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Is fresh trouble brewing for the ruling TRS government?

  While the dust is gradually settling down of former deputy Chief Minister of Telangana state Dr. Rajaiah’s expulsion from the KCR Cabinet for his alleged involvement in corruption in buying the ambulance vehicles, a fresh trouble appears to be brewing for the TRS government. This time it is because of its minister Jagadish Reddy.   A bitter fight between him and the former Congress MP Ponnam Prabhakar triggered over his alleged involvement in corrupt practices. Ponnam alleges that the minister Jagadish Reddy has collected 5 per cent commission from the fees reimbursed to the students by his government. Jagadish Reddy, who strongly condemns his allegations, threatens to sue Ponnam for making such false and baseless allegations.   Their fight has reached a climax stage, when Ponnam Prabhakar has reiterated his allegations and said that he can prove them if the state government orders an inquiry into this corruption case. He challenged the minister and the state government to face him if they can. He asks “Why CM KCR is sparing Minister Jagadish Reddy, when he made no delay to expel his deputy Rajaiah from his cabinet for the same reasons. I stick to my allegations and it is the minister and the Telangana government has to prove their innocence. I welcome Jagadish Reddy’s idea to go to the court against me. I can prove he is corrupted and guilty.”   So, the minister appears to be reached a point of no-return in this case. If he turned silent at this moment, it is like admitting Ponnam’s allegations levied against him. If sues Ponnam then also he is ready to prove him guilty. Either way, he seems to be fixed.   CM KCR is also may find himself in the similar situation with this development. If, he expels Jagadish Reddy also from his cabinet, it will send a wrong message to the people that his cabinet colleagues are indulged in corrupt practices. If he allows him to continue in the cabinet, then also it will send the same wrong message to the people. So, it seems a fresh trouble is awaiting CM KCR with him. Let us wait and see how he will handle this matter and overcome this problem.

Jitan Ram is too smart to handle!

  It would be interesting to watch former Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who refused to step down from his chair and also was expelled from his JD (U) party for disobeying the party orders, attends the swearing-in ceremony of Nitish Kumar at Patna yesterday as if nothing happened between him and the party. Perhaps, he is planning to return to party fold now.   If so, the BJP that prepared to support him during trust vote may be embarrassed very much. If, he is keen to return to his JD (U) then it may force him to speak about the role played by the BJP to prevent Nitish Kumar from occupying CM Chair. The state BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi earlier told the media that his party would like to induct Jitan Ram Manjhi into the party. But, he proves that he is too smart to be handled by any party.   Earlier, Nitish Kumar made him Chief Minister of the state hoping to control him remotely. But, he gave a shocker to him by refusing to step down from his chair to let Nitish Kumar occupy his CM Chair. He takes the BJP support to withstand JD (U) pressures all these days, but he shocks the BJP by attending Nitish Kumar’s swearing-in ceremony yesterday.

TDP will be wiped out after GHMC elections: TRS

  T-Minister Harish Rao said that the TDP is struggling for its existence in the Telangana state. He also predicts that it will be wiped out of the state after GHMC elections. He argues that AP CM Chandrababu Naidu has no right to visit Telangana districts because he is not releasing Telangana’s due share of power from the thermal plants in his state to save the standing crops in the state. But, Telangana CM KCR let the water release to the AP state to save the standing crops. He flayed T-TDP leaders Errabelli Dayakar Rao and Revanth Reddy for criticizing his government. He suggested them to visit their home constituencies and know what development activities have taken place during nine months of TRS ruling.   Whenever, Chandrababu Naidu prepares for Telangana visit, the ruling TRS party leaders only responds and all other political parties ignore. It is underlining a point that the TRS is much worried about his visits because it is feeling insecurity with the TDP presence around. But, Harish Rao concealing his party’s apprehensions is arguing that the TDP is struggling for its existence and will be wiped out of the state after GHMC elections. If, he is so sure about the TDP situation and its future, then why is he worrying so much about Chandrababu Naidu’s visits to Telangana?   TRS spontaneous reaction on his visits is acknowledging the fact that it fails to weaken the TDP despite attracting several senior leaders and MLAs of the party and may become strong with his visits, which TRS do not want to happen. In fact, TRS president KCR also predicted that the TDP will be wiped out of the state after general elections, but it is still remain intact and becoming strong with Chandrababu Naidu’s visit. So, Harish Rao’s predictions for the TDP can be seen as an attempt to encourage his party cadres for facing GHMC elections.   People of both states are well aware about the disputes between the two states over sharing of power and water. So, they don’t need any tutorial by any one. Harish Rao and his counterpart of AP Devineni Uma Maheswara Rao have made a joint press statement announcing that they have agreed to share water proportionately to save crops in both states. They made this announcement only after Governor Narasimhan expressed his anguish over police of both states clashed at Nagarjuna Sagar Dam. The Telangana government agreed to release water only after a meeting between Chief Ministers of both state was convened by the Governor and not before. So, Harish rao can’t claim that they have released water to the AP state with humanitarian approach.

Pelli Pustakam co-producer died in car accident

  Producer Nagireddy died in a road accident near Shamshabad International airport on Saturday evening. Director Madhan, who is also travelling with in the car is fortunate escape from this fatal accident. Nagireddy has produced film Pelli Pushkam (new version) in 2013 with Rahul Ravindran and Niti as hero heroines. Police have booked the case and investigating.

YSRCP starts criticizing TRS, but why now?

  YSR Congress party appears to be gearing to face the GHMC elections. First, it opened separate a branch office for its Telangana wing and then formed committees for the state yesterday. YSRCP that has been maintaining an awkward silence on many issues that are leading to fights between two states is now gradually opening up against the ruling TRS government.   Its Telangana state general secretary Konda Raghava Reddy strongly criticized the Telangana Chief Minister KCR over imposing restrictions on media movements in the Secretariat premises. He flays CM KCR for concentrating on unnecessary things, while leaving the people to their fate.”   Perhaps, TRS leaders also may start reciprocating with equal spirits to the YSRCP criticism. But, are they really becoming enemies or pretending to like that to pocket the votes of Andhra people settled in Hyderabad and surrounding areas during upcoming GHMC elections? If, the YSRCP still maintains its silence and TRS keep ignoring YSRCP, then it will send a wrong message to the Andhra people settled in the state. So, the YSRCP started criticizing the TRS government and its CM KCR to convince the people that it is treating him and his government as its enemy. But, it may be a strategic plan developed by the two parties to win the GHMC elections. Once, the elections are over and then YSRCP may support the TRS party if necessary. So, people may have a chance to witness a brief war between the TRS and the YSR Congress parties from now onwards.

Why Talasani speaking about Special Status to AP?

  He claims of maintaining high values in the politics. But, snaps his bond with the TDP merely to get a minister post. He resigns to his MLA post for the same reasons, but he won’t insist the speaker to approve it. He is former TDP leader and present minister of commercial taxes and cinematography Talasani Srinivas Yadav.   There was a talk in the political circles that he was given the minister post immediately after joining TRS party because he has a strong hold on the GHMC areas. So, CM KCR is expecting him to ensure victory for TRS party in the upcoming GHMC elections. So, GHMC elections are considered to be an acid test for Talasani. If, he fails in it then it may cost him very dearly. Perhaps, he might have realized this point by now. So, he jumps into action and start aiming his guns at his ex-boss CM Chandrababu Naidu and to impress his new boss CM KCR.   He criticizes that Chandrababu is unable to get special status to the AP state despite it was promised to the state during bifurcation of the state. He warned Chandrababu that TRS may be forced to show its power if he continues his visits in the Telangana state any further.   Talasani, being a minister of Telangana state is no way related or need not think about special status to the AP state, but he is speaking about it, perhaps hoping to impress the Andhra people settled in Hyderabad or merely to blame him.   His warning to Chandrababu may be seen as an attempt to impress his new boss CM KCR. Talasani or any other TDP leaders, who joined the TRS party in the recent past, have not yet criticized their ex-boss Chandrababu. But, it may be necessary to criticize him to convince that he switched loyalty from the TDP to the TRS and CM KCR. So, Talasani begins this blame game and the rest of the leaders may catch it soon for the same reasons.

AP government may operate from Hyderabad?

  The AP government hints of having second thoughts on constructing temporary capital at Amaravati and the media reflects the same. It was reported that government is likely to shelve this ‘temporary idea’ keeping in view of time and money factors involved in it. Initially, the state government expected that the temporary capital construction can be completed within three months if used free fabricated structures. But, the experts have made it clear that it may take around 6-9 months’ time and may cost the government around Rs.300 crores. Moreover, the AP NGOs settled in Hyderabad are also not willing to move there with such a short notice. So, all these factors might have forced the state government to shelve its ‘temporary idea.’   Municipal Administration Minister P Narayana’s latest announcement is also hinting the same. He said that the government is planning to perform the foundation stone laying ceremony for the new capital city at Thullur in the 2nd week of May. He said “We are advancing this ceremony after getting assurance from our Singapore consultants for delivery of master plan two weeks ahead of schedule.” So, it is clear that state government is gearing for construction of permanent capital instead of a temporary one at Amaravati.   During the first phase of construction, core capital will be constructed. Centre also has assured the state government of providing sufficient funds in time for it. Though, some villagers are not willing to depart with their agricultural lands, the land acquired by the state government so far under land pooling system may be sufficient for core capital. So, it can be assumed that there would be no hurdles for constructing core capital city. If construction activities are started before end of this year, it may take a two or three years to complete it. So, until then the state government may operate from Hyderabad only.

Chandrababu to lead Indian Delegation to China

  Chinese government wrote a letter to Indian government asking it to send a delegation to China for strengthening relations between the two countries. It accepts the proposal and wrote a letter to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu asking him to lead the Indian delegation to China. He accepts the proposal. Hence, the Indian delegation led by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will visit China from 1st April to 6th.

After film stars, NGOs develop interest in politics

  So far, people from film industry are seen joining the politics and many of them found successful except few like Chiranjeevi. Then, T-NGOs leaders also have developed interest in active politics during their association with political parties, especially with TRS party during Telangana agitations.   T-NGO leader Swamy Goud has joined the TRS party and contested MLC elections under graduates’ quota from Kareem Nagar. He won the elections and also becomes chairman of the Telangana Legislative Council.   Professor Kodandaram also had the chance to contest to Loksabha or Assembly on TRS ticket, but he was said to be turned down the TRS offer. Later CM KCR has ignored him completely.   AP NGOs Associations’ president Ashok Babu also once declared that he is keen to join active politics, but he dropped the idea after seeing the conflict political situation prevailing during elections time. His decision to stick to job proved to be right decision later.   Now, T-NGOs Associations leader Devi Prasad resigned to job upon CM KCR’s suggestion to contest MLC Elections under graduates’ quota. He submits his resignation letter to his higher officials on Friday, but it was not approved. He was working as technical assistant officer in the irrigation department in Medak district. Many other NGOs leaders in both states have developed interest in politics, but stick to their jobs as they are not willing to take risk.

Nitish Kumar too regrets for stepping down from CM Chair?

  Finally, Nitish Kumar wins the awkward political game that he begins three weeks ago. Governor Tripathi has invited him to form the government and he accepted his invitation. Nitish Kumar will take oath as Chief Minister of the Bihar state on 22nd February at Patna.   Actually, he was ruling the state as its Chief Minister until the general elections held last year, but he quits owing moral responsibility for the party defeat in the elections. Then he installed his close aide Jitan Ram Manjhi in his seat hoping to control him remotely. But, Jitan Ram Manjhi start giving him shocks after comfortably settling in the CM Chair. So, Nitish Kumar toppled his government and retaining his CM Chair on Sunday.   Nitish Kumar is reportedly apologies to people of the Bihar state for quitting CM Post without completing his term. If so, he is the second politician in the country, who regrets and begs the people for pardon for quitting Chief Minister Post, after Arvind Kejriwal. However, if Nitish Kumar is regretting for quitting his CM Post, then he might be also regretting for owing moral responsibility? But, then he tried to project himself as a great leader, who maintains high values in the politics, but now regretting for it also?

Pak refuses visa to PDP leader

  Pakistan has refused visa to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson Naeem Akhtar to attend a Track-II conference in Islamabad next week. Pakistan High Commission sources have stated that Pakistan recognize Kashmiri separatist group ‘Hurriyat’ as the true representative of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and not any others.   It was like a slap on the face to those Kashmiri politicians, who love to sing chorus with Hurriyat and Pakistan over Kashmir issue.   PDP has emerged as the largest party by winning 28 seats of Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections. It has been negotiating with the BJP for the last two months to form an alliance government with it. But, its conditions to the BJP for resuming talks with Pakistan government and separatists group Hurriyat creates a stalemate in the negotiation process. However, Pakistan is not willing to recognize the PDP as the true representative of the people of Jammu and Kashmir though it was elected by the people and is also putting its political future at stake for sake of Pakistan and Hurriyat.

Bihar political drama ends with CM Manjhi resignation

  The three week-long political drama continuing in the Bihar state comes to an end today with its Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi’s resignation. Former CM of the state Nitish Kumar begins this high suspense drama three weeks ago. He managed to his party MLAs switch their loyalty in favour of him. But, CM Manjhi has been refusing to step down and was also claiming that he has sufficient strength in the house.   He was mainly relied upon the 87 BJP MLAs support. They are also ready to support him during trust vote in the house today. But, still Manjhi needs at least 30 JD (U) MLAs support to win the trust vote. He submitted his resignation letter to Governor Tripathi even before trust vote, when all his efforts to get JD (U) MLAs support fail. He recommends the Governor for dissolution of his government.   However, the Governor may invite Nitish Kumar to form the government. Nitish Kumar is also eagerly waiting for a call from him inviting to form the government. Although, Nitish Kumar begins this awkward political game, he is blaming the BJP for it. Speaking to the media he said “Now it was proved that the BJP is behind Jitan Ram Manjhi and the dirty political games played by him all these days.”

Power Cuts in the AP State again?

  The insufficient coal supply to the thermal power stations in the AP state is hampering power production. Krishnapatnam Thermal Power plant that was commissioned few days ago shuts down its production due to this problem. Vijayawada plant and Rayalaseema plant have reduced their power production for the same reasons.   While, the power plants have reduced the power production, the demand for power supply steeply rises from earlier 120 million units a day to 144.8 million units a day during last one week period due to sudden rise of temperatures across the state. Though, there are sufficient power plants in the state, they are unable to produce power due to this coal shortage. Vijayawada Thermal plant that has 1760 mw capacity is producing only 1268 mw now. Rayalaseema Thermal plant is producing 712 mw as against its capacity 1050 mw due to this coal shortage problem.   The thermal power stations in the state consumes 45,000 tons of coal every day when works in their full capacity. The present coal stocks are sufficient for just ten days production. So, they are forced to reduce the production until sufficient coal stocks are arranged. The coal supplies from Mahanadi coal fields’ drops to 58 per cent during the last few weeks due to heavy demand from other states. The officials of Mahanadi coal fields have assured the AP state for increase of coal supplies at least 15 to 20 per cent in the next few days.   Hence, the AP Energy department wrote a letter to Coal India requesting to allot 1 lakh tons of coal from the Western Coal Fields at the earliest. CM Chandrababu Naidu also brings this matter to Union Coal and Energy Ministers’ notice and seeks their help.   If, there is any disruption in power production due to this coal shortage, it would be a setback for the 24x7 power supply pilot project granted to the state and also provides an opportunity to the opposition parties to criticize the state government. Since, the state government can’t let the power plants reduce the production, it has arrange sufficient coal supplies at any cost.

Bihar Politics runs like a suspense thriller

  The political drama in the Bihar state is continuing with unexpected twists like a suspense thriller TV serial. Bihar Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, who is claiming of having sufficient MLAs support has to prove his strength in the Assembly tomorrow. But, Patna High Court has disqualified seven ministers of his cabinet from taking part in the trust vote tomorrow. Although, their votes are not sufficient to stay afloat, every vote will counts in this crucial moment. Therefore, the court’s verdict proves to be a deadly blow for Jitan Ram Manjhi.   But, he receives pleasant surprise news from the state BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi. He assured Manjhi that all 87 MLAs of his party will support him during the trust vote. But, they won’t join his government, even if wins the vote of confidence of the house, said Sushil Kumar Modi. Actually, Manjhi is making his moves relying upon BJP MLAs support. But, BJP takes a ‘U’ turn after Nitish Kumar has strongly criticized it.   Just a day before, Suresh Kumar Modi categorically told Manjhi that his party MLAs prefer to sit in the opposition benches and can’t support him in the prevailing situation. But, today his party once again changed its game plans and came forward to support Manjhi during trust vote. Sushil Kumar said “Our party MLAs have unanimously agreed to support Jitan Ram Manjhi to give a strong reply to Nitish Kumar for humiliating Mahadalit leader. We are anxious to take revenge and teach a good lesson to Nitish Kumar for humiliating Mahadalit leader.”   Hence, Manjhi gave an open offer of Minister Posts to those JD (U) MLAs, who are ready to support him tomorrow. Bihar Assembly full strength is 233 at present. BJP is having 87 MLAs of it. JD (U) has 111 MLAs. The magic figure to form the government is 117. So, Jitan Ram Manjhi has to attract at least 30 MLAs from JD (U) before tomorrow morning. RJD lead by Laloo Prasad Yadav and the Congress party both are backing Nitish Kumar.   So, if he could stop his party MLAs from jumping the fence, he can become Chief Minister of the state otherwise Jitan Ram Manjhi will retain his CM Chair and the government. Hence, the JD (U) MLAs have to weigh their chances between Nitish Kumar and Jitan Ram Manjhi. This high suspense drama will conclude tomorrow afternoon and the winner will occupy the Chief Minister Chair.

Ram Jetmalani kisses veteran actress Leena

  India’s most sought advocate Ram Jetmalani has once again triggers a fresh controversy. The veteran lawyer has shocked the audiences at the Hum Log Awards function on Monday in Mumbai by kissing the yesteryear actress and the widow of great singer late Kishore Kumar Leena Chandavarkar in front of hundreds of audiences and the media. He is 91 and she is around 70’s. They hugged when they meet on the dais and then kissed. She appears to be welcoming him to have a lip-lock with her in front of the public and the media, instead of resisting him. The people around have no words to say about it. Earlier, Ram Jetmalani has created sensation by kissing yesteryear actor Dharmendra during his Birthday function. Then also their lip-lock scene gone viral in the media and now Jetmalani updates it with his latest kissing scene.

YSRCP will come to power in TS: Vijayamma

  YSR Congress party has made it clear that it is serious about its plans to return to the Telangana state, by opening a separate office for its Telangana branch at Banjara Hills near Jagan Mohan Reddy’s residence Lotus Pond in Hyderabad. Party honorary president Vijayamma has inaugurated the party office on Sunday.   Speaking on the occasion, “Both Andhra and Telangana Chief Ministers are doing nothing except making tall claims. They both fail to keep their promises made to the people. But, late Rajashekhar Reddy is still alive in the hearts of people of both states as he worked for their welfare. I am sure if we strive hard our party will definitely come into power in the Telangana state after next elections.”   It is nice to see her encouraging her party workers and leaders with such assurance. But, there is not one strong reason or point to believe it, except relying upon late YSR factor. It was proved with Sharmila’s Paramarsha Yatra. If, the YSR Congress party wants to return to the Telangana state, first it has to remind the people about late Rajashekhar Reddy and his regime or else it has to criticize the Telangana government, the way it is doing in the Andhra Pradesh.   People of Telangana may not lend their ears to late YSR bhajan made by her or her daughter. So, the mother and daughter have to aim their guns on the TRS and the Telangana government to catch the attention of the people. But, the YSR Congress party is still not sure what stand it has to take about the ruling TRS party and the Telangana government with which it has good terms.   So, if it doesn’t want to aim its guns on the government, then it has to stick to its bhajan of late YSR. No political party can achieve success merely with such Bhajans. It was proved in the AP state during the general elections and will be proved in the future elections also.   Moreover, YSRCP may face a question from the people why it deserts them before bifurcation of the state and why it opposed Telangana state creation. So, before stepping into Telangana state, first it should find answers to all these questions.

We safeguard Andhra people’s interests: KCR

  As the GHMC elections are closing in, Telangana CM KCR softens his voice on Andhra people settled in Hyderabad. He claims himself belong to Hyderabad although was born in Medak district. He said his government will not show any discrimination towards settlers in the state. He said the word ‘settlers’ will not be seen in the days to come as his government is treating all people alike. He appealed the Andhra people settled in the state not to take his statements by heart made during peak of the Telangana agitations. He said those statements were purely an emotional ones and not serious opinions. He assured the Andhra people that his government will safeguard their interests and treat them with due respect. So, Andhra people settled in Hyderabad and surrounding areas have to decide to whom they vote now.

Centre to cancel approvals to 14 SEZs in AP and TS

  Ministry of commerce is likely to cancel 12 SEZS in Telangana and 2 SEZs in the AP state during a meeting to be held by Board of Approvals of it at New Delhi on Thursday. The reason for cancelation of approvals is the erstwhile AP government has not even bothered to submit any proposals or action plan for setting up industries in the SEZs granted to the state.   It has formed Deccan Infrastructure and Land Holdings Ltd (DILL) for this purpose, but it takes no initiative to complete this process despite several reminders from the BoA. Hence, DILL was informed that formal approvals given to it for setting up SEZs will be cancelled as there was no progress. Unfortunately, DILL has not even responded to that final reminder also. So, the BoA is likely to cancel formal approvals given to the state in its tomorrow’s meeting.   Getting approvals for setting up SEZs is a very complicated process. It involves many state and central government departments. But, when 14 SEZs were granted to the state, previous Congress government in the state simply sat on them during its ten years term and let them roll back. Congress leaders of AP and Telangana states, who are making tall claims about developing the state during their term should answer why their government has failed to utilize this opportunity provided by the Centre and why they are making hue and cry now against the AP, TS and NDA governments?

Farmers to hold an all-party meeting at Thullur

  The AP and Central governments may feel pinch with social activist Anna Hazare’s two day dharna to be held at Jantar Mantar, Delhi on February 23 and 24th protesting amending of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The farmers of nine villages opposing the land acquisition for the capital city construction at Thullur also will join his dharna.   Besides NDA and the AP governments, Kejriwal’s government also may face some law and order problems, if Anna Hazare manages to mobilize people in large number to his dharna. Anna Hazare criticizes Modi for being more inclined towards the rich businessmen and industrialists than the poor farmers and down trodden people in the country. However, Modi government may felt great relief after hearing that he limits his dharna to only two days instead of indefinite one.   The farmers of nine villages of Thullur Mandal are going to hold an all-party-meeting at Thullur on Thursday to decide their future course of action. If, the Congress and YSR Congress parties that are supporting their fight will agree to join their dharna at Jantar Mantar, both parties will definitely try to project this land acquisition matter before national media. So, it would be very embarrassing for both Chandrababu and the Modi governments.   The Congress leaders in the AP state are struggling to attract the media and their high command’s attention these days. So, they may not leave this chance. No surprise if they even arrange a meeting with their party president Sonia Gandhi. So, the all-party meeting scheduled for tomorrow is considered to be very significant. Farmers of nine villages of Thullur mandal will leave for New Delhi on February 22nd by trains.