V. V. Balakrishna Journalist

Thursday, 24 February 2011

Anam's maiden budget has no new schemes, taxes

Express News Service
First Published : 24 Feb 2011 03:30:54 AM IST
Last Updated : 24 Feb 2011 11:19:19 AM IST

HYDERABAD: Amid utter chaos and continuous slogan-shouting by the Opposition members, Finance Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy on Wednesday presented his maiden budget in the State Legislative Assembly for the year 2011-12.

The size of the budget has been increased by Rs 15,000 crore compared to the previous one, taking the total budget size to Rs 1,28,542 crore.

Ramanarayana Reddy claimed that he gave equal importance to both welfare and development and the Budget was aimed to achieve the goal of 'Haritaandhra Pradesh'.

It is estimated that the revenue surplus would be Rs 3,826 crore and fiscal deficit Rs 17,602 crore, which would be 2.95 per cent of the GSDP.

During his budget presentation, the finance minister said the economy was slowly recovering from the impact of recession and hoped that the State's economy would grow by 8.89 in 2010-11.

"The good growth in the GSDP is also expected to translate into buoyant revenue collections in the coming year at approximately 20 per cent higher than the current budget," the finance minister said.

Though there were no schemes announced in the Budget, the State government created a fund with Rs 400 crore to take up development and welfare activities in due course.

"Whenever the government wanted to take up new programmes, lack of budgetary allocation was coming in the way. This year we have created a fund with Rs 400 crore to overcome such a problem," the finance minister said.

On the flagship programme of the State, the Jalayagnam, the minister said the State had been putting pressure on the Centre for declaration of the Polavaram and the PranahitaChevella as national projects.

The Polavaram was in an advanced stage for consideration as a national project, while the PranahitaChevella was being pursued vigorously for clearances under AIBP to become eligible as national project.

In a decision which is likely to cheer government employees, the finance minister said the Rajiv Arogyasri Trust would also shortly administer the health care needs of government employees and pensioners. A scheme was being worked out, he said.

The government was committed to establishing Jana Aushadhi and Jana Jeevani centres in all the districts to market quality generic medicines at reasonable prices.

In addition to medical colleges in Nizamabad and Ongole, the government would also take up construction of a new building at a cost of Rs 200 cr for the Osmania General Hospital, Hyderabad.

The Constituency Development Programme would continue in 2011-12 and Rs 385 crore had been allocated for this, the minister said.

‘Act fast on Srikrishna report’

Express News Service
First Published : 23 Feb 2011 03:54:51 AM IST
Last Updated : 23 Feb 2011 08:57:57 AM IST

HYDERABAD: In a visible sign of a change in the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)’s strategy on Telangana, party president N Chandrababu Naidu sung a new tune on Telangana while the party Seemandhra MLAs too were vocal on moving a T-resolution in the Assembly.

“All the issues in the State will be resolved once the Centre acts on the Srikrishna Committee report. Otherwise, the Congress will be held responsible for the troubles in the State,” Naidu said. On the other hand, the TDP Seemandhra MLAs met in the lobbies of the Assembly and decided to insist that the government introduce a Telangana resolution. “We have not yet decided whether to support a private resolution moved by the TRS or directly demand the government to move one,” P Keshav said after the meeting.

Apparently, Naidu is now executing his new strategy with the help of young MLAs - A Revanth Reddy (Telangana) and P Keshav (Andhra).

The T-issue had rocked the Assembly and the region was in a turmoil due to agitations and frequent bandhs. Even an MLA was attacked in the Assembly. “The Centre should not delay the issue any further. Let them take action on the Srikrishna Committee report,” Naidu demanded. However, as the president of the TDP, he would try to protect the party in both the regions, he said.

He advised the party MLAs from Andhra and Telangana to work in tandem on the Tissue in the Assembly.

At a regular briefing today, Naidu, for the first time, touched the T-issue on his own - a deviation from his earlier practice. Whenever reporters raised the T-issue with Naidu earlier, he used to say, “We have lot of time, we will discuss it later.” But, today Naidu raised the T-issue himself and wanted the Centre to take action.

Earlier, Keshav said his party would press for a T-resolution after the presentation of the Budget. Once the T-resolution was adopted, the Assembly could transact business smoothly and as it was for the Centre to take a decision on T-statehood.

Babu keen on yellow tinge to Telangana agitation

VV Balakrishna
Express News Service
First Published : 22 Feb 2011 04:28:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 22 Feb 2011 09:39:38 AM IST

HYDERABAD: The main Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is likely to change its line on the Telangana issue soon as it wants to shed its anti-Telangana tag. During the budget session of the Assembly, the TDP may want the State government to adopt a resolution demanding that the Centre introduce a T-Bill in Parliament. It will insist on a debate on the sensitive T-issue adopting an aggressive stance in the coming days.

While it is not clear whether the change of stance is due to its confidence that the UPA will not carve out a separate state or that bifurcation is inevitable, what appears certain is that the TDP intends to derive mileage by taking an aggressive stand on T. According to party sources, TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu has changed the party's strategy completely on the T-issue. From now on, the TDP will aggressively move pawns in accordance with the aspirations of the T-people.

As a first step, the TDP is likely to give notice for adjournment motion demanding immediate lifting of suspension on five Telangana MLAs.

After presentation of budget in the Assembly on Wednesday, the TDP will execute its strategy in the House, sources said.

Naidu felt that when T-issue dominated the state politics, it was not correct to focus on other public issues like fee reimbursement. The TDP gave adjournment motions for two days on fee reimbursement. Now, the TDP too would keep the other public issues aside for the time being and focus on the Tissue.

In an informal chat with reporters, TDP MLA P Keshav said that Seemandhra TDP MLAs would demand for a resolution on T in the State Legislative Assembly. "We will approach the Deputy Speaker in this regard," he added. The official reason stated was that the turmoil in the House was preventing disucssion on other issues.

Telangana TDP Forum (TTDPF) convenor N Janardhan Reddy too wanted the government to adopt a resolution in favour of Telangana demanding that the Centre introduce a T-Bill in the Parliament. Reddy is requesting TDP Seemandhra MLAs to cooperate for a T-resolution.

At a strategy meeting of the TDLP here today, Naidu congratulated party MLAs M Narasimhulu, Hanumanth Shinde and D Anasuya for their bold stand even though the TRS activists obstructed their Tagitations. "Many other leaders too are taking up programmes locally for T. All of them are coming forward boldly," Naidu said.

On the other hand, Naidu accused the TRS of obstructing TDP leaders from taking up Tagitations. "When the TRS can take up programmes with its party flags and symbol, why not the TDP?" Naidu questioned. The change of TDP stand was also witnessed in Delhi, as its two MPs, Ramesh Rathod and G Sudharani, staged a dharna before Gandhi statue in the Parliament demanding introduction of a TBill.

Comments

Weak Central,& weak State Govts,;their incomprtancy to take quick decisions are the reasons for the deplorable state of affairs in AP.Too many leaders in Telangana region not working under one leader ship ,competing with each other in proving their (so called )committment for seperation are the reasons for the agition going into the hands of unruly elements.This is only begning.The country will become the ADDA of all law less elements.if the indecessive rule continues
By wcbabu
2/22/2011 2:25:00 PM

Fear of back stabbing by back stabbing master is what makes TRS and Telanagana people to be cautious of TDP stand. If chandra babu agrees for telangana then he should force goverment to give telanagana. If congress and TDP with secret colation continue this outward / showup commitment toward telangana. they will repeart the answer them given in latest election.
By RisingSun
2/22/2011 12:45:00 PM

Wednesday, 9 February 2011

Chiru returns to ‘pack up’ PRP

Express News Service

First Published : 08 Feb 2011 04:59:26 AM IST

Last Updated : 08 Feb 2011 10:01:52 AM IST

HYDERABAD: The Praja Rajyam office wore a deserted look here on Monday, a day after Chiranjeevi announced the merger of his party with the Congress.Except for a few top and second-rung leaders, the rest were conspicuous by their absence. Sources said Chiranjeevi will return from Delhi on Tuesday and hold a meeting with his MLAs. The party’s extended State committee meeting will be held on Feb 9 to finalise the modalities of the merger.For now, no Congress flags or buntings were around. All that will change soon after Chiru’s return, the sources said. It is learnt that Congress’ district presidents have been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring a “smooth transformation” of PRP cadres into Congress workers. “The DCC presidents in all districts are in touch with local PRP leaders. They are explaining the benefits of the merger. It will be a smooth affair for both of us,” PRP State secretary Syamsundar said.Chiru fans, though, it appears are more concerned about the 150th movie their star was planning. “Because of the transition, the project may be delayed. But, he will definitely complete his 150th film,” a party leader said and after a pause added: “It means the next movie, which according to Chiranjeevi is a commercial one with a social message, will help the Congress in the State.” Though ordinary workers of the PRP are certain to sail along with Chiranjeevi and join the Congress, it remains to be seen how many MLAs will respect his decision.

Comments

"The bad step in your entire life time,you damaged the self respect of fans in a big way. by merging. by establishing prp you have gained 18% of votes now if you have any dare that you will get support as you had previously it's great mistake.even you cant win any where in andhra that is for sure .since you damaged our self respect (fans) and caste wise kapus are now treated as useless, because of you. and i request you never ever say that you came into politics only for people.you came to earn money that is known to every one who have seen your political career." "A last Request From your fan Dont ever fool us since we feel ashamed that we trusted you upto this time."

By Subbarao
2/8/2011 6:32:00 PM

Great môment for him to show his necesity for andra politics

By ramamurthy
2/8/2011 5:52:00 PM

"Great Mile Stone in Chiranjeevi Political Career, All the Best to Chiranjeevi SIr"

By jagan mohan reddy
2/8/2011 4:47:00 PM

"Great Mile Stone in Chiranjeevi Political Career, All the Best to Chiranjeevi SIr"

By mohan
2/8/2011 4:45:00 PM

Chiru take rest stop earning money from movies, politics, and blood banks.

By Chiru Fan
2/8/2011 2:36:00 PM

Trust him would be a lead in congress for the growth of people.

By Sathya
2/8/2011 2:34:00 PM

The decision made by chiru is right one as it may lead to make state cool till next elections.Anyhow PRP have no expections of winning and atleast he may be given a minister post to show his strength

By Azhar
2/8/2011 2:32:00 PM

I think Chiranjeevi is right in is decision in merging with congress, his ideology is social justice to people at large and as a leader he is able to define the option available to him, .In AP we dont have good dedicated leaders , we have seen chandrababu naidu when he had his own supported government in the centre he did not bother about telengana but he fostered development by bringing in IT industries and developing cities and suburbs , but today he is unable to project these as his achievements but he is propagating about telengana. TRS leader chander shekar rao he no different from Naidu . you give them power they forget you the next moment .We must choose best fool among fools thats the only politics we the people at large can do,

By robinson
2/8/2011 2:29:00 PM

The decision made by chiru is right one as it may lead to make state cool till next elections.Anyhow PRP have no expections of winning and atleast he may be given a minister post to show his strength

By Azhar
2/8/2011 2:28:00 PM

Chiranjeevi is an impotent leader.

By vijay
2/8/2011 2:25:00 PM

Finally Chiru got rid of all headaches!!! Allu Aravind spoiled his career :(

By Gautam
2/8/2011 2:23:00 PM

poor chiru

By Sankaranarayanan
2/8/2011 2:14:00 PM

Chiru doesn't suit to Politics or Praja jevitham......He is great in Movies only Another Wrong Step by Chiru....Prajala hero.....Praja Rajyam......Praja droham......Praja vanchana.....Praja joke...... He is the MEGASTAR for crores of Fans All over the South, But that doesn't mean to say that they will follow him. Its better to quit politics and Concentrate on Movies, Number of movies he can do to Increase in FANS. "Preja seva" can be done even not being in Politics.....No seva in today's Politics...If at all you want to do politics don't ever use the word for people I came to politics....

By Rakesh
2/8/2011 2:08:00 PM

poor chiru

By Sankaranarayanan
2/8/2011 1:40:00 PM

If he really wants his party to merge with Congress, then he must ensure Resiganation of all his MLAs and get them elected on Congress Ticket, otherwise it is betrayal of voters, who voted against Congress

By A A Magdum
2/8/2011 1:10:00 PM

By Rakesh
2/8/2011 1:09:00 PM

The articles regarding Chiranjeevi joining Congress seems to be like a mid-summers night dream. The good old story was told years back. It also reminds of another parable, wherein a milk maid with a basket full of Milk, curds and other milk made items went out to sell her products in her village. While walking she dreamt of selling the whole basket and in few days she thought that she would be the richest person and dreamt of buying all the luxuries that one could imagine. As she was dreaming and walking she hadn't noticed a thorny shrub that was on the way and she put her foot on the shrub. Thud fell the basket and all her dreams vanished into thin air. Here in this story I think the woman represents the congress and the basket resembles Chiranjeevi and the thorny shrub is Jagan. So my dear congress stop day dreaming and give Telangana to us so that you may at-least garner some goodwill before the last rites are performed by the people in the next elections.

By Deccan Crusades
2/8/2011 11:58:00 AM

Hi sir may be ur point of view the decesion was right, but some of ur fans are unhappy with merging the prp into congress All the best

By raj
2/8/2011 11:51:00 AM

a good decision at the appropriate time of ap politics and the people will see development with this merger

By gvk murthy
2/8/2011 11:31:00 AM

Stage set for PRP’s merger with Congress

Express News Service
First Published : 06 Feb 2011 03:45:20 AM IST
Last Updated : 06 Feb 2011 11:01:02 AM IST

HYDERABAD: Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) president K Chiranjeevi left for New Delhi this evening for his meeting with Sonia Gandhi at 11 am Sunday. He is likely to return to Hyderabad transformed as a Congress leader.

Sources said all is now set for his party's merger with the Congress.

The meeting will discuss the fine print of the merger. Chiranjeevi is likely to strike a bargain with Sonia about his and his second-rung leaders' future in the Congress after merger. Sources said the PRP is expecting four berths in the state Cabinet, one Rajya Sabha seat and some seats in the Legislative Council.

Chiranjeevi's own future and the question whether he will shift to national politics or stay in the state will be discussed.

Before leaving for Delhi, Chiranjeevi said a final decision will be taken only after Sunday's meeting. "We will have another round of meeting after the talks with Sonia," he said.

He clarified that the party's stand on Telangana has not changed. While the party supports a united Andhra Pradesh, the prospect of hits merger with the Congress has triggered murmurs of discontent among Telangana leaders in the latter party.

However, PRP leader C Ramachandraiah indicated that the PRP expects to surrender its united AP stance in the post-merger scenario. "Once the PRP merges with the Congress, the Congress stand will prevail," he said.

Chiranjeevi launched the Praja Rajyam Party on Aug. 27, 2008 in the temple city of Tirupati amid lakhs of fans. However, the party failed to carry the voters in the 2009 elections and from then on the political viability of Chiranjeevi has been steadily waning. The two-and-a-half journey of the PRP will came to an end in Delhi.

Stage set for PRP’s merger with Congress

Sunday, 30 January 2011

Chandrababu Naidu to launch anti-graft stir

Express News Service
First Published : 30 Jan 2011 03:57:13 AM IST
Last Updated : 30 Jan 2011 08:31:17 AM IST

HYDERABAD: TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu today said that his party would explore the options including approaching the Election Commission of India not to register any new party, which is being floated with illegal money. He said that he would examine the possibility and the powers vested with the ECI in this direction. Naidu, who had already decided to implead in a case pending with High Court against the illegal assets of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, was now exploring the possibility of knocking the doors of the EC not to register Jagan’s new party.

Naidu said that he would launch his anti-corruption movement tomorrow at Bapu Ghat, on Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary,” he said.

“We demand that the Centre immediately consider the draft Lokpal Bill prepared by ‘India Against Corruption’ and have a wider public debate on it,” the TDP chief said.

“The Centre must enact the Lokpal Bill in the next session of Parliament,” Naidu said.

Simultaneously, Naidu was also concentrating on the corruption of YS Rajasekhara Reddy in a bid to silence Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Naidu called upon the public to come to streets and fight against corruption.

As part of his efforts, Naidu would take oath against corruption near Bapu Ghat tomorrow.

NTR Memorial Trust and Jana Chaitanya Vedika were jointly organising the programme. “We are not organising the programme on TDP banner so that leaders of any political party can take part in it,” Naidu said.

Naidu felt that if corruption was reduced,the country would witness rapid development and become an economic super power.

Naidu reiterated his demand that the Centre should enact a comprehensive law against corruption in the forthcoming budget session of the Parliament itself. “The Centre has no commitment to act against corruption as it fears that the names of the Congress leaders will become public,” Naidu alleged.

Naidu also opposed the criminalisation of politics. Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, who claimed that he defended Jagan when he faced charges in TDP MLA Paritala Ravi’s murder case, too should be treated as a criminal.

Comments

In indian context, the corruption and growth/development of economy are like hand in glove and inseparable. The awareness already exists but for specific media attention and political mileage garnering in public, political tactics and stunts are adopted.The aam admi has no where to go but mutely accept the corrupt way of life and instead of criticizing be part of it and make most of it for selfish ends. They say make hay while sun shines so there is nothing wrong in petty corruption with development. It is only corruption with out development and growth on large scale which needs corrective action on war footing. It is something like, person getting blessed by the gratifications of the corruption menace are stashing mullahs in tax heavens/swiss banks and greasing palms to keep the secret under wrap. It is not awareness, it is total absence of transparency in political, business, bureaucracy and judicial/justice system that the corruption thrives endlessly. It is common sense that, for
By CONGRESS=CORRPUTION+CROMINALISATION
1/30/2011 1:58:00 PM

i welcome Mr Naidu's anti-graft stir in that stir and investigation he should be included and investigated for his 8 years as a CM of AP Let him come clean first and let us investigate all
By Adi Narayan
1/30/2011 10:33:00 AM
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