KCR’s ‘weak’lings, Grand weak links

VV Balakrishna
First Published : 30 Mar 2009 03:32:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 30 Mar 2009 01:34:44 PM IST

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.

TDP call centre calling up voters for feedback

V V Balakrishna
First Published : 30 Mar 2009 02:19:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 30 Mar 2009 11:53:17 AM IST

HYDERABAD: It’s a common sight in call centres to witness many employees engaged in calling up potential customers to sell their products. But, here’s a call centre with a difference — the TDP call centre — set up at NTR Bhavan, the headquarters of the TDP, to gauge people’s pulse.

Around 400 employees, all youth (each hired for Rs 6,000 per month), are busy contacting people over the telephone, at the temporary call centre set up by the main Opposition party.

The youth ring up people in all the 294 Assembly segments and ask questions to seek feedback on the TDP. The TDP call centre, perhaps the first-one-of-its-kind run by any political party in the State, was started ten days ago. The callers ask some questions to people and seek their feedback.

Based on the information, the party has been finalising the candidates for various Assembly and Lok Sabha segments in the elections.

For example, after the Congress announced the list, the employees of the TDP call centre called up people and asked them their opinions regarding the Congress nominees. Later, they asked people several questions with regard to the TDP candidates — was the candidate the right person for their constituency, would he do justice to people — to seek their opinion.

The TDP call centre employees have reportedly been receiving positive responses to most of their queries to people about the TDP candidates.

“More than 60 per cent of the potential customers (read voters) are satisfied with the TDP candidates,’’ an employee working with the TDP call centre told `Express’.

However, while eliciting people’s opinions, the TDP call centre employees are not revealing their identities that they are working for a particular political party. “We are not revealing our identity. Just we are seeking feedback,’’ an employee said.

After the finalisation of candidates, the employees attached to the TDP call centre call up ‘customers’ and seek votes for the party.

“Each of us is making 50 to 60 calls per day.

We are working from 9 am to 5 pm,’’ an employee from East Godavari said. “The response from customers is good and they are cooperating with us. We politely disconnect the phone if any customer feels irritated,’’ he revealed.

A chairman of a group of corporate colleges is managing the show for the TDP.

So, don’t be surprised if you soon get a call from the TDP call centre, requesting you to vote for the TDP!

For Roja, politics is not a bed of roses

V V Balakrishna
First Published : 29 Mar 2009 09:16:44 AM IST
Last Updated : 29 Mar 2009 11:25:13 AM IST

HYDERABAD: The hate campaign being run in the name of elections has turned from bad to worse in Andhra Pradesh which is going in for a simultaneous poll to the Lok Sabha and Assembly. At the receiving end is TDP firebrand and former actress Roja, who is the Telugu Desam nominee for Chandragiri Assembly constituency in Chittoor district.

After verbal duels on television channels which often bordered on plain abuse, an MMS showing the veteran actress and a stranger in a compromising position is doing the rounds. The five-minute clip is being circulated over mobile phones not in one city or town but the entire State.

However, the video appears to have been morphed in a bid to damage the image of the actress-turned-politician, who has hit the headlines recently for her virulent attack on Chiranjeevi-led Praja Rajyam and the Congress. Circulation of this kind of MMSes is not uncommon but this is the first time that such a thing has surfaced during elections and that too, against a politician. Roja had, during her hey days, starred opposite all the top stars including megastar Chiranjeevi who is now in the opposite end of the political spectrum.

Notwithstanding her earlier association with Chiranjeevi, she has been one of his most vocal critics.

Roja, when contacted, said she had heard of the MMS but refrained from blaming anyone. She said she would lodge a complaint with the Election Commission

‘Sonrise’ soon in TDP?

Express News Service
First Published : 16 Mar 2009 03:19:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 16 Mar 2009 03:42:26 PM IST

HYDERABAD: In perhaps his first hint at a ‘sonrise’, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu Sunday said Lokesh would “help him politically”, even if occasionally.

To a question about his son’s entry into politics, Naidu said: “Do not drag him into politics”.

However, unlike previous occasions when Naidu used to emphatically and categorically rule out a political role for Lokesh altogether, this time round he did say that junior may help him out from time to time. This has given rise to speculation whether a plunge is in the offing.

It may be recalled that several aspirants to TDP tickets have been approaching the party through Lokesh, submitting their applications to him. Meanwhile, Naidu is greatly pleased with the way the NTR Jr and Balakrishna campaigns for the party have been progressing. “You are used to enjoying Saturday evenings but are working very hard now. Real happiness comes only after hard work,” Naidu told NTR Jr.

Nara Lokesh to lend dad a hand

NARA Lokesh, US-returned businessman, will help out dad and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu.

Party sources scotched talk of Lokesh’s immediate entry into politics, though he will, indeed appear on the radar by participating in a couple of public meetings to be addressed by NTR Jr.

Lokesh, an MBA from the US, is looking after the family business — Heritage Foods — along with mother, Bhuvaneswari.

It might be recounted here that whenever curious scribes have asked Chandrababu Naidu about Lokesh’s entry into active politics, the reply has been along these lines: “I want my son to become a good citizen first. It is up to him (Lokesh) which avocation to take up. Do not drag him into unnecessary controversies.” As for Naidu’s archrival and Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, the latter’s son, Jagan Mohan Reddy, will be making a foray into politics by contesting the Kadapa Lok Sabha seat.

politicos looking techwards for campaign

For the first time in these elections, technology is being extensively used by politicians and parties in the State.

From mobile phones to websites and online campaigning, politicians are making use of all kinds of technology.

Social networking site Facebook is the latest means through which several politicians are seeking voters’ support.

Though party websites were launched some years ago, several candidates are now using their personal websites and sites like Facebook as an alternative to door-to-door campaigning.

WEBSITES: Almost all the parties in the State have their own websites.

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), the AP Congress, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Lok Satta Party (LSP) have websites which are updated on a daily basis. The TDP also uploads its press releases and the news appearing in the regional newspapers every day.

PERSONAL WEBSITES: Not satisfied with the party websites, the techsavvy politicians, in order to catch the young voters, are launching personal websites. For example, LSP candidate from Jubilee Hills Assembly segment G Pratibha Rao launched her own website which gives more details about her mission. It actually came in handy for the LSP candidate as the party is opposed to money power in politics.

Several upcoming politicians like Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, son of Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy, and Nara Lokesh, son of TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu too have personal websites. Seasoned politician Y S Rajasekhara Reddy has one. N Chandrababu Naidu has a personal website which is a link site from the party’s website.

WEB-CAMPAIGN: After websites, the political parties and politicians are now focusing on online campaign and publicity through e-mails. In fact, the BJP has appointed men to launch on-line campaign for the party.

FACEBOOK: At least three politicians from Hyderabad have launched their campaigns on Facebook, the latest buzz among the Net-savvy citizens.

For example, Hyderabad MP and MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, his brother Akbaruddin Owaisi and Asad’s opponent and `Siasat’ editor Zahed Ali Khan are trying to muster support through Facebook.

SMSes: SMSes too have become a favourite means of conducting polls to find out the popularity of a candidate in a constituency and spread the message of parties directly to voters.

The TDP is conducting quick SMS polls among its activists to select the candidates in several Assembly segments in case there are three or more in the race for a ticket. The party is also seeking the opinion of partymen on announcing a scheme before taking a policy decision. For instance, the TDP is seeking the opinion of party workers and the general public on its latest decision to implement the Cash Transfer Scheme (CTS). The PRP and the TRS too are banking on mobile phones. The TDP went a step ahead and arranged Caller User Group (CUG) phones to its rank and file in arrangement with the BSNL.

Lokesh is rallying point for TD ticket aspirants

Express News ServiceFirst Published : 15 Mar 2009 03:56:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 15 Mar 2009 10:53:02 AM ISTHYDERABAD: Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh is becoming a rallying point for aspirants of party tickets.


Many aspirants are approaching the party via Lokesh channel. Daraneni Roja Rani, an aspirant for the Huzurnagar ticket, sought the appointment of Lokesh to present her candidature. She went to the Indo-American Cancer Hospital Friday, where the first anniversary of the NTR Memorial Blood Bank was celebrated, and submitted a list of names for the TDP’s dream programme the Cash Transfer Scheme to Lokesh. Later, she sought his appointment on a later date and got a positive response.

“As Naidu wanted the leaders to suggest names of those eligible for the CTS, I gave a list to Lokesh,” Roja Rani said while admitting that she was trying for Huzurngagar Assembly TDP ticket.

Lokesh, however, refused to speak to the media. “I am not a celebrity. I do not want to speak to the media,” he said.

Desertions continues in Telugu Desam Party

Express News ServiceFirst Published : 15 Mar 2009 04:07:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 15 Mar 2009 10:11:56 AM ISTHYDERABAD: The growing differences among the TDP leaders over ticket allotments is turning out to be a big headache for the party leadership and the second leg of actor Balakrishna’s tour is further complicating the matters. Though the party has not yet announced its candidates officially, some leaders are claiming to have got the nod much to the chagrin of other aspirants, one of whom has even quit.


Balakrishna’s tour of Nellore and Prakasam districts may be helping the party pull voters to its side, but on the flip side it is further widening the rift among the party leaders at various places. The actor is introducing many new leaders during his roadshows causing considerable heartburn among the ticket aspirants. Many of them are voicing their concerns openly.

Former minister M Kasireddy boycotted Balaiah’s tour in Kanigiri segment in Prakasam district as the actor supported the candidature of Kaidiri Baburao for the seat. Kasireddy followers staged a dharna in front of TDP chief Naidu’s residence recently over the issue. Kasireddy said he was not invited for the Balakrishna’s tour and so he kept himself away from it.

In Telangana, former minister G Sukhender Reddy quit the party following reports that his candidature will not be considered from Nalgonda district. He is going to join Congress shortly. Meanwhile, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu is busy meeting party leaders to elicit their opinions before finalising the first list of nominees.

Naidu, who has been meeting district coordination committees and Assembly committees for the past few days, will finish the exercise before March 23.

Later, he will embark on campaigning.

The TDP’s first list is likely to be released in a week’s time.

From neoliberal icon to Top of the Sops?

VV Balakrishna
First Published : 11 Mar 2009 01:50:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 11 Mar 2009 03:10:36 PM IST

HYDERABAD: Till 2004, he was the face of the neoliberalism that had the entire country in its vice-like grip. And in line with the insidious corporate culture that had crept into politics, CEO of Andhra Pradesh was how he liked to style himself.

After five years in the Opposition, and in view of the shambles that capitalist market mantras have left the entire world in, and the country in particular, Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu is now projecting himself as the poster boy of poverty alleviation.

During his nine-year stint as Chief Minister, Naidu opposed sops tooth and nail. Now, he is talking of poverty, hunger and food security.

What brought about this change of heart? Naidu’s TDP, which was the battering ram for market fundamentalism in the State, faced the wrath of all sections of society. What perhaps hit it hardest was that the party’s vote bank of BCs got alienated. The power tariff hike and subsequent agitations did further damage.

After the humiliating defeat in the 2004 elections, in which the TDP secured 46 Assembly seats, the lowestever in the 20-year history of the party, Naidu read the writing on the wall.

The TDP began consulting economists untainted by market orthodoxy and agricultural scientists like MS Swaminathan. The party honcho is also said to have read up on Amartya Sen.

Out went the wisdoms spouted in his “Plain Speaking”. That book, however, has come back to haunt him, with its follies serving as cannon fodder for rivals.

However that may be, the new Naidu has promised free rice and power to farmers, artisans and weavers. And, drawing inspiration from politicians in neighbouring Tamil Nadu, he has even promised colour TVs to the poor.

But even after this flood of assurances -- nearly 200 are said to have issued forth to date -- TDP leaders still harbour doubts whether these assurances will sway the voters.

Taking the cake is Naidu’s plan to distribute cash to the poor and the middle classes after elections. This is obviously inspired by the Conditional Cash Transfer scheme which proved a success in Latin American countries, and Naidu has dubbed it Cash Transfer Scheme (CTS) “Hunger, malnutrition, child labour are the main issues before us. The CTS is the panacea for all these evils,” Naidu, who as chief minister had not issued a single white ration card, now swears.

Whether his new avatar will help Babu regain power remains to be seen.

But TDP leaders are happy with the perceptible change in Naidu, which has moved the party closer to the Left.

Netas turn to betas for victory

VV Balakrishna
First Published : 13 Mar 2009 04:28:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 13 Mar 2009 12:46:58 PM IST

HYDERABAD: The ensuing elections are fast turning into a contest between, not just politicians, but also their families.

If TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu has roped in his late father- in-law NTR’s son N Balakrishna and grandson NTR Jr to bolster the image of his party, now it is the turn of Praja Rajyam chief Chiranjeevi to utilise the services of his son and budding actor Ram Charan Teja and upcoming hero Allu Arjun, son of the megastar’s brother-in-law Allu Aravind.

According to sources, ‘Chiruta’ Ram Charan Teja and Allu Arjun are likely to take part in a couple of public meetings to be organised by the PRP.

Ram Charan Teja has already sung a couple of songs for the audio CD of the PRP. Allu Arjun, who has a good following among youth, is yet to make a tangible contribution to Chiru’s cause.

Of course, all this would be in addition to what Pawan Kalyan, who is to campaign in the Telangana region, and Naga Babu, who is concentrating on coastal Andhra, are doing.

After the success of the Rajahmundry meeting, Chiranjeevi is planning two similar meetings in Hyderabad and Rayalaseema.

Meanwhile, Nara Lokesh, son of the TDP chief, is also likely to participate in a couple of meetings addressed by NTR Jr.

Meanwhile, TDP activists are overjoyed with the success of NTR Jr’s road-show which commenced on Thursday at Itchapuram in Srikakulam district.

Will the Grand Alliance bring home the bacon?

VV Balakrishna
First Published : 09 Mar 2009 08:40:00 AM IST

There are many imponderables that appear to be major hurdles in the way to victory for the partner political parties

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.


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.

Direct cash transfer to eradicate poverty, promises TDP

Express News Service

Hyderabad, March 5

In its first major bait to voters, the main Opposition Telugu Desam Party

(TDP) assured to distribute 'cash with colour television' to voters.

TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu today said that his party, if voted to

power, will introduce a novel programme `Cash Transfer Scheme' (CTS) to help

the poor overcome the problems of poverty and improve their quality of

life.

The CTS will ensure transfer of Government money to bank accounts of

beneficiaries every month on a specified day to ensure 'happy and healthy'

families.

TDP plans to deposit Rs 2,000 for the poorest of the poor, Rs 1,500 for the

poor and Rs 1,000 for middle class every month.

For this, TDP proposes to open bank accounts in the name of elder women

member of the family, irrespective of who the beneficiary in the family was.

They can withdraw the money through the ATMs. "Like salaries, the poor

families will get money from the Government every month,'' Naidu explained.

However, Naidu added that the social security pensions would be integrated

with the proposed Cash Transfer Scheme. However, others like dole to youth

and free-rice and other 'kind' will not come under CTS.

The CTS was proposed to improve the living standards of the poor. The

scheme will have an immediate effect on the income of the poor beneficiary

families, alleviating their poverty, Naidu explained.

As the families will get regular income, they would not have to send their

wards to work. Thus, child labour will be eradicated. Beneficiaries can buy

nutritious food thereby reduce the child mortality rate, improvement of

child, mother and family health. The CTS will help curb malnutrition

problems, ensures security for the aged, physically challenged, single

women and widows.

Significant reduction in hunger levels will be achieved by providing direct

funds to families which will be available for meeting their food

requirements. Thus, the CTS will ensure food and social security.

The scheme will reduce poverty on a long-term basis and usher in

socio-economic development.

The CTS will ensure proper management of public resources, as the money

will be deposited directly in the accounts in nationalised banks of

beneficiaries. This will also make available banking facility and ATM cards

to the poor.

TDP chief alleged that now the poor were receiving only Rs 5 out of every

Rs 100 spent by the Congress Government. As the money would be transferred

to bank accounts under the proposed CTS scheme, there would be greater

transparency and accountability, he added.

CTVs: Naidu also announced that one colour television set would be

distributed to each poor family, if TDP is voted to power. The scheme was

intended to spread the knowledge through TVs. Naidu admitted that he took

inspiration form Tamil Nadu for promising CTVs to the poor. He, however,

said that he did not work out the modalities for this. Naidu also promised

to provide free power supply to CTVs, two bulbs and one fan.

He also assured to waive entertainment tax on cable TV and health insurance

to cable operators and waiver of taxes for using electrical poles for laying

Babu proposes `Cash Transfer Scheme'

BLURB: If voted to power, the TDP Govt will spend Rs 20,000 crore for the welfare of the poor through the one-of-its-kind scheme in the country, says the TDP supremo

Express News Service

Hyderabad, March 5

THINK globally and act locally, seems to be the principle of TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu who has conceived Cash Transfer Scheme (CTS), which according to him, is one of its kind in the country.

Naidu studied a similar programme currently under implementation in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and New York in the USA. The governments in the respective countries were depositing money every month for citizens, Naidu said. New York Mayor too introduced such a scheme recently for citizens to overcome the economic recession.

The CTS was evaluated as the best ever welfare programme to eradicate child labour and improve health conditions by various organisations like the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Naidu said.The CTS, proposed by the TDP, was the best ever scheme in the country, Naidu claimed. It would ensure one US dollar to every poor family every day, he said.

But, how much will it cost to implement the CTS, if the TDP is voted to

power? It would cost around Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore, Naidu said.

He argued that the income of the State was steadily increasing at 21 per

cent on an average in the last 14 years. ``The present State income is

around Rs 70,000 crore. Can't the government spend Rs 20,000 crore for the

welfare of the poor?'' Naidu asked.

He argued that with the implementation of reforms, the income of the

government had increased and its benefits should trickle down to the poorest

of the poor.

On distribution of colour televisions, Naidu said each TV would cost around

Rs 3,000 as the government would order bulk supplies.

The TDP is seeking suggestions on these two promises from the public.

Suggestion can be posted at www.telugudesamparty.org or SMSes can be sent to

9618096186.

TD promises families monthly bonanza worth Rs 2,500

Gameplan: TDP politburo in meeting at the NTR Bhavan in Hyderabad on Wednesday.

VV Balakrishna
First Published : 05 Mar 2009 08:32:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 05 Mar 2009 04:35:14 PM IST

HYDERABAD: “Vote for Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and take Rs 2,500 worth benefits every month.’’ This is the quintessence of the TDP manifesto to be released before March 15.

The TDP manifesto will ensure that every family in the State gets one benefit or the other worth Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 every month.

The TDP politburo meeting, which approved the draft manifesto today, decided to shower Rs 2,500 worth `benefits’ to every family in the State. For this, the party identified three categories -- the poorest of the poor, the poor and the middle class. TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu will announce the scheme in a day or two and also coin a suitable name for it, a politburo member told `Express’.

The TDP is likely to release the draft manifesto in a day or two for the public and release the final manifesto between March 10 and 15 taking into consideration the suggestions given by the public. The TDP has assured food and social security for all.

“The main thrust of our manifesto will be on the the poor, farmers, artisans, youth, women and other oppressed classes. The party will ensure one benefit or the other to every poor family in the State,’’ TDP general secretary K Srihari said.

The TDP had already announced free rice to all the poor, Rs 1,000 dole to unemployed youth, enhancement of amount for social security pensions and free power to tillers and weavers. Naidu, during his 117-day `Meekossam Yatra’ announced 200 promises. Of these, the party identified the assurances which needed financial commitment. After working out the funds required for these schemes, the party estimated that every poor family in the State would get Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 worth benefits, if the TDP was voted to power.

The party had already decided to earmark Rs 5,000 crore in the State budget exclusively to meet the finances required to implement the promises made by Naidu.

??Draft manifesto to be released in a day or two

??Final manifesto to be out between March 10 and 15

Grand Alliance unlikely to hold joint public meet

Express News Service
3/4/2009 3:46:00 AM IST
HYDERABAD: The Grand Alliance is unlikely to hold a joint public meeting -- Maha Garjana.
After the TDP, the TRS, the CPM and the CPI formed the Grand Alliance, they thought of holding a massive public meeting. But now they have second thoughts over holding the joint public meeting.
“The proposed meeting has almost been cancelled.
This is because of lack of time,” said a TDP leader.
The Grand Alliance leaders initially planned to hold the meeting on March 9 in Hyderabad.
As the Parade Grounds was not free on March 9, the Grand Alliance leaders also inspected a ground near Shamshabad yesterday. They also planned to hold the meeting either on March 15 or 16 as TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu had to attend a Third Front meeting in Bangalore on March 12.
There were no auspicious dates before March 15, the TDP leaders said.
Holding a meeting after March 16 will not be possible as all the leaders of the four parties will be busy in finalising the list of contesting candidates and preparing manifestoes, the sources said. “We are running short of time,” they added.
Though the Grand Alliance leaders are citing time factor for cancelling the proposed meeting, there is much to read between the lines.
The Congress, which held joint meetings in the 2004 elections with the TRS and the Left, later faced severe criticism that by exchanging pink scarfs, the Congress had ditched the TRS on the Telangana issue.
To avoid such an embarrassing situation after the elections, the TDP was tactically avoiding a joint public meeting, analysts felt.

Leaders sweat it out to find what voters want

Express News Service
First Published : 04 Mar 2009 03:34:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 04 Mar 2009 09:24:13 AM IST

HYDERABAD: With the elections fast approaching, all political parties are busy giving finishing touches to their manifestoes to lure voters.

The manifesto committee of the TDP briefed its president N Chandrababu Naidu here on Tuesday. The party may release its manifesto any day after March 10 but starting tomorrow, it will announce its policies on key issues such as welfare, health and agriculture every day. And, after every announcement, it will invite suggestions from the public and may accordingly, amend its policies.

The party also promises to constitute a non-official committee, in case it comes to power, to ensure that all its poll promises are fulfilled. The TDP has already promised 25 kg of rice to BPL families for free, extension of the free power supply scheme for farmers to artisans and Rs 1,000 dole to unemployed youth. In all, till date, it has made 200 poll promises! Chiranjeevi’s Praja Rajyam will release its manifesto on March 10. The party manifesto will mainly focus on social justice, change, devolution of powers to local bodies and graft-free governance.

The TRS is also working on its manifesto but has not announced a date so far. The party has promised reservations to Muslims and tribals in a separate State of Telangana – if it becomes a reality. The party’s main agenda will, of course, be the demand for a separate State.

The ruling Congress, on the other hand, is likely to submit an action taken report on the promises it had made in the 2004 elections. The party is pinning its hopes on the development achieved in the last five years. Irrigation projects, social security pensions and the Indiramma housing scheme will be on top of its agenda.

The party may also come out with some more sops to woo voters. The Congress manifesto committee will meet in a day or two to finalise the manifesto.

The Grand Alliance partners - TDP, TRS, CPM and CPI - will go to the people with separate manifestoes. They are planning to formulate a common minimum programme (CMP) after coming to power

TRS not to insist on Bhongir Lok Sabha seat

Express News Service
First Published : 04 Mar 2009 03:52:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 04 Mar 2009 11:36:33 AM IST

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) has decided not to insist on the Bhongir Lok Sabha seat. It initially thought of fielding its secretary general Vijayasanti from Bhongir. With both the Left parties insisting on the same seat, the TRS softened its stand.

According to TDP sources, the TRS may field Vijayasanti from the Karimnagar Lok Sabha seat and TRS president K Chandrasekhara Rao may shift to the Medak Lok Sabha seat. Rao secured the Karimnagar seat with a narrow majority in the recent by-elections. However, the differences over other Assembly seats among the Grand Alliance partners are yet to be sorted out. The Grand Alliance partners, who met last night, decided to meet again today. But, the meeting was postponed.

According to a broad understanding reached among the TDP, the TRS, the CPM and the CPI -- the Left parties would contest two Lok Sabha seats each apart from 15 Assembly seats each.

“We are offering 15 Assembly seats each to the CPM and the CPI. After finalising the Lok Sabha seats, the Left parties may get two or three more Assembly seats,"said a TDP leader.

Meanwhile, the TRS will contest around 45 Assembly seats and nine Lok Sabha seats. “The TRS is particular about Lok Sabha seats and is not insisting on the number of Assembly seats,” TDP sources said.

With regard to the Bhongir seat, the two Left parties decided to approach their respective national committees to settle the matter. With this, the major player in the Grand Alliance — the TDP — will contest around 220 Assembly and 29 Lok Sabha seats. The Grand Alliance leaders may meet again tomorrow. But, the time has not yet been fixed.

According to sources, today’s meeting was cancelled as the TRS was unhappy with the attitude of other allies over allotting certain seats to it.

War of poll tele-ads comes to an end

Express News Service
First Published : 03 Mar 2009 04:23:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 03 Mar 2009 02:27:57 PM IST

HYDERABAD: Curtains were down on the unhealthy war of advertisements on regional news channels this evening.

As the election code came into force, all the parties stopped telecasting the advertisements immediately.

The ad-war started almost two weeks back, with political parties resorting to all types of personal abuses and filthy language. The war was mainly between the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Congress which showed TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy in poor light.

With the election code in force now, the political parties will have to refer the advertisements to a committee constituted by the EC before releasing them.

If any party telecasts the advertisement without the screening of the EC’s committee, the party and the TV channel will be liable for punishment.

TDP TO MOVE COURT: Meanwhile, the TDP is planning to move court protesting against the Congress releasing an advertisement in which the animated image of NTR was seen supporting the ruling Congress.

Speaking to reporters here today, TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu wondered how could NTR support the Congress. He said his party would move the court with a request stop further telecast of the advertisement.

Political parties switch to poll mode

Express News Service
First Published : 03 Mar 2009 04:42:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 03 Mar 2009 02:08:08 PM IST

HYDERABAD: Battle lines are drawn for the big-fight in the State. Leaders of all the parties are pulling up their socks for the poll-battle.

With the announcement of the election schedule for both the Lok Sabha and the State Assembly, all the political parties quickly got into poll mode today. Welcoming the poll schedule and expressing hope that the people would give mandate to their respective parties, State leaders of all the parties are gearing up their cadre for the grand final.

The election mood was clearly visible at respective party offices this evening with aspirants for tickets flocking them. Already all the parties launched the exercise to short-list the candidates.

Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy had already conducted review meetings for several Assembly segments.

The Grand Alliance which was dodging the seat-sharing issue till now, decided to speed up the process by ironing out the differences among the four parties. The Praja Rajyam did some exercise in finalising the candidates. The Lok Satta Party had already released names of candidates in two phases. The BJP also cleared the names for some Assembly and Lok Sabha seats.

The headquarters of various political parties were abuzz with activity from this evening.

At NTR Bhavan, the main Opposition Telugu Desam Party office, party chief N Chandrababu Naidu participated in the induction of the cultural troupe of the party. He welcomed two-phase elections in the State.

Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) chief Chiranjeevi who was touring Mahaboobnagar district said that the party would release its manifesto in the next four or five days.

However, the party was facing a problem with regard to a common symbol. Telangana Bhavan, Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) office and Gandhi Bhavan, the State Congress office, too witnessed heavy activity.

Already, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and BJP prime minister candidate LK Advani addressed meetings in the State. Several national leaders are likely to address the Grand Alliance public meeting this week.

PRP planning to move Supreme Court

VV Balakrishna
First Published : 03 Mar 2009 04:39:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 03 Mar 2009 02:22:27 PM IST

HYDERABAD: With the first phase of elections hardly 40 days away, there is high anxiety in the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) camp over its common election symbol. After the Election Commission (EC) rejected allotment of a common symbol for the newly-formed PRP, its general secretary Allu Aravind moved the High Court seeking `rail engine’ (locomotive) as the symbol for the party.

Though the court directed the EC to settle the issue within three weeks, there has been no reply from the EC to the PRP till now. With the chance of getting a common election symbol being remote, PRP chief Chiranjeevi said in Mahaboobnagar today, “We will explore all legal options to get the common symbol.” The PRP is planning to move the Supreme Court in this regard. The EC clearly stated that it was not possible to allot a common symbol for any new political party. To get the symbol, the party had to contest at least in one election and get six per cent of the total polled votes.

The PRP think tank had even thought of contesting on the symbol of any another recognised party which had no presence in the State. The PRP considered the NCP and other parties for using their symbols. But it would again have created problems for the PRP, as the party leadership would have had to depend upon the other party for issuing B-forms for its candidates. In such a case, the PRP could not have claimed its strength as the votes secured by PRP candidates would not have been treated as its votes. All the votes would have been claimed by the recognised party allowing the PRP to contest on its symbol.

In case the PRP got full strength in the Assembly, recognition of the MLAs as PRP members would also have been doubtful.

The PRP leadership has now dropped the idea of fielding its candidates on some other party symbol, according to sources. The only option left out for the PRP is to approach the apex court. If the PRP gets a symbol, well and good. Otherwise, all the 294 Assembly and 42 Lok Sabha candidates will get independent symbols. As the Assembly and Lok Sabha elections will be held simultaneously, the PRP leadership will have to promote two symbols in every Assembly segment — one for the Assembly candidate and another for the Lok Sabha candidate. Even if it gets a common symbol, popularising it in a short span of time will be a herculean task, feel analysts.

TDP, Congress ‘exploiting’ late NTR to woo voters

Express News Service
First Published : 02 Mar 2009 04:36:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 02 Mar 2009 12:57:26 PM IST

HYDERABAD: Even after 13 years of his death, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder NTR is here again to influence voters either in favour of the Congress or the TDP in the next elections.

The telecast of NTR’s animated image in advertisements in regional news channels is snowballing into a controversy. In the advertisement released by the TDP, the animated image of NTR `exposed’ Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and directed him to go to Idupulapaya to take rest after the next elections.

And now, in the advertisement issued for the Congress, NTR is seen presenting `Sudarsana Chakram’ to Y S Rajasekhara Reddy to `behead’ TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu for stabbing him (NTR) in the back.

It all began after the TDP released a series of advertisements -- Banti and Chanti, two chickens painted yellow, discussing corruption of the Congress -- on the corruption of the Rajasekhara Reddy Government.

In the subsequent advertisements released for the Congress, a `sadhu’ sprinkles water on the chickens and makes them come out in their true colours. The chickens will reveal their identity as `cunning foxes’ which had been spreading falsehood against the Congress.

To counter this, the TDP released an advertisement in which an animated image of the NTR exposed the `Congress sadhu’ as Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and directed him to go to Idupulapaya to take rest there.

Now, the animated NTR of the Congress, while presenting `Sudarsana Chakram’ to Rajasekhara Reddy, uses the choicest abuses in Telugu like `Tucchudu and neechudu’ against TDP president Chandrababu Naidu who backstabbed NTR.

“Take this `chakram’ and eliminate Naidu from politics,” the animated NTR is seen directing Rajasekhara Reddy. However, Union Minister and NTR’s daughter D Purandhareswari objected to the TDP using NTR for advertisements.

TDP leader K Yerran Naidu said the Congress had no right to use NTR for its campaign. “The Congress mainly banked on the backstabbing issue in 1999 elections. But, the people rejected it by reposing faith in the TDP. The Congress did not use the backstabbing issue in 2004 elections,” Yerran Naidu recalled. The campaign of the Congress on the `family coup’ against Naidu would not work its favour, he averred. By using NTR for the campaign, the 112-year Congress was exposing its bankruptcy, he alleged.

Yellow brigade gears up to follow its pol(l)e stars

V V Balakrishna
First Published : 02 Mar 2009 04:01:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 02 Mar 2009 01:22:14 PM IST

HYDERABAD: As the announcement of the election schedule is likely any day, the TDP has decided to fully utilise the services of actors NTR Jr and Balakrishna.

Both will launch their campaigns from Andhra region this month. NTR Jr will kickstart his first-ever political campaign from Itchapuram, Srikakulam district, on March 12. He will stay overnight on March 11 at Nimmakur in Krishna district, the birth place of TDP founder NT Ramarao.

The next day, he will garland NTR’s statue in Nimmakur.

From there, he will reach Itchapuram by a chopper where he will launch his campaign on a specially-decorated ratham. According to TDP sources, NTR Jr will continue his campaign continuously for 40 days.

The TDP leaders are upbeat now as there were doubts earlier over his intentions __ the film star had skipped Yuva Garjana in Guntur. Meanwhile, Balakrishna, son of NTR, will launch his second leg of campaign from Tada in Nellore district on March 8. It is not clear if he too will continue his campaign till the elections.

Balakrishna had already toured Rayalaseema last month. However, the TDP leaders are pinning hopes on NTR Jr to draw crowds to their meetings. The TDP is strategically using the services of both the actors in the Andhra region. This is to neutralise the impact of Chiranjeevi’s Praja Rajyam which has made inroads in several Andhra districts. As the impact of PRP is being felt in Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and the twin Godavari districts, the TDP wants NTR Jr to start his campaign from Itchapuram and turn the tide of popular support in favour of the TDP. Later, Balakrishna will tour the north Andhra districts.

Not a cakewalk for Congress in AP

VV Balakrishna
First Published : 01 Mar 2009 02:41:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 02 Mar 2009 02:56:06 PM IST

HYDERABAD: Definitely development is the path to power for Congress in the next elections.

But, it is not a smooth ride. The journey will be a bumpy one, as the path is partly covered with thorns such as corruption, anti-incumbency against local MLAs, price rise and the separate Telangana factor.

It is the sum up of opinions expressed by a cross-section of the people who attended the AICC president Sonia Gandhi’s public meeting here today.

A majority people said that they would vote for Congress next time too.

But, some others were not sure whether to vote Congress or to look for any other alternative. The main advantage of Congress in the State is the various developmental and welfare schemes launched by Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy.

“Rajasekhara Reddy did a lot of good to all of us,” admitted a majority of those attended the meeting. Kummari Venkataiah of Kosti mandal in Mahaboobnagar district heaped praises on Chief Minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy, as his village got innumerable benefits like housing and pensions unlike in the TDP regime.

Lakshmamma from Hayathnagar said: “I am regularly getting Rs 200 pension every month. I will vote for Congress.” Yeleti Agireddy, a farmer from Gundala in Nalgonda district said that he would support Congress for getting loan waiver to him and his wife securing a loan at 25 paisa interest. Another farmer from the same village thanked the Congress for introducing `drought works’ (NREGS) and introducing Rs-2-a-kg-rice scheme. But, coming to separate Telangana factor, the farmer is doubtful whether Congress will realise the longcherished dream.

Sixty-year-old Ramulamma of Tallur in Shabad mandal in Rangareddy district opined that all is well with the Congress.

But, she could not digest the fact that she is not a beneficiary under any scheme.

Mogulamma from Tallur alleged that though she was eligible for house and a pension the local sarpanch refused to include her name.

“Those who are close to sarpanch got all the benefits,” she alleged. Though happy with the subsidised rice scheme, she was angry over the spiralling prices of other commodities.

Ramulaiah from Bhongiri said that the Congress functioning was good. He, however, argued that the Congress would not give Telangana. “I want Telangana. I will decided later whom to vote. If Congress convinced me on T-issue. It is okay,” he added.

Sankar, from Pinnavooru in Home Minister K Jana Reddy’s constituency is dissatisfied with Jana’s performance. “If non-performing MLAs are replaced, the Congress will benefit,” he said.

Babu Goud, another youth, from Zaheerabad, said that Chandrababu Naidu too did some good things. Now, Rajasekhara Reddy did some other. “It is not possible for any party to fill all the aspirations.” But, asked about the influence of Praja Rajyam the response from the majority was in negative.

“Politics is not as easy as acting in films,” said Rambabu.

PRP moves High Court for common symbol

Express News Service
First Published : 05 Feb 2009 03:38:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 05 Feb 2009 09:09:40 AM IST

HYDERABAD: Seeking a common symbol (rail engine) for the party to contest the ensuing Assembly elections, Praja Rajyam Party general secretary Allu Aravind filed a writ petition in the High Court here on Wednesday.

The Election Commission, in a letter, had informed the PRP leadership that it was not possible to allot a common symbol to all its candidates in the next elections. The letter dated Jan 20 reached the PRP office on Monday. Following this, the PRP filed a petition in the High Court seeking a common symbol for its Assembly and Lok Sabha candidates. In the petition, the PRP leader stated that party founder Chiranjeevi was receiving overwhelming response and the PRP would field its candidates in all the Assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies.

He claimed that 50 lakh people had taken membership forms from the party and explained that they had sought ‘rail engine’ symbol for the party, but that the EC had rejected it. A few weeks ago, Chiranjeevi approached Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami with a request to allot a common symbol.

After examining the request of PRP, the EC turned it down.

In its letter, the EC recalled past instances when the TDP and TRS sought a common symbol. When the TDP was launched in 1982, the EC informed the party leaders that they could select one symbol provided no independent candidate sought the same in any Assembly segment.

Fortunately, when the TDP selected the symbol, no independent insisted on the same in any segment.

The Election Commission also rejected allotment of a common symbol to the TRS after its inception. But, the TRS approached the High Court. Basing on the court’s directive, the EC allotted a common symbol to it.

At the same time, the EC also clarified that allotting a common symbol to the TRS was an exception and no ‘new party’ should take it as a precedent in future. Pointing out these two examples, the EC categorically said it was not possible to allot a common symbol to the PRP. Given that campaigning for elections wouldn't be easy without a common symbol, the PRP has taken recourse to legal remedies.