
As a result, the public outrage against the TDP is continuing in the region.
The anger was not limited to the attack against TDP leader N Janardhan Reddy alone in the City.
The agitators today burnt the TDP office in Vemulawada in Karimnagar district.
The house of former minister P Chandrasekhar, who declared that Naidu will be their leader even if the State was bifurcated, was attacked by the agitators.
Chandrasekhar even averred that Naidu will become the Chief Minister of Telangana and offered to give up his Assembly seat and appealed to Naidu to contest from Mahaboobnagar.
But, the TDP see a conspiracy angle in these attacks. ``We have a strong cadre base in the region. Some political parties, which could not digest the presence of TDP were resorting to such attacks,’’ party leaders said.
Comments
Bullshit Telangana, its the state because of their MLA's and MPs and indirectly they are begging for reservations, and cannot handle competition from other regions, disgusting Telangana. No one should support Telangana. Except fools, Shift KCR to Erragadda mental hospital.
By JA
12/27/2009 3:10:00 PM
Nagam's episode is the conspiracy of the obvious. TDP should show its sincerety lest people will wipe it out its base in the Telangana. TDP MLAs should think of their future, rather than its High Command. TDP is not a proprietory party like Congress. Once the statehood is formed, Babu will not be seen in Telangana with the kind of politics he plays with the lives of Telanganites.
By Hyderabadi
12/27/2009 11:37:00 AM
TDP will lose 50% of its voter base in telangana. People are not innocent like before. they know what is happening. though i still condemn the attack on naggam janardhan reddy it should not have happened. Wake of TDP party-men or else you cannot win in telangana.
By sastas
12/27/2009 10:50:00 AM
First Published : 27 Dec 2009 03:56:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 27 Dec 2009 08:54:13 AM IST
HYDERABAD: Though the principal Opposition party has decided to take on the `deceptive’ Congress and the `untrustworthy’ Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) to launch its own T-agitation, the party’s credibility is at stake in the region.
Though the TDP leaders claimed that they were sincere in their efforts for separate Telangana, the people of the region, it seems, are doubting the credibility of the party as the TDP was saying one thing and actually doing something in so far as the separate Telangana is concerned.
As a result, the public outrage against the TDP is continuing in the region.
The anger was not limited to the attack against TDP leader N Janardhan Reddy alone in the City.
The agitators today burnt the TDP office in Vemulawada in Karimnagar district.
The house of former minister P Chandrasekhar, who declared that Naidu will be their leader even if the State was bifurcated, was attacked by the agitators.
Chandrasekhar even averred that Naidu will become the Chief Minister of Telangana and offered to give up his Assembly seat and appealed to Naidu to contest from Mahaboobnagar.
But, the TDP see a conspiracy angle in these attacks. ``We have a strong cadre base in the region. Some political parties, which could not digest the presence of TDP were resorting to such attacks,’’ party leaders said.
Comments
Bullshit Telangana, its the state because of their MLA's and MPs and indirectly they are begging for reservations, and cannot handle competition from other regions, disgusting Telangana. No one should support Telangana. Except fools, Shift KCR to Erragadda mental hospital.
By JA
12/27/2009 3:10:00 PM
Nagam's episode is the conspiracy of the obvious. TDP should show its sincerety lest people will wipe it out its base in the Telangana. TDP MLAs should think of their future, rather than its High Command. TDP is not a proprietory party like Congress. Once the statehood is formed, Babu will not be seen in Telangana with the kind of politics he plays with the lives of Telanganites.
By Hyderabadi
12/27/2009 11:37:00 AM
TDP will lose 50% of its voter base in telangana. People are not innocent like before. they know what is happening. though i still condemn the attack on naggam janardhan reddy it should not have happened. Wake of TDP party-men or else you cannot win in telangana.
By sastas
12/27/2009 10:50:00 AM
TDP to try for credibili‘T’
Express News Service
First Published : 25 Dec 2009 03:47:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is fancying its chances of creating an impression on the people of Telangana by taking advantage of the Congress’ bungling on the vexed Statehood issue.
Claiming that it has always been pro-Telangana, the yellow party has also decided to take on the Telangana Rashtra Samithi.
The TDP maintains that it had anticipated the Centre going back on its word. The party’s Telangana leaders had put in their papers were planning to tour the districts to expose the ``double standards’’ of the Congress.
In the wake of attack on party MLAs on the the Osmania University campus, the party is now planning to target even the TRS, whose leadership, it alleges, was behind the attack.
Meanwhile, party president N Chandrababu Naidu today sought to convey the image that his election time pro-Telangana stand was unchanged by visiting the injured TDP MLAs in hospital.
Over the last ten days Naidu has been doing a tightrope walk between the Andhra and Telangana camps within his party. And he has been keeping out of the public eye, addressing the the media only twice during the period and generally confining himself home.
While he Naidu did not even console Andhra leaders like D Uma Maheswara Rao, N Rajakumari, P Keshav and others who fasted for days for United Andhra Pradesh.
Interestingly, Naidu immediately called on Telangana MLAs including Nagam Janardhan Reddy and others, who sustained injuries in the attack by OU students.
It amply proves that Naidu is committed to Telangana state and there was no going back on the issue like PRP and some Congress leaders, according to analysts.
TDP leader T Devender Goud today clarified that TDP was sincere in its commitment and help all the Constitutional process that required for the formation of separate Telangana. With all these factors, the TDP would further intensify its efforts to occupy the political space in the Telangana region in the ruffled situation after the Centre changed its tacks.
Comments
Chandrababu Naidu is showing opportunism by not making his stand clear. If Congress supports the resolution on Telangana, he will come out and say he is against it to gain the vote in Andhra region. When congress is backing out he would go and support Telangana cadre hinting that he supports Telangana. Im no fan of Congress, but I think congress did its part by initiating the process for the formation of Telangana. If Chandrababu makes his stand clear, it would solve the deadlock in the state to a large extent.
By Bix
12/25/2009 7:58:00 PM
These games are not going to work anymore! Take a clear stand and resolve the issue or face the consequence of your TDP getting wiped out in Telangana.
First Published : 25 Dec 2009 03:47:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is fancying its chances of creating an impression on the people of Telangana by taking advantage of the Congress’ bungling on the vexed Statehood issue.
Claiming that it has always been pro-Telangana, the yellow party has also decided to take on the Telangana Rashtra Samithi.
The TDP maintains that it had anticipated the Centre going back on its word. The party’s Telangana leaders had put in their papers were planning to tour the districts to expose the ``double standards’’ of the Congress.
In the wake of attack on party MLAs on the the Osmania University campus, the party is now planning to target even the TRS, whose leadership, it alleges, was behind the attack.
Meanwhile, party president N Chandrababu Naidu today sought to convey the image that his election time pro-Telangana stand was unchanged by visiting the injured TDP MLAs in hospital.
Over the last ten days Naidu has been doing a tightrope walk between the Andhra and Telangana camps within his party. And he has been keeping out of the public eye, addressing the the media only twice during the period and generally confining himself home.
While he Naidu did not even console Andhra leaders like D Uma Maheswara Rao, N Rajakumari, P Keshav and others who fasted for days for United Andhra Pradesh.
Interestingly, Naidu immediately called on Telangana MLAs including Nagam Janardhan Reddy and others, who sustained injuries in the attack by OU students.
It amply proves that Naidu is committed to Telangana state and there was no going back on the issue like PRP and some Congress leaders, according to analysts.
TDP leader T Devender Goud today clarified that TDP was sincere in its commitment and help all the Constitutional process that required for the formation of separate Telangana. With all these factors, the TDP would further intensify its efforts to occupy the political space in the Telangana region in the ruffled situation after the Centre changed its tacks.
Comments
Chandrababu Naidu is showing opportunism by not making his stand clear. If Congress supports the resolution on Telangana, he will come out and say he is against it to gain the vote in Andhra region. When congress is backing out he would go and support Telangana cadre hinting that he supports Telangana. Im no fan of Congress, but I think congress did its part by initiating the process for the formation of Telangana. If Chandrababu makes his stand clear, it would solve the deadlock in the state to a large extent.
By Bix
12/25/2009 7:58:00 PM
These games are not going to work anymore! Take a clear stand and resolve the issue or face the consequence of your TDP getting wiped out in Telangana.
People are supremos, not party bosses
V V Balakrishna
First Published : 31 Dec 2009 03:56:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: The people have spoken -- they are determined to have Telangana.
So what are the supremos of various political parties doing now that their constituents have stated their preferences loud and clear? They have taken the easy way out -- confining themselves to their homes and keeping away from the TV channels.
Now, it is the people who are the supremos, not the party bosses.
The masses have taken centrestage and the leaders are watching from the sidelines.
For instance, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu has scarcely been available to the media for the last several days, clearly shying away from demands that he state his stand clearly on the bifurcation of the State.
Those who closely follow the functioning of the TDP know that the backroom boys of the TDP daily compute the space given to the party in the media.
Sometimes they complain that the Congress got 50 cm coverage in a particular paper and the TDP only 49 cm, or that a particular channel showed TDP's press meet for 4 minutes and 59 seconds whereas the Congress got a full five-minutes coverage.
But in these difficult times when not being seen or heard from would be advantageous it is no wonder that Naidu has made just three media appearances, and that too not on the T problem as such but to condemn the attack on party MLAs or to demand a CBI probe into the controversy surrounding the Raj Bhavan.
On the burning question of bifurcation, Naidu has merely said that he had given a freehand to party leaders to choose their course of action in their respective regions.
PCC president D Srinivas too has not voiced opinions with candour, beyond saying that the ``prevailing hostile situation was not good''. He has, instead, tried to busy himself in the Congress' membership drive.
As for PRP president Chiranjeevi, following his flip-flop it is doubtful that he will now be able to move in the T-region at all.
And at Kukatpally here, Telangana agitators disturbed the meeting of the Lok Satta Party (LSP) intended to take the pulse of the people. Party bosses are taking the backseat for now and it is the people who are in the position of leadership.
Says a TDP activist from Telangana: ``Our president has given us a free hand to select our course of action locally, in accordance with popular sentiment.'' So it does seem that in a democracy there are times when the people are supreme after all.
vvbalakrishna@expressbuzz.com
First Published : 31 Dec 2009 03:56:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: The people have spoken -- they are determined to have Telangana.
So what are the supremos of various political parties doing now that their constituents have stated their preferences loud and clear? They have taken the easy way out -- confining themselves to their homes and keeping away from the TV channels.
Now, it is the people who are the supremos, not the party bosses.
The masses have taken centrestage and the leaders are watching from the sidelines.
For instance, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu has scarcely been available to the media for the last several days, clearly shying away from demands that he state his stand clearly on the bifurcation of the State.
Those who closely follow the functioning of the TDP know that the backroom boys of the TDP daily compute the space given to the party in the media.
Sometimes they complain that the Congress got 50 cm coverage in a particular paper and the TDP only 49 cm, or that a particular channel showed TDP's press meet for 4 minutes and 59 seconds whereas the Congress got a full five-minutes coverage.
But in these difficult times when not being seen or heard from would be advantageous it is no wonder that Naidu has made just three media appearances, and that too not on the T problem as such but to condemn the attack on party MLAs or to demand a CBI probe into the controversy surrounding the Raj Bhavan.
On the burning question of bifurcation, Naidu has merely said that he had given a freehand to party leaders to choose their course of action in their respective regions.
PCC president D Srinivas too has not voiced opinions with candour, beyond saying that the ``prevailing hostile situation was not good''. He has, instead, tried to busy himself in the Congress' membership drive.
As for PRP president Chiranjeevi, following his flip-flop it is doubtful that he will now be able to move in the T-region at all.
And at Kukatpally here, Telangana agitators disturbed the meeting of the Lok Satta Party (LSP) intended to take the pulse of the people. Party bosses are taking the backseat for now and it is the people who are in the position of leadership.
Says a TDP activist from Telangana: ``Our president has given us a free hand to select our course of action locally, in accordance with popular sentiment.'' So it does seem that in a democracy there are times when the people are supreme after all.
vvbalakrishna@expressbuzz.com
Thursday 17 December 2009
Don’t play dirty tricks here, Babu warns YSR
VV Balakrishna
4/22/2009 3:02:00 AM IST
KUPPAM: Alleging that the Congress was resorting to all kinds of irregularities in his native Kuppam Assembly constituency, Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu today gave a stern waring to Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy not to play disruptive politics in Kuppam.
Naidu, for the first time in 20 years, participated in an election meeting in Kuppam today to give moral support to his party workers who complained to him about `goondaism’ of Congress.
Naidu, along with actor Balakrishna, participated in an election rally in the town, which turned out to be a virtual show of strength of the TDP.
An emotionally-charged Naidu wanted Kuppam voters to reject the `money, silver ornaments, liquor’ offered by rivals and support him for a model Kuppam to develop and improvement of conditions in the State.
``Congress leaders are terrorising people in Kuppam.
They even stocked huge quantities of liquor bottles,’’ Naidu alleged. ``Brothers, be vigilant for two more days. Do not fall prey to the decpetive policies of Congress,’’ Naidu appealed to voters.
``I am addressing an election meeting for the first time in Kuppam. Though you requested me to concentrate on other segments I have come here to give moral support to you. The Congress is trying to reduce the polling percentage in the segment. Ensure a huge turnout on the polling day and tell the Congress that that we will protect democracy in Kuppam. Do not be scared of Congress divisive politics. I will protect your lives,’’ Naidu said.
He also appealed to voters to send him to the Assembly for the fifth time with a huge majority. ``I contested from Kuppam for the first time in 1989. The winning margin has been increasing in election after election. Ensure a bigger victory margin this time,’’ he urged the voters.
Naidu addressing an election meeting in Kuppam assumed significance as the Congress has steadily gained ground in the segment in the last five years. ``In earlier elections, no one was seen holding a Congress flag in the segment. But this time Congress leaders are even organising rallies,’’ Ramesh, a local, said.
While the Congress claims that the developmental schemes helped the party improve its position in the segment, TDP workers allege that the Congress is resorting to all sorts of machinations like threatening TDP workers and foisting cases on them.
In the wake of these allegations, Naidu said at the meeting: ``Kuppam voters stand for honesty. The need of police intervention did not arise in the last 20 years. But Rajasekhara Reddy is nursing a grudge against Kuppam voters.
I told Rajasekhara Reddy in the Assembly that if he had any grudge against me, settle scores with me but do not target the Kuppam people and spoil the harmonious atmoshphere there,’’ Naidu said.
``Be careful about Congress leaders. If TDP activists retaliated, no Congress leader would remain in Kuppam,’’ TDP chief warned.
``I never bore grudge against the chief minister’s constituency, Pulivendula.
But whenever Congress came to power in the State they neglected Kuppam,’’ Naidu said and assured to compensate that loss in the next five years.
``I will tour Kuppam first as chief minister. The election is just a formality, the Grand Alliance is all set to win the elections,’’ he said drawing a loud applause.
He alleged that deletion of V Kota mandal from the Kuppam segment was the handiwork of the Congress as it wanted to reduce his victory margin in Kuppam segment and win the Chittoor Lok Sabha seat.
Alleging that the zilla parishad chairman, who had a only a scooter, amassed crores of rupees, Naidu said Rajasekhara Reddy made around 3,000 such leaders in the State by encouraging corruption.
The TDP, if voted to power, would unearth all the ill-gotten wealth of Congress leaders including Rajasekhara Reddy, he said.
Balakrishna and TDP Chittoor Lok Sabha candidate N Sivaprasad also spoke.
vvbalakrishna@epmltd.com
4/22/2009 3:02:00 AM IST
KUPPAM: Alleging that the Congress was resorting to all kinds of irregularities in his native Kuppam Assembly constituency, Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu today gave a stern waring to Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy not to play disruptive politics in Kuppam.
Naidu, for the first time in 20 years, participated in an election meeting in Kuppam today to give moral support to his party workers who complained to him about `goondaism’ of Congress.
Naidu, along with actor Balakrishna, participated in an election rally in the town, which turned out to be a virtual show of strength of the TDP.
An emotionally-charged Naidu wanted Kuppam voters to reject the `money, silver ornaments, liquor’ offered by rivals and support him for a model Kuppam to develop and improvement of conditions in the State.
``Congress leaders are terrorising people in Kuppam.
They even stocked huge quantities of liquor bottles,’’ Naidu alleged. ``Brothers, be vigilant for two more days. Do not fall prey to the decpetive policies of Congress,’’ Naidu appealed to voters.
``I am addressing an election meeting for the first time in Kuppam. Though you requested me to concentrate on other segments I have come here to give moral support to you. The Congress is trying to reduce the polling percentage in the segment. Ensure a huge turnout on the polling day and tell the Congress that that we will protect democracy in Kuppam. Do not be scared of Congress divisive politics. I will protect your lives,’’ Naidu said.
He also appealed to voters to send him to the Assembly for the fifth time with a huge majority. ``I contested from Kuppam for the first time in 1989. The winning margin has been increasing in election after election. Ensure a bigger victory margin this time,’’ he urged the voters.
Naidu addressing an election meeting in Kuppam assumed significance as the Congress has steadily gained ground in the segment in the last five years. ``In earlier elections, no one was seen holding a Congress flag in the segment. But this time Congress leaders are even organising rallies,’’ Ramesh, a local, said.
While the Congress claims that the developmental schemes helped the party improve its position in the segment, TDP workers allege that the Congress is resorting to all sorts of machinations like threatening TDP workers and foisting cases on them.
In the wake of these allegations, Naidu said at the meeting: ``Kuppam voters stand for honesty. The need of police intervention did not arise in the last 20 years. But Rajasekhara Reddy is nursing a grudge against Kuppam voters.
I told Rajasekhara Reddy in the Assembly that if he had any grudge against me, settle scores with me but do not target the Kuppam people and spoil the harmonious atmoshphere there,’’ Naidu said.
``Be careful about Congress leaders. If TDP activists retaliated, no Congress leader would remain in Kuppam,’’ TDP chief warned.
``I never bore grudge against the chief minister’s constituency, Pulivendula.
But whenever Congress came to power in the State they neglected Kuppam,’’ Naidu said and assured to compensate that loss in the next five years.
``I will tour Kuppam first as chief minister. The election is just a formality, the Grand Alliance is all set to win the elections,’’ he said drawing a loud applause.
He alleged that deletion of V Kota mandal from the Kuppam segment was the handiwork of the Congress as it wanted to reduce his victory margin in Kuppam segment and win the Chittoor Lok Sabha seat.
Alleging that the zilla parishad chairman, who had a only a scooter, amassed crores of rupees, Naidu said Rajasekhara Reddy made around 3,000 such leaders in the State by encouraging corruption.
The TDP, if voted to power, would unearth all the ill-gotten wealth of Congress leaders including Rajasekhara Reddy, he said.
Balakrishna and TDP Chittoor Lok Sabha candidate N Sivaprasad also spoke.
vvbalakrishna@epmltd.com
TDP to launch T-unit
Express News Service
First Published : 15 Dec 2009 03:15:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: Slowly recovering from the shock administered by the UPA Government, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu resurrected and adopted a two-pronged strategy.
He is now ready with a `perfect’ script to please the people of both the Telangana and the Andhra regions. Simultaneous movements will be started in both the regions for T and for United Andhra.
As per the script, the TDP will start Telangana unit of the party - Telangana TDP (TTDP) or Telangana Desam Party (TDP). As a prelude to this, the party will constitute a five-member coordination committee for T-region.
The committee, which will be announced in a day or two, have seniors Nagam Janardhan Reddy, E Dayakar Rao, M Narasimhulu, L Ramana and Ramesh Rathod. The Telangana face of the TDP will be again T Devender Goud, who returned to the partyfold from the PRP. Goud will tour extensively in the T-region by using his BC card, espouse T-sentiment among the party cadre and see that all the people rally behind the party.
Meanwhile, Telangana TDP MLAs, who met in the lobbies of the Assembly, have decided to request Naidu to start the Telangana unit of the party.
They demanded that the Centre should initiate the process for Telangana as per its commitment. At a separate meeting in the lobbies of the Assembly, TDP MLAs from Andhra and Rayalaseema decided to continue their agitation for Samaikya Andhra State.
Party MLA P Keshav said that all the ministers and Congress MPs should resign to their posts in support of United Andhra. Asked whether the TDP leaders were also demanding Kuppam MLA N Chandrababu Naidu’s (TDP chief) resignation, Keshav shot back: ``Do not insult our United Andhra statehood movement’’. He, however, said that they spared party presidents and do not press for their resignations.
When asked about TDP Politburo’s resolution that favoured T-state, Keshav said that it would be dynamic situation in politics. “The political situation is changing every minute and the party will take decisions accordingly,’’ he added. “We are acting as per the wishes of the people of Andhra and Rayalaseema,’’ he said.
The Andhra TDP MLAs said that they would intensify their movement by blocking the National Highways.
First Published : 15 Dec 2009 03:15:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: Slowly recovering from the shock administered by the UPA Government, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu resurrected and adopted a two-pronged strategy.
He is now ready with a `perfect’ script to please the people of both the Telangana and the Andhra regions. Simultaneous movements will be started in both the regions for T and for United Andhra.
As per the script, the TDP will start Telangana unit of the party - Telangana TDP (TTDP) or Telangana Desam Party (TDP). As a prelude to this, the party will constitute a five-member coordination committee for T-region.
The committee, which will be announced in a day or two, have seniors Nagam Janardhan Reddy, E Dayakar Rao, M Narasimhulu, L Ramana and Ramesh Rathod. The Telangana face of the TDP will be again T Devender Goud, who returned to the partyfold from the PRP. Goud will tour extensively in the T-region by using his BC card, espouse T-sentiment among the party cadre and see that all the people rally behind the party.
Meanwhile, Telangana TDP MLAs, who met in the lobbies of the Assembly, have decided to request Naidu to start the Telangana unit of the party.
They demanded that the Centre should initiate the process for Telangana as per its commitment. At a separate meeting in the lobbies of the Assembly, TDP MLAs from Andhra and Rayalaseema decided to continue their agitation for Samaikya Andhra State.
Party MLA P Keshav said that all the ministers and Congress MPs should resign to their posts in support of United Andhra. Asked whether the TDP leaders were also demanding Kuppam MLA N Chandrababu Naidu’s (TDP chief) resignation, Keshav shot back: ``Do not insult our United Andhra statehood movement’’. He, however, said that they spared party presidents and do not press for their resignations.
When asked about TDP Politburo’s resolution that favoured T-state, Keshav said that it would be dynamic situation in politics. “The political situation is changing every minute and the party will take decisions accordingly,’’ he added. “We are acting as per the wishes of the people of Andhra and Rayalaseema,’’ he said.
The Andhra TDP MLAs said that they would intensify their movement by blocking the National Highways.
Monday 14 December 2009
PARADOX : T-people united on separation, Andhras divided on unity!
Vasanta, Harsha chant `Jai Andhra'
Express News Service
Hyderabad, December 13
WHILE the people of Telangana, cutting across party lines, are united in
favour of separation, the Andhras seem divided on integration.
Telangana leaders of all parties, except the CPM, are speaking in voice and
in favour of separate Telangana. But, their brethren in Andhra and
Rayalaseema are divided on the division of the State. MLAs from Andhra and
Rayalaseema have resigned in protest against Union Home Minister
Chidambaram's statement. But, other leaders and people
are expressing divergent views on the statehood.
APCOB chairman Vasanta Nageswara Rao, who hails from Krishna district,
is demanding separate Andhra. He resigned as APCOB chairman,
but the resignation is yet to be accepted. Nageswara Rao said that it was
better to separate as brothers rather than face insult from the brothers in
Telangana.
Another Congress leader and MP from Amalapuram, Harsha Kumar, is also
demanding separate Andhra. He is of the opinion that the interests of Malas
will be protected in a separate State and there will be no problem of
categorisation of SCs into four groups.
Speaking to Express today, Vasanta Nageswara Rao said
that he, along with others, were committed to the `Jai Andhra' slogan. He
said that he would launch an agitation next week. He claimed that there
were seveal people in Andhra who were supporting his argument. He demanded
that the Centre announce a speical package for Andhra for building
a capital city and other developments after the State's division. He
also demanded that the Centre bear all the expenditure for
construction of the Polavaram project.
Express News Service
Hyderabad, December 13
WHILE the people of Telangana, cutting across party lines, are united in
favour of separation, the Andhras seem divided on integration.
Telangana leaders of all parties, except the CPM, are speaking in voice and
in favour of separate Telangana. But, their brethren in Andhra and
Rayalaseema are divided on the division of the State. MLAs from Andhra and
Rayalaseema have resigned in protest against Union Home Minister
Chidambaram's statement. But, other leaders and people
are expressing divergent views on the statehood.
APCOB chairman Vasanta Nageswara Rao, who hails from Krishna district,
is demanding separate Andhra. He resigned as APCOB chairman,
but the resignation is yet to be accepted. Nageswara Rao said that it was
better to separate as brothers rather than face insult from the brothers in
Telangana.
Another Congress leader and MP from Amalapuram, Harsha Kumar, is also
demanding separate Andhra. He is of the opinion that the interests of Malas
will be protected in a separate State and there will be no problem of
categorisation of SCs into four groups.
Speaking to Express today, Vasanta Nageswara Rao said
that he, along with others, were committed to the `Jai Andhra' slogan. He
said that he would launch an agitation next week. He claimed that there
were seveal people in Andhra who were supporting his argument. He demanded
that the Centre announce a speical package for Andhra for building
a capital city and other developments after the State's division. He
also demanded that the Centre bear all the expenditure for
construction of the Polavaram project.
TDP TURMOIL : Overtly T and covertly U?
The yellow party, by pursuing the `hidden agenda' of a unified Andhra
even as it claims it continues to be pro-Telangana, is in a mess
Hyderabad, December 12:
±Even five days after the Centre's decision to initiate the process of
Statehood for Telangana, the main Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is yet
come to terms with a situation that it, among other forces and factors, has
helped bring about.
±The Centre's decision has foregrounded not only the State of disarray
within the party but also the question of its apparent ideological
confusion.
±The way TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu reacted to Home Minister
Chidambaram's statement fuelled internal bickerings in the party, portending
further trouble that looks like it won't subside any time in the near
future.
±Naidu's statement has only managed to invite widespread condemnation, as
well as charges of double standards.
±The ideological turmoil stems from the the party's swearing openly by the
politburo's resolution in favour of Telangana while covertly pursuing the
``hidden agenda'' of a ``United Andhra''.
±As a result, party MLA G Kamalakar (Karimnagar) has resigned and decided to
remain as an independent legislator. Vemulawada MLA Ch Ramesh has also quit.
±Naidu's attempts at damage control by allowing Telangana and Andhra MLAs to
chose their respective agitational paths have further eroded the party's
public credibility. His own partymen from the Telangana region are appalled.
±A State-level CPI leader from Rayalaseema says that parties which had taken
a pro-Telangana stand and subsequently backed off only exposed their
``bankruptcy''.
±And Telugu Desam general secretary Varla Ramaiah points out that the
party's legislators from Andhra are under tremendous pressure from the
public and in no position to accede to Naidu's request that they withdraw
their resignations.
±The moot question is whether the TDP will be able to overcome the
present crisis? Its leaders, for now, are in no position to hazard a guess.
even as it claims it continues to be pro-Telangana, is in a mess
Hyderabad, December 12:
±Even five days after the Centre's decision to initiate the process of
Statehood for Telangana, the main Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is yet
come to terms with a situation that it, among other forces and factors, has
helped bring about.
±The Centre's decision has foregrounded not only the State of disarray
within the party but also the question of its apparent ideological
confusion.
±The way TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu reacted to Home Minister
Chidambaram's statement fuelled internal bickerings in the party, portending
further trouble that looks like it won't subside any time in the near
future.
±Naidu's statement has only managed to invite widespread condemnation, as
well as charges of double standards.
±The ideological turmoil stems from the the party's swearing openly by the
politburo's resolution in favour of Telangana while covertly pursuing the
``hidden agenda'' of a ``United Andhra''.
±As a result, party MLA G Kamalakar (Karimnagar) has resigned and decided to
remain as an independent legislator. Vemulawada MLA Ch Ramesh has also quit.
±Naidu's attempts at damage control by allowing Telangana and Andhra MLAs to
chose their respective agitational paths have further eroded the party's
public credibility. His own partymen from the Telangana region are appalled.
±A State-level CPI leader from Rayalaseema says that parties which had taken
a pro-Telangana stand and subsequently backed off only exposed their
``bankruptcy''.
±And Telugu Desam general secretary Varla Ramaiah points out that the
party's legislators from Andhra are under tremendous pressure from the
public and in no position to accede to Naidu's request that they withdraw
their resignations.
±The moot question is whether the TDP will be able to overcome the
present crisis? Its leaders, for now, are in no position to hazard a guess.
All are willing to take back resignations: DS
First Published : 14 Dec 2009 12:34:47 PM IST
HYDERABAD: Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president D Srinivas
has called upon all Congress MLAs and ministers from the Andhra and Rayalaseema regions to withdraw their resignations and said there will be no constitutional crisis in the State. Speaking to reporters here today, he said that he had spoken with all the MLAs and ministers who resigned and urged them to withdraw their resignations. ``All of them are willing to withdraw their resignations,’’ the PCC chief said. Their grievances (those who resigned) were
brought to the notice of the party high command,’’ he said and appealed to the
Andhra leaders not to precipitate the crisis. Srinivas appealed to the party MLAs not to create problems to AICC president Sonia Gandhi and not to
push the party into a crisis. All Congress MLAs and leaders were ``healthy thinking’’ people and did not give trouble to anyone. If any Congress
leader had doubts over the statement issued by Chidambaram, it was better for
him to directly write to Chidambaram, Srinivas remarked. On former minister M
Buddha Prasad’s allegation that he was acting as a Telangana PCC president, Srinivas said that as a PCC chief he belonged to all regions. ``I have best friends from Andhra and Rayalaseema. For that matter Buddha Prasad too is my close friend,’’ the PCC chief said. He, however, said that he had some personal views as he too was born in a region.
TRS sees influx off `Bezawada rowdies'
Express News Service
Hyderabad, December 12:
The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and Congressmen from the region today
expressed fears that rowdy elements from Vijayawada were coming to Hyderabad
in large numbers to disturb peace and harmony in the city.
±Both parties urged the police to see to it that Vijaywada MP Lagadapati
Rajagopal did not reach the city to launch his indefinite fast.
±Senior Congress leader Palvai Govardhan Reddy today warned that the entry
of ``Bezawada rowdies'' could see bloodshed in the city and urged the police
to arrest Vijayawada MP L Rajagopal at the airport itself if he flew down
from Delhi. He said they had no objection to the MP undertaking his fast in
Vijayawada.
±Meanwhile, TRS leader Nayani Narasimha Reddy alleged that around 2,000
anti-social elements from Vijayawada were coming by the Narasapur, Gowthami
and other trains. ``Goondas'' were also coming to Hyderabad from Vijayawada
by around 100 four-wheelers, of which 40 had been detained by the police in
Nandigama in Krishna district and information had been passed on to the
intelligence department and ministers.
Hyderabad, December 12:
The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and Congressmen from the region today
expressed fears that rowdy elements from Vijayawada were coming to Hyderabad
in large numbers to disturb peace and harmony in the city.
±Both parties urged the police to see to it that Vijaywada MP Lagadapati
Rajagopal did not reach the city to launch his indefinite fast.
±Senior Congress leader Palvai Govardhan Reddy today warned that the entry
of ``Bezawada rowdies'' could see bloodshed in the city and urged the police
to arrest Vijayawada MP L Rajagopal at the airport itself if he flew down
from Delhi. He said they had no objection to the MP undertaking his fast in
Vijayawada.
±Meanwhile, TRS leader Nayani Narasimha Reddy alleged that around 2,000
anti-social elements from Vijayawada were coming by the Narasapur, Gowthami
and other trains. ``Goondas'' were also coming to Hyderabad from Vijayawada
by around 100 four-wheelers, of which 40 had been detained by the police in
Nandigama in Krishna district and information had been passed on to the
intelligence department and ministers.
Sunday 13 December 2009
I will do whatever my party tells me to: CM
Express News Service
First Published : 12 Dec 2009 02:42:26 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: “Union Home Minister Chidambaram has told me that the process for Telangana formation will start. I am like a soldier. I have respect for the Congress high command and follow whatever decision the party takes,’’ Chief Minister K Rosaiah has said on the developments in the State.
Speaking to reporters here today, Rosaiah said that he had explained the situation in Andhra and Rayalaseema to the party high command and it was examining all the issues. He appealed to the students to maintain restraint.
Several universities in Andhra and Rayalaseema were closed and it would spoil the education of students, he cautioned. He also appealed to leaders of all parties to appeal to their cadre to maintain peace. He called for a floor leaders’ meeting and wanted all the leaders to make an appeal to the public to restore peace in the State.
On initiating the T-process, the chief minister said that he had not so far received any oral or written communication from the high command on adopting a resolution in the Assembly favouring T.
The chief minister said that the Speaker had so far not accepted the resignation of the MLAs and there was no question of his government becoming a minority. Even if the resignations of all the MLAs of all parties were accepted, the Congress would still have majority in the Assembly, he explained. ``The Congress has a system to deal with such things (resignations).’’ Rosaiah, however, added that the State-level committee, which was constituted by the then chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, would be reconstituted. The committee, which was headed by Rosaiah, was constituted to take the opinions of stakeholders on the formation of Telangana. ``As chief minister I cannot lead the committee and some of the members of the committee were not re-elected as MLAs this time. The vacancies will be filled up and the committee will be reconstituted.’’ Referring to the demands for division of nine other States in the country, the chief minister said that it was unfortunate that the State was the cause of such movements and trends elsewhere in the country.
``I would feel happy if the State became a role model for good reasons,’’ he remarked.
The Assembly was adjourned today without transacting the regular business, as the Speaker’s efforts to pacify MLAs who resigned did not bear fruit. Hyderabad, December 10 “UNION Home Minister Chidambaram has told me that the process for Telangana formation will start. I am like a soldier. I have respect for the Congress high command and follow whatever decision the party takes,’’ Chief Minister K Rosaiah has said on the developments in the State.
Speaking to reporters here today, Rosaiah said that he had explained the situation in Andhra and Rayalaseema to the party high command and it was examining all the issues. He appealed to the students to maintain restraint.
Several universities in Andhra and Rayalaseema were closed and it would spoil the education of students, he cautioned. He also appealed to leaders of all parties to appeal to their cadre to maintain peace. He called for a floor leaders’ meeting and wanted all the leaders to make an appeal to the public to restore peace in the State.
On initiating the T-process, the chief minister said that he had not so far received any oral or written communication from the high command on adopting a resolution in the Assembly favouring T.
The chief minister said that the Speaker had so far not accepted the resignation of the MLAs and there was no question of his government becoming a minority. Even if the resignations of all the MLAs of all parties were accepted, the Congress would still have majority in the Assembly, he explained. ``The Congress has a system to deal with such things (resignations).’’ Rosaiah, however, added that the State-level committee, which was constituted by the then chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, would be reconstituted. The committee, which was headed by Rosaiah, was constituted to take the opinions of stakeholders on the formation of Telangana. ``As chief minister I cannot lead the committee and some of the members of the committee were not re-elected as MLAs this time. The vacancies will be filled up and the committee will be reconstituted.’’ Referring to the demands for division of nine other States in the country, the chief minister said that it was unfortunate that the State was the cause of such movements and trends elsewhere in the country.
``I would feel happy if the State became a role model for good reasons,’’ he remarked.
The Assembly was adjourned today without transacting the regular business, as the Speaker’s efforts to pacify MLAs who resigned did not bear fruit.
Comments
It is unfortunate that Rosaiah could not handle the present crisis in a proper manner. I personally feel that he is not a good administrator. I wish he steps down voluntarily. In fact I feel he is responsible for the whole episode in Andhra Pradesh.
By Srikanth M
12/12/2009 6:45:00 PM
Rosaiah is a wise,intelligent politician with inborn business skills.The state ha snow become a role model for bad reason.The resolution by the majority members of the Assembly seems to be impossible as of now.
By Karavadi Raghva Rao
12/12/2009 3:54:00 PM
TTD men vow to see Babu keeps his word
Express News Service
First Published : 13 Dec 2009 04:54:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 13 Dec 2009 10:29:49 AM IST
Hitting back at their ndhra and Rayalaseema counterparts joining up to press for a unified State, Telugu Desam legislators from Telangana have declared that they would resign if the party were to retract its pro-Telangana stand.
Naidu should not back out of his T commitment, they said.
Senior leader K Srihari told reporters in Warangal that the TDP should stick to
its pro-T stand else all the leaders from the region would quit. He also appealed
to Andhra and Rayalaseema MLAs to honour the party’s decision on Telangana, otherwise TDP legislators from T would form a joint action
committee with all other likeminded forces in other political parties and struggle
for Statehood, he said.
Meanwhile, Karimnagar TDP MLA Gangula Kamalakar, along with four ZPTC, quit the party protesting against its deviating from the pro-T stand. He declared he would continue as an independent MLA.
Another legislator, Revuri Prakash Reddy from Narsampet in Warangal district
too faxed his resignation to the Speaker in protest against Andhra and Rayalaseema legislators opposing the formation of Telangana.
He also stated that the prime minister’s statement that the government would
``re-examine’’ the Telangana demand was nothing but trying to hoodwink the people of the region once again.
Meanwhile, in Hyderabad, several TDP MLAs from Telangana today said they
would see to it that their party president N Chandrababu Naidu did not go back
on his word.
Speaking to reporters here today, TDP leaders Nagam Janardhan Reddy, Ravula Chandrasekhara Reddy, M Narasimhulu, T Nageswara
Rao and others clarified that the party had not shifted position.
``The TDP is committed to Telangana and Naidu has also clarified that the party will support the resolution in the Assembly,’’ they said.
It was the Congress which was deceiving the people of Telangana, they maintained, and pointed out that the Congress high command had not
even taken its own chief minister, what to say MPs and MLAs, into confidence
before announcing the decision to initiate the Telangana process.
The TDP leaders from Telangana demanded that the Congress either introduce
the resolution in the Assembly or straightaway divide the State.
It was following the Congress legislators that Andhra and Rayalaseema MLAs of the TDP submitted their resignations. The Congress had ``set the State on fire’’ and was responsible for the political crisis, they alleged.
The TDP would not remain silent if the Congress tricked the people of Telangana again, they said.
First Published : 13 Dec 2009 04:54:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 13 Dec 2009 10:29:49 AM IST
Hitting back at their ndhra and Rayalaseema counterparts joining up to press for a unified State, Telugu Desam legislators from Telangana have declared that they would resign if the party were to retract its pro-Telangana stand.
Naidu should not back out of his T commitment, they said.
Senior leader K Srihari told reporters in Warangal that the TDP should stick to
its pro-T stand else all the leaders from the region would quit. He also appealed
to Andhra and Rayalaseema MLAs to honour the party’s decision on Telangana, otherwise TDP legislators from T would form a joint action
committee with all other likeminded forces in other political parties and struggle
for Statehood, he said.
Meanwhile, Karimnagar TDP MLA Gangula Kamalakar, along with four ZPTC, quit the party protesting against its deviating from the pro-T stand. He declared he would continue as an independent MLA.
Another legislator, Revuri Prakash Reddy from Narsampet in Warangal district
too faxed his resignation to the Speaker in protest against Andhra and Rayalaseema legislators opposing the formation of Telangana.
He also stated that the prime minister’s statement that the government would
``re-examine’’ the Telangana demand was nothing but trying to hoodwink the people of the region once again.
Meanwhile, in Hyderabad, several TDP MLAs from Telangana today said they
would see to it that their party president N Chandrababu Naidu did not go back
on his word.
Speaking to reporters here today, TDP leaders Nagam Janardhan Reddy, Ravula Chandrasekhara Reddy, M Narasimhulu, T Nageswara
Rao and others clarified that the party had not shifted position.
``The TDP is committed to Telangana and Naidu has also clarified that the party will support the resolution in the Assembly,’’ they said.
It was the Congress which was deceiving the people of Telangana, they maintained, and pointed out that the Congress high command had not
even taken its own chief minister, what to say MPs and MLAs, into confidence
before announcing the decision to initiate the Telangana process.
The TDP leaders from Telangana demanded that the Congress either introduce
the resolution in the Assembly or straightaway divide the State.
It was following the Congress legislators that Andhra and Rayalaseema MLAs of the TDP submitted their resignations. The Congress had ``set the State on fire’’ and was responsible for the political crisis, they alleged.
The TDP would not remain silent if the Congress tricked the people of Telangana again, they said.
TD calls for poll on AP divorce
Express News Service
First Published : 12 Dec 2009 02:34:27 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: Setting aside its own fivemonth- long exercise on Telangana undertaken last year, the TDP leadership has now asked the party MLAs to elicit the opinions of the people of Andhra and Rayalaseema on the bifurcation of the State.
According to sources, party president N Chandrababu Naidu has directed party MLAs to sound people in areas other than Telangana.
The intriguing question is why the TDP wants to take opinions afresh when it had had done a thorough exercise before taking a pro-Telangana stand.
Opinions of all the leaders, party workers and general public were recorded and the party was convinced that the people of the State were in favour of Telangana.
A core committee was constituted to elicit the opinions of the people of the State. The politburo then adopted a resolution: ``The core committee informed the politburo after a fivemonth- long plebiscite that the people are in favour of Telangana. Thus, the party took a pro-Telangana stand respecting the sentiments of the Telangana people’’.
So why the need for a fresh poll now? There is no clear-cut answer from any TDP leader. ``The people accepted bifurcation last year.
But, in the changed scenario the party decided to take opinions once again,’’ a party leader ventured.
If the party were to find that the people of the Andhra region were for a unified State, would it revert to its original integrationist stand, in disregard of the aspirations of the people of Telangana? ``We will not retreat from a pro-Telangana stand,’’ a senior leader from the Andhra region told Express.
``Party president Chandrababu Naidu has decided to stick to it even if it proves costly,’’ he clarified.
However, several TDP leaders are just not buying Naidu’s statement that the Congress had announced its decision on Telangana in haste.
All this points to the utter confusion that now prevails in the 27-year-old party. Hyderabad, December 11 SETTING aside its own fivemonth- long exercise on Telangana undertaken last year, the TDP leadership has now asked the party MLAs to elicit the opinions of the people of Andhra and Rayalaseema on the bifurcation of the State.
According to sources, party president N Chandrababu Naidu has directed party MLAs to sound people in areas other than Telangana.
The intriguing question is why the TDP wants to take opinions afresh when it had had done a thorough exercise before taking a pro-Telangana stand.
Opinions of all the leaders, party workers and general public were recorded and the party was convinced that the people of the State were in favour of Telangana.
A core committee was constituted to elicit the opinions of the people of the State. The politburo then adopted a resolution: ``The core committee informed the politburo after a fivemonth- long plebiscite that the people are in favour of Telangana. Thus, the party took a pro-Telangana stand respecting the sentiments of the Telangana people’’.
So why the need for a fresh poll now? There is no clear-cut answer from any TDP leader. ``The people accepted bifurcation last year.
But, in the changed scenario the party decided to take opinions once again,’’ a party leader ventured.
If the party were to find that the people of the Andhra region were for a unified State, would it revert to its original integrationist stand, in disregard of the aspirations of the people of Telangana? ``We will not retreat from a pro-Telangana stand,’’ a senior leader from the Andhra region told Express.
``Party president Chandrababu Naidu has decided to stick to it even if it proves costly,’’ he clarified.
However, several TDP leaders are just not buying Naidu’s statement that the Congress had announced its decision on Telangana in haste.
All this points to the utter confusion that now prevails in the 27-year-old party.
Comments
Naidu has absolutley 0 credibiity. He supported the resolution on Telangana and once the center gave it he flip flopped the next day. He is the most selfish guy and he basically destroyed the party by not letting his MPs become ministers in the NDA for secular reasons. He is afraid of his own shadow. His career is finished in Andhra. I am hardcore TDP from coastal Andhra and the way he behaved yesterday and stage managed those resignations and started back channel talks with the rebel Congress has repulsed me and it stinks. The center has seen his weakness and is going ahead of splitting the state and Naidus career is finished. Most of the TDP cadre wont vote for him. The TDP will be saved only by NTRjr.
By Venkat
12/12/2009 11:57:00 AM
Napolien vey much wanted to conquer India and loot the countryand in the early 1800s Towards this aim he attacked Egypt to get a passage to India but was defeted and his geeatest wish was frustrated was frustrated .Now what the great conqurer failed has been achievd Sonia , with out any conflict but by a marriage !
By Sethu
12/12/2009 9:04:00
First Published : 12 Dec 2009 02:34:27 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: Setting aside its own fivemonth- long exercise on Telangana undertaken last year, the TDP leadership has now asked the party MLAs to elicit the opinions of the people of Andhra and Rayalaseema on the bifurcation of the State.
According to sources, party president N Chandrababu Naidu has directed party MLAs to sound people in areas other than Telangana.
The intriguing question is why the TDP wants to take opinions afresh when it had had done a thorough exercise before taking a pro-Telangana stand.
Opinions of all the leaders, party workers and general public were recorded and the party was convinced that the people of the State were in favour of Telangana.
A core committee was constituted to elicit the opinions of the people of the State. The politburo then adopted a resolution: ``The core committee informed the politburo after a fivemonth- long plebiscite that the people are in favour of Telangana. Thus, the party took a pro-Telangana stand respecting the sentiments of the Telangana people’’.
So why the need for a fresh poll now? There is no clear-cut answer from any TDP leader. ``The people accepted bifurcation last year.
But, in the changed scenario the party decided to take opinions once again,’’ a party leader ventured.
If the party were to find that the people of the Andhra region were for a unified State, would it revert to its original integrationist stand, in disregard of the aspirations of the people of Telangana? ``We will not retreat from a pro-Telangana stand,’’ a senior leader from the Andhra region told Express.
``Party president Chandrababu Naidu has decided to stick to it even if it proves costly,’’ he clarified.
However, several TDP leaders are just not buying Naidu’s statement that the Congress had announced its decision on Telangana in haste.
All this points to the utter confusion that now prevails in the 27-year-old party. Hyderabad, December 11 SETTING aside its own fivemonth- long exercise on Telangana undertaken last year, the TDP leadership has now asked the party MLAs to elicit the opinions of the people of Andhra and Rayalaseema on the bifurcation of the State.
According to sources, party president N Chandrababu Naidu has directed party MLAs to sound people in areas other than Telangana.
The intriguing question is why the TDP wants to take opinions afresh when it had had done a thorough exercise before taking a pro-Telangana stand.
Opinions of all the leaders, party workers and general public were recorded and the party was convinced that the people of the State were in favour of Telangana.
A core committee was constituted to elicit the opinions of the people of the State. The politburo then adopted a resolution: ``The core committee informed the politburo after a fivemonth- long plebiscite that the people are in favour of Telangana. Thus, the party took a pro-Telangana stand respecting the sentiments of the Telangana people’’.
So why the need for a fresh poll now? There is no clear-cut answer from any TDP leader. ``The people accepted bifurcation last year.
But, in the changed scenario the party decided to take opinions once again,’’ a party leader ventured.
If the party were to find that the people of the Andhra region were for a unified State, would it revert to its original integrationist stand, in disregard of the aspirations of the people of Telangana? ``We will not retreat from a pro-Telangana stand,’’ a senior leader from the Andhra region told Express.
``Party president Chandrababu Naidu has decided to stick to it even if it proves costly,’’ he clarified.
However, several TDP leaders are just not buying Naidu’s statement that the Congress had announced its decision on Telangana in haste.
All this points to the utter confusion that now prevails in the 27-year-old party.
Comments
Naidu has absolutley 0 credibiity. He supported the resolution on Telangana and once the center gave it he flip flopped the next day. He is the most selfish guy and he basically destroyed the party by not letting his MPs become ministers in the NDA for secular reasons. He is afraid of his own shadow. His career is finished in Andhra. I am hardcore TDP from coastal Andhra and the way he behaved yesterday and stage managed those resignations and started back channel talks with the rebel Congress has repulsed me and it stinks. The center has seen his weakness and is going ahead of splitting the state and Naidus career is finished. Most of the TDP cadre wont vote for him. The TDP will be saved only by NTRjr.
By Venkat
12/12/2009 11:57:00 AM
Napolien vey much wanted to conquer India and loot the countryand in the early 1800s Towards this aim he attacked Egypt to get a passage to India but was defeted and his geeatest wish was frustrated was frustrated .Now what the great conqurer failed has been achievd Sonia , with out any conflict but by a marriage !
By Sethu
12/12/2009 9:04:00
Friday 11 December 2009
Chandrababu under flak from partymen
Express News Service
First Published : 11 Dec 2009 03:36:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu is under pressure from his own partymen, with some pointing fingers at him following the Centre’s announcemnt that a separate Telangana would be carved out. In fact, Naidu’s brotherin- law and TDP founder NTR’s son, N Harikrishna, is reported to have resigned as party politburo member.
However, this has not been confirmed by party sources as Harikrishna is currently in Delhi.
But a senior party leader told Express: ``Harikrishna has resigned.
The party has not taken any decision and is buying time given the resignation of MLAs of various parties.’’ Meanwhile, another brother-inlaw of Naidu, actor N Balakrishna, called up the former and urged him to take a unified Andhra stand.
Several leaders from Andhra and Rayalaseema are of the opinion that it was a ``costly mistake’’ by the party leadership deviating from founder president NT Ramarao’s integrationist ideology. Naidu, for his part, shot back, reminding leaders that the pro-Telangana stand of the party was a collective decision.
Despite its present difficult situation, the party will not retreat from its stand, said a politburo member, adding that the present crisis in the State was due to the ``sudden and unilateral decision’’ of the Congress.
In the lobbies of the Assembly, however, TDP legislator KE Krishna Murthy blamed Naidu for the ``fiasco’’, saying the TDP leadership had ``added fuel to the T- fire’’. The Centre’s decision had ``badly damaged’’ the interests of the people of Rayalaseema, he added.
Another leader known to be an integrationist, Nannapaneni Rajakumari, has blamed the Centre for ``taking a hasty decision without consulting anyone.’’ Several other MLAs from Andhra and Rayalaseema too have expressed their unhappiness with Naidu at a meeting this morning. The latter reminded them that the party took a pro-Telangana stand only after consulting leaders of all the three regions.
However that may be, resentment among TDP MLAs is clearly directed at Naidu.
First Published : 11 Dec 2009 03:36:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu is under pressure from his own partymen, with some pointing fingers at him following the Centre’s announcemnt that a separate Telangana would be carved out. In fact, Naidu’s brotherin- law and TDP founder NTR’s son, N Harikrishna, is reported to have resigned as party politburo member.
However, this has not been confirmed by party sources as Harikrishna is currently in Delhi.
But a senior party leader told Express: ``Harikrishna has resigned.
The party has not taken any decision and is buying time given the resignation of MLAs of various parties.’’ Meanwhile, another brother-inlaw of Naidu, actor N Balakrishna, called up the former and urged him to take a unified Andhra stand.
Several leaders from Andhra and Rayalaseema are of the opinion that it was a ``costly mistake’’ by the party leadership deviating from founder president NT Ramarao’s integrationist ideology. Naidu, for his part, shot back, reminding leaders that the pro-Telangana stand of the party was a collective decision.
Despite its present difficult situation, the party will not retreat from its stand, said a politburo member, adding that the present crisis in the State was due to the ``sudden and unilateral decision’’ of the Congress.
In the lobbies of the Assembly, however, TDP legislator KE Krishna Murthy blamed Naidu for the ``fiasco’’, saying the TDP leadership had ``added fuel to the T- fire’’. The Centre’s decision had ``badly damaged’’ the interests of the people of Rayalaseema, he added.
Another leader known to be an integrationist, Nannapaneni Rajakumari, has blamed the Centre for ``taking a hasty decision without consulting anyone.’’ Several other MLAs from Andhra and Rayalaseema too have expressed their unhappiness with Naidu at a meeting this morning. The latter reminded them that the party took a pro-Telangana stand only after consulting leaders of all the three regions.
However that may be, resentment among TDP MLAs is clearly directed at Naidu.
Stunned Babu does a u-turn
Express News Service
First Published : 11 Dec 2009 03:13:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 11 Dec 2009 09:15:49 AM IST
HYDERABAD: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) appears to have been caught unawares by the Centre’s decision to have a resolution passed in the State Assembly as a prelude to the formation of a separate State of Telangana.
The TDP, which has never been convincing in its pro-Telangana utterances, displayed its true colours on Thursday. Party chief N Chandrababu Nadiu vehemently denounced the Centre’s decision, 24 hours after stating that his party would not oppose a resolution on Telangana as and when it was introduced in the Assembly. The original gameplan of the TDP was to put the Congress in a tight spot by saying so. Now, with its strategy backfiring, the TDP appears to have suffered damage on two counts: People in the Telangana region have never trusted the TDP and now people in Andhra, whom it has always wanted to keep in good humour, too would not take kindly to Chandrababu Naidu because they believe that his public posture in favour of Telangana is one of the factors that prompted the Centre to accede to the Telangana demand.
That pro-Telangana veneeer slipped when Chandrababu Naidu could not control his emotions this afternoon while heaping allegations on Congress president Sonia Gandhi for acting with ‘‘unnecessary and undue haste.’’ The Centre should have taken the opinion of all the stakeholders, he felt.
When asked if it would make any sense to seek public opinion after his party had gone on record saying that it favoured Telangana, Naidu was at a loss for words. He merely replied that it was an unexpected decision from the Congress. ‘‘It has created a political vaccum and the Congress bungled the issue,’’ Naidu alleged, adding, ‘‘it has also tarnished the image of Andhra Pradesh.’’ But, he could not elaborate further. He said the Centre had announced the decision without following proper guidelines or procedures and claimed that the future of the next generation was in jeopardy.
Tuesday 8 December 2009
Bifurcation should be done in a peaceful manner
Though, the Telangana Movement witnessed several highs and lows right from 1969, it is certain that the feelings for separate Telangana are very strong and constant.
It is better to carve out the State. The division of Andhra Pradesh should be done in a peaceful manner.
I have participated in the Jai Andhra Movement and Kakani Venkateswara Rao has been my inspiration.
The `mulki’ rules of Telangana indicates that people of Andhra have no right in their own State capital.
It is better to have two separate States as there are doubts in the minds of people of Telangana people about the people of Andhra region.
All the public representatives like MLAs, MPs and others should impress their respective party high commands for separate Andhra than to face insults from people of Telangana.
The young politicians from Andhra are not aware of the situation.
As a senior in the field I urge them to understand the situation and demand a separate Andhra State to keep their self respect. By doing so they will be assured of a place in history.
The new capital of Andhra State will be decided later by consensus among the people of Andhra. I have no objection if Srikakulam or any other town is made the capital.
The Telangana Movement is constant right from 1969. But, the Movement saw several highs and lows. It is like `pause and walk ‘ situation.
It may be a strategy of the Telangana leaders. But, one thing is certain there is a strong feeling among the people of Telangana for a separate State. I do not agree with those who argue that T-movement was limited to Hyderabad. The people in the entire Telangana are in favour of a separate State. Moreover all the parties, including TDP, TRS, Congress, BJP and the CPI are in favour of Telangana. Some leaders even defying their high command and coming out openly in favour of a separate State. Leaders of no party can dare to say that there is no demand for Telangana.
I agree with the idea that if the State is divided the separate Andhra will emerge as a financial super power in the country. It should be noted that several new states were formed without any struggle.
I do not say that Telangana people have inferiority complex when they raise slogans like ‘Andhra go back’.
I would rather read it to mean that the people of Telangana are unwilling to continue the ‘marriage’ with people of Andhra.
I am going to Vijayawada to hold consultations with leaders of all parties to begin the `Jai Andhra’ movement. I will also meet AICC president Sonia Gandhi soon.
Vasantha Nageswara Rao is former Home minister and presently APCOB chairman, as told to VV Balakrishna.
Don’t make students suffer
I will stick by my party’s decision notwithstanding my personal opinion in favour of a unified state of Andhra Pradesh I am an integrationist. I will neither support the demand for a separate Telangana nor separate Andhra. All the Telugu people should be united.
But, my party (Telugu Desam Party) took a pro-Telangana stand and I will abide by it, irrespective of my personal views.
As I am continuing in the party, I have to respect my Party’s decision and stand by it.
I entered politics with inspiration from Nannapaneni Venkatarao and I strongly believe that Andhra Pradesh should not be divided. Notwithstanding my personal opinion, I will stick to my leader N Chandrababu Naidu’s directive.
My sincere advice to the leaders of Telangana movement is that there should be no violence. The agitation should be continued in a non-violent manner.
Further, there is no room for people of one region hurting the sentiment of the people from other regions. The agitators should not damage the properties of people from other regions. I am also pained to see the desecration of statues of several leaders.
I am not against the separatist movements and development.
But, the agitators should keep in mind that the students should not be made to suffer.
Lakhs of students from not-so-rich families, who are involved in the agitation, will suffer. The youth should not made sacrificial lambs on the altar of politics.
My appeal to Telangana Rashtra Samihti (TRS) president K Chandrasekhara Rao is that he should not spoil his health. He has to keep fit and healthy. He should achieve his goal without sacrificing his life.
Nannapaneni Rajakumari (TDP spokesperson and MLC)
TD prefers ‘old’ Rosaiah to young Jagan as CM
Chief Minister K Rosaiah and Leader of the Opposition N Chandrababu Naidu share a light moment at the launch of a Telugu TV channel in Hyderabad on Th
VV Balakrishna
First Published : 16 Oct 2009 05:16:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: The Telugu Desam appears to prefer the septuagenarian Rosaiah as cheif minister to YS Rajsekhara Reddy’s son and young MP from Kadapa Jagan Mohan Reddy.
The reason is not hard to guess. The principal Opposition party believes that it will be better placed to fight the Congress whenever elections are held if Rosaiah is at the helm in the State.
According to TDP sources, for the second time in its 27-year history, the party has decided to adopt a soft stand on a Congress leader in power. When PV Narasimha Rao was the prime minister, the TDP had adopted a soft stand and even did not field its candidate against PV when he contested for the Nandyal Lok Sabha seat.
Even after PV’s death, the TDP demanded that a memorial to him be built in the national capital.
After a long gap, the TDP is being soft on Rosaiah who occupied the chief minister’s chair after the sudden demise of YS Rajasekhara Reddy. Its leaders, including N Chandrababu Naidu, have not so far made any adverse comments against Rosaiah. In fact, Naidu rang up Rosaiah several times during the floods that ravaged five districts.
The TDP leaders only blamed Rosaiah’s colleagues in the Cabinet who are reportedly not cooperating with Rosaiah and insisting that YS Jagan Mohan Reddy be allowed to become chief minister.
The TDP leadership does not want to taste defeat for the third time in a row as and when elections are held. If Jagan Mohan Reddy becomes chief minister, it would be a dicey game as Jagan, being young, might take bold decisions and quickly gain acceptance of the people.
Even as there were widespread protests from flood-victims that Rosaiah failed to effectively manage the flood situation, Chandrababu Naidu did not utter any word against Rosaiah.
Naidu only said that who worked well and who did not did not matter now, as the focus should be on providing flood relief.
At the same time, the TDP is not allowing the Rosaiah Government a free run. It is trying to woo people with service. It distributed flood relief material to around 30,000 families in Kurnool today. The message is clear that Congress Government, if not Chief Minister Rosaiah, failed to provide succour to the flood victims and the TDP is always with the people whether in power or out of it.
According to sources, the TDP is eagerly waiting for the Congress Legislature Party to endorse Rosaiah as the chief minister.
Comments
if the congress delay the desicion on AP CM, that would go as advantage to the TDP. YSR ONLY CONGRESS HERE IN ANDHRA PRADESH - that is the true story all about AP.
By uma
10/22/2009 12:48:00 PM
If JAGAN is not made CM, i will never vote for CONGRESS again, opposition was silent all these days bcz they know that people want JAGAN, No C BABU wants to ignite it....... i voted YSR not congress, i really dont know congress, it was YSR's image, sonia gandhi evaruh she did nothing to our state
By naik
10/20/2009 2:39:00 AM
if congress want to countinue his leadership in andhra pradesh....its possbile with only YS JANGAN MOHAN REDDY a young dinamic leader.peoples of andhra pradesh wants to see him as CM..why sonia gandhi not declaring him as a CM..through YSR ONLY CONGRESS HERE IN ANDHRA PRADESH sonia gandhi must remember it..i cnt wait more...if sonia gandhi has not taken any step ...with me 600 peoples from my village are ready to jon TDP.
By syed niyaz hussain
10/17/2009 1:02:00 AM
lLet God save the Congress.Sonia Gandhi should know what is right & what is wrong for the party. She should also understand the game plan of the opposition paarty leader.Because,politics is not a game of Cricket but a game of Chess, now a days.
By ATUL SHAH
10/16/2009 4:58:00 PM
You don't have to work as a rocket scientist at Sriharikota to understand that TDP wants Rosaiah as Andhra CM. Rosaiah could not even contest in direct elections in the latest assembly elections due to his health demands. YSR with a big heart made a place for him in the cabinet through MLC. Rosaiah is an able administrator, but that is not enough in our politics today. People want to see a charismatic person at the helms of any party in our flashy world today. TDP definitely do not want to see Jagan as CM, who would accumulate votes of people based on being young and being the son of late YSR, grabbing the sympathy vote. Let High Command continue Rosaiah as Andhra CM. It will soon lose the only Congress ruled state in the South. All the best Sonia!
By Paul
Wednesday 25 November 2009
Chilli farmers seek organic e-remedy
VV Balakrishna
First Published : 26 Nov 2009 02:58:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: In tune with the changing global scenario, chilli farmers in three States -- AP, Karnataka and Orissa -- have formed into a society and launched an exclusive website to encourage organic farming and boost dwindling export of chillies.
In a first-of-its kind initiative in the country, around 95 cooperative societies in the three States have banded together into a Chilli-Growers Cooperative Society which recently launched its website: ``chilligrowers.com’’ to help farmers in all aspects -- from collecting quality seed to improving the quality of produce.
India used to top the world chilli trade, accounting for 25 per cent of it. But stiff competition from China and excessive use of pesticides saw exports dwindle to 17.4 per cent this year.
``Several countries have been rejecting chillies and chilli products from the country after detecting pesticide residues,’’ Chilli Growers Cooperative Society chairman Nadendla Poornachandra Rao told Express.
He said that the society, through its website, would encourage farmers to use organic manure. This, he hoped, would boost exports and ensure the growers remunerative prices.
Rao said the website was receiving good response. The society currently had 40,000 members from Karnataka, 8,000 from Andhra Pradesh and 5,000 from Orissa.It plans to construct around 10 cold chains for farmers in the State. Poornachandra Rao said the website would help farmers keep abreast of international prices on a daily basis, as well as acquire knowledge of standards and useful inputs.
vvbalakrishna@expessbuzz.com
First Published : 26 Nov 2009 02:58:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: In tune with the changing global scenario, chilli farmers in three States -- AP, Karnataka and Orissa -- have formed into a society and launched an exclusive website to encourage organic farming and boost dwindling export of chillies.
In a first-of-its kind initiative in the country, around 95 cooperative societies in the three States have banded together into a Chilli-Growers Cooperative Society which recently launched its website: ``chilligrowers.com’’ to help farmers in all aspects -- from collecting quality seed to improving the quality of produce.
India used to top the world chilli trade, accounting for 25 per cent of it. But stiff competition from China and excessive use of pesticides saw exports dwindle to 17.4 per cent this year.
``Several countries have been rejecting chillies and chilli products from the country after detecting pesticide residues,’’ Chilli Growers Cooperative Society chairman Nadendla Poornachandra Rao told Express.
He said that the society, through its website, would encourage farmers to use organic manure. This, he hoped, would boost exports and ensure the growers remunerative prices.
Rao said the website was receiving good response. The society currently had 40,000 members from Karnataka, 8,000 from Andhra Pradesh and 5,000 from Orissa.It plans to construct around 10 cold chains for farmers in the State. Poornachandra Rao said the website would help farmers keep abreast of international prices on a daily basis, as well as acquire knowledge of standards and useful inputs.
vvbalakrishna@expessbuzz.com
Friday 6 November 2009
Biotech is the answer to global warming, population
Express News Service
First Published : 06 Nov 2009 02:55:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: Biotechnology alone has the answer to the twin challenges of gloabl warming and population growth, Department of Biotechnology secretary MK Bhan says.
Reacting to widespread protests against the approval for Bt brinjal, Bhan says that the regulatory committee will approve its cultivation and consumption after taking all safety measures.
In a chat with Express, he says that the country’s population will reach 1.3 billion by the end of 2030 and Bt is the solution to the growing demand for foodgrains. ``We cannot close our eyes to science.
We are taking decisions on approving Bt varieties case by case.’’ Some drugs and vaccines have been withdrawn from the market as they are not safe for humans. He, however, assures that all safety measures will be taken by the regulatory committee while approving Bt brinjal and other products fit for consumption.
``Trials are being conducted in a scientific way and in accordance with the recommendations made by noted agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan. All Bt varieties of food are not transgenic.
In some cases, `novel makers’ are being identified for development.’’ On the Bt Regulatory Authority Bill, Bhan says that the law department has okayed the draft which will be placed before the Union Cabinet in the next ten days.
Once the bill is passed by Parliament, the Bt Regulatory Authority will regulate Bt agriculture. The Bt industry, which had a 40 per cent growth in the past, recorded 18 per cent growth last year due to the economic slowdown.
The present turnover of Bt in the country is $ 2.8 billion and is expected to reach $ 7 billion by 2013.
Turning to pharmaceutical research, Bhan says, research on malaria (Vivax), dengue, influenza, particularly H1N1 virus, is being conducted in the country. Of the 270 biotech companies in the country, if one or two are grown into larger companies the country will be self-sufficient in pharmaceutical and other sectors, he notes.
First Published : 06 Nov 2009 02:55:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: Biotechnology alone has the answer to the twin challenges of gloabl warming and population growth, Department of Biotechnology secretary MK Bhan says.
Reacting to widespread protests against the approval for Bt brinjal, Bhan says that the regulatory committee will approve its cultivation and consumption after taking all safety measures.
In a chat with Express, he says that the country’s population will reach 1.3 billion by the end of 2030 and Bt is the solution to the growing demand for foodgrains. ``We cannot close our eyes to science.
We are taking decisions on approving Bt varieties case by case.’’ Some drugs and vaccines have been withdrawn from the market as they are not safe for humans. He, however, assures that all safety measures will be taken by the regulatory committee while approving Bt brinjal and other products fit for consumption.
``Trials are being conducted in a scientific way and in accordance with the recommendations made by noted agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan. All Bt varieties of food are not transgenic.
In some cases, `novel makers’ are being identified for development.’’ On the Bt Regulatory Authority Bill, Bhan says that the law department has okayed the draft which will be placed before the Union Cabinet in the next ten days.
Once the bill is passed by Parliament, the Bt Regulatory Authority will regulate Bt agriculture. The Bt industry, which had a 40 per cent growth in the past, recorded 18 per cent growth last year due to the economic slowdown.
The present turnover of Bt in the country is $ 2.8 billion and is expected to reach $ 7 billion by 2013.
Turning to pharmaceutical research, Bhan says, research on malaria (Vivax), dengue, influenza, particularly H1N1 virus, is being conducted in the country. Of the 270 biotech companies in the country, if one or two are grown into larger companies the country will be self-sufficient in pharmaceutical and other sectors, he notes.
Supreme Court order can’t be generalised: TDP
VV Balakrishna
First Published : 19 Oct 2009 05:26:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 19 Oct 2009 08:59:19 AM IST
HYDERABAD: The main Opposition party, Telugu Desam, is opposing the Supreme Court’s order on Hyderabad `free zone’ for implementation of GO 610 for police department. It feels that the SC order serves only a limited purpose and it cannot be generalised.
``Any decision against the Six-Point Formula or Presidential Order is not acceptable to TDP,’’ a TDP leader from Telangana told Express here Sunday.
The party studied the SC order and opined that there was no word `free zone’ in the order. The order was limited to only two groups of employees in the police department.
The court order was based on a technical point that Hyderabad city police were not covered under Zone VI in the Presidential Order.
``The TDP sticks to the Six-Point Formula, the Presidential Order and the GO 610. Any deviation or judgment against these three is not acceptable to the TDP,’’ a Politburo member of the party said.
The same opinion would be expressed by the party at the all-party meeting to be convened by the government Monday. Party leaders Nagam Janardhan Reddy, MV Mysoora Reddy and Yanamala Ramakrishnudu will attend the all-party meeting.
The party leaders felt that there was no word `Hyderabad as free zone’ in the Supreme Ccourt order. Such word was never found in GO 610, the Presidential Order or in the Six-Point Formula, they said.
The `free zone’ issue never came up, a party leader said and felt that no one can imagine Telangana state without Hyderbad.
TDP leaders are livid with TRS chief K Chandrasekhara Rao for making an issue out of nothing. He had no issue on hand and was therefore using Hyderabad free zone issue to derive political mileage, a TDP leader alleged.
``Everyone should understand that the SC order was limited to a particular department and it never stated that Hyderabad was a free zone,’’ a TDP leader asserted after going through the SC order. For all other purposes Hyderabad was a part of Zone VI, he added.
vvbalakrishna@epmltd.com
First Published : 19 Oct 2009 05:26:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 19 Oct 2009 08:59:19 AM IST
HYDERABAD: The main Opposition party, Telugu Desam, is opposing the Supreme Court’s order on Hyderabad `free zone’ for implementation of GO 610 for police department. It feels that the SC order serves only a limited purpose and it cannot be generalised.
``Any decision against the Six-Point Formula or Presidential Order is not acceptable to TDP,’’ a TDP leader from Telangana told Express here Sunday.
The party studied the SC order and opined that there was no word `free zone’ in the order. The order was limited to only two groups of employees in the police department.
The court order was based on a technical point that Hyderabad city police were not covered under Zone VI in the Presidential Order.
``The TDP sticks to the Six-Point Formula, the Presidential Order and the GO 610. Any deviation or judgment against these three is not acceptable to the TDP,’’ a Politburo member of the party said.
The same opinion would be expressed by the party at the all-party meeting to be convened by the government Monday. Party leaders Nagam Janardhan Reddy, MV Mysoora Reddy and Yanamala Ramakrishnudu will attend the all-party meeting.
The party leaders felt that there was no word `Hyderabad as free zone’ in the Supreme Ccourt order. Such word was never found in GO 610, the Presidential Order or in the Six-Point Formula, they said.
The `free zone’ issue never came up, a party leader said and felt that no one can imagine Telangana state without Hyderbad.
TDP leaders are livid with TRS chief K Chandrasekhara Rao for making an issue out of nothing. He had no issue on hand and was therefore using Hyderabad free zone issue to derive political mileage, a TDP leader alleged.
``Everyone should understand that the SC order was limited to a particular department and it never stated that Hyderabad was a free zone,’’ a TDP leader asserted after going through the SC order. For all other purposes Hyderabad was a part of Zone VI, he added.
vvbalakrishna@epmltd.com
Naidu’s visit cheers up flood victims
VV Balakrishna
First Published : 08 Oct 2009 03:21:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
MUNAGAVANI DIBBA: For the first time in nearly a week, around 250 families in this non descript village on the banks of river Krishna who have lost everything had some reason to smile.
TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu made a visit to the hamlet and liberally donated what they badly needed. Naidu embarked on a five-day tour in the floodaffected areas. As part of it, Naidu first descended on this village and distributed 25-kg rice bag to each family, apart from towels, blankets, sarees and lungis.
Before Naidu’s convoy reached the hamlet, the material for which theflood victims were badly waiting for, reached the village. Naidu distributed the material under the aegis of NTR Memorial Trust for which he is the managing trustee.
``TDP MLA Ravula Chandrasekhara Reddy saved our lives by shifting us forcibly to a relief centre. Otherwise, there would have been loss of life in the village. And we are happy that Naidu visited our village and provided succour,’’ 55-yearold Sanjanna told Express. ``We resisted leaving the place and the MLA too said he would remain with us,’’ Sanjanna reminisced.
Finally, we agreed to move out of the houses, he recalled.
The village was completely submerged under thick sheet of Krishna water flowing 12-feet deep in the village.
Distributing essentials to victims, Naidu said he would bring pressure on the State Government for more sops to the victims.
The TDP leaderdemanded the State Government to relocate the village to a safer place and provide cash to the villagers to rebuild their lives.
Naidu then proceeded to Alampur, Gadwal and other flood-affected areas inthe district with relief material on hand.
vvbalakrishna@epmltd.com
First Published : 08 Oct 2009 03:21:00 AM IST
Last Updated :
MUNAGAVANI DIBBA: For the first time in nearly a week, around 250 families in this non descript village on the banks of river Krishna who have lost everything had some reason to smile.
TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu made a visit to the hamlet and liberally donated what they badly needed. Naidu embarked on a five-day tour in the floodaffected areas. As part of it, Naidu first descended on this village and distributed 25-kg rice bag to each family, apart from towels, blankets, sarees and lungis.
Before Naidu’s convoy reached the hamlet, the material for which theflood victims were badly waiting for, reached the village. Naidu distributed the material under the aegis of NTR Memorial Trust for which he is the managing trustee.
``TDP MLA Ravula Chandrasekhara Reddy saved our lives by shifting us forcibly to a relief centre. Otherwise, there would have been loss of life in the village. And we are happy that Naidu visited our village and provided succour,’’ 55-yearold Sanjanna told Express. ``We resisted leaving the place and the MLA too said he would remain with us,’’ Sanjanna reminisced.
Finally, we agreed to move out of the houses, he recalled.
The village was completely submerged under thick sheet of Krishna water flowing 12-feet deep in the village.
Distributing essentials to victims, Naidu said he would bring pressure on the State Government for more sops to the victims.
The TDP leaderdemanded the State Government to relocate the village to a safer place and provide cash to the villagers to rebuild their lives.
Naidu then proceeded to Alampur, Gadwal and other flood-affected areas inthe district with relief material on hand.
vvbalakrishna@epmltd.com
Drill down to find a puddle of sad truth
First Published : 23 Aug 2009 12:06:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 22 Aug 2009 01:13:21 AM IST
Till early this month, Perugu Ramaiah hadn’t lost his hope. Every day, the 65-year-old farmer of Anantram village would visit his 3.5 acres of fields that raised maize and paddy, in the hope that it would rain. Finally, the crops withered (as across his district of Medak). On August 7, he collapsed in the fields due to hypertension. Four days later, he died in hospital.
Last year, Ramaiah had married off his youngest daughter, spending Rs 3 lakh. Later, he took on lease others’ lands as well, hoping to clear his debts. But, interest on borrowings and medical expenses only pushed him into a debt trap.
Rains did fall in Andhra Pradesh later, but Ramaiah was dead by then. Unofficially, over 150 farmers ended their lives in the last two months. The government, though, maintains not all deaths are drought-driven.
In the rain-fed Telangana and Rayalaseema regions or even along the canal-fed coastal belt, the fields remain parched. Of the total cropped area of 80 lakh acres, sowing during kharif season took place in only 40 lakh acres, and most of the crop is already lost. The loss per district — the state has 23 of them — is in the range of Rs 150 to Rs 200 crore.
Venkat Reddy of Vattikodu village in Nalgonda is used to growing sweet lime orchards in five acres for the last 10 years. The investment per acre comes to around Rs 1 lakh. As the monsoon failed, he dug new borewells, but they too didn’t yield water. That was when he tried to divert water from a nearby borewell, two km away from his field, by offering to pay Rs 10,000 per month. By then, the dry spell totally damaged 300 trees on three acres while 200 trees in the
remaining two acres were partially damaged. He had to cut them.
The plight of groundnut growers in Rayalaseema’s Kurnool and Anantapur districts or the cotton farmer in Karimnagar district is no better. Farmers were happy when the government announced a minimum support price of Rs 3,000 per quintal of cotton, but the entire crop of many withered. When the government announced an MSP of Rs 3,000 a quintal of cotton, Rajaiah of Nachupalli felt happy. But the entire crop of his five-acre village has withered. In Kadapa district, so disgusted was a farmer that he set fire to his banana plantation after it failed owing to poor rainfall.
Such stories abound. Not surprising, given that as many as 1,020 out of the 1,128 mandals have received scanty or deficit rainfall this season. The average rainfall received was only 163 mm as against the normal 368 mm — a 55 per cent deficit.
Take Eevuri Venkatarami Reddy of Nakrekal mandal in Guntur. He borrowed Rs 20,000 at a monthly interest of four per cent. His repayment in the promised four months looks unlikely now that his paddy field has dried up. The drought has forced him to postpone his daughter’s marriage. “My last hope is the chief minister.”
The government has chosen not to declare any district drought-hit. Reason: the CM believes banks refuse funding if an official declaration of drought is made. Yet, he has urged the Centre to sanction an
additional Rs 2,000 crore under the NREGS to provide work to farmers and labourers. For now, this employment scheme and a loan waiver by the state government last year are providing some succour.
(with inputs from bureaux.
vvbalakrishna@epmltd.com,
Last Updated : 22 Aug 2009 01:13:21 AM IST
Till early this month, Perugu Ramaiah hadn’t lost his hope. Every day, the 65-year-old farmer of Anantram village would visit his 3.5 acres of fields that raised maize and paddy, in the hope that it would rain. Finally, the crops withered (as across his district of Medak). On August 7, he collapsed in the fields due to hypertension. Four days later, he died in hospital.
Last year, Ramaiah had married off his youngest daughter, spending Rs 3 lakh. Later, he took on lease others’ lands as well, hoping to clear his debts. But, interest on borrowings and medical expenses only pushed him into a debt trap.
Rains did fall in Andhra Pradesh later, but Ramaiah was dead by then. Unofficially, over 150 farmers ended their lives in the last two months. The government, though, maintains not all deaths are drought-driven.
In the rain-fed Telangana and Rayalaseema regions or even along the canal-fed coastal belt, the fields remain parched. Of the total cropped area of 80 lakh acres, sowing during kharif season took place in only 40 lakh acres, and most of the crop is already lost. The loss per district — the state has 23 of them — is in the range of Rs 150 to Rs 200 crore.
Venkat Reddy of Vattikodu village in Nalgonda is used to growing sweet lime orchards in five acres for the last 10 years. The investment per acre comes to around Rs 1 lakh. As the monsoon failed, he dug new borewells, but they too didn’t yield water. That was when he tried to divert water from a nearby borewell, two km away from his field, by offering to pay Rs 10,000 per month. By then, the dry spell totally damaged 300 trees on three acres while 200 trees in the
remaining two acres were partially damaged. He had to cut them.
The plight of groundnut growers in Rayalaseema’s Kurnool and Anantapur districts or the cotton farmer in Karimnagar district is no better. Farmers were happy when the government announced a minimum support price of Rs 3,000 per quintal of cotton, but the entire crop of many withered. When the government announced an MSP of Rs 3,000 a quintal of cotton, Rajaiah of Nachupalli felt happy. But the entire crop of his five-acre village has withered. In Kadapa district, so disgusted was a farmer that he set fire to his banana plantation after it failed owing to poor rainfall.
Such stories abound. Not surprising, given that as many as 1,020 out of the 1,128 mandals have received scanty or deficit rainfall this season. The average rainfall received was only 163 mm as against the normal 368 mm — a 55 per cent deficit.
Take Eevuri Venkatarami Reddy of Nakrekal mandal in Guntur. He borrowed Rs 20,000 at a monthly interest of four per cent. His repayment in the promised four months looks unlikely now that his paddy field has dried up. The drought has forced him to postpone his daughter’s marriage. “My last hope is the chief minister.”
The government has chosen not to declare any district drought-hit. Reason: the CM believes banks refuse funding if an official declaration of drought is made. Yet, he has urged the Centre to sanction an
additional Rs 2,000 crore under the NREGS to provide work to farmers and labourers. For now, this employment scheme and a loan waiver by the state government last year are providing some succour.
(with inputs from bureaux.
vvbalakrishna@epmltd.com,
Nature’s fury engulfs even Alampur Sakti Peetham
Lord Shiva temple under water at the Nagarjunasagar Pushkar ghat.
First Published : 05 Oct 2009 04:21:00 AM IST
HYDERABAD: Even God could not escape Nature’s fury as the gushing waters of Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers swamped several historic temples in Krishna, Nalgonda, Kurnool and Mahaboobnagar districts.With the Krishna being most furious in its 100-year history, several temples, which have a great history and religious importance, were submerged in the flood water.The Alampur Jogulamba temple in Mahaboobnagar district, one of the nation’s 18 Sakti Peethams, was submerged under Tungabhadra waters.The 7th-century Siva temple there is sacred and considered by devotees as the Dakshina Kasi (southern Kasi).The Nava Brahma temples in Alampur, believed to be built by the Badami Chalukyas, were also inundated.Krishna water entered the famous Narasimha temple at Vedadri, near jaggayyapet, in Krishna district. As the water entered Muktyala village, the historic Siva temple was closed.Another famous temple, Mattapalli Lakshmi Narasimha temple in Nalgonda district, was also submerged.Now, only a small portion of the temple’s pinnacle could be seen jutting out of water. The Prahlada Yogananda Lakshmi Narasimha, the presiding deity of Mattapalli, said to be selfexistent, was founded by Machireddy Prabhu some 1,100 years ago.Another famous siva temple, `Sagar temple’ near Najagarjunasagar, was fully submerged under the flood waters.In Guntur district, the historic Buddhist site in Amaravati, 2 km away from the Siva temple, is under water. Water is flowing one foot above the platform of the historic Amaravati Siva temple. The platform was used for car parking and performing marriages.Though, flood water receded from the Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Mantralayam, the flood damaged the properties of the mutt to some extent.Around, 70 cows died there. There is no usual rush at the temple now.Krishna water has entered the Dattatreya temple in Kurgadda near Maktal in Mahaboobnagar district. There is no power supply in the temple and devotees are unable to reach the shrine.vvbalakrishna@epmltd.com
Thursday 1 October 2009
Left, TDP and TRS see council polls as unity test case
Joint MeetinG: CPI State secretary K Narayana and CPM State secretary B V Raghavulu sharing a lighter moment at a joint meeting of the Left parties in
V V Balakrishna
First Published : 05 Jan 2009 12:00:19 PM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: As a prelude to seat-sharing in the next Assembly elections, the Left-TDP-TRS combine is considering elections to the Legislative Council as a rehearsal for them.
All the four parties have come to a broad understanding on alliances in the Council elections, likely to be held in March.
The elections were necessitated for two Graduate seats, as TRS MLC K Dilip resigned and the term of another MLC K Nageswar would expire soon.
The four parties will support the same candidates in the elections.
At a coordination meeting held at the CPM office here today, the Left parties decided to support the two candidates.
The coordination meeting was attended by CPM State secretary BV Raghavulu and CPI state secretary K Narayana.
The Left meetings will discuss the seat-sharing issue for the Assembly elections in their next meeting, according to a CPI leader.
As the TRS has almost decided to join the TDP-Left combine, it is expected to make an announcement before the notification is issued for the Council elections. The Left parties also made it clear that they would not demand more number of seats from allies, if the TRS too joined their combine.
According to sources, the Left and the TDP would have a joint meeting after Sankranti on the seat-sharing issue. In the meantime, the Left leaders decided to launch joint agitations along with the TDP and the TRS on various issues, including `Big Fish scam’.
The Left leaders will meet TDP and TRS leaders on January 10 on Council elections.
Today’s Left meeting opined that the Government weaknesses were exposed in the recent ZPTC elections. The resignations of two ministers were indicative of the fact that Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy had lost his conf idenc e to f ac e the next elections.
CPM State secretary BV Raghavulu said the Congress’ defeat was inevitable in the next elections. CPI State secretary K Narayana said countdown had started for the end of Rajasekhara Reddy’s misrule.
Banks blacklist loan waiver beneficiaries
VV Balakrishna
First Published : 13 Jul 2009 09:36:39 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: There is an unofficial moratorium on sanctioning of fresh crop loans to farmers who got complete loan waiver in the State last year. Bankers have blacklisted a majority of the farmers who had failed to repay loans and got relief from the government.
Last year, a record 63.41 lakh small and marginal farmers got complete loan waiver to the tune of Rs 11,354 crore in the State. Farmers having more than five acres got Rs 20,000 relief while the others got a waiver of 25 per cent of the loan amount.
Several bankers are not coming forward to sanction fresh loans to ‘willful defaulters’ in the kharif season as they fear that the farmers who got loan waiver may default this time too and look for government’s assistance again, admits a bank manager. However, there are no written orders to this effect.
‘‘I have cleared my Rs 30,000 due 15 days ago but the bank manager is not issuing a fresh loan,’’ complains Gouda Alivelu of Uppununthala. Several farmers who repaid loans have the same complaint with the bankers.
‘‘Earlier, whenever I approached the bank for a crop loan, they sanctioned it within two days. But this year, I have been making rounds to the bank for the past 20 days without success,’’ Ramulamma, another farmer, alleges.
‘‘We are not giving priority in sanctioning fresh loans to the farmers who got relief from the government,’’ a branch manager of AP Grameen Vikas Bank, pleading anonymity, told Express.
Issuing loans to new farmers is the government’s top priority this year.
Taking advantage of this, the bankers are looking for new loanees and avoiding those who had benefited from the loan waiver.
However, the Andhra Bank general manager, attached to State-Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) wing, told Express that there was no ban on issuing crop loans to farmers who got the loan waiver. However, he admitted that managers of some branches may not issue loans to ‘willful defaulters’.
Confessions of a banker
‘‘We are not giving priority to the farmers who got relief from the government,’’ a branch manager of AP Grameen Vikas Bank, pleading anonymity, told Express. An Andhra Bank general manager, attached to State-Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) wing, however, told Express that there was no ban on issuing crop loans to farmers who got the loan waiver. Nonetheless, he admitted that managers of some branches may not issue loans to ‘willful defaulters’
First Published : 13 Jul 2009 09:36:39 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: There is an unofficial moratorium on sanctioning of fresh crop loans to farmers who got complete loan waiver in the State last year. Bankers have blacklisted a majority of the farmers who had failed to repay loans and got relief from the government.
Last year, a record 63.41 lakh small and marginal farmers got complete loan waiver to the tune of Rs 11,354 crore in the State. Farmers having more than five acres got Rs 20,000 relief while the others got a waiver of 25 per cent of the loan amount.
Several bankers are not coming forward to sanction fresh loans to ‘willful defaulters’ in the kharif season as they fear that the farmers who got loan waiver may default this time too and look for government’s assistance again, admits a bank manager. However, there are no written orders to this effect.
‘‘I have cleared my Rs 30,000 due 15 days ago but the bank manager is not issuing a fresh loan,’’ complains Gouda Alivelu of Uppununthala. Several farmers who repaid loans have the same complaint with the bankers.
‘‘Earlier, whenever I approached the bank for a crop loan, they sanctioned it within two days. But this year, I have been making rounds to the bank for the past 20 days without success,’’ Ramulamma, another farmer, alleges.
‘‘We are not giving priority in sanctioning fresh loans to the farmers who got relief from the government,’’ a branch manager of AP Grameen Vikas Bank, pleading anonymity, told Express.
Issuing loans to new farmers is the government’s top priority this year.
Taking advantage of this, the bankers are looking for new loanees and avoiding those who had benefited from the loan waiver.
However, the Andhra Bank general manager, attached to State-Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) wing, told Express that there was no ban on issuing crop loans to farmers who got the loan waiver. However, he admitted that managers of some branches may not issue loans to ‘willful defaulters’.
Confessions of a banker
‘‘We are not giving priority to the farmers who got relief from the government,’’ a branch manager of AP Grameen Vikas Bank, pleading anonymity, told Express. An Andhra Bank general manager, attached to State-Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) wing, however, told Express that there was no ban on issuing crop loans to farmers who got the loan waiver. Nonetheless, he admitted that managers of some branches may not issue loans to ‘willful defaulters’
KCR’s ‘weak’lings, Grand weak links
By VV Balakrishna
30 Mar 2009
HYDERABAD: Resentment is brewing in the TRS and the TDP camps over TRS chief K Chandrasekhara Rao’s choice of candidates in some Assembly and Lok Sabha segments as they are seen to be ‘‘financially sound but politically weak.’’ Sources said the TDP Telangana leaders, already frustrated with the TRS for seeking seats that are considered TDP bastions, are now furious that the pink party has fielded ‘weak’ candidates in constituencies where the TDP is quite strong.
This perception of ‘weak contestants’ has led to widespread rumours that only those, who had loads of money, were considered for party tickets by the TRS leadership.
Chandrasekhara Rao denied the same vehemently in Medak on Sunday and even went to the extent of saying that he would rather chop his head rather than bow it in shame. The suspicion that only the filthy rich were considered for party tickets gained ground after the reported confession (in a section of press) of a candidate that he had paid Rs 10 crore to secure the Secunderabad ticket. Of the 45 Assembly and nine Lok Sabha seats for which the TRS has announced candidates, it fielded ‘weak’ candidates in over 12 Assembly and four Lok Sabha seats. TRS leaders too are admitting this in private.
The ‘weak’ candidates of TRS, according to party sources, are M Sudarshana Rao (Kukatpally Assembly), K Yadagiri Reddy (Alair), R Kanakaiah (Manthani), M Yadagiri Reddy (Uppal), K Prabhakar Reddy (Maheswaram).
The TRS also fielded a weak candidate AS Posetti in Nizamabad urban. Posetti is taking on PCC chief D Srinivas. Interestingly, former minister A Chandrasekhar did not want to stand again in his home turf Vikarabad, as he is sure of losing it to the Congress.
But, the TRS leadership has forced him to.
30 Mar 2009
HYDERABAD: Resentment is brewing in the TRS and the TDP camps over TRS chief K Chandrasekhara Rao’s choice of candidates in some Assembly and Lok Sabha segments as they are seen to be ‘‘financially sound but politically weak.’’ Sources said the TDP Telangana leaders, already frustrated with the TRS for seeking seats that are considered TDP bastions, are now furious that the pink party has fielded ‘weak’ candidates in constituencies where the TDP is quite strong.
This perception of ‘weak contestants’ has led to widespread rumours that only those, who had loads of money, were considered for party tickets by the TRS leadership.
Chandrasekhara Rao denied the same vehemently in Medak on Sunday and even went to the extent of saying that he would rather chop his head rather than bow it in shame. The suspicion that only the filthy rich were considered for party tickets gained ground after the reported confession (in a section of press) of a candidate that he had paid Rs 10 crore to secure the Secunderabad ticket. Of the 45 Assembly and nine Lok Sabha seats for which the TRS has announced candidates, it fielded ‘weak’ candidates in over 12 Assembly and four Lok Sabha seats. TRS leaders too are admitting this in private.
The ‘weak’ candidates of TRS, according to party sources, are M Sudarshana Rao (Kukatpally Assembly), K Yadagiri Reddy (Alair), R Kanakaiah (Manthani), M Yadagiri Reddy (Uppal), K Prabhakar Reddy (Maheswaram).
The TRS also fielded a weak candidate AS Posetti in Nizamabad urban. Posetti is taking on PCC chief D Srinivas. Interestingly, former minister A Chandrasekhar did not want to stand again in his home turf Vikarabad, as he is sure of losing it to the Congress.
But, the TRS leadership has forced him to.
Will the Grand Alliance bring home the bacon?
HYDERABAD: It seems that all the figures are in favour of the recently formed Grand Alliance, whose main aim is to defeat the Congress. But, the picture is not as rosy as it appears on paper.
The ground realities are otherwise.
The fight among the four partners of Grand Alliance over the number of seats is still continuing. TDP, TRS, CPM and CPI are yet to resolve the issue of whom to contest in which seat. The Grand Alliance partners, also dropped the proposal of holding a joint public meeting due to lack of time for arrangements.
Though a TDP politburo member asserted that there would be joint-meetings in the districts, it is not clear whether the partners, especially, the TDP and TRS will share a common dais during the election campaign.
There is also a big danger of several prominent leaders from all the four parties switching loyalties to other parties in the event of their losing their own seats due to alliance among the four parties.
The new friendship is causing more despondency than delight among the leaders of the alliance. In view of all these, the Grand Alliance is yet to make an impact on the people of the State.
On the other hand, differences are cropping up in the CPM in its traditional bastion Khammam district. The other worry is whether the leadership of four parties are capable of transferring their traditional votes to others after seat-adjustment.
The elections to local bodies was a bitter experience for the TDP and the CPM. The CPM votes were transferred to the TDP, but TDP voters ditched CPM candidates in Visakhapatnam Corporation elections. At the hustings, the Alliance partners will have to face trouble from rebels and cross voting by own party leaders.
Several TDP leaders are ready to ensure the defeat of the TRS and the Left leaders in case the TDP allotted a particular seats to them.
The moot question is: Will the mixing of - yellow, pink and red - present a vibrant rainbow for the Alliance leaders or leave them red faced? However, the TDP and Left leaders have been repeatedly asserting that they would come out with flying colours in the next elections and everything would go well with the Grand Alliance.
ONE GOAL :To regain power in the State.
TWO STATES :TDP declared that it had no objection to the State’s bifurcation.
THREE STARS :Balakrishna, NTR Jr and Vijayasanti to campaign for the Grand Alliance.
FOUR PARTIES : TDP, TRS, CPM and CPI formed into Grand Alliance.
50 PER CENT :Votes the leaders are expecting to get in the polls.
200 PROMISES :Given by TDP to voters, including distribution of CTVs.
Rs 2,000 :The amount to be deposited in the bank accounts of the poor by the TDP Government through Cash Transfer Scheme.
The ground realities are otherwise.
The fight among the four partners of Grand Alliance over the number of seats is still continuing. TDP, TRS, CPM and CPI are yet to resolve the issue of whom to contest in which seat. The Grand Alliance partners, also dropped the proposal of holding a joint public meeting due to lack of time for arrangements.
Though a TDP politburo member asserted that there would be joint-meetings in the districts, it is not clear whether the partners, especially, the TDP and TRS will share a common dais during the election campaign.
There is also a big danger of several prominent leaders from all the four parties switching loyalties to other parties in the event of their losing their own seats due to alliance among the four parties.
The new friendship is causing more despondency than delight among the leaders of the alliance. In view of all these, the Grand Alliance is yet to make an impact on the people of the State.
On the other hand, differences are cropping up in the CPM in its traditional bastion Khammam district. The other worry is whether the leadership of four parties are capable of transferring their traditional votes to others after seat-adjustment.
The elections to local bodies was a bitter experience for the TDP and the CPM. The CPM votes were transferred to the TDP, but TDP voters ditched CPM candidates in Visakhapatnam Corporation elections. At the hustings, the Alliance partners will have to face trouble from rebels and cross voting by own party leaders.
Several TDP leaders are ready to ensure the defeat of the TRS and the Left leaders in case the TDP allotted a particular seats to them.
The moot question is: Will the mixing of - yellow, pink and red - present a vibrant rainbow for the Alliance leaders or leave them red faced? However, the TDP and Left leaders have been repeatedly asserting that they would come out with flying colours in the next elections and everything would go well with the Grand Alliance.
ONE GOAL :To regain power in the State.
TWO STATES :TDP declared that it had no objection to the State’s bifurcation.
THREE STARS :Balakrishna, NTR Jr and Vijayasanti to campaign for the Grand Alliance.
FOUR PARTIES : TDP, TRS, CPM and CPI formed into Grand Alliance.
50 PER CENT :Votes the leaders are expecting to get in the polls.
200 PROMISES :Given by TDP to voters, including distribution of CTVs.
Rs 2,000 :The amount to be deposited in the bank accounts of the poor by the TDP Government through Cash Transfer Scheme.
Wednesday 9 September 2009
Parties dish out unfair deal to fair sex
Parties dish out unfair deal to fair sex
V V BalakrishnaFirst Published : 02 Apr 2009 03:51:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 02 Apr 2009 12:59:18 PM IST
HYDERABAD: All the political parties in the State have adopted an unfair approach towards the fairer sex in the elections, if one goes by the list of the candidates finalised so far for the elections to the Lok Sabha and the Assembly.
Albeit their tall talk of providing 33 per cent reservations to women in legislative bodies and extending support to a Bill in the Parliament if women’s reservation bill is introduced, the major political parties, in practice, seem to be higly gender-biased.
The Congress is a shade better than others: it gave five Lok Sabha seats to women, including D Purandeswari, B Jhansi, Renuka Chowdury and Panabaka Lakshmi. Heroines R K Roja and Vijayasanti are in the Grand Alliance list.
The Congress fielded 33 women candidates instead of providing 33 per cent seats for the Assembly, while the TDP came with a poor 17 seats. There are four women in the TDP list for the Lok Sabha. The TRS fielded no woman for the Assembly but allotted only one Lok Sabha seat for Vijayasanti.
The Opposition TDP, which always reposed faith in women voters for victory, ignored them this time, as the party “cannot take risk” in the current elections as they are crucial for the party. The party searched for `winning horses’ but it did not include many women. The Praja Rajyam Party (PRP), the Lok Satta Party (LSP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) too gave less priority to women in the Assembly elections. The same is the case with the Left parties. Even if the parties have allotted tickets to women, they are either seasoned politicians or relatives of senior leaders. Very few women who are fresh to public life found a place in the lists of parties.
“When I approached the TDP for a ticket, a politburo member told me that the party could not take a risk this time,” an aspirant and former MLA Katragadda Prasuna said. In the 2004 elections, the TDP gave more number of seats to women. “The party leaders told me that they could not take a chance this time like in the 2004 elections,” Prasuna said. Reason? This was going to be a fiercely fought election and winning every Assembly seat was a must to form the next government.
“As the parties were hunting for winning horses, women candidates did not get tickets,” a TDP woman leader said.
The situation in the TRS is very strange. Not a single woman finds a place in the Pink party’s list for the Assembly.
The TRS has fielded only one woman candidate -- Vijayashanti -- for the Lok Sabha. “I too feel bad that not many women have got seats,” actress and TRS secretary general Vijayashanti said. “Due to alliances, women could not get many seats in the Grand Alliance,” she added.
V V BalakrishnaFirst Published : 02 Apr 2009 03:51:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 02 Apr 2009 12:59:18 PM IST
HYDERABAD: All the political parties in the State have adopted an unfair approach towards the fairer sex in the elections, if one goes by the list of the candidates finalised so far for the elections to the Lok Sabha and the Assembly.
Albeit their tall talk of providing 33 per cent reservations to women in legislative bodies and extending support to a Bill in the Parliament if women’s reservation bill is introduced, the major political parties, in practice, seem to be higly gender-biased.
The Congress is a shade better than others: it gave five Lok Sabha seats to women, including D Purandeswari, B Jhansi, Renuka Chowdury and Panabaka Lakshmi. Heroines R K Roja and Vijayasanti are in the Grand Alliance list.
The Congress fielded 33 women candidates instead of providing 33 per cent seats for the Assembly, while the TDP came with a poor 17 seats. There are four women in the TDP list for the Lok Sabha. The TRS fielded no woman for the Assembly but allotted only one Lok Sabha seat for Vijayasanti.
The Opposition TDP, which always reposed faith in women voters for victory, ignored them this time, as the party “cannot take risk” in the current elections as they are crucial for the party. The party searched for `winning horses’ but it did not include many women. The Praja Rajyam Party (PRP), the Lok Satta Party (LSP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) too gave less priority to women in the Assembly elections. The same is the case with the Left parties. Even if the parties have allotted tickets to women, they are either seasoned politicians or relatives of senior leaders. Very few women who are fresh to public life found a place in the lists of parties.
“When I approached the TDP for a ticket, a politburo member told me that the party could not take a risk this time,” an aspirant and former MLA Katragadda Prasuna said. In the 2004 elections, the TDP gave more number of seats to women. “The party leaders told me that they could not take a chance this time like in the 2004 elections,” Prasuna said. Reason? This was going to be a fiercely fought election and winning every Assembly seat was a must to form the next government.
“As the parties were hunting for winning horses, women candidates did not get tickets,” a TDP woman leader said.
The situation in the TRS is very strange. Not a single woman finds a place in the Pink party’s list for the Assembly.
The TRS has fielded only one woman candidate -- Vijayashanti -- for the Lok Sabha. “I too feel bad that not many women have got seats,” actress and TRS secretary general Vijayashanti said. “Due to alliances, women could not get many seats in the Grand Alliance,” she added.
Zing missing at NTR Bhavan
Zing missing at NTR Bhavan
V V BalakrishnaFirst Published : 25 Apr 2009 08:10:24 AM ISTLast Updated :
HYDERABAD: Though the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) claimed that the Grand Alliance would get absolute majority, the mood at the party office was somewhat sullen today.
Except a few senior leaders like K Yerran Naidu and N Janardhan Reddy, no one turned up at the party office. The party activists yesterday had burst firecrackers.
But, there was not much activity in front of the NTR Bhavan today.
However, the party leaders were hoping that the Cash Transfer Scheme (CTS) would work wonders for the TDP.
The party backroom boys were engaged in a constituency-wise analysis on how the party had fared in the segments.
After analysing the poll trends in the 294 Assembly segments, they felt that the large turnout of women voters would help the party form the next government.
They felt that though the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) would get some votes from the youth, the TDP would also get a considerable share of votes from the youth.
The party leaders, however, were not sure of how first-time voters might have reacted this time. They felt most of the first-timers might have voted for the Lok Satta Party or the PRP while a few of them might have voted for the TDP.
After heated discussions, the party leaders ultimately put up a brave face and opined that the Grand Alliance would form the government.
Most of the candidates who campaigned vigorously in the hot summer were seen taking rest to overcome the tension over the outcome.
V V BalakrishnaFirst Published : 25 Apr 2009 08:10:24 AM ISTLast Updated :
HYDERABAD: Though the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) claimed that the Grand Alliance would get absolute majority, the mood at the party office was somewhat sullen today.
Except a few senior leaders like K Yerran Naidu and N Janardhan Reddy, no one turned up at the party office. The party activists yesterday had burst firecrackers.
But, there was not much activity in front of the NTR Bhavan today.
However, the party leaders were hoping that the Cash Transfer Scheme (CTS) would work wonders for the TDP.
The party backroom boys were engaged in a constituency-wise analysis on how the party had fared in the segments.
After analysing the poll trends in the 294 Assembly segments, they felt that the large turnout of women voters would help the party form the next government.
They felt that though the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) would get some votes from the youth, the TDP would also get a considerable share of votes from the youth.
The party leaders, however, were not sure of how first-time voters might have reacted this time. They felt most of the first-timers might have voted for the Lok Satta Party or the PRP while a few of them might have voted for the TDP.
After heated discussions, the party leaders ultimately put up a brave face and opined that the Grand Alliance would form the government.
Most of the candidates who campaigned vigorously in the hot summer were seen taking rest to overcome the tension over the outcome.
TDP may fare well only in 3 dists of Andhra, R’seema
V V BalakrishnaFirst Published : 04 May 2009 08:21:22 AM ISTLast Updated : 04 May 2009 10:45:20 AM IST
HYDERABAD: The main Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which is expecting a simple majority in the Assembly to form the government, is likely to get a good number of seats only in three districts in Andhra and Rayalaseema.
The internal appraisal of the party indicated that the TDP fared well in Guntur, Chittoor and Anantapur districts. TDP leaders are not confident of getting a fair number of Assembly seats in the remaining districts.
With these indications, doubts are increasing in the party on getting a simple majority in the Assembly.
The TDP, which had been strong in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions till 2004, is now skeptical about getting many seats in the areas where there is a triangular fight among the TDP, the PRP and the Congress.
After analysing the poll trends, the TDP leaders are now revealing that the party would get more than 60 per cent of the Assembly seats in only three districts in Andhra and Rayalaseema.
According to sources, TDP leaders are confident of winning more than 60 per cent of the Assembly seats in Guntur, Chittor and Anantapur districts of the total nine districts which went to the polls in the second phase on April 23.
The TDP is expected to get 10 Assembly seats out of 17 in Guntur district.
If there was a silent wave in favour of the TDP, the party would get a maximum of 14 Assembly seats, party sources said.
However, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu expected that his party would sweep all the seats in Guntur district.
In Anantapur, a TDP bastion, party leaders expect to win eight to 10 Assembly seats out of the total 14 seats in the district. Likewise, in Chittoor district too, the TDP is expecting to win seven to 10 Assembly seats out of the 14 seats in the district.
TDP leaders are not sure of the party sweeping the polls in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, the twin Godavari districts, Krishna, Prakasam, Nellore and Kadapa districts. Even in Krishna district, the PRP’s presence was strong in East Krishna, a TDP leader admitted.
However, TDP leaders are not confident of getting a good number of seats in other districts.
In such a scenario, the TDP would not get a simple majority in the elections to form the government, analysts felt.
However, TDP leaders are exuding confidence that the Grand Alliance would form the next government.
And, even though there are rumours that the TDP is in touch with some former TDP leaders who contested on behalf of the PRP in the elections, party general secretary K Srihari has dismissed such reports, saying, “We will form the next government.
We are not consulting with leaders of the PRP.’’
HYDERABAD: The main Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP), which is expecting a simple majority in the Assembly to form the government, is likely to get a good number of seats only in three districts in Andhra and Rayalaseema.
The internal appraisal of the party indicated that the TDP fared well in Guntur, Chittoor and Anantapur districts. TDP leaders are not confident of getting a fair number of Assembly seats in the remaining districts.
With these indications, doubts are increasing in the party on getting a simple majority in the Assembly.
The TDP, which had been strong in Andhra and Rayalaseema regions till 2004, is now skeptical about getting many seats in the areas where there is a triangular fight among the TDP, the PRP and the Congress.
After analysing the poll trends, the TDP leaders are now revealing that the party would get more than 60 per cent of the Assembly seats in only three districts in Andhra and Rayalaseema.
According to sources, TDP leaders are confident of winning more than 60 per cent of the Assembly seats in Guntur, Chittor and Anantapur districts of the total nine districts which went to the polls in the second phase on April 23.
The TDP is expected to get 10 Assembly seats out of 17 in Guntur district.
If there was a silent wave in favour of the TDP, the party would get a maximum of 14 Assembly seats, party sources said.
However, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu expected that his party would sweep all the seats in Guntur district.
In Anantapur, a TDP bastion, party leaders expect to win eight to 10 Assembly seats out of the total 14 seats in the district. Likewise, in Chittoor district too, the TDP is expecting to win seven to 10 Assembly seats out of the 14 seats in the district.
TDP leaders are not sure of the party sweeping the polls in Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, the twin Godavari districts, Krishna, Prakasam, Nellore and Kadapa districts. Even in Krishna district, the PRP’s presence was strong in East Krishna, a TDP leader admitted.
However, TDP leaders are not confident of getting a good number of seats in other districts.
In such a scenario, the TDP would not get a simple majority in the elections to form the government, analysts felt.
However, TDP leaders are exuding confidence that the Grand Alliance would form the next government.
And, even though there are rumours that the TDP is in touch with some former TDP leaders who contested on behalf of the PRP in the elections, party general secretary K Srihari has dismissed such reports, saying, “We will form the next government.
We are not consulting with leaders of the PRP.’’
Reddy loyalists pitch for his son as successor
Reddy loyalists pitch for his son as successor
V V BalakrishnaFirst Published : 04 Sep 2009 12:46:00 AM ISTLast Updated :
HYDERABAD: Even before the tragic news of the death of Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy had sunk in, hectic parleys began in the Congress on who should succeed him.
Though Finance Minister K Rosaiah, the senior most in the Cabinet, was sworn in on Thursday evening as the caretaker chief minister, Rosaiah made it clear that this arrangement was ‘‘interim in nature’’ and he would hold the responsibility only till the Congress high command picked Reddy’s successor.
As if to block the chances of anyone else being considered, a significant number of Congress legislators, including some ministers, issued public statements stating that Rajasekhara Reddy’s son, Jaganmohan Reddy, should be the natural choice for the post. ‘‘The party needs a young leader to take it forward at this critical juncture. Jagan is the right choice,’’ Agriculture Minister N Raghuveera Reddy declared.
Jaganmohan was elected to the Parliament from Kadapa for the first time this year. However, his candidature may not be automatically accepted by a section of the Congress legislators who do not sail with him for a variety of reasons.
The other possible contender for the CM’s post could be Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy. The Congress has just about enough majority in the Assembly — 156 as against the required minimum strength of 147.
V V BalakrishnaFirst Published : 04 Sep 2009 12:46:00 AM ISTLast Updated :
HYDERABAD: Even before the tragic news of the death of Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy had sunk in, hectic parleys began in the Congress on who should succeed him.
Though Finance Minister K Rosaiah, the senior most in the Cabinet, was sworn in on Thursday evening as the caretaker chief minister, Rosaiah made it clear that this arrangement was ‘‘interim in nature’’ and he would hold the responsibility only till the Congress high command picked Reddy’s successor.
As if to block the chances of anyone else being considered, a significant number of Congress legislators, including some ministers, issued public statements stating that Rajasekhara Reddy’s son, Jaganmohan Reddy, should be the natural choice for the post. ‘‘The party needs a young leader to take it forward at this critical juncture. Jagan is the right choice,’’ Agriculture Minister N Raghuveera Reddy declared.
Jaganmohan was elected to the Parliament from Kadapa for the first time this year. However, his candidature may not be automatically accepted by a section of the Congress legislators who do not sail with him for a variety of reasons.
The other possible contender for the CM’s post could be Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy. The Congress has just about enough majority in the Assembly — 156 as against the required minimum strength of 147.
Tuesday 8 September 2009
Divided Oppn keeps YSR Govt smiling
VV Balakrishna
First Published : 13 Jul 2009 09:52:02 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: Though the Budget session of the State Legislative Assembly, scheduled to commence later this month, may be crucial, the ruling Congress is not very much worried. The reason? The divided Opposition.
The Congress won only 155 seats in the election and YS Rajasekhara Reddy formed the government for the second time. This is the first-ever government with such a simple majority in the Assembly.
In contrast, there were six major Opposition parties having a record number of 126 members in the House. This is also the first time the ruling party is facing such a strong Opposition.
The strong Opposition is divided and is brawling among themselves.
First, it was the Telugu Desam party (TDP) which blamed the Praja Rajyam party (PRP) and the Lok Satta Party (LSP) for its poll debacle. TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the other Opposition parties, instead of supporting the main Opposition party, were aiding the ruling Congress.
PRP president Chiranjeevi retorted by alleging that Naidu was not behaving like a responsible Opposition leader. He not only said that Naidu had failed to coordinate with other Opposition parties but also went a step ahead doubting the `mental balance’ of Naidu.
On the other, the LSP too strongly reacted to TDP’s allegations on party funds.
The LSP challenged the TDP to a debate on the party funds. The TDP alleged that the LSP had taken money from the Congress and helped it to defeat the TDP in the recent elections.
The two Left parties too are not hiding their `mutual hate’. The Left parties are accusing each other for the poor show in the elections. CPI State secretary K Narayana wondered whether CPM State secretary BV Raghavulu had the `brain’ at all. Retorting to this, Raghavulu said: ``People will judge who has the brain and who has not.’’ The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has barely overcome the crisis of recent internal squabbles. But it too has pointed fingers at the TDP for the poll debacle.
The PRP and TDP too are facing internal problems. Several leaders are quitting the PRP. The TDP faced problems from Kovur MLA N Prasannakumar Reddy and Talasani Srinivasa Yadav.
As the floor coordination among the Opposition parties is doubtful, the ruling Congress has an advantage of the support from the seven-member MIM, which could also help the party in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections.
First Published : 13 Jul 2009 09:52:02 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: Though the Budget session of the State Legislative Assembly, scheduled to commence later this month, may be crucial, the ruling Congress is not very much worried. The reason? The divided Opposition.
The Congress won only 155 seats in the election and YS Rajasekhara Reddy formed the government for the second time. This is the first-ever government with such a simple majority in the Assembly.
In contrast, there were six major Opposition parties having a record number of 126 members in the House. This is also the first time the ruling party is facing such a strong Opposition.
The strong Opposition is divided and is brawling among themselves.
First, it was the Telugu Desam party (TDP) which blamed the Praja Rajyam party (PRP) and the Lok Satta Party (LSP) for its poll debacle. TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu alleged that the other Opposition parties, instead of supporting the main Opposition party, were aiding the ruling Congress.
PRP president Chiranjeevi retorted by alleging that Naidu was not behaving like a responsible Opposition leader. He not only said that Naidu had failed to coordinate with other Opposition parties but also went a step ahead doubting the `mental balance’ of Naidu.
On the other, the LSP too strongly reacted to TDP’s allegations on party funds.
The LSP challenged the TDP to a debate on the party funds. The TDP alleged that the LSP had taken money from the Congress and helped it to defeat the TDP in the recent elections.
The two Left parties too are not hiding their `mutual hate’. The Left parties are accusing each other for the poor show in the elections. CPI State secretary K Narayana wondered whether CPM State secretary BV Raghavulu had the `brain’ at all. Retorting to this, Raghavulu said: ``People will judge who has the brain and who has not.’’ The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has barely overcome the crisis of recent internal squabbles. But it too has pointed fingers at the TDP for the poll debacle.
The PRP and TDP too are facing internal problems. Several leaders are quitting the PRP. The TDP faced problems from Kovur MLA N Prasannakumar Reddy and Talasani Srinivasa Yadav.
As the floor coordination among the Opposition parties is doubtful, the ruling Congress has an advantage of the support from the seven-member MIM, which could also help the party in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections.
Banks blacklist loan waiver beneficiaries
VV Balakrishna
First Published : 13 Jul 2009 09:36:39 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: There is an unofficial moratorium on sanctioning of fresh crop loans to farmers who got complete loan waiver in the State last year. Bankers have blacklisted a majority of the farmers who had failed to repay loans and got relief from the government.
Last year, a record 63.41 lakh small and marginal farmers got complete loan waiver to the tune of Rs 11,354 crore in the State. Farmers having more than five acres got Rs 20,000 relief while the others got a waiver of 25 per cent of the loan amount.
Several bankers are not coming forward to sanction fresh loans to ‘willful defaulters’ in the kharif season as they fear that the farmers who got loan waiver may default this time too and look for government’s assistance again, admits a bank manager. However, there are no written orders to this effect.
‘‘I have cleared my Rs 30,000 due 15 days ago but the bank manager is not issuing a fresh loan,’’ complains Gouda Alivelu of Uppununthala. Several farmers who repaid loans have the same complaint with the bankers.
‘‘Earlier, whenever I approached the bank for a crop loan, they sanctioned it within two days. But this year, I have been making rounds to the bank for the past 20 days without success,’’ Ramulamma, another farmer, alleges.
‘‘We are not giving priority in sanctioning fresh loans to the farmers who got relief from the government,’’ a branch manager of AP Grameen Vikas Bank, pleading anonymity, told Express.
Issuing loans to new farmers is the government’s top priority this year.
Taking advantage of this, the bankers are looking for new loanees and avoiding those who had benefited from the loan waiver.
However, the Andhra Bank general manager, attached to State-Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) wing, told Express that there was no ban on issuing crop loans to farmers who got the loan waiver. However, he admitted that managers of some branches may not issue loans to ‘willful defaulters’.
Confessions of a banker
‘‘We are not giving priority to the farmers who got relief from the government,’’ a branch manager of AP Grameen Vikas Bank, pleading anonymity, told Express. An Andhra Bank general manager, attached to State-Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) wing, however, told Express that there was no ban on issuing crop loans to farmers who got the loan waiver. Nonetheless, he admitted that managers of some branches may not issue loans to ‘willful defaulters’
First Published : 13 Jul 2009 09:36:39 AM IST
Last Updated :
HYDERABAD: There is an unofficial moratorium on sanctioning of fresh crop loans to farmers who got complete loan waiver in the State last year. Bankers have blacklisted a majority of the farmers who had failed to repay loans and got relief from the government.
Last year, a record 63.41 lakh small and marginal farmers got complete loan waiver to the tune of Rs 11,354 crore in the State. Farmers having more than five acres got Rs 20,000 relief while the others got a waiver of 25 per cent of the loan amount.
Several bankers are not coming forward to sanction fresh loans to ‘willful defaulters’ in the kharif season as they fear that the farmers who got loan waiver may default this time too and look for government’s assistance again, admits a bank manager. However, there are no written orders to this effect.
‘‘I have cleared my Rs 30,000 due 15 days ago but the bank manager is not issuing a fresh loan,’’ complains Gouda Alivelu of Uppununthala. Several farmers who repaid loans have the same complaint with the bankers.
‘‘Earlier, whenever I approached the bank for a crop loan, they sanctioned it within two days. But this year, I have been making rounds to the bank for the past 20 days without success,’’ Ramulamma, another farmer, alleges.
‘‘We are not giving priority in sanctioning fresh loans to the farmers who got relief from the government,’’ a branch manager of AP Grameen Vikas Bank, pleading anonymity, told Express.
Issuing loans to new farmers is the government’s top priority this year.
Taking advantage of this, the bankers are looking for new loanees and avoiding those who had benefited from the loan waiver.
However, the Andhra Bank general manager, attached to State-Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) wing, told Express that there was no ban on issuing crop loans to farmers who got the loan waiver. However, he admitted that managers of some branches may not issue loans to ‘willful defaulters’.
Confessions of a banker
‘‘We are not giving priority to the farmers who got relief from the government,’’ a branch manager of AP Grameen Vikas Bank, pleading anonymity, told Express. An Andhra Bank general manager, attached to State-Level Bankers Committee (SLBC) wing, however, told Express that there was no ban on issuing crop loans to farmers who got the loan waiver. Nonetheless, he admitted that managers of some branches may not issue loans to ‘willful defaulters’
Research failure behind red gram shortage?
VV Balakrishna
First Published : 24 Aug 2009 03:46:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 24 Aug 2009 10:55:49 AM IST
HYDERABAD: Lack of focused research on red gram (pigeon pea) has apparently led to the present situation of acute shortage of pulses and price touching an all-time high of Rs 100 per kilo.
``Not much research has gone into red gram crop,’’ Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy told reporters in an informal chat recently.
Several decades of neglect have seen yield per acre stagnating at between 2 to 3.5 tonnes per acre.
This is in contrast with wheat and rice which have benefited from extensive research. The yield per acre of wheat, which used to be just 8 to 10 quintals a few years ago, is now between 25 and 50 quintals.
Similarly, productivity of paddy was just 13 quintals, but with improved seed varieties it now touches 50 quintals per acre in rabi and 40 in kharif.
The reason for lack of research in pulses, especially in red gram, is that none has recognised pulses as major food crops. But over a period of time consumption of redgram has increased in the country for its nutritional value.
When NT Rama Rao was chief minister and wanted to distribute the 1,000 acres of surplus lands of the Challapalli Zamindar in Krishna district, some suggested that a pulses research station be set up there. But litigation put paid to the proposal.
The officials the leased in 110 acres and started a research station for pulses in Challapalli, but the work there seems not very effective for want of proper monitoring.
Several farmer organisations have been urging the State Government to start a ``rice fallow pulses research station’’ in the State. Though there is an ongoing all-India coordinated research project on pigeon pea, the technology has yet to be transferred from lab to farm.
With 20 per cent protein, red gram is an important supplement to an energy rich cereal diet.
According to sources at the Indian Institute of Pulses Research, the production of red gram increased from 1.7 million tonnes in 1950 to 2.8 million tonnes in 2006.
However, the crop acreage has hardly increased over the years.
Consequently, per capita availability of pigeon pea is very low, the IIPR sources said.
TDP leader Ummareddy Venkateswarlu has demanded that the State Government establish a research station on pulses focusing on improvement in yield and quality, and boosting of biotic and abiotic resistance.
vvbalakrishna@epmltd.com
YSR aims to storm Babu’s citadel
VV Balakrishna
First Published : 02 Sep 2009 03:19:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 02 Sep 2009 09:32:21 AM IST
HYDERABAD: Target Chittoor. The Congress is moving pawns to hoist its flag, the `tricolour’, on the `yellow fort’. Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy is targeting Chittoor district, which is considered to be the fiefdom of Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu.
Reddy vowed to send more number of Lok Sabha members to Delhi from the State to enable the Congress get absolute majority in the Lok Sabha in 2014.
He is also working on a strategy to ensure a huge majority for the Congress in the State Assembly in the next election. Towards this end, he has been concentrating on Chittoor, the home district of the TDP chief.
The chief minister has a two-pronged strategy to decimate the TDP in the district. First, he is focusing on development of the district. Recently he has secured two projects, a turbines and boilers manufacturing unit at Mannavaram and an international airport at Tirupati. Even TDP MLAs from Chittoor district complimented the chief minister for securing the sanction of the two big projects for the backward district. Second, he is making political moves. Several TDP leaders are being lured into the Congress.
In a major catch, he netted Telugu Mahila president RK Roja for the party.
According to sources, the Congress is also targeting other leaders.
Though Srikalahasti MLA Bojjala Gopala Krishna Reddy met the chief minister to congratulate him on bringing two big projects to the district, rumours are rife that he may join the Congress, his stout denials notwithstanding. The TDP, which was routed in coastal Andhra in the Assembly election, managed to win six of the 14 Assembly seats from Chittoor district.
It is a force to reckon with in the district and the Congress is trying hard to minimise its rival’s influence in the district.
The Congress was power in the State only for ten years during the 27-year period since the founding of the TDP in 1982.
“As we were in the Opposition for a long time, we did not focus our attention on Chittoor district. Nor in the past five years during my stint as chief minister,’’ admits Reddy.
The Congress tried to reduce the margin of the TDP chief ’s victory in Kuppam in the recent election and succeeded to some extent. ``With the support base in Kuppam the TDP was able to win the Chittoor Lok Sabha seat. had its majority in Kuppam been reduced, the Congress would have won the Chittoor Lok Sabha seat,’’ Reddy told reporters recently.
Sensing his bete noire’s game-plan, Naidu had alleged prior to the elections that the Congress was replicating Pulivendula-mark politics in Kuppam.
The visibly shaken former chief minister campaigned for the first time for himself in his constituency.
Till then he had never campaigned in the four successive elections he fought in Kuppam. Taking no chances, he even marshalled the film glamour of Balakrishna and the charm of his young son Lokesh to tilt the scales in his favour
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