The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Sunday&nbsp;reiterated&nbsp;that all idols and portraits considered worship worthy by Hindus like Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sri Vivekananda etc. would be allowed in Tirumala.

TTD Executive Officer AV Dharma Reddy said a recent social media campaign claiming that Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's idol was not allowed to Tirumala was totally untrue and baseless.

He added that with an objective to maintain the holiness and sanctity of Tirumala hill shrine, the TTD has decided not to allow idols or materials with political and other non-Hindu faiths into Tirumala.

Dharma Reddy further clarified that due to communication lapse, a controversy prevailed about Sri Chhatrapati Shivaji's idol in a vehicle of a Maharashtra devotee a few days ago. “However, the issue was resolved amicably, and the devotee and his vehicle were permitted to proceed to Tirumala after routine security check, but the devotee made a hatred video which became viral on social media impacting the sentiments of scores of Maharashtrians. We appeal to all not to believe such ruthless statements as we very well know Chhatrapati Shivaji was one of the great Hindu Leaders and we have immense respect towards the great soul.''

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Sanjay Jadhav, an MP from Parbhani, Maharashtra, also found fault with the devotee who made the video criticising the TTD.

“Few days ago, a devotee from Maharashtra made a video viral on social media saying that TTD security insulted him for carrying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s idol in the car which is absolutely baseless. Being a internationally acclaimed place of pilgrimage for Hindus, every vehicle undergoes security check at Alipiri check post. As it is a rule with the TTD board not to carry images or symbols or personalities or flags of political parties, other religious faiths, each vehicle is checked. As a part of the routine check, the vehicle of the said pilgrim was also checked. After verifying that it was idol of Shivaji Maharaj, the&nbsp;vehicle was allowed to proceed. But the devotee made a video abusing TTD board. But in reality, that was incorrect and urged people of Maharashtra to&nbsp;not believe such false rumours and happily visit Tirumala to have darshan of Bhagawan Venkateshwara Balaji,” Jadhav said after darshan of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirumala.

Earlier in the morning, TTD board member Milind Narwekar presented an idol of Sri Chhatrapati Shivaji idol to TTD EO at the latter’s camp office.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Sunday reiterated that all idols and portraits considered worship worthy by Hindus like Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sri Vivekananda etc.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) on Sunday reiterated that all idols and portraits considered worship worthy by Hindus like Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Sri Vivekananda etc. would be allowed in Tirumala. TTD Executive Officer AV Dharma Reddy said a recent social media campaign claiming that Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's idol was not allowed to Tirumala was totally untrue and baseless. He added that with an objective to maintain the holiness and sanctity of Tirumala hill shrine, the TTD has decided not to allow idols or materials with political and other non-Hindu faiths into Tirumala. Dharma Reddy further clarified that due to communication lapse, a controversy prevailed about Sri Chhatrapati Shivaji's idol in a vehicle of a Maharashtra devotee a few days ago. “However, the issue was resolved amicably, and the devotee and his vehicle were permitted to proceed to Tirumala after routine security check, but the devotee made a hatred video which became viral on social media impacting the sentiments of scores of Maharashtrians. We appeal to all not to believe such ruthless statements as we very well know Chhatrapati Shivaji was one of the great Hindu Leaders and we have immense respect towards the great soul.'' Also read | Debris from Chinese rocket crashes into Indian Ocean Sanjay Jadhav, an MP from Parbhani, Maharashtra, also found fault with the devotee who made the video criticising the TTD. “Few days ago, a devotee from Maharashtra made a video viral on social media saying that TTD security insulted him for carrying Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s idol in the car which is absolutely baseless. Being a internationally acclaimed place of pilgrimage for Hindus, every vehicle undergoes security check at Alipiri check post. As it is a rule with the TTD board not to carry images or symbols or personalities or flags of political parties, other religious faiths, each vehicle is checked. As a part of the routine check, the vehicle of the said pilgrim was also checked. After verifying that it was idol of Shivaji Maharaj, the vehicle was allowed to proceed. But the devotee made a video abusing TTD board. But in reality, that was incorrect and urged people of Maharashtra to not believe such false rumours and happily visit Tirumala to have darshan of Bhagawan Venkateshwara Balaji,” Jadhav said after darshan of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirumala. Earlier in the morning, TTD board member Milind Narwekar presented an idol of Sri Chhatrapati Shivaji idol to TTD EO at the latter’s camp office.

TTD denies claims in viral video, says Tirumala is pilgrimage centre for all Hindus

In a bizarre incident, a home guard from Indian state Andhra Pradesh forcibly took away a vehicle from a family of six who was proceeding to Tirumala to visit the temple of Lord Venkateswara. The home guard took the vehicle saying that it was needed for the convoy of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy who is&nbsp;supposed to travel to Prakasam District of the state on April 22.

The incident took place at Ongole in Andhra Pradesh. The home guard approached the family when it was having food at a hotel. The home guard said that the car (a Toyota Innova) along with its driver was needed as Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was due to visit the district.

Baffled by this development, the family tried to reason with the home guard but couldn't succeed. The family had to spend the night at Ongole bus stand.

The issue took political turn when former state chief minister Chandrababu Naidu criticised the current government

"Who gave the right to officials to cause such inconvenience and suffering to a family by obstructing their journey?'' asked Naidu&nbsp;

"Has the state economy slipped into such a pitiable state that it was not able to arrange a car outof its own resources for the CM's convoy? What sort of example the officials were sending to civil society by resorting to such a car snatching incident?" he said further.

Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed his displeasure at the incident. He has ordered strict action against the erring officials.&nbsp;

This kind of measure will not be tolerated especially when people are in trouble," said the CM in a statement.

Acting on CM's order, the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department has suspended P Rupal Reddy, the home guard and A Sandhya, Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector, holding them responsible for this incident. 
&nbsp;

In a bizarre incident, a home guard from Indian state Andhra Pradesh forcibly took away a vehicle from a family of six who was proceeding to Tirumala to visit the temple of Lord Venkateswara.

In a bizarre incident, a home guard from Indian state Andhra Pradesh forcibly took away a vehicle from a family of six who was proceeding to Tirumala to visit the temple of Lord Venkateswara. The home guard took the vehicle saying that it was needed for the convoy of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy who is supposed to travel to Prakasam District of the state on April 22. The incident took place at Ongole in Andhra Pradesh. The home guard approached the family when it was having food at a hotel. The home guard said that the car (a Toyota Innova) along with its driver was needed as Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy was due to visit the district. Baffled by this development, the family tried to reason with the home guard but couldn't succeed. The family had to spend the night at Ongole bus stand. The issue took political turn when former state chief minister Chandrababu Naidu criticised the current government "Who gave the right to officials to cause such inconvenience and suffering to a family by obstructing their journey?'' asked Naidu "Has the state economy slipped into such a pitiable state that it was not able to arrange a car outof its own resources for the CM's convoy? What sort of example the officials were sending to civil society by resorting to such a car snatching incident?" he said further. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has expressed his displeasure at the incident. He has ordered strict action against the erring officials. This kind of measure will not be tolerated especially when people are in trouble," said the CM in a statement. Acting on CM's order, the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department has suspended P Rupal Reddy, the home guard and A Sandhya, Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspector, holding them responsible for this incident.

Home guard snatches citizen's vehicle 'for CM', gets suspended by chief minister

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB ) has found that eight Asiatic lions of the city's Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad Zoo) are COVID-19 positive.&nbsp;

However, as of now, none of them is in serious condition and all are on road to recovery. Fortunately, all these lions are now normal and eating their food.

In an exclusive interview with WION, CCMB director Dr Rakesh Mishra disclosed the following facts:

How did it happen?

"It seems to have transmitted from humans ( zookeepers ) through meat that's provided to these lions."

What do these results ( COVID-19 positive ) among animals indicate?

"The mammals are as vulnerable as humans. It seems to be the first such instance in India but elsewhere in New York, Spain and other places, there are cases wherein animals ( mammals ) are found Covid-19 positive."

What was the covid-19 variant found in these lions?

"It is not the new one but the earlier "A2A" variant."

Any guidelines issued to Zoos across the country after this particular development?

"We have already given our findings to concerned Central authorities and have advised to close Zoos for visitors all across the country, test all the employees and also the care with which the food is to be checked and given to the animals. Also, we are giving SoPs (Standard Operating Procedures ) for all the Zoos across the country in this regard."

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB ) has found that eight Asiatic lions of the city's Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad Zoo) are COVID-19 positive.

The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB ) has found that eight Asiatic lions of the city's Nehru Zoological Park (Hyderabad Zoo) are COVID-19 positive. However, as of now, none of them is in serious condition and all are on road to recovery. Fortunately, all these lions are now normal and eating their food. In an exclusive interview with WION, CCMB director Dr Rakesh Mishra disclosed the following facts: How did it happen? "It seems to have transmitted from humans ( zookeepers ) through meat that's provided to these lions." What do these results ( COVID-19 positive ) among animals indicate? "The mammals are as vulnerable as humans. It seems to be the first such instance in India but elsewhere in New York, Spain and other places, there are cases wherein animals ( mammals ) are found Covid-19 positive." What was the covid-19 variant found in these lions? "It is not the new one but the earlier "A2A" variant." Any guidelines issued to Zoos across the country after this particular development? "We have already given our findings to concerned Central authorities and have advised to close Zoos for visitors all across the country, test all the employees and also the care with which the food is to be checked and given to the animals. Also, we are giving SoPs (Standard Operating Procedures ) for all the Zoos across the country in this regard."

COVID-19: Eight Asiatic lions test positive in Hyderabad zoo, a first in India

Pharma major ``Bharat Biotech'' has announced development of COVAXIN™,&nbsp; India’s 1st&nbsp; vaccine candidate for COVID-19, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV). The SARS-CoV-2 strain was isolated in NIV, Pune and transferred to Bharat Biotech. The indigenous, inactivated vaccine developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech’s BSL-3 (Bio-Safety Level 3) High Containment facility located in Genome Valley, Hyderabad.&nbsp;

Bharat Biotech declared that the Drug Controller General of India - CDSCO, Ministry of Health &amp; Family Welfare have granted permission to initiate Phase I &amp; II Human clinical trials after the company submitted results generated from preclinical studies, demonstrating safety and immune response. Human clinical trials are scheduled to start across India in July 2020.

Announcing the vaccine development, Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech said: “We are proud to announce COVAXIN™, India’s first indigenous vaccine against COVID-19. The collaboration with ICMR and NIV was instrumental in the development of this vaccine. The proactive support and guidance from CDSCO has enabled approvals to this project. Our R&amp;D and manufacturing teams worked tirelessly to deploy our proprietary technologies towards this platform.”

Expedited through national regulatory protocols , the company said it accelerated its objective in completing the comprehensive pre-clinical studies and added results from these studies have been promising and show extensive safety and effective immune responses.

&nbsp;“Our ongoing research and expertise in forecasting epidemics has enabled us to successfully manufacture a vaccine for the H1N1 pandemic. Continuing our focus on creating the only BSL-3 containment facilities for manufacturing and testing in India, Bharat Biotech is committed to advancing vaccine development as a matter of national importance to demonstrate India’s strength in handling future pandemics” said Suchitra Ella, joint managing director, Bharat Biotech

Bharat Biotech’s track record in developing vero cell culture platform technologies has been proven in several vaccines for Polio, Rabies, Rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis, Chikungunya and Zika.&nbsp;

Pharma major ``Bharat Biotech'' has announced development of COVAXIN™, India’s 1st vaccine candidate for COVID-19, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV).

Pharma major ``Bharat Biotech'' has announced development of COVAXIN™, India’s 1st vaccine candidate for COVID-19, in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV). The SARS-CoV-2 strain was isolated in NIV, Pune and transferred to Bharat Biotech. The indigenous, inactivated vaccine developed and manufactured in Bharat Biotech’s BSL-3 (Bio-Safety Level 3) High Containment facility located in Genome Valley, Hyderabad. Bharat Biotech declared that the Drug Controller General of India - CDSCO, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have granted permission to initiate Phase I & II Human clinical trials after the company submitted results generated from preclinical studies, demonstrating safety and immune response. Human clinical trials are scheduled to start across India in July 2020. Announcing the vaccine development, Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Biotech said: “We are proud to announce COVAXIN™, India’s first indigenous vaccine against COVID-19. The collaboration with ICMR and NIV was instrumental in the development of this vaccine. The proactive support and guidance from CDSCO has enabled approvals to this project. Our R&D and manufacturing teams worked tirelessly to deploy our proprietary technologies towards this platform.” Expedited through national regulatory protocols , the company said it accelerated its objective in completing the comprehensive pre-clinical studies and added results from these studies have been promising and show extensive safety and effective immune responses. “Our ongoing research and expertise in forecasting epidemics has enabled us to successfully manufacture a vaccine for the H1N1 pandemic. Continuing our focus on creating the only BSL-3 containment facilities for manufacturing and testing in India, Bharat Biotech is committed to advancing vaccine development as a matter of national importance to demonstrate India’s strength in handling future pandemics” said Suchitra Ella, joint managing director, Bharat Biotech Bharat Biotech’s track record in developing vero cell culture platform technologies has been proven in several vaccines for Polio, Rabies, Rotavirus, Japanese Encephalitis, Chikungunya and Zika.

Bharat Biotech announces DGCI's approval for its "COVAXIN" COVID-19 vaccine for Phase I & II human clinical trials

With an average of 1504 COVID-19 tests per one million population, officials in Andhra Pradesh said the state tops in the country on that count and added the state government is gearing up to set up Virology labs in all the districts.

This was revealed during a review meeting held here on Tuesday chaired by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.&nbsp;

Briefing the COVID-19 situation in the state, the officials told Chief Minister that 82 positive cases have been recorded in the past 24 hours and a total of 80,334 tests have been conducted so far.

While the national average in terms of positives cases recorded is 4.13 per cent and the Andhra Pradesh average is 1.57 per cent.&nbsp;

The average death rate of the country is 3.19 per cent and the state average is 2.46 per cent.

All these cases are from containment zones, officials said and informed that they are gearing up to set up labs in Srikakulam, Prakasam, and Nellore along with Vizianagaram and West Godavari districts.

With an average of 1504 COVID-19 tests per one million population, officials in Andhra Pradesh said the state tops in the country on that count and added the state government is gearing up to set up Virology labs in all the districts.

With an average of 1504 COVID-19 tests per one million population, officials in Andhra Pradesh said the state tops in the country on that count and added the state government is gearing up to set up Virology labs in all the districts. This was revealed during a review meeting held here on Tuesday chaired by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. Briefing the COVID-19 situation in the state, the officials told Chief Minister that 82 positive cases have been recorded in the past 24 hours and a total of 80,334 tests have been conducted so far. While the national average in terms of positives cases recorded is 4.13 per cent and the Andhra Pradesh average is 1.57 per cent. The average death rate of the country is 3.19 per cent and the state average is 2.46 per cent. All these cases are from containment zones, officials said and informed that they are gearing up to set up labs in Srikakulam, Prakasam, and Nellore along with Vizianagaram and West Godavari districts.

Andhra Pradesh claims it leads in COVID-19 tests in country

Even in this age of digital platforms, the feel of watching a movie on a large screen has its own unmatched experience.

In a small town called Sullurpet in Andhra Pradesh, which is 80 kilometres from Chennai, a brand new cinema theatre has opened&nbsp;today -- the&nbsp;screen is 100 feet in width and 54 feet in height. This size is approximately five and a half floors of a building's size.

'Bahubali'&nbsp;fame Prabhas' latest film 'Saaho'&nbsp;is released in hundreds of theatres in India and worldwide today but an Epiq&nbsp;screen of newly built V EPIQ Theatre in Sullurpet town where 'Saaho'&nbsp;made its debut today is in focus. This 656-seater cinema theatre has the biggest screen in India as of now and is touted to be also the biggest in South-East Asia.

Made by Chennai-based QUBE Cinemas for V-Celluloid chain of cinema theatres, this state-of-the art EPIQ screen includes 4K RGB laser projection, Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio system, and above all 1.89 screen aspect ratio that is optimised for both scope and flat movies with sharp images, higher brightness, increased contrast and a wider colour gamut.&nbsp;

"The overall experience of watching a movie in this particular theatre will be unimaginable. Be it any of the seat, the eye can see the entire peripheral screen. Normally, in conventional theatres, the screen aspect ratio is 2.35 but this screen has a 1.89 screen aspect ratio which means there's a high brightness of image. This biggest screen is complemented by Dolby Atmos'immersive audio,'' informs Jayendra Panchapakesan, co-founder of QUBE Cinemas to Zee Media.

Interestingly, this multiplex which also has two smaller theatres is located in Sullurpet- a small town- and which has only three lakh population. Sullurpet is surrounded by a couple of other towns nearby and is quite near to SHAR, Sriharikota, from where ISRO launches its rockets, a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) called Sri City and few Engineering and other educational institutions nearby.

"Our motto is to give tier 2 and 3 locations an unmatched cinema viewing experience and yes there is craze among the cinegoers especially in these tier 2 &amp; 3 areas to watch a movie on a big screen,'' says Naveen Kumar Eada, Senior Vice-President of V-Celluloind to Zee Media, while adding," large formats is the future.''

While the owners of V-Celluloid have not disclosed the cost of this venture, the tickets for this EPIQ screen are priced reasonably at Rs 200 and&nbsp;Rs 100 for two classes.

Even in this age of digital platforms, the feel of watching a movie on a large screen has its own unmatched experience. In a small town called Sullurpet in Andhra Pradesh, which is 80 kilometres from Chennai, a brand new cinema theatre has opened today -- the screen is 100 feet in width and 54 feet in height.

Even in this age of digital platforms, the feel of watching a movie on a large screen has its own unmatched experience. In a small town called Sullurpet in Andhra Pradesh, which is 80 kilometres from Chennai, a brand new cinema theatre has opened today -- the screen is 100 feet in width and 54 feet in height. This size is approximately five and a half floors of a building's size. 'Bahubali' fame Prabhas' latest film 'Saaho' is released in hundreds of theatres in India and worldwide today but an Epiq screen of newly built V EPIQ Theatre in Sullurpet town where 'Saaho' made its debut today is in focus. This 656-seater cinema theatre has the biggest screen in India as of now and is touted to be also the biggest in South-East Asia. Made by Chennai-based QUBE Cinemas for V-Celluloid chain of cinema theatres, this state-of-the art EPIQ screen includes 4K RGB laser projection, Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio system, and above all 1.89 screen aspect ratio that is optimised for both scope and flat movies with sharp images, higher brightness, increased contrast and a wider colour gamut. "The overall experience of watching a movie in this particular theatre will be unimaginable. Be it any of the seat, the eye can see the entire peripheral screen. Normally, in conventional theatres, the screen aspect ratio is 2.35 but this screen has a 1.89 screen aspect ratio which means there's a high brightness of image. This biggest screen is complemented by Dolby Atmos'immersive audio,'' informs Jayendra Panchapakesan, co-founder of QUBE Cinemas to Zee Media. Interestingly, this multiplex which also has two smaller theatres is located in Sullurpet- a small town- and which has only three lakh population. Sullurpet is surrounded by a couple of other towns nearby and is quite near to SHAR, Sriharikota, from where ISRO launches its rockets, a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) called Sri City and few Engineering and other educational institutions nearby. "Our motto is to give tier 2 and 3 locations an unmatched cinema viewing experience and yes there is craze among the cinegoers especially in these tier 2 & 3 areas to watch a movie on a big screen,'' says Naveen Kumar Eada, Senior Vice-President of V-Celluloind to Zee Media, while adding," large formats is the future.'' While the owners of V-Celluloid have not disclosed the cost of this venture, the tickets for this EPIQ screen are priced reasonably at Rs 200 and Rs 100 for two classes.

A small town in Andhra Pradesh is now home to the largest movie theatre screen in South East Asia

In a significant move, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board chairman YV Subba Reddy today announced that soon the VVIPs darshan slots popularly known as L1, L2, L3 will be discontinued to give more preference to common pilgrims. &nbsp;

It had become a big task for TTD to give preference for vvips to facilitate quick darshan of Lord Balaji over common pilgrims who have to wait for hours together for the same Lord darshan.

"I have been maintaining since day one of assuming charge that in line with our Chief Miniter YS Jagan Mohan Reddy directive that there should be transparency in every sphere, I have decided to bring the same in TTD. As part of that L1, L2, L3 &nbsp;VVIPs darshans will be soon discontinued. We will chalk out how to take care of protocols. The main aim is to give preference to common pilgrims," YV Subba Reddy said.

In a significant move, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board chairman YV Subba Reddy today announced that soon the VVIPs darshan slots popularly known as L1, L2, L3 will be discontinued to give more preference to common pilgrims.

In a significant move, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) board chairman YV Subba Reddy today announced that soon the VVIPs darshan slots popularly known as L1, L2, L3 will be discontinued to give more preference to common pilgrims. It had become a big task for TTD to give preference for vvips to facilitate quick darshan of Lord Balaji over common pilgrims who have to wait for hours together for the same Lord darshan. "I have been maintaining since day one of assuming charge that in line with our Chief Miniter YS Jagan Mohan Reddy directive that there should be transparency in every sphere, I have decided to bring the same in TTD. As part of that L1, L2, L3 VVIPs darshans will be soon discontinued. We will chalk out how to take care of protocols. The main aim is to give preference to common pilgrims," YV Subba Reddy said.

VVIPs slot in Tirupati to be discontinued: TTD chairman Subba Reddy

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, in a surprise development, ordered demolition of "Praja Vedika'' (government building ) which was temporarily built by former Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on the banks of Krishna River to conduct official meetings.

Ironically, today, YS Jagan was&nbsp;conducting a collectors'&nbsp;conference in the same building. While reviewing official matters, Jagan announced in the meeting, "the very building and premises where we are holding this meeting is illegal, was built flouting all rules and norms,'' said Jagan and ordered the demolition of the building within next couple of days.&nbsp;

He also said ''this is the last official meeting in this building''.

Ever since YS Jagan took over as chief minister he has reversed several decisions of his predecessor Naidu.&nbsp;

YS Jagan had earlier shot down a request of Chandrababu Naidu to retain the official residence saying it is also built violating all the norms.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, in a surprise development, ordered demolition of "Praja Vedika'' (government building ) which was temporarily built by former Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on the banks of Krishna River to conduct official meetings.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, in a surprise development, ordered demolition of "Praja Vedika'' (government building ) which was temporarily built by former Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on the banks of Krishna River to conduct official meetings. Ironically, today, YS Jagan was conducting a collectors' conference in the same building. While reviewing official matters, Jagan announced in the meeting, "the very building and premises where we are holding this meeting is illegal, was built flouting all rules and norms,'' said Jagan and ordered the demolition of the building within next couple of days. He also said ''this is the last official meeting in this building''. Ever since YS Jagan took over as chief minister he has reversed several decisions of his predecessor Naidu. YS Jagan had earlier shot down a request of Chandrababu Naidu to retain the official residence saying it is also built violating all the norms.

YS Jagan orders demolition of government building built by predecessor Chandrababu Naidu 

It's a double whammy for Indian National Congress ( INC ) in Telangana.

After the rout in the 2018 Assembly Elections, the recently concluded general elections gave a glimmer of hope to the Congress party in Telangana where it managed to win three parliamentary seats. But that hope has been dashed with 12 of its MLAs pledging loyalty to Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS).&nbsp;

The 12 Congress MLAs, some of whom perceived to be close to party high command and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, met Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and gave a representation stating they are joining TRS ''inspired'' by the leadership of Chief Minister K.Chandrashekar Rao.&nbsp;

With the latest development, the grand old party of India, which had 18 MLAs in the Telangana Legislative Assembly, is now left with only 6.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in a swift development, a bulletin released by the Telangana Legislative Assembly says, ``the speaker has taken note of 12 members of the Congress Legislature Party who constitute two-thirds of its total members in the Telangana Legislative Assembly are deemed to have been merged with the TRS&nbsp;Legislature party as per Paragraph four&nbsp;of the Tenth Schedule of&nbsp;the Constitution of India. Accordingly, seats are allotted to them alongwith members of TRS party in the House.''&nbsp;

The total strength of the Telangana Assembly is 119 but it reduced to 118 as Telangana Congress President and MLA Capt Uttam Kumar Reddy recently got elected to Lok Sabha from Nalgonda constituency.

Following is the break-up of parties position in Telangana Legislative Assembly.

1) TRS &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;- 90 
2) AIMIM &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - 7 
3) Congress &nbsp;-18 ( 12 defected to TRS today ) 
4) TDP &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - 2 
5) BJP &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - 1

&nbsp; &nbsp;Total &nbsp;- &nbsp; &nbsp;118

This is for the second time such defections are taking place. Earlier, after the 2014 Assembly elections, TRS got a decent majority. However, many of the MLAs, mainly from Congress and TDP, defected to TRS. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
As soon as 12 of their MLAs pledged support to TRS today, state Congress president Capt Uttam Kumar Reddy along with remaining MLAs and other senior party leaders staged dharna in front of Assembly. ``This is undemocratic and shows how TRS party is indulging in horse trading,'' said Captain Uttam Kumar Reddy.&nbsp;

The party is getting ready for a legal battle, he added.

Meanwhile, rebel Congress legislator from Warangal, Gandra Venkata Ramana Reddy, said the 12 MLAs decided to work with the chief minister for the development of the state.

Gandra confirmed that they gave a representation to the Speaker requesting him to merge them with the TRS.

" All of us (12 MLAs) held a special meeting of the Congress Legislature Party. The 12 members supported the leadership of Chief Minister KCR and wanted to work with him. We gave a representation to the Speaker and requested him to merge us with the TRS," Reddy said.

As 12 MLAs account for two-thirds of the Congress Legislature Party, which has an effective strength of 18, they will not attract provisions of the anti-defection law, official sources said.

It's a double whammy for Indian National Congress ( INC ) in Telangana. After the rout in the 2018 Assembly Elections, the recently concluded general elections gave a glimmer of hope to the Congress party in Telangana where it managed to win three parliamentary seats.

It's a double whammy for Indian National Congress ( INC ) in Telangana. After the rout in the 2018 Assembly Elections, the recently concluded general elections gave a glimmer of hope to the Congress party in Telangana where it managed to win three parliamentary seats. But that hope has been dashed with 12 of its MLAs pledging loyalty to Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). The 12 Congress MLAs, some of whom perceived to be close to party high command and Congress president Rahul Gandhi, met Telangana Legislative Assembly Speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy and gave a representation stating they are joining TRS ''inspired'' by the leadership of Chief Minister K.Chandrashekar Rao. With the latest development, the grand old party of India, which had 18 MLAs in the Telangana Legislative Assembly, is now left with only 6. Meanwhile, in a swift development, a bulletin released by the Telangana Legislative Assembly says, ``the speaker has taken note of 12 members of the Congress Legislature Party who constitute two-thirds of its total members in the Telangana Legislative Assembly are deemed to have been merged with the TRS Legislature party as per Paragraph four of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Accordingly, seats are allotted to them alongwith members of TRS party in the House.'' The total strength of the Telangana Assembly is 119 but it reduced to 118 as Telangana Congress President and MLA Capt Uttam Kumar Reddy recently got elected to Lok Sabha from Nalgonda constituency. Following is the break-up of parties position in Telangana Legislative Assembly. 1) TRS - 90 2) AIMIM - 7 3) Congress -18 ( 12 defected to TRS today ) 4) TDP - 2 5) BJP - 1 Total - 118 This is for the second time such defections are taking place. Earlier, after the 2014 Assembly elections, TRS got a decent majority. However, many of the MLAs, mainly from Congress and TDP, defected to TRS. As soon as 12 of their MLAs pledged support to TRS today, state Congress president Capt Uttam Kumar Reddy along with remaining MLAs and other senior party leaders staged dharna in front of Assembly. ``This is undemocratic and shows how TRS party is indulging in horse trading,'' said Captain Uttam Kumar Reddy. The party is getting ready for a legal battle, he added. Meanwhile, rebel Congress legislator from Warangal, Gandra Venkata Ramana Reddy, said the 12 MLAs decided to work with the chief minister for the development of the state. Gandra confirmed that they gave a representation to the Speaker requesting him to merge them with the TRS. " All of us (12 MLAs) held a special meeting of the Congress Legislature Party. The 12 members supported the leadership of Chief Minister KCR and wanted to work with him. We gave a representation to the Speaker and requested him to merge us with the TRS," Reddy said. As 12 MLAs account for two-thirds of the Congress Legislature Party, which has an effective strength of 18, they will not attract provisions of the anti-defection law, official sources said.

Telangana Congress in doldrums as 12 of its MLAs defect to TRS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi waited for an opportune time and venue to blast Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party president Nara Chandrababu Naidu. The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-hating-modi-the-opposition-has-begun-to-hate-the-nation-pm-modi-195852">prime minister</a>, while addressing a BJP-organised public meeting in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district, did not leave any stone unturned to come down strongly on his friend-turned-foe.&nbsp;

"Baap-bete (Chandrababu and son Lokesh) ki sarkaar Andhra Pradesh se jaana tay hain,'' thundered Modi while blowing the poll bugle in the state.&nbsp;

In his one-hour speech which started exactly at 11.40 am and finished at 12.40 pm, the prime minister took 42 minutes to take on Chandrababu Naidu and his son Nara Lokesh point by point.

Calling Chandrababu Naidu a backstabber while referring to the coup Naidu staged against his father-in-law NT Rama Rao way back in 1995, the prime minister shot off what he said were "four truths": &nbsp;

"One, Chandrababu is now scared of losing the 2019 elections. Two, that the Andhra Pradesh chief minister wants to anoint his son Nara Lokesh as his political successor but is unable to do so. Three, Naidu is focusing on wealth creation; not of Andhra Pradesh but his own wealth creation. And four, your chaukidaar is giving Naidu sleepless nights asking him tough questions on where the central money has been spent and how much.''

Modi took a dig at Chandrababu for allegedly using public money to book two trains to New Delhi from Andhra Pradesh to demand special status for the state. "Just for photo opportunity, Babu is using public money for his own political gains and what he is going to do in Delhi... go and bow his head in front of Congress. The TDP was formed by late NTR on self-respect plank against this very Congress Party but today Chandrababu would do anything to please the Congress.''

Reacting sharply to frequent allegations that the Centre has given Andhra Pradesh step-motherly treatment, Modi informed the gathering of all the schemes and money that the Centre has given to Andhra Pradesh. "We will never deprieve any state of what it deserves and in case of Andhra Pradesh, we are fulfilling one by one all the provisions made in Andhra Pradesh state re-organisation act," Modi said.

While taking strong exception to the foul language being used against him by the TDP, Modi said, "There's desperation in TDP and they know quite well that they are going to lose the next elections here."

Interestingly, the prime minister did not make any mention of YSR Congress Party or Pavan Kalyan, who had supported the TDP-BJP combine in the 2014 elections but has now formed a political outfit of its own. 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi waited for an opportune time and venue to blast Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party president Nara Chandrababu Naidu.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi waited for an opportune time and venue to blast Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party president Nara Chandrababu Naidu. The prime minister, while addressing a BJP-organised public meeting in Andhra Pradesh's Guntur district, did not leave any stone unturned to come down strongly on his friend-turned-foe. "Baap-bete (Chandrababu and son Lokesh) ki sarkaar Andhra Pradesh se jaana tay hain,'' thundered Modi while blowing the poll bugle in the state. In his one-hour speech which started exactly at 11.40 am and finished at 12.40 pm, the prime minister took 42 minutes to take on Chandrababu Naidu and his son Nara Lokesh point by point. Calling Chandrababu Naidu a backstabber while referring to the coup Naidu staged against his father-in-law NT Rama Rao way back in 1995, the prime minister shot off what he said were "four truths": "One, Chandrababu is now scared of losing the 2019 elections. Two, that the Andhra Pradesh chief minister wants to anoint his son Nara Lokesh as his political successor but is unable to do so. Three, Naidu is focusing on wealth creation; not of Andhra Pradesh but his own wealth creation. And four, your chaukidaar is giving Naidu sleepless nights asking him tough questions on where the central money has been spent and how much.'' Modi took a dig at Chandrababu for allegedly using public money to book two trains to New Delhi from Andhra Pradesh to demand special status for the state. "Just for photo opportunity, Babu is using public money for his own political gains and what he is going to do in Delhi... go and bow his head in front of Congress. The TDP was formed by late NTR on self-respect plank against this very Congress Party but today Chandrababu would do anything to please the Congress.'' Reacting sharply to frequent allegations that the Centre has given Andhra Pradesh step-motherly treatment, Modi informed the gathering of all the schemes and money that the Centre has given to Andhra Pradesh. "We will never deprieve any state of what it deserves and in case of Andhra Pradesh, we are fulfilling one by one all the provisions made in Andhra Pradesh state re-organisation act," Modi said. While taking strong exception to the foul language being used against him by the TDP, Modi said, "There's desperation in TDP and they know quite well that they are going to lose the next elections here." Interestingly, the prime minister did not make any mention of YSR Congress Party or Pavan Kalyan, who had supported the TDP-BJP combine in the 2014 elections but has now formed a political outfit of its own.

Chandrababu Naidu stabbed his father-in-law in the back: Modi in Andhra

As always, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslameen president or "sadr" <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-speaking-against-pm-modi-or-bjp-require-me-to-leave-is-it-not-my-country-owaisi-181036">Asaduddin Owaisi</a> is in the news and much in demand with only a few hours to go before the counting of votes in Telangana. Though Owaisi has been extending unflinching support to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, he's also being courted by the Indian National Congress just in case the "Mahakutami" (Grand Alliance) falls short of the numbers.

Since Monday morning, the buzz on the grapevine had been that caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao had invited Owaisi or "Sadr Saab" as he is called for lunch.&nbsp;

At around noon, Owaisi tweeted, "I'll be meeting Telangana's caretaker &amp; next CM of Telangana, KCR Sahab @ Telangana CMO at 1.30 pm today. Inshallah he'll form government on his own strength, and Majlis will stand by him. This is our first step towards a larger goal of nation building.....''

Known for his punctuality, the local and national media lay in wait for Owaisi near Pragathi Bhavan, KCR's home-cum-office. All cameras were up and ready, on the lookout for Owaisi's SUV.&nbsp;

However, at around 1.40 pm, a two-wheeler zoomed past Pragathi Bhavan's gates and for a few seconds, none of the journalists gathered there were able to tell that it was Owaisi himself on his two-wheeler — a Triumph 925 cc.&nbsp;

No one had imagined that Owaisi would turn up on his motorcycle.&nbsp;

After three hours, at around 4.45 pm, Asaduddin rode out of Pragathi Bhavan.&nbsp;

This time he could not escape the assembled media. He got down from his motorcycle and spoke to them.&nbsp;

He was of course asked about his entry and exit on his Triumph, to which Asad answered in inimitable Hyderabad style... "Hyderabad ka mausam achcha hai... hamari gaadi (his motorcycle ) aur car (the TRS' symbol is a car) aage bhi speed se saath jaayenge."

After which he zoomed off on his motorcycle.&nbsp;

The results of the Telangana elections, along with those of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram, will be declared tomorrow.&nbsp;

As always, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslameen president or "sadr" Asaduddin Owaisi is in the news and much in demand with only a few hours to go before the counting of votes in Telangana.

As always, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslameen president or "sadr" Asaduddin Owaisi is in the news and much in demand with only a few hours to go before the counting of votes in Telangana. Though Owaisi has been extending unflinching support to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, he's also being courted by the Indian National Congress just in case the "Mahakutami" (Grand Alliance) falls short of the numbers. Since Monday morning, the buzz on the grapevine had been that caretaker chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao had invited Owaisi or "Sadr Saab" as he is called for lunch. At around noon, Owaisi tweeted, "I'll be meeting Telangana's caretaker & next CM of Telangana, KCR Sahab @ Telangana CMO at 1.30 pm today. Inshallah he'll form government on his own strength, and Majlis will stand by him. This is our first step towards a larger goal of nation building.....'' Known for his punctuality, the local and national media lay in wait for Owaisi near Pragathi Bhavan, KCR's home-cum-office. All cameras were up and ready, on the lookout for Owaisi's SUV. However, at around 1.40 pm, a two-wheeler zoomed past Pragathi Bhavan's gates and for a few seconds, none of the journalists gathered there were able to tell that it was Owaisi himself on his two-wheeler — a Triumph 925 cc. No one had imagined that Owaisi would turn up on his motorcycle. After three hours, at around 4.45 pm, Asaduddin rode out of Pragathi Bhavan. This time he could not escape the assembled media. He got down from his motorcycle and spoke to them. He was of course asked about his entry and exit on his Triumph, to which Asad answered in inimitable Hyderabad style... "Hyderabad ka mausam achcha hai... hamari gaadi (his motorcycle ) aur car (the TRS' symbol is a car) aage bhi speed se saath jaayenge." After which he zoomed off on his motorcycle. The results of the Telangana elections, along with those of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram, will be declared tomorrow.

Asaduddin Owaisi comes to lunch at KCR's home on his Triumph motorcycle

At a time when candidates shower booze and cash on voters in order to swing them in their&nbsp;favour, an&nbsp;independent candidate in Telangana has adopted a unique approach to woo the voters.

The 45-year-old Akula Hanmandloo, who is contesting as an independent candidate for Korutla assembly seat in Telangana, is giving a copy of a resignation letter and a slipper to voters even as he pleads with folded hands and says, ''This is copy of my resignation letter and a slipper. If you elect me I will do any work ( public work ) you wish. In case I don't do it you can send this letter to Telangana Assembly Speaker and along with that you can hit me with this slipper.''

Akula Hanmandloo has real estate business and has some agricultural land in and around Korutla town in Karimnagar district of Telangana.&nbsp;

A father of three children, Hanmandloo says he, like many voters, is vexed with empty and false promises of political leaders who, he says, say a lot before elections.&nbsp;

''Election after election people continue to suffer because the leaders who promise everything before elections are not to be seen or heard till the next elections. I want to set an example. I want to bring in change if I am elected,'' says Hanmandloo while speaking to Zee Media.

For Hanmandloo, this is not his first tryst with elections. Fifteen years back he unsuccessfully contested as corporator in local municipal elections in Korutla. His present campaigning is attracting a lot of attention in Korutla assembly constituency which has little more than two lakh voters. ''We have seen vote for note ( money ). But this is different. He is giving us a slipper and a resignation letter. What we expect from any candidate is honesty and sincerity and zeal to do development,'' opines Eligeti Krishna, a voter and resident of Korutla town.

Along with door to door campaign, Hanmandloo is also using social media to spread the message. He has a dedicated Facebook page wherein one can connect with him on this issue.

Hanmandloo is pitted against Congress' Narsing Rao and Telangana Rashtra Samithi's Vidyasagar Rao -- both heavyweights in the area.&nbsp;

''I dream of Rama Rajya wherein people are happy and prosperous and if I win I will live up to my promise,'' assures Hanmandloo.

The Assembly Elections for 119 seats for Telangana will be held on December 7.

At a time when candidates shower booze and cash on voters in order to swing them in their favour, an independent candidate in Telangana has adopted a unique approach to woo the voters.

At a time when candidates shower booze and cash on voters in order to swing them in their favour, an independent candidate in Telangana has adopted a unique approach to woo the voters. The 45-year-old Akula Hanmandloo, who is contesting as an independent candidate for Korutla assembly seat in Telangana, is giving a copy of a resignation letter and a slipper to voters even as he pleads with folded hands and says, ''This is copy of my resignation letter and a slipper. If you elect me I will do any work ( public work ) you wish. In case I don't do it you can send this letter to Telangana Assembly Speaker and along with that you can hit me with this slipper.'' Akula Hanmandloo has real estate business and has some agricultural land in and around Korutla town in Karimnagar district of Telangana. A father of three children, Hanmandloo says he, like many voters, is vexed with empty and false promises of political leaders who, he says, say a lot before elections. ''Election after election people continue to suffer because the leaders who promise everything before elections are not to be seen or heard till the next elections. I want to set an example. I want to bring in change if I am elected,'' says Hanmandloo while speaking to Zee Media. For Hanmandloo, this is not his first tryst with elections. Fifteen years back he unsuccessfully contested as corporator in local municipal elections in Korutla. His present campaigning is attracting a lot of attention in Korutla assembly constituency which has little more than two lakh voters. ''We have seen vote for note ( money ). But this is different. He is giving us a slipper and a resignation letter. What we expect from any candidate is honesty and sincerity and zeal to do development,'' opines Eligeti Krishna, a voter and resident of Korutla town. Along with door to door campaign, Hanmandloo is also using social media to spread the message. He has a dedicated Facebook page wherein one can connect with him on this issue. Hanmandloo is pitted against Congress' Narsing Rao and Telangana Rashtra Samithi's Vidyasagar Rao -- both heavyweights in the area. ''I dream of Rama Rajya wherein people are happy and prosperous and if I win I will live up to my promise,'' assures Hanmandloo. The Assembly Elections for 119 seats for Telangana will be held on December 7.

Meet the Telangana candidate who seeks votes with slipper and resignation letter

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Prasad Bhosekar

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