AP and Telangana budget sessions begins from today

  Andhra Pradesh and Telangana State budget sessions will begin from today. AP State sessions will begin first with Governor Narasimhan’s address to both houses at 8.55 am. Then, Telangana State budget sessions will begin with his address to both houses at 11.00 am today. Hence he has to rush to Telangana Assembly soon after he finishes his speech in the AP Assembly.   AP Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu will present the full budget for the years 2015-16 on March 12th. His counterpart of Telangana Etela Rajendar will present the full budget of his state on March 11th. Since, the AP government has introduced agricultural budget for the state, it will be presented by agriculture minister Prattipati Pulla Rao on March 13th.   Since the budget sessions of both states will be conducted in same period and in the same premises, speakers of AP and Telangana State Assemblies Dr. Kodela Shivaprasada Rao and Madhusudhanachary have met well ahead of the budget sessions and discussed about various measures to be taken for a smooth conduct of the Assembly sessions without any friction between the members of both states. They have given necessary directions to the police officials of their respective states for making elaborate security arrangements at Assembly and surrounding areas. Police of both states were deployed at all entrance gates and in the surrounding areas. The budget sessions of both states may conclude around March 27th.

Of course there are differences with Rahul: Jairam

  Former Union Minister and the senior most leader of the Congress party in an interview given to a leading English daily has admitted that there are difference between seniors and the party vice president Rahul Gandhi. He said however, they can’t be seen as a clash or differences but to be seen as a generation gap only.   He said “Our president Sonia Gandhi is 69 and Vice-president Rahul Gandhi is 45. I am 61. So, it is quite natural our way and level of thinking also different from him. But, it doesn’t mean we have differences.”   Responding to another question, whether it is time to think beyond Gandhi family, he said “Our party is a fine mix of young and experienced leaders. Rahul has his own ideas to lead the party. So, I think he should be given a chance.”   Speaking about his concerns of losing the strong holds of the party, “Of course, we have a reason to worry. We have lost our strong hold states Delhi, Maharashtra and Haryana. We have our backs to the wall. It is not a year or two task but 10 years task. I hope Rahul will do something to improve our situation.”   He admitted that the timing of Rahul Gandhi taking leave is quite wrong. "But, he need some time to bounce back with his full energies. All I know is when he returns, he will play pivotal and may recharge the party with his dynamic leadership."   Hence, the reason for his leave for absence might be the differences cropped up between Rahul Gandhi and the seniors in the party. No surprise, even if he differs with his mother Sonia Gandhi on the style party is functioning. So, it is like boycotting from the house. So, are the party leaders expecting him back to work anytime?   But, still the question remains there awaiting answer whether the Congress couldn’t look beyond Gandhi family? Are none of the seniors worth Rahul Gandhi in the Congress party? Let the Congress spell the answers.

Pawan Kalyan takes “U’ turn?

  Pawan Kalyan is behaving like a typical political leader. While, he was at Thullur yesterday, he threatens to sit on fast unto death to get justice to the farmers. He promised the farmers that he will fight against the state government on their behalf. But, he surprised everyone by switching his stand on this issue.   He said “I do not intend to create troubles to the state government or the Chief Minister. I wish he should rule the state till 2024. I went there because people living there have invited me. I went there to remind the government about the problems that farmers are facing. I came to know around 90 per cent of the farmers have given their farm lands to the government voluntarily for constructing the capital city. But, what about the remaining 10 per cent? I went there to speak on behalf of them.”   “I would like to ask the government that is it necessary to build capital city bigger than Singapore? It takes 20 years’ time to build Singapore, where there is zero corruption. If we want to construct bigger city than Singapore, then how many years it will take? If we can build it in a short period, it is well and good. But, is it possible? Otherwise what happens? A civil war may erupt due to unrest in the capital region because the social and economic conditions are disturbed. So, I suggest the government to reconsider its plans and spare the fertile lands and crops,” said Pawan Kalyan.   But, he hardens his voice against Modi government. He said “BJP has promised to grant special status to the AP State, but taken ‘U’ turn on it later saying that other states are opposing this proposal. If so, is it now aware about this problem earlier? If so, why did it promised to the people and why is it taken ‘U’ turn on this issue. BJP is not keeping its promise made to the people. How can it expect the people of the state believe its promises anymore?”

Let the Nirbhaya Documentary aired!

  Government of India has banned the screening of ‘Daughter of India’ documentary film made by British filmmaker Leslee Udwin for BBC, following the objections from the Indian Parliamentarians. It even asked the British Government not to air the film, but the film was aired by BBC channel-4 on Thursday.   However, the father of Nirbhaya has welcomed the BBBC’s move and stated that “Everyone should watch the film. If a man can speak like that in jail, imagine what he would say if he was walking free. The documentary exposes what is happening. If the country has taken a decision, we have to accept it.”   The documentary contains the interviews of Nirbhaya’s parents, the police, legal experts, doctors who attend her case till her last minutes and also the prime accused Mukesh Kumar, who is awaiting his death sentence in Tihar Jail.   Renowned novelist Chetan Bhagat also agrees with Nirbhaya’s father’s arguments. He tweets, “Forget ban, #IndiasDaughter is must watch. Anyone who watches will understand devastation caused by regressive attitudes. Face it. Fix it.”   However, the persons involved in this heinous crime are still manage to escape/prolong their punishment even the fast track court is handling their case. Instead of demanding for their immediate punishment, people, politicians and the government of India indulged in arguments over banning the documentary film. Neither the government nor the people’s representatives appears to be worried about increasing rape incidents in the country. Although, hundreds of such crimes are taking place across the country, no one is paying attention to them, but spare time to tweet on the documentary film airing.

Fresh challenge for Chandrababu from Pawan Kalyan

  The way AP government is facing challenges from its alliance partner BJP similarly it is now facing a challenge from its supporter Pawan Kalyan. The ruling TDP government is troubling to say anything hard against Modi government as it is also a partner in his government. Similarly, it is now facing very embarrassing situation with Pawan Kalyan aiming his guns on it.   Already, Jagan Mohan Reddy has created enough troubles for it by provoking the farmers in the capital region. However, somehow it managed to complete the land acquisition process. When it is having a sigh of relief for a smooth completion of this process, Pawan Kalyan enters into the scene now and is threatening it to sit for an indefinite hunger strike, if the state government doesn’t revoke its decision on land acquisition. If he really sits for hunger strike, really it would throw a big challenge to the government.   Since, the government is determined to go ahead with the construction activities very soon in the lands collected from the farmers it can’t revoke its decision at this stage. Similarly, Pawan Kalyan also can’t step back from his commitment made to the farmers for sitting on indefinite hunger strike. So, they both seem badly locked over this issue. Earlier, the YSR Congress party spread gobbles that Chandrababu Naidu is sending Pawan Kalyan to Thullur to calm down the farmers. Now, it has to explain whether he is representing Chandrababu Naidu or the farmers.

Swaroopanandendra curses the AP and TS governments

  A thin line between film industry and politics was wiped out longtime ago. Hence, people are not surprising anymore if seen the actors joining in one political party or the other. Later, they have a chance to see the religious leaders also moving closely with the politicians. Uma Bharati, who declares herself as sanyasini is now seen in the Modi’s cabinet holding a key portfolio of water resources.   Many others from different religions are seen asking the people to support one political party or the other. So, the thin line between politicians and religious leaders is also gradually wiping out. Although, not many of them have joined active politics, many of them are trying to remotely operate the governments. Occasionally, they involve in some decision makings or want the government to consult them on some issues.   One fine example for it is Swamy Swaroopanandendra spitting fire on the AP and the Telangana governments. He fumes upon both Chief Ministers for taking decisions on conducting ‘Godavari Pushkaralu’ without consulting any saints like him. He flayed the AP government for selecting Ramalayam in Onti Mitta in Kadapa district as an official temple for conducting Sri Ramanavami festival celebrations. He asked the government who gave it right to select a temple of its choice to conduct Sri Ramanavami festival without consulting any saints like him.   He said that both governments will not get the blessings of the gods as they set aside saints like him and taking decisions on their own in the religious matters. So, it seems the governments have to create a special portfolio to saints and sadhus or else they will be forced to launch a separate political party.

Kejriwal fails to handle party leaders?

  Aam Admi Party has bounced back to power winning 67 seats out of 70 in the Assembly. It is a strong indication that people still relying Aravind Kejriwal, his party and hopeful about his government performance. But, quite unusually his party struck with internal fights like any typical political party. Arvind Kejriwal says that he is quite disturbed to see the ongoing war between his party leaders.   Being the convener of his party, generally anyone expects that he will take control of the party and settle the disputes before it damages the party reputation. But, he resigned to his convener post stating that it becomes very difficult for him to handle party and the government simultaneously. He sent his resignation letter to the party national governing body today. In his resignation letter, he writes that he is quitting the party convener post to enable himself concentrate on the government administration activities. However, the actual reason for quitting the party position is the internal fight by its two senior leaders Yogendra Yadav and Prashanth Bhushan.   Arvind Kejriwal has proved that he has extraordinary skills in communicating with the people by winning the elections. But, interestingly, he fails to communicate with his party leaders and in making them fall in line with party discipline. His decision to quit the party leadership is clearly hinting the same. This kind of decision can’t be seen in any other political party in the country. However, the AAP governing body that met today at New Delhi has rejected Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation letter. The members of the meeting opine that he is quite capable to handle the party and the government simultaneously. But, if the party fails to settle its internal problems and Arvind Kejriwal ignores them, it may lead to a split in the party.

Home Ministry has to blame itself?

  Soon after the video footage of Mukesh Kumar’s interview leaked to media, Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked his officials to know who gave permission to conduct this interview. Mukesh Kumar is one of the prime accused in the gang rape case that takes place in New Delhi on December 16, 2012 and he is currently in Tihar Jail awaiting his death sentence.   Home Ministry officials have found that they themselves have given permission to film-maker Leslee Udwin in June 2013 for a video interview of Mukesh Kumar as a part of her documentary film on this gang rape case. His interview is a small part of her 16 hours long documentary film made upon this incident.   While, granting permission to her for interviewing him, home ministry has laid certain conditions to the film maker and also to the jail officials. Apart from taking consent from the prisoner Mukesh, it orders the Tihar Jail officials to watch the raw video footage of the documentary film. Film maker Leslee Udwin has contacted the jail officials and also the home ministry officials for this purpose, but they have not bothered to watch the raw video footage of the film. So, she conveyed them that she is keeping a copy of the documentary with her in case if they are interested to watch it and sold the original version to BBC, from which Mukesh interview video footage was leaked to media.   Legal experts argue that the jail manuals allow only meetings between prisoners and outsiders under certain conditions, but do not allow any personal interviews or video filming of the prisoners. Any such attempt will be treated as violating the rules and regulations. So, home ministry can’t wash its hands from this case, even though the government was changed.

Chandrababu offers friendship hand to KCR

  TDP meeting held today at Karimnagar has become grand success. The meeting went peacefully without any untoward incidents. Although, MRPS activists have tried to obstruct and disrupt the meeting, police handles them firmly. TDP President Chandrababu Naidu seems is quite happy with overwhelming response to his meeting. Addressing the party leaders he said “I wish both AP and Telangana States develop and people of both states live with harmony like ever before. I have strived hard for the development of Hyderabad and was able to create enormous wealth to the state. Many irrigation projects were developed in Telangana during my regime.”   “Our party honored the sentiment of the Telangana people always. Actually, those who claim themselves as real Telangana heroes were once in my party and my students only. Some leaders might have betrayed us, but it doesn’t matter for me as long as party workers are with me. TDP has always worked for the welfare of the people and will stick to this policy in the future also,” said Chandrababu Naidu.   He said, “My government has purchased additional power from other states foreseeing the large gap between demand and supply. But, the Telangana farmers have suffered as the government lacks that foresight. Hence, it is not correct to blame me or my government for power shortage in the state. My government is ready for negotiations with the Telangana government on all issues including sharing of power from Krishnapatnam thermal power station.”   “We are aware that there are many issues need to be addressed in a proper way. Politics and governance are two different subjects. Instead of mixing and complicating the issues, we should try to resolve the problems being responsible governments. Let the politics be in their place and the government s do their job. Ultimately, our goal should be developing both states. So, I appeal the Telangana government to come forward to resolve the issues through a dialogue,” said Chandrababu Naidu.   Interestingly, Chandrababu Naidu has offered a friendly hand to KCR, instead of criticizing him and his government in his speech. It is no secret that TRS chief KCR do not want any other party throw challenge to his party in the Telangana state. Hence, KCR may lend his ears to his suggestions only if the TDP winds up its business in the state. But, when it is impossible then how can he ignore its challenges and work hand in hand with Chandrababu Naidu as if nothing is happening behind them? So, as long as the problems between the two parties persist, they reflect between their governments also. But, still both governments should create a separate mechanism to handle all these issues emerging between the two states.

Purandeswari too joins the ugly fight

  Purandeswari, who enjoys central minister post during the UPA regime, has abandoned the Congress party after realizing its future is dark. She joins the BJP just ahead of general elections and also managed to secure MP ticket. She hopes to retain her glory but she has something else in her fate. She was defeated in the elections and lost her identity also.   Earlier, she was used to be in the media focus, but now hardly she gets any media attention. Occasionally she appears in the news while attending the party membership enrolling program or in the party meetings.Recently, she visits the draught hit Tamballapalli in Chittoor district along with other BJP leaders. Minister Manikyala Rao was also present in that group. Although none of the members in the group have made any statement, Purandeswari takes pains to defend her party from the Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and his party leaders’ criticism for poor allocation of funds to the state. She said “There was an old saying ‘Yadha Tadha Praja. If the King and his intentions are good, then everything will develop well. If he and his intentions are bad then the outcome also will be negative. It applies to our state government also. Would it represented our case properly with the Center, it would have granted sufficient funds to the state. We can’t blame some else for our mistakes.”   CM Chandrababu Naidu has been shuttling between New Delhi and Hyderabad for last nine months. During this period, he gave representation to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and all the concerned union ministers including M Venkaiah Naidu. He even stressed the NDA government through Union Ministers Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Sujana Chowdary, M Venkaiah Naidu and Nirmala Sitaraman.   Venkaiah Naidu and Nirmala Sitaraman both have been assuring that they will extend their full cooperation to the state and also assures that their government will justify the AP State. So, if seen all these efforts, Purandeswari’s arguments can be assumed meaningless and are politically motivated. Actually, she should explain the people whether she ever tried to talk to her party high command about helping the state?