In cyclone prone east coast, Fani may outstrip cyclone Gaja and Titli

With the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-imd-issues-yellow-warning-in-odisha-predicting-heavy-rainfall-214909">IMD issuing a formal alert that Cyclone Fani</a> is likely to hit the coastal areas of West Bengal, the state government has taken all precautionary measures to avert any untoward incident, officials said Tuesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended cyclone alert to north Andhra Pradesh coast and West Bengal coast, apart from Odisha, which it is expected to cross by Friday.

The state disaster management department in a message issued a warning to the fishermen asking them not to venture into the deep sea and urged those already there to return to the coast by Wednesday evening.

The MHA has released in advance fund for financial assistance to the state disaster management department for undertaking preventive and relief measures in response to Cyclonic storm Fani, officials said.

Of the total financial assistance of Rs 1,086 crore, Odisha will get Rs 340.87 crore, Tamil Nadu Rs 309.37 crore, West Bengal Rs 235.50 crore and Andhra Pradesh will get Rs 200.25 crore, a home ministry statement said.

The cyclone is very likely to intensify further into an extremely severe cyclonic storm shortly, the IMD said in a bulletin in the evening.&nbsp;

With the IMD issuing a formal alert that Cyclone Fani is likely to hit the coastal areas of West Bengal, the state government has taken all precautionary measures to avert any untoward incident, officials said Tuesday.

With the IMD issuing a formal alert that Cyclone Fani is likely to hit the coastal areas of West Bengal, the state government has taken all precautionary measures to avert any untoward incident, officials said Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended cyclone alert to north Andhra Pradesh coast and West Bengal coast, apart from Odisha, which it is expected to cross by Friday. The state disaster management department in a message issued a warning to the fishermen asking them not to venture into the deep sea and urged those already there to return to the coast by Wednesday evening. The MHA has released in advance fund for financial assistance to the state disaster management department for undertaking preventive and relief measures in response to Cyclonic storm Fani, officials said. Of the total financial assistance of Rs 1,086 crore, Odisha will get Rs 340.87 crore, Tamil Nadu Rs 309.37 crore, West Bengal Rs 235.50 crore and Andhra Pradesh will get Rs 200.25 crore, a home ministry statement said. The cyclone is very likely to intensify further into an extremely severe cyclonic storm shortly, the IMD said in a bulletin in the evening.

West Bengal on high alert as Cyclone Fani likely to hit coastal areas

Three-time Lok Sabha MP and industrialist SPY Reddy on Tuesday died after prolonged illness at a private hospital here.

Reddy, the sitting MP from Nandyal constituency in Andhra Pradesh was&nbsp;admitted to hospital on April 3 after he complained of heart and kidney problems.

He was 69 and is survived by his wife and two daughters.

The Nandyal MP was contesting on a Jana Sena Party's ticket in the ongoing parliamentary elections. Reddy has been associated with many political parties.

In 1991, he contested and lost the general elections on a BJP ticket but lost. &nbsp;He was elected from Nandyal in 2009 on a Congress ticket but switched to the YSR Congress Party for 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

After 2014 parliamentary elections, Reddy joined the Telugu Desam Party but left the party after he did not get Lok Sabha ticket.

Reddy is a noted philanthropist from Nandyal and the founder of Nandi group of industries. He started his career from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Mumbai before he set up his own plastics industry started manufacturing of PVC pipes under the brand name 'Nandi Pipes'.

Jana Sena Party chief and actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu and YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy have condoled the death of S P Y Reddy.

All of them also conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family members.

Three-time Lok Sabha MP and industrialist SPY Reddy on Tuesday died after prolonged illness at a private hospital here. Reddy, the sitting MP from Nandyal constituency in Andhra Pradesh was admitted to hospital on April 3 after he complained of heart and kidney problems.

Three-time Lok Sabha MP and industrialist SPY Reddy on Tuesday died after prolonged illness at a private hospital here. Reddy, the sitting MP from Nandyal constituency in Andhra Pradesh was admitted to hospital on April 3 after he complained of heart and kidney problems. He was 69 and is survived by his wife and two daughters. The Nandyal MP was contesting on a Jana Sena Party's ticket in the ongoing parliamentary elections. Reddy has been associated with many political parties. In 1991, he contested and lost the general elections on a BJP ticket but lost. He was elected from Nandyal in 2009 on a Congress ticket but switched to the YSR Congress Party for 2014 Lok Sabha elections. After 2014 parliamentary elections, Reddy joined the Telugu Desam Party but left the party after he did not get Lok Sabha ticket. Reddy is a noted philanthropist from Nandyal and the founder of Nandi group of industries. He started his career from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) Mumbai before he set up his own plastics industry started manufacturing of PVC pipes under the brand name 'Nandi Pipes'. Jana Sena Party chief and actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu and YSRCP leader YS Jagan Mohan Reddy have condoled the death of S P Y Reddy. All of them also conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family members.

Three-time Lok Sabha MP SPY Reddy passes away after prolonged illness

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Wednesday requested the Election Commission of India to relax the Model Code of Conduct in four coastal districts to enable the state take steps in view of the cyclone threat.

The Chief Minister wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora in this regard, saying the super cyclone FANI was likely to hit the coast between north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Four districts of coastal AP East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam have to be kept on high alert.

"To facilitate free flow of information, mobilisation of human and material resources and taking other preventive steps, there is a need to relax the model code of conduct that is in force in the state.

Since the Assembly elections have been completed in the state, it is requested that the model code of conduct may be relaxed in the above mentioned four districts,so that official machinery and the ministers concerned could work effectively to keep the effects of cyclone FANI to the minimum and provide the solace and succour to the people of the affected areas," the Chief Minister said.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Wednesday requested the Election Commission of India to relax the Model Code of Conduct in four coastal districts to enable the state take steps in view of the cyclone threat.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Wednesday requested the Election Commission of India to relax the Model Code of Conduct in four coastal districts to enable the state take steps in view of the cyclone threat. The Chief Minister wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora in this regard, saying the super cyclone FANI was likely to hit the coast between north coastal Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Four districts of coastal AP East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam have to be kept on high alert. "To facilitate free flow of information, mobilisation of human and material resources and taking other preventive steps, there is a need to relax the model code of conduct that is in force in the state. Since the Assembly elections have been completed in the state, it is requested that the model code of conduct may be relaxed in the above mentioned four districts,so that official machinery and the ministers concerned could work effectively to keep the effects of cyclone FANI to the minimum and provide the solace and succour to the people of the affected areas," the Chief Minister said.

Cyclone Fani: Naidu requests Election Commission to relax Model Code of Conduct in 4 coastal districts

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-fani-pm-asks-officials-to-take-preventive-measures-214300">cyclonic storm Fani</a>, that is brewing in the Bay of Bengal, lies about 870 kilometres south-east of Chennai. It is projected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and later a very severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday, May 1. However, as it is located deep in the ocean, there is no indication of it making landfall, say officials of the Indian Meteorological Department.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters here, S Balachandran, director, Regional Meteorological Centre said, Cyclone Fani is expected to move North-westwards until May 1 and would come within 300 kilometres proximity of the northern Tamil Nadu coast and southern Andhra Pradesh coast, after which the system would move north-northwestwards.&nbsp;

Low to moderate rainfall is expected on April 30 and May 1 in the north Tamil Nadu coastal region, in addition with gusty winds ranging from speeds of 40 to 70Kmph. Owing to rough seas, fishermen in the region have been advised not to venture out until May 2, whereas those in the high seas have been warned to return, added the director of the regional meteorological centre.&nbsp;

A press release from the IMD also mentions the possibility of light to moderate rainfall, at places over Kerala and coastal Andhra Pradesh. Wind speeds of 80-100kmph have been forecast for the southeast Bay of Bengal region and its neighbourhood. The system is under continuous surveillance and the concerned state governments are being informed regularly, the release noted.&nbsp;

Regarding the cyclone making landfall, Balachandran said so far there is no indication of it making landfall and there would be no direct impact for Tamil Nadu. The rains along the coastal region could bring respite for the Chennai city that has been reeling under the sweltering summer heat, while also facing water scarcity in many localities.&nbsp;

However, apart from the respite that the rains could bring, there is another possibility of temperatures increasing in the days after May 1. Speaking to WION, popular weather blogger Pradeep John said, once the cyclone crosses the latitude and moves northwards, it could take away the moisture, weaken the sea breeze and dry winds would blow from the northwest, thereby raising the temperatures along with the coastal districts and the ones adjoining them. &nbsp;

Pradeep John, who runs a popular weather page on Facebook, had also mentioned about the two hottest days in Chennai over a 200-year period coinciding with cyclones having moved away. He mentioned the patterns observed on May 31, 2003, and May 30, 1998, when the mercury soared to 44 degrees Celcius and 44.1 degrees Celcius respectively after the cyclones curved away to Burma.&nbsp;

He added that going by the current pattern, Chennai and adjoining districts are likely to record maximum temperatures of this season in the following week. &nbsp;

In the recent past, when cyclones made landfall near the Tamil Nadu coast, they ended up bringing heavy rains, gusty winds and left behind a trail of destruction. The Vardah cyclone in 2016 made landfall near Chennai and uprooted lakhs of trees. In 2017, Cyclone Ocki affected the southern parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In 2018 the Gaja cyclone wreaked havoc in the Southern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu. &nbsp;

The cyclonic storm Fani, that is brewing in the Bay of Bengal, lies about 870 kilometres south-east of Chennai. It is projected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and later a very severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday, May 1.

The cyclonic storm Fani, that is brewing in the Bay of Bengal, lies about 870 kilometres south-east of Chennai. It is projected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and later a very severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday, May 1. However, as it is located deep in the ocean, there is no indication of it making landfall, say officials of the Indian Meteorological Department. Speaking to reporters here, S Balachandran, director, Regional Meteorological Centre said, Cyclone Fani is expected to move North-westwards until May 1 and would come within 300 kilometres proximity of the northern Tamil Nadu coast and southern Andhra Pradesh coast, after which the system would move north-northwestwards. Low to moderate rainfall is expected on April 30 and May 1 in the north Tamil Nadu coastal region, in addition with gusty winds ranging from speeds of 40 to 70Kmph. Owing to rough seas, fishermen in the region have been advised not to venture out until May 2, whereas those in the high seas have been warned to return, added the director of the regional meteorological centre. A press release from the IMD also mentions the possibility of light to moderate rainfall, at places over Kerala and coastal Andhra Pradesh. Wind speeds of 80-100kmph have been forecast for the southeast Bay of Bengal region and its neighbourhood. The system is under continuous surveillance and the concerned state governments are being informed regularly, the release noted. Regarding the cyclone making landfall, Balachandran said so far there is no indication of it making landfall and there would be no direct impact for Tamil Nadu. The rains along the coastal region could bring respite for the Chennai city that has been reeling under the sweltering summer heat, while also facing water scarcity in many localities. However, apart from the respite that the rains could bring, there is another possibility of temperatures increasing in the days after May 1. Speaking to WION, popular weather blogger Pradeep John said, once the cyclone crosses the latitude and moves northwards, it could take away the moisture, weaken the sea breeze and dry winds would blow from the northwest, thereby raising the temperatures along with the coastal districts and the ones adjoining them. Pradeep John, who runs a popular weather page on Facebook, had also mentioned about the two hottest days in Chennai over a 200-year period coinciding with cyclones having moved away. He mentioned the patterns observed on May 31, 2003, and May 30, 1998, when the mercury soared to 44 degrees Celcius and 44.1 degrees Celcius respectively after the cyclones curved away to Burma. He added that going by the current pattern, Chennai and adjoining districts are likely to record maximum temperatures of this season in the following week. In the recent past, when cyclones made landfall near the Tamil Nadu coast, they ended up bringing heavy rains, gusty winds and left behind a trail of destruction. The Vardah cyclone in 2016 made landfall near Chennai and uprooted lakhs of trees. In 2017, Cyclone Ocki affected the southern parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In 2018 the Gaja cyclone wreaked havoc in the Southern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu.

Cyclone Fani to intensify into ‘very severe’ storm, no direct impact for Tamil Nadu

A deep depression over southeast Bay of Bengal developed into cyclonic storm 'Fani' on Saturday, which will further intensify into a "severe cyclonic storm", the IMD said.

According to the Cyclone Warning Division of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Fani is very likely to reach near the coasts of north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh by the evening of April 30.

Cyclone Fani currently lays over east Equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO) and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal.

"According to our assessment, as of today, it will reach near the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu but it is unlikely that will make a landfall. It may recurve before reaching the coast. We are monitoring its path," Mritunjay Mohapatra, Additional Director General of the IMD, said in Delhi.

Mohapatra also heads the Cyclone Warning Division.

S Balachandran, Director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre in Chennai, said 'Fani' was likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours.

The storm has been named 'Fani,' as suggested by Bangladesh, he said.

Heavy falls at isolated places are very likely over Kerala on April 29 and 30.&nbsp;

Light to moderate rainfall is expected at a few places over north coastal Tamil Nadu and south coastal Andhra Pradesh on April 30 and May 1.

The sea along the coasts of Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh is likely to be "very rough" from April 28, the IMD said.

It has advised fishermen along the coasts of Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry not to venture into the seas.&nbsp;

A deep depression over southeast Bay of Bengal developed into cyclonic storm 'Fani' on Saturday, which will further intensify into a "severe cyclonic storm", the IMD said.

A deep depression over southeast Bay of Bengal developed into cyclonic storm 'Fani' on Saturday, which will further intensify into a "severe cyclonic storm", the IMD said. According to the Cyclone Warning Division of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Fani is very likely to reach near the coasts of north Tamil Nadu and south Andhra Pradesh by the evening of April 30. Cyclone Fani currently lays over east Equatorial Indian Ocean (EIO) and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal. "According to our assessment, as of today, it will reach near the coasts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu but it is unlikely that will make a landfall. It may recurve before reaching the coast. We are monitoring its path," Mritunjay Mohapatra, Additional Director General of the IMD, said in Delhi. Mohapatra also heads the Cyclone Warning Division. S Balachandran, Director, Area Cyclone Warning Centre in Chennai, said 'Fani' was likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm in the next 24 hours. The storm has been named 'Fani,' as suggested by Bangladesh, he said. Heavy falls at isolated places are very likely over Kerala on April 29 and 30. Light to moderate rainfall is expected at a few places over north coastal Tamil Nadu and south coastal Andhra Pradesh on April 30 and May 1. The sea along the coasts of Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh is likely to be "very rough" from April 28, the IMD said. It has advised fishermen along the coasts of Sri Lanka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry not to venture into the seas.

Depression over Bay of Bengal intensifies into cyclonic storm

A 35-member women police team 'Sthree Shakthi'&nbsp;was launched in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.&nbsp;

The 35-member team has woman ASIs, head constables, police constables and home guards. The team has been provided 25 vehicles, including two four-wheelers.

"It is a 35 members team. We have started with 25 vehicles, 5 four wheelers and rest are motorcycles and scooters. This is mainly for the protection of women. The women-related issue can be informed to the team and then they will take action accordingly. From drivers to police personnel, everyone is a woman," said Andhra Pradesh DGP AP Thakur.&nbsp;

"In Visakhapatnam, there are a number of educational institutions and workplaces where women are working in large numbers. Our prime concern is to ensure safety to women," he said.&nbsp;

The initiative was taken to provide security to women and girls. All the police constables were imparted training in the car driving,&nbsp;&nbsp;swimming, communication skills and self-defence for one month.

They all will be deployed on important junctions of the city. They will handle women-related issues including eve-teasers and trouble-mongers.&nbsp;

The Shakthi police will don a blue colour shirt and khaki colour pant as uniform.

A 35-member women police team 'Sthree Shakthi' was launched in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. The 35-member team has woman ASIs, head constables, police constables and home guards.

A 35-member women police team 'Sthree Shakthi' was launched in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. The 35-member team has woman ASIs, head constables, police constables and home guards. The team has been provided 25 vehicles, including two four-wheelers. "It is a 35 members team. We have started with 25 vehicles, 5 four wheelers and rest are motorcycles and scooters. This is mainly for the protection of women. The women-related issue can be informed to the team and then they will take action accordingly. From drivers to police personnel, everyone is a woman," said Andhra Pradesh DGP AP Thakur. "In Visakhapatnam, there are a number of educational institutions and workplaces where women are working in large numbers. Our prime concern is to ensure safety to women," he said. The initiative was taken to provide security to women and girls. All the police constables were imparted training in the car driving, swimming, communication skills and self-defence for one month. They all will be deployed on important junctions of the city. They will handle women-related issues including eve-teasers and trouble-mongers. The Shakthi police will don a blue colour shirt and khaki colour pant as uniform.

Andhra Pradesh: Sthree Shakthi cops launched to ensure women safety

Due to the “law and order situation,”The Election Commission on Tuesday deferred polling in the Tripura East parliamentary constituency from April 18 to 23.#VotingRound2, #IndiaVotes, #LokSabhaPolls

Polls in Tripura East deferrd to April 23

In this segment of WION, we bring to you the polling percentage as of 9 AM and other updates on the 2nd phase of polling in the 2019 General election. Watch full video to know more.#VotingRound2, #IndiaVotes, #LokSabhaPolls

General election 2019: 9.51 per cent voter turnout recorded till 9 am in Assam

Polling in Thursday's assembly and Lok Sabha elections in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-tdp-worker-killed-as-clashes-mark-polling-in-andhra-pradesh-209528">Andhra Pradesh</a>, that went past midnight, stood at 76.69 per cent, with police confirming the deaths of two people in poll-related incidents.

The figure is 1.27 per cent less than the total votes polled in the 2014 elections.

But Election Commission authorities here expect the percentage to increase by at least one per cent as the final tabulation of votes polled in all 175 Assembly segments was still continuing.

There are 3,93,45,717 voters in the state.

Polling continued past midnight Thursday in over 200 polling stations because of technical glitches in EVMs during the day.

"We are awaiting final reports from Returning Officers from all constituencies.

At last count early Friday morning, the polling percentage was 76.69. That could almost be the final figure. If at all, there could be a one per cent increase," a senior official in the EC here said.

The EC authorities initially expected the polling to cross 80 per cent as a large number of voters had queued up in all polling stations.

Police Friday confirmed that two persons were killed in election-related violence in the state, contrary to conflicting claims of the ruling TDP and opposition YSR Congress.

The TDP and the YSRC issued statements claiming that two each of their workers were killed by rivals on Thursday.

The Director General of Police issued a statement saying there were 'only two deaths' related to the elections as against six in 2014.

While one TDP worker was killed in a group clash in Tadipatri constituency in Anantapuramu district, a YSRC worker's father died accidentally, caught in a clash between TDP and YSRC activists in Tamballapalle in Chittoor district.

"The 68-year-old man was at the scene of the clash, trying to prevent his son from being a participant. He suffered a stone-hit near his eye and succumbed on the way to the hospital," Chittoor district Superintendent of&nbsp;

Police Vikrant Patil told PTI over the phone.

On Thursday, YSRC claimed one of its workers was killed by TDP men in Tadipatri but it turned out that the man only went into a coma after sustaining injuries.

TDP president Chandrababu Naidu's son Nara Lokesh tweeted Friday that two of his party workers were "hacked to death".

He did not, however, specify where the second incident occurred.

Police confirmed only the Tadipatri incident.

Polling in Thursday's assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh, that went past midnight, stood at 76.69 per cent, with police confirming the deaths of two people in poll-related incidents.

Polling in Thursday's assembly and Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh, that went past midnight, stood at 76.69 per cent, with police confirming the deaths of two people in poll-related incidents. The figure is 1.27 per cent less than the total votes polled in the 2014 elections. But Election Commission authorities here expect the percentage to increase by at least one per cent as the final tabulation of votes polled in all 175 Assembly segments was still continuing. There are 3,93,45,717 voters in the state. Polling continued past midnight Thursday in over 200 polling stations because of technical glitches in EVMs during the day. "We are awaiting final reports from Returning Officers from all constituencies. At last count early Friday morning, the polling percentage was 76.69. That could almost be the final figure. If at all, there could be a one per cent increase," a senior official in the EC here said. The EC authorities initially expected the polling to cross 80 per cent as a large number of voters had queued up in all polling stations. Police Friday confirmed that two persons were killed in election-related violence in the state, contrary to conflicting claims of the ruling TDP and opposition YSR Congress. The TDP and the YSRC issued statements claiming that two each of their workers were killed by rivals on Thursday. The Director General of Police issued a statement saying there were 'only two deaths' related to the elections as against six in 2014. While one TDP worker was killed in a group clash in Tadipatri constituency in Anantapuramu district, a YSRC worker's father died accidentally, caught in a clash between TDP and YSRC activists in Tamballapalle in Chittoor district. "The 68-year-old man was at the scene of the clash, trying to prevent his son from being a participant. He suffered a stone-hit near his eye and succumbed on the way to the hospital," Chittoor district Superintendent of Police Vikrant Patil told PTI over the phone. On Thursday, YSRC claimed one of its workers was killed by TDP men in Tadipatri but it turned out that the man only went into a coma after sustaining injuries. TDP president Chandrababu Naidu's son Nara Lokesh tweeted Friday that two of his party workers were "hacked to death". He did not, however, specify where the second incident occurred. Police confirmed only the Tadipatri incident.

Andhra Pradesh polling put at 76.69%: Police confirm two deaths

Lok Sabha polls got underway today with voters excercising their franchise in 91 constituencies nationwide.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: Voting underway in 91 constituencies

Telugu Desam Party(TDP) on Thursday accused YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-tdp-worker-killed-as-clashes-mark-polling-in-andhra-pradesh-209528">indulging in violence </a>and damaging electronic voting machines (EVMs).

In a letter to Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) RP Thakur, TDP president and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated that the polling agents of YSRCP were resorting to violence and obstructing the polling process.

“There is a lot of violence in Kadapa, Anantapuram, and Kurnool and Nellore districts...In certain cases, they have even damaged the polling materials like EVMs and threatening polling personnel to allow them to rig votes.”

“Controlling law and order situation and ensuring peaceful conduct of poll is of immediate necessity...I request you to instruct all the Superintendents of Police and other law enforcing agencies to strictly control the law and order and arrest the culprits and take stringent action against the persons responsible,” Naidu writes in the letter.

Earlier in the day, the TDP and the YSRCP workers clashed at Ramanakkapeta village in Nuzividu assembly constituency. The police immediately intervened to restore normalcy.

The polling is underway for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Telugu Desam Party(TDP) on Thursday accused YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders of indulging in violence and damaging electronic voting machines (EVMs). In a letter to Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) RP Thakur, TDP president and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated that the polling agents of YSRCP were resorting to violence and obstructing the polling process.

Telugu Desam Party(TDP) on Thursday accused YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leaders of indulging in violence and damaging electronic voting machines (EVMs). In a letter to Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) RP Thakur, TDP president and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stated that the polling agents of YSRCP were resorting to violence and obstructing the polling process. “There is a lot of violence in Kadapa, Anantapuram, and Kurnool and Nellore districts...In certain cases, they have even damaged the polling materials like EVMs and threatening polling personnel to allow them to rig votes.” “Controlling law and order situation and ensuring peaceful conduct of poll is of immediate necessity...I request you to instruct all the Superintendents of Police and other law enforcing agencies to strictly control the law and order and arrest the culprits and take stringent action against the persons responsible,” Naidu writes in the letter. Earlier in the day, the TDP and the YSRCP workers clashed at Ramanakkapeta village in Nuzividu assembly constituency. The police immediately intervened to restore normalcy. The polling is underway for 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh.

TDP accuses YSRCP leaders of violence, writes to DGP

On Sunday, March 17th,&nbsp;Jana Sena Party (JSP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) had announced seat sharing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-kcrs-daughter-faces-farmers-ire-as-nizamabad-votes-in-first-phase-209466">alliance in Andhra Pradesh</a> according to which Mayawati's party decided to contest in three reserved SC Lok Sabha - Chittoor, Tirupati and Bapatla. It's&nbsp;BSP&nbsp;chief Mayawati's latest gambit to ally with local parties in order to increase her political equity in across the country.

Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-lok-sabha-polls-2019-voting-underway-in-91-seats-in-first-phase-209404">TDP leader killed in election-related clashes</a>

Actor-turned-politician <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-tdp-worker-killed-as-clashes-mark-polling-in-andhra-pradesh-209528">Pawan Kalyan who formed the Jana Sena</a> in 2014 has been a flagrant supporter of Mayawati. Kalyan earlier campaigned for the TDP-BJP combine during the 2014 general elections.

The Jana Sena chief has also roped in CPI&nbsp;and CPM to fight the polls along with the BSP with the state going to the polls in both Assembly and Lok Sabha elections simultaneously.

JSP hopes of mounting a challenge to the two big state parties - chief minister Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and&nbsp;Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSRCP.

Mayawati gambit to play the Dalit card in the state in order to bolster BSP credentials in the state and also attempt an all-India profile for the party which is best known for being an UP outfit.

BSP will also be fighting in 21 Assembly seats in a seat-sharing agreement with JSP ensuring a "Mahagathbandhan" style appeal in the state. Kalyan had in fact even pitched Mayawati as the next prime minister asserting that the country needed her services while praising her administrative skills.

The former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh went a step further and promised Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh, an issue which has become a bone of contention between Andhra and the Modi government. Mayawati during a joint press conference with JSP chief also said Congress had made a mistake by bifurcating Andhra Pradesh.

Mayawati has used the same pitch to further her cause in the home state - Uttar Pradesh - where she has aligned with enemy-turned-friend Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party. The BSP-SP combine hopes to dislodge the NaMo army during the Lok Sabha polls, even a dent in the BJP vote bank will mean a victory for Mayawati who has felt sandwiched between a marauding BJP and a resurgent SP under Akhilesh Yadav.

On Sunday, March 17th, Jana Sena Party (JSP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) had announced seat sharing alliance in Andhra Pradesh according to which Mayawati's party decided to contest in three reserved SC Lok Sabha - Chittoor, Tirupati and Bapatla.

On Sunday, March 17th, Jana Sena Party (JSP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) had announced seat sharing alliance in Andhra Pradesh according to which Mayawati's party decided to contest in three reserved SC Lok Sabha - Chittoor, Tirupati and Bapatla. It's BSP chief Mayawati's latest gambit to ally with local parties in order to increase her political equity in across the country. Live Lok Sabha polls 2019: TDP leader killed in election-related clashes Actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan who formed the Jana Sena in 2014 has been a flagrant supporter of Mayawati. Kalyan earlier campaigned for the TDP-BJP combine during the 2014 general elections. The Jana Sena chief has also roped in CPI and CPM to fight the polls along with the BSP with the state going to the polls in both Assembly and Lok Sabha elections simultaneously. JSP hopes of mounting a challenge to the two big state parties - chief minister Chandrababu Naidu's Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSRCP. Mayawati gambit to play the Dalit card in the state in order to bolster BSP credentials in the state and also attempt an all-India profile for the party which is best known for being an UP outfit. BSP will also be fighting in 21 Assembly seats in a seat-sharing agreement with JSP ensuring a "Mahagathbandhan" style appeal in the state. Kalyan had in fact even pitched Mayawati as the next prime minister asserting that the country needed her services while praising her administrative skills. The former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh went a step further and promised Special Category Status to Andhra Pradesh, an issue which has become a bone of contention between Andhra and the Modi government. Mayawati during a joint press conference with JSP chief also said Congress had made a mistake by bifurcating Andhra Pradesh. Mayawati has used the same pitch to further her cause in the home state - Uttar Pradesh - where she has aligned with enemy-turned-friend Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party. The BSP-SP combine hopes to dislodge the NaMo army during the Lok Sabha polls, even a dent in the BJP vote bank will mean a victory for Mayawati who has felt sandwiched between a marauding BJP and a resurgent SP under Akhilesh Yadav.

Mayawati's Andhra gambit: Align with local party JSP to boost BSP's equity

YSR Congress Party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Tuesday slammed the ruling Telugu Desam Party for ignoring the poor and middle class in the last five years.

Reddy alleged subsidy facilities, including education and 'Arogyasri' introduced for the poor and middle classes by the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister, the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, were completely abandoned by the Chandrababu Naidu government leaving the people to their own fate.

Addressing a well-attended election rally in the temple city on the last day of campaigning for the April 11 first phase of elections, he claimed unemployment was on the rise in the state after Naidu came to power in 2014 with 2.3 lakh vacant posts not being filled.

Referring to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao's support for Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh, Reddy said it would be easy to achieve SCS with combined efforts of 25 MPs from AP and 17 MPs from neighbouring Telangana.

"The TDP government has failed to meet all-round development of the state and welfare of the people," Reddy said, urging people to vote for his YSRCP for good governance.

Reddy also faulted some sections of the media in the state for their alleged demonstration of fake videos, photos, audio clips and pre-poll surveys to deliberately malign the image of YSRCP.

Andhra Pradesh, which is going to the polls for 175 assemblies and 25 Lok Sabha seats, is witnessing a multi-cornered contest involving the ruling TDP, YSRCP, Jana Sena of Pawan Kalyan, the Congress and the BJP.

In Tirupati, the main battle would be between two former Chairmen Bhumana Karunakara Reddy of YSRCP and Chadalavada Krishnamurthy of Jana Sena Party and ruling TDP MLA M. Suguna.

YSR Congress Party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Tuesday slammed the ruling Telugu Desam Party for ignoring the poor and middle class in the last five years. Reddy alleged subsidy facilities, including education and 'Arogyasri' introduced for the poor and middle classes by the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister, the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, were completely abandoned by the Chandrababu Naidu government leaving the people to their own fate.

YSR Congress Party chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Tuesday slammed the ruling Telugu Desam Party for ignoring the poor and middle class in the last five years. Reddy alleged subsidy facilities, including education and 'Arogyasri' introduced for the poor and middle classes by the former Andhra Pradesh chief minister, the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy, were completely abandoned by the Chandrababu Naidu government leaving the people to their own fate. Addressing a well-attended election rally in the temple city on the last day of campaigning for the April 11 first phase of elections, he claimed unemployment was on the rise in the state after Naidu came to power in 2014 with 2.3 lakh vacant posts not being filled. Referring to Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao's support for Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh, Reddy said it would be easy to achieve SCS with combined efforts of 25 MPs from AP and 17 MPs from neighbouring Telangana. "The TDP government has failed to meet all-round development of the state and welfare of the people," Reddy said, urging people to vote for his YSRCP for good governance. Reddy also faulted some sections of the media in the state for their alleged demonstration of fake videos, photos, audio clips and pre-poll surveys to deliberately malign the image of YSRCP. Andhra Pradesh, which is going to the polls for 175 assemblies and 25 Lok Sabha seats, is witnessing a multi-cornered contest involving the ruling TDP, YSRCP, Jana Sena of Pawan Kalyan, the Congress and the BJP. In Tirupati, the main battle would be between two former Chairmen Bhumana Karunakara Reddy of YSRCP and Chadalavada Krishnamurthy of Jana Sena Party and ruling TDP MLA M. Suguna.

Lok Sabha polls 2019: YSR's Jagan slams Chandrababu Naidu for ignoring needs of poor and middle class

As Telangana heads for Lok Sabha elections on April 11, one stark feature that emerges is how much the political stock of the Congress and the TDP has taken a beating.&nbsp;

Once dominant parties in the state, the Congress and the TDP have seen their political fortunes on the downswing in Telangana with the latter not even fielding candidates this time.

The Congress is facing a crisis of sorts in Telangana with as many as 10 of its MLAs among the total 19 announcing their decision to leave the party and join the ruling TRS during the past one month.

Several other key leaders, including former MLAs, have also joined the TRS.

The Congress and the TDP had formed an alliance for the assembly elections held in December but ended up with 19 and two seats respectively in the 119-member house. The TRS bagged 88 seats. 
While the TDP chose not to field candidates in the Lok Sabha polls in Telangana, the Congress is going it alone.

Senior Congress leader and former MLA Marri Shashidhar Reddy said he is not worried about the party's future in Telangana.

He said the Congress did well in the panchayat elections and hoped that it would fare better in the Lok Sabha polls.

"The Congress high command will definitely take stock of the situation and take necessary steps to strengthen the party," he told.

On Congress MLAs leaving the party, Reddy, a former vice-chairman of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), said there is a need for a re-look at the anti-defection law.

There are a lot of loose ends in the law as the presiding officers of legislatures acted in a way that suited the ruling party, he said.&nbsp;

The TDP said it needs to strengthen itself organisationally as it has cadres and well-wishers in the state.

According to TDP politburo member Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy, the party has strategically chosen not to contest the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana.&nbsp;

A poor performance in the Lok Sabha polls would have an adverse impact on the party for the coming local body polls, he said.

"We are confident that our party would win in Andhra Pradesh and our say would increase in Delhi. The BJP would lose at the national level. We feel we can strengthen ourselves in Telangana on that basis," he said.

He said defections hurt his party in a big way, adding 13 of 15 TDP MLAs had left the party during 2014 to 2018.&nbsp;

He termed the anti-defection law as toothless in its present form and suggested that a member should cease to be so, the moment he resigns from the party on whose ticket he is elected.

TDP had an alliance with the BJP for the 2014 elections and the latter unilaterally decided to end the alliance, Ravula Reddy said.

Though TDP had contested only 13 seats in 2018 (in alliance with Congress), it won two seats and stood second in almost all the constituencies, he said.

He also claimed there was a massive negative campaign against the TDP during the statehood agitation.&nbsp;

"The (TDP) leaders who are supposed to condemn such campaign and send the correct version to people have switched parties," he said.

The TRS had systematically targeted the TDP (that it is pro-Andhra and anti-Telangana), he claimed.

Political analyst Telakapalli Ravi claimed the Congress would not go down like the TDP in Telangana though it has suffered setbacks.

The internal differences among party leaders and lack of proper direction from the high command are among the reasons for the poor show of Congress, he said.

The party had made strategic mistakes like playing second fiddle to TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao during separate Telangana agitation and failing to take him along with it (with the formation of separate state), Ravi said.

"The survival also depends on how it would do at the national level. Still, it will not go down like TDP," he argued.

Like in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal where YSR Congress and Trinamool were formed by party leaders, Congress in Telangana does not face such a threat, he said.

Talking about the TDP, he said regional parties in the country are more or less confined to a single state. The TDP is in power in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Though the TDP won 15 seats in the assembly polls in 2014, it could not build on it, he said. The party lost grip with the alleged cash-for-vote scandal which also led to the exit of its chief N Chandrababu Naidu (from Telangana), he claimed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

As Telangana heads for Lok Sabha elections on April 11, one stark feature that emerges is how much the political stock of the Congress and the TDP has taken a beating.

As Telangana heads for Lok Sabha elections on April 11, one stark feature that emerges is how much the political stock of the Congress and the TDP has taken a beating. Once dominant parties in the state, the Congress and the TDP have seen their political fortunes on the downswing in Telangana with the latter not even fielding candidates this time. The Congress is facing a crisis of sorts in Telangana with as many as 10 of its MLAs among the total 19 announcing their decision to leave the party and join the ruling TRS during the past one month. Several other key leaders, including former MLAs, have also joined the TRS. The Congress and the TDP had formed an alliance for the assembly elections held in December but ended up with 19 and two seats respectively in the 119-member house. The TRS bagged 88 seats. While the TDP chose not to field candidates in the Lok Sabha polls in Telangana, the Congress is going it alone. Senior Congress leader and former MLA Marri Shashidhar Reddy said he is not worried about the party's future in Telangana. He said the Congress did well in the panchayat elections and hoped that it would fare better in the Lok Sabha polls. "The Congress high command will definitely take stock of the situation and take necessary steps to strengthen the party," he told. On Congress MLAs leaving the party, Reddy, a former vice-chairman of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), said there is a need for a re-look at the anti-defection law. There are a lot of loose ends in the law as the presiding officers of legislatures acted in a way that suited the ruling party, he said. The TDP said it needs to strengthen itself organisationally as it has cadres and well-wishers in the state. According to TDP politburo member Ravula Chandrasekhar Reddy, the party has strategically chosen not to contest the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana. A poor performance in the Lok Sabha polls would have an adverse impact on the party for the coming local body polls, he said. "We are confident that our party would win in Andhra Pradesh and our say would increase in Delhi. The BJP would lose at the national level. We feel we can strengthen ourselves in Telangana on that basis," he said. He said defections hurt his party in a big way, adding 13 of 15 TDP MLAs had left the party during 2014 to 2018. He termed the anti-defection law as toothless in its present form and suggested that a member should cease to be so, the moment he resigns from the party on whose ticket he is elected. TDP had an alliance with the BJP for the 2014 elections and the latter unilaterally decided to end the alliance, Ravula Reddy said. Though TDP had contested only 13 seats in 2018 (in alliance with Congress), it won two seats and stood second in almost all the constituencies, he said. He also claimed there was a massive negative campaign against the TDP during the statehood agitation. "The (TDP) leaders who are supposed to condemn such campaign and send the correct version to people have switched parties," he said. The TRS had systematically targeted the TDP (that it is pro-Andhra and anti-Telangana), he claimed. Political analyst Telakapalli Ravi claimed the Congress would not go down like the TDP in Telangana though it has suffered setbacks. The internal differences among party leaders and lack of proper direction from the high command are among the reasons for the poor show of Congress, he said. The party had made strategic mistakes like playing second fiddle to TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao during separate Telangana agitation and failing to take him along with it (with the formation of separate state), Ravi said. "The survival also depends on how it would do at the national level. Still, it will not go down like TDP," he argued. Like in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal where YSR Congress and Trinamool were formed by party leaders, Congress in Telangana does not face such a threat, he said. Talking about the TDP, he said regional parties in the country are more or less confined to a single state. The TDP is in power in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Though the TDP won 15 seats in the assembly polls in 2014, it could not build on it, he said. The party lost grip with the alleged cash-for-vote scandal which also led to the exit of its chief N Chandrababu Naidu (from Telangana), he claimed.

Congress would not go down like the TDP in Telangana: Political analyst

Hinting at her prime ministerial ambition, BSP chief Mayawati said Wednesday she would use the experience she has gained as UP chief minister to give the "best government" at the Centre "if we get an opportunity".

She said she has been Uttar Pradesh chief minister four times.

"I have a lot of experience. I will use that experience at the Centre and work for people's welfare," the Bahujan Samaj Party supremo said at a press conference in Visakhapatnam.

"If we get an opportunity at the Centre, we will adopt the UP pattern and give the best government in all aspects. At all levels, a good government," she asserted.

Asked if she would like to become the prime minister, Mayawati, however, said things would be clear when results of the general election are declared on May 23.

The BSP is contesting Lok Sabha and state assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh in alliance with the Jana Sena, the CPI and the CPI(M).

As part of the alliance, the BSP is contesting three Lok Sabha seats out of the 25 in the state and 21 assembly seats of the total 175.

Flanked by Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan at the presser, Mayawati said people "want a change" at the national level.

"They want a party in power that takes care of their welfare. They want our country safe," she said.

She pointed out that her party had garnered the third-largest vote share in the 2014 election, after the BJP and the Congress.

Asked if there's a need for a "Third Front", the BSP chief replied it would become clear when the election results come out.

"In the 2014 election, BJP promised big things. But it did not fulfil the promises in five years," she said, adding that the ruling party has diverted people's attention from those promises to "other issues".

On the Congress, she said people rejected the party that has remained in power for the longest time "because it failed to honour its promises" and the BJP "took advantage of it".

"Last time the BJP promised Rs 15-20 lakh for each poor family. Now the Congress is talking on the same lines. It is promising Rs 72,000 per year.

"The Congress should remember, when Indira Gandhi was in power she had started the 20-point programme in the name of Garibi Hatao. Kya garibi hati (Was poverty eradicated)?" Mayawati asked.

She said the BSP always talked less and believed in delivering more.

If BSP gets an opportunity at the Centre, it will work for the poor and the unemployed, irrespective of their caste. "We will give top priority to them. And farmers have multiple problems and we will try to get rid of them," she said.

Her government, if elected, would not be biased towards any state.

"If Congress is in power at the Centre, it supports some states and does not support others. BJP has its own equations. It will not happen with us," she said.

Claiming that the BJP's situation was "very bad", particularly vis-a-vis the BSP-SP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh, the BSP chief said the ruling party was "worried."

"Wherever we have alliance, BJP will suffer," she said.

Mayawati also promised to grant the special category status to Andhra Pradesh.

"AP people are angry that both BJP and Congress did not deliver SCS. If we get a chance at the Centre, we will give SCS," she said.

The BSP chief hoped that the JSP-BSP-CPI(M)-CPI alliance would for the government in Andhra Pradesh and Pawan Kalyan would become the CM.

"People don't want to fall in the trap of regional parties of either Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSR Congress) or Chandrababu Naidu (Telugu Desam Party). They want a new leadership, young blood who could lead the state well... They should give a chance to Pawan Kalyan..."

Hinting at her prime ministerial ambition, BSP chief Mayawati said Wednesday she would use the experience she has gained as UP chief minister to give the "best government" at the Centre "if we get an opportunity".

Hinting at her prime ministerial ambition, BSP chief Mayawati said Wednesday she would use the experience she has gained as UP chief minister to give the "best government" at the Centre "if we get an opportunity". She said she has been Uttar Pradesh chief minister four times. "I have a lot of experience. I will use that experience at the Centre and work for people's welfare," the Bahujan Samaj Party supremo said at a press conference in Visakhapatnam. "If we get an opportunity at the Centre, we will adopt the UP pattern and give the best government in all aspects. At all levels, a good government," she asserted. Asked if she would like to become the prime minister, Mayawati, however, said things would be clear when results of the general election are declared on May 23. The BSP is contesting Lok Sabha and state assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh in alliance with the Jana Sena, the CPI and the CPI(M). As part of the alliance, the BSP is contesting three Lok Sabha seats out of the 25 in the state and 21 assembly seats of the total 175. Flanked by Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan at the presser, Mayawati said people "want a change" at the national level. "They want a party in power that takes care of their welfare. They want our country safe," she said. She pointed out that her party had garnered the third-largest vote share in the 2014 election, after the BJP and the Congress. Asked if there's a need for a "Third Front", the BSP chief replied it would become clear when the election results come out. "In the 2014 election, BJP promised big things. But it did not fulfil the promises in five years," she said, adding that the ruling party has diverted people's attention from those promises to "other issues". On the Congress, she said people rejected the party that has remained in power for the longest time "because it failed to honour its promises" and the BJP "took advantage of it". "Last time the BJP promised Rs 15-20 lakh for each poor family. Now the Congress is talking on the same lines. It is promising Rs 72,000 per year. "The Congress should remember, when Indira Gandhi was in power she had started the 20-point programme in the name of Garibi Hatao. Kya garibi hati (Was poverty eradicated)?" Mayawati asked. She said the BSP always talked less and believed in delivering more. If BSP gets an opportunity at the Centre, it will work for the poor and the unemployed, irrespective of their caste. "We will give top priority to them. And farmers have multiple problems and we will try to get rid of them," she said. Her government, if elected, would not be biased towards any state. "If Congress is in power at the Centre, it supports some states and does not support others. BJP has its own equations. It will not happen with us," she said. Claiming that the BJP's situation was "very bad", particularly vis-a-vis the BSP-SP-RLD alliance in Uttar Pradesh, the BSP chief said the ruling party was "worried." "Wherever we have alliance, BJP will suffer," she said. Mayawati also promised to grant the special category status to Andhra Pradesh. "AP people are angry that both BJP and Congress did not deliver SCS. If we get a chance at the Centre, we will give SCS," she said. The BSP chief hoped that the JSP-BSP-CPI(M)-CPI alliance would for the government in Andhra Pradesh and Pawan Kalyan would become the CM. "People don't want to fall in the trap of regional parties of either Jagan Mohan Reddy (YSR Congress) or Chandrababu Naidu (Telugu Desam Party). They want a new leadership, young blood who could lead the state well... They should give a chance to Pawan Kalyan..."

Mayawati hints at her prime ministerial ambition

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday claimed that despite 31 cases pending against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/voting-for-ysrcp-is-like-writing-ones-own-death-warrant-n-chandrababu-naidu-204992">YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy</a>, the latter "acts innocent."

Addressing a rally in Guntur in Repalle, Naidu said, "Jagan has filed a 48-page affidavit. 20 pages of it are about his criminal record. Another 20 pages are about his economic offences. Jagan is the only person with 31 cases. But he is acting as if he is innocent."

He further claimed that YSRCP leaders "tried to delete votes through Form 7 applications."

"Their conspiracy is exposed," he added.

Naidu also accused Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao of weakening the Opposition in Telangana by buying MLAs.

Andhra Pradesh, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats at stake, will vote in a single phase on April 11. Results will be declared on May 23.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday claimed that despite 31 cases pending against YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the latter "acts innocent.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday claimed that despite 31 cases pending against YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the latter "acts innocent." Addressing a rally in Guntur in Repalle, Naidu said, "Jagan has filed a 48-page affidavit. 20 pages of it are about his criminal record. Another 20 pages are about his economic offences. Jagan is the only person with 31 cases. But he is acting as if he is innocent." He further claimed that YSRCP leaders "tried to delete votes through Form 7 applications." "Their conspiracy is exposed," he added. Naidu also accused Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao of weakening the Opposition in Telangana by buying MLAs. Andhra Pradesh, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats at stake, will vote in a single phase on April 11. Results will be declared on May 23.

Lok Sabha 2019: Chandrababu Naidu accuses Jagan Reddy of 'acting innocent'

A faction of YSRCP cadre in Paderu in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam district on Saturday set furniture of the party's office on fire after Visweswar Raju was denied an MLA ticket.

Raju was anticipating a ticket from Paderu Assembly constituency. However, he did not get the ticket.

His followers got dissatisfied and alleged that despite their hard-work to strengthen the party, their leader was denied ticket.YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a public meeting at Paderu, after which the faction reached the party office.

They first burnt the furniture in the office and later shouted slogans expressing their dissent.

Andhra Pradesh will go to polls on April 11, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

A faction of YSRCP cadre in Paderu in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam district on Saturday set furniture of the party's office on fire after Visweswar Raju was denied an MLA ticket.

A faction of YSRCP cadre in Paderu in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam district on Saturday set furniture of the party's office on fire after Visweswar Raju was denied an MLA ticket. Raju was anticipating a ticket from Paderu Assembly constituency. However, he did not get the ticket. His followers got dissatisfied and alleged that despite their hard-work to strengthen the party, their leader was denied ticket.YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a public meeting at Paderu, after which the faction reached the party office. They first burnt the furniture in the office and later shouted slogans expressing their dissent. Andhra Pradesh will go to polls on April 11, and counting of votes will take place on May 23.

Furniture set on fire outside YSRCP's office after party denies ticket to MLA

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday urged people to not vote for the YSR Congress Party in the impending elections, stating that backing them would be like "writing your own death warrant."

Addressing an election campaign in Vishakhapatnam Narsipatnam, Naidu said, “Voting for TDP will be the victory of people, but voting for YSRCP is like writing your own death warrant. These (Lok Sabha) elections decide the future of the state. People should vote for TDP for better future and better development of the state.”

Naidu further accused YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of “looting” lakh and crores of money by misusing his father, YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s power when the latter was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.

“Jagan's paternal uncle was killed in his own house, but they tried to make people believe that it was due to a heart attack. They tampered evidence, altered scene of offence,” Naidu said.

“I am like an elder son in every family. I gave financial support to 98 lakh DWCRA sisters under Pasupu Kumkuma scheme. I provided welfare pensions of Rs 2000 to senior citizens. We will bring water from the Godavari river to Visakhapatnam. Uttara Andhra Sujala Sravanti project will be finished in a year,” he added.

Naidu further claimed that Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is “creating hurdles in the development of Andhra Pradesh.”

“Jagan bowed down in front of him (KCR)... Prime Minister Narendra Modi is shielding Jagan. We won't surrender in front of Modi,” Naidu said.

“NDA government betrayed Andhra Pradesh by not fulfilling bifurcation promises. It has even taken back the funds meant for backward districts development. Not even one of the 18 assurances of bifurcation act is fulfilled. While we are fighting for that, the Centre is filing cases against us,” he added.

The Lok Sabha election will be held in Andhra Pradesh on April 11. The result will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday urged people to not vote for the YSR Congress Party in the impending elections, stating that backing them would be like "writing your own death warrant.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday urged people to not vote for the YSR Congress Party in the impending elections, stating that backing them would be like "writing your own death warrant." Addressing an election campaign in Vishakhapatnam Narsipatnam, Naidu said, “Voting for TDP will be the victory of people, but voting for YSRCP is like writing your own death warrant. These (Lok Sabha) elections decide the future of the state. People should vote for TDP for better future and better development of the state.” Naidu further accused YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of “looting” lakh and crores of money by misusing his father, YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s power when the latter was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. “Jagan's paternal uncle was killed in his own house, but they tried to make people believe that it was due to a heart attack. They tampered evidence, altered scene of offence,” Naidu said. “I am like an elder son in every family. I gave financial support to 98 lakh DWCRA sisters under Pasupu Kumkuma scheme. I provided welfare pensions of Rs 2000 to senior citizens. We will bring water from the Godavari river to Visakhapatnam. Uttara Andhra Sujala Sravanti project will be finished in a year,” he added. Naidu further claimed that Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao is “creating hurdles in the development of Andhra Pradesh.” “Jagan bowed down in front of him (KCR)... Prime Minister Narendra Modi is shielding Jagan. We won't surrender in front of Modi,” Naidu said. “NDA government betrayed Andhra Pradesh by not fulfilling bifurcation promises. It has even taken back the funds meant for backward districts development. Not even one of the 18 assurances of bifurcation act is fulfilled. While we are fighting for that, the Centre is filing cases against us,” he added. The Lok Sabha election will be held in Andhra Pradesh on April 11. The result will be announced on May 23.

Voting for YSRCP is like writing one's own death warrant: N Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh IT minister and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh on Friday filed nomination to contest from Mangalagiri constituency in Amaravati in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Lokesh, who is the general secretary of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), will be contesting for the first time. He filed nomination papers at the Mangalagiri Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) in the presence of his mother Bhuvaneswari, wife Brahmani and son Devansh.

After filing the nomination, Lokesh cast his vote in the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) elections at a polling booth in Polakampadu Mandal Parishat elementary school.

Andhra Pradesh, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly seats at stake, will go for simultaneous polling on April 11.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh IT minister and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh on Friday filed nomination to contest from Mangalagiri constituency in Amaravati in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Andhra Pradesh IT minister and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh on Friday filed nomination to contest from Mangalagiri constituency in Amaravati in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Lokesh, who is the general secretary of Telugu Desam Party (TDP), will be contesting for the first time. He filed nomination papers at the Mangalagiri Mandal Revenue Officer (MRO) in the presence of his mother Bhuvaneswari, wife Brahmani and son Devansh. After filing the nomination, Lokesh cast his vote in the Member of Legislative Council (MLC) elections at a polling booth in Polakampadu Mandal Parishat elementary school. Andhra Pradesh, which has 25 Lok Sabha seats and 175 Assembly seats at stake, will go for simultaneous polling on April 11.

Lok Sabha 2019: Chandrababu Naidu's son Nara Lokesh files nomination from Andhra Pradesh

Two armed Naxals were neutralised in an encounter with troops of 198 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Andhra Pradesh Police in Pedabayalu of Visakhapatnam district.

The encounter broke out at around 1:30 am on Saturday when the troops were out for area-specific input patrol.

One CRPF personnel sustained bullet injuries during the encounter and was shifted to a hospital in Vizag.

He is said to be out of danger. Security forces have recovered bodies of the neutralised Naxals along with two weapons. More details are awaited.

Two armed Naxals were neutralised in an encounter with troops of 198 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Andhra Pradesh Police in Pedabayalu of Visakhapatnam district.

Two armed Naxals were neutralised in an encounter with troops of 198 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Andhra Pradesh Police in Pedabayalu of Visakhapatnam district. The encounter broke out at around 1:30 am on Saturday when the troops were out for area-specific input patrol. One CRPF personnel sustained bullet injuries during the encounter and was shifted to a hospital in Vizag. He is said to be out of danger. Security forces have recovered bodies of the neutralised Naxals along with two weapons. More details are awaited.

Andhra Pradesh: Two Naxals killed in encounter

Telugu Desam Party late on Thursday night released a list of 126 candidates for the April 11 assembly elections, which includes Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu who will contest from Kuppam constituency while his son, IT Minister Nara Lokesh will fight from Mangalagiri constituency.

At a late night press conference, the AP chief minister announced the list of candidates for the assembly election, which will be held simultaneously with the 17th Lok Sabha elections on April 11 this year.

With the release of the list, the CM said TDP has launched its "Mission 150 Plus" to secure 150 seats in the 175-member Assembly.

The party will also announce its list for the Lok Sabha polls on Friday.

Naidu will contest from the Kuppam constituency in his native Chittoor district for the seventh time.

Nara Lokesh will contest from Mangalagiri constituency in Amaravati while Tollywood actor and Lokesh's father-in-law, MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna, will once again contest from his constituency Hindupur.

Before commencing full swing campaign mode, Naidu will visit Chittoor and take the blessings of Lord Venkateswara atop the Tirumala Hills on Friday.

"I'll go to Chittoor for Tirupati darshan tomorrow. I'll go to all the other districts to meet with party cadres. From March 20, we'll go in full swing campaign mode," Naidu told media persons.

Naidu said he conducted surveys and took public opinion into consideration before selecting the candidates. "Most of the candidates got 86 per cent satisfaction feedback from the public," he said.

Naidu said he had given the slogan "Your future our responsibility" and requested them to take responsibility and "vote for the TDP and give us clear mandate of 150 seats."18 of the 24 ministers in the Chandrababu's cabinet got tickets.

Cabinet ministers who found place in the first 16 candidates are -- Bendalam Ashok (Ichapuram), Gouthu Sireesha (Palasa), Kinjarapu Atchem Naidu (Tekkali), Kalamata Venkataramana (Pathapatnam), Gunda Lakshmi Devi (Srikakulam), Kuna Ravi Kumar (Amudalavalasa), Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao (Etcherla), Baggu Ramanamurthy (Narsannapeta), Kondru Murali Mohan (Rajam), Janardhan Dhatraj (Kurupam), Bobbili Chiranjeevulu (Parvathipuram), R.P Banjdev (Salur), Sujayakrishna Rangarao (Bobbili), Kimidi Nagarjuna (Cheepurupalle), K.A Naidu (Gajapathinagaram) and Kolla Lalitha Kumari (S.Kota).

The names of HRD minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Forests minister Sidda Raghavarao were not mentioned in the first list. However, it is being reported that&nbsp;Naidu has kept their names aside for the general elections.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Sunday in New Delhi announced the elections for the 175 Assembly seats and the 25 Lok Sabha seats&nbsp;in&nbsp;Andhra Pradesh will take place on April 11 in a single phase.

The results of the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls will be announced on May 23.&nbsp;

Telugu Desam Party late on Thursday night released a list of 126 candidates for the April 11 assembly elections, which includes Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu who will contest from Kuppam constituency while his son, IT Minister Nara Lokesh will fight from Mangalagiri constituency.

Telugu Desam Party late on Thursday night released a list of 126 candidates for the April 11 assembly elections, which includes Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu who will contest from Kuppam constituency while his son, IT Minister Nara Lokesh will fight from Mangalagiri constituency. At a late night press conference, the AP chief minister announced the list of candidates for the assembly election, which will be held simultaneously with the 17th Lok Sabha elections on April 11 this year. With the release of the list, the CM said TDP has launched its "Mission 150 Plus" to secure 150 seats in the 175-member Assembly. The party will also announce its list for the Lok Sabha polls on Friday. Naidu will contest from the Kuppam constituency in his native Chittoor district for the seventh time. Nara Lokesh will contest from Mangalagiri constituency in Amaravati while Tollywood actor and Lokesh's father-in-law, MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna, will once again contest from his constituency Hindupur. Before commencing full swing campaign mode, Naidu will visit Chittoor and take the blessings of Lord Venkateswara atop the Tirumala Hills on Friday. "I'll go to Chittoor for Tirupati darshan tomorrow. I'll go to all the other districts to meet with party cadres. From March 20, we'll go in full swing campaign mode," Naidu told media persons. Naidu said he conducted surveys and took public opinion into consideration before selecting the candidates. "Most of the candidates got 86 per cent satisfaction feedback from the public," he said. Naidu said he had given the slogan "Your future our responsibility" and requested them to take responsibility and "vote for the TDP and give us clear mandate of 150 seats."18 of the 24 ministers in the Chandrababu's cabinet got tickets. Cabinet ministers who found place in the first 16 candidates are -- Bendalam Ashok (Ichapuram), Gouthu Sireesha (Palasa), Kinjarapu Atchem Naidu (Tekkali), Kalamata Venkataramana (Pathapatnam), Gunda Lakshmi Devi (Srikakulam), Kuna Ravi Kumar (Amudalavalasa), Kimidi Kala Venkata Rao (Etcherla), Baggu Ramanamurthy (Narsannapeta), Kondru Murali Mohan (Rajam), Janardhan Dhatraj (Kurupam), Bobbili Chiranjeevulu (Parvathipuram), R.P Banjdev (Salur), Sujayakrishna Rangarao (Bobbili), Kimidi Nagarjuna (Cheepurupalle), K.A Naidu (Gajapathinagaram) and Kolla Lalitha Kumari (S.Kota). The names of HRD minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Forests minister Sidda Raghavarao were not mentioned in the first list. However, it is being reported that Naidu has kept their names aside for the general elections. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora on Sunday in New Delhi announced the elections for the 175 Assembly seats and the 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh will take place on April 11 in a single phase. The results of the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls will be announced on May 23.

TDP announces 126 candidates for Assembly polls; Naidu, son Nara Lokesh to contest

Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/proud-that-wing-commander-is-from-tamil-nadu-pm-modi-in-kanyakumari-200502">Narendra Modi</a> Friday said the NDA government's decision to create a South Coast Railway Zone headquartered in Vishakhapatnam shows its commitment for Andhra Pradesh's development.

The Prime Minister also listed the Centre's various efforts in the state, in what is seen as a response to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu's taunt asking him if he was not ashamed to visit the state with 'empty hands.'

Without naming Naidu and in an apparent reference to his aligning with the Congress, Modi said the TDP supremo was now hobnobbing with those who "spared no efforts to hurt" Andhra's pride.

He also lashed out at those whom he described as speaking in support of Pakistan against the backdrop of the tensions between the two countries, and asked them to 'introspect' on why their comments were being lauded in the neighbouring country.

Apparently referring to some opposition parties and the proposed Mahagathbandhan, Modi said "Why are the parties of 'Mahamilavat' (highly adulterated) indulging in petty politics that is benefiting the enemy. In their hatred for Modi, they have started hating the country."

Visakhapatnam was a 'dream city' of Andhra youth and the Centre had accorded priority to fulfil their aspirations, he said, addressing a public meeting.

"Today I have come here with a good news. The government has taken a proactive step on a long pending demand. Centre has decided to create South Coast railway zone with Visakhapatnam as its headquarters," Modi said.

This was as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, he said.

Other initiatives for the state included upgradation of the local airport, an IIT, Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, ESIC super speciality hospital and creating oil reserve facilities, he said.

The 'pradhan sevak' (principal worker) was totally dedicated for the development of the state and the NDA was doing it with full vigour and honesty as "there is no baggage on us."

"We have no fear of what will happen if some file is opened. Only those who had sinned will be afraid. This fear is consuming our rivals, among who are those trying to establish a dynasty," he said without naming anyone.

In an apparent reference to Naidu, he called him an "expert in U-turn," and said had he fulfilled the promises made by him, he could not have had to blame the Prime Minister for his follies.

"He (Naidu) is hobnobbing with those who spared no efforts to hurt Andhra's pride," Modi said in an apparent reference to the TDP leader's aligning with the Congress.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, Modi has been training his guns against Naidu, seeking to remind him that the Telugu Desam Party founder, the late NT Ramarao, had founded the very party against the Congress.

Modi also said those who have to ensure the progress of sons and daughters of Andhra Pradesh were doing it for their own sons and daughters, seen as yet another criticism directed at Naidu.

In a letter to the Prime Minister on the eve of his scheduled visit to the port city, Naidu had asked Modi if he was not ashamed to visit the state with 'empty hands', saying he owed an explanation to 'five crore people' over unfulfilled promises,vis-a-vis the AP Reorganisation Act,2014.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the NDA government's decision to create a South Coast Railway Zone headquartered in Vishakhapatnam shows its commitment for Andhra Pradesh's development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday said the NDA government's decision to create a South Coast Railway Zone headquartered in Vishakhapatnam shows its commitment for Andhra Pradesh's development. The Prime Minister also listed the Centre's various efforts in the state, in what is seen as a response to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu's taunt asking him if he was not ashamed to visit the state with 'empty hands.' Without naming Naidu and in an apparent reference to his aligning with the Congress, Modi said the TDP supremo was now hobnobbing with those who "spared no efforts to hurt" Andhra's pride. He also lashed out at those whom he described as speaking in support of Pakistan against the backdrop of the tensions between the two countries, and asked them to 'introspect' on why their comments were being lauded in the neighbouring country. Apparently referring to some opposition parties and the proposed Mahagathbandhan, Modi said "Why are the parties of 'Mahamilavat' (highly adulterated) indulging in petty politics that is benefiting the enemy. In their hatred for Modi, they have started hating the country." Visakhapatnam was a 'dream city' of Andhra youth and the Centre had accorded priority to fulfil their aspirations, he said, addressing a public meeting. "Today I have come here with a good news. The government has taken a proactive step on a long pending demand. Centre has decided to create South Coast railway zone with Visakhapatnam as its headquarters," Modi said. This was as per the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, he said. Other initiatives for the state included upgradation of the local airport, an IIT, Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, ESIC super speciality hospital and creating oil reserve facilities, he said. The 'pradhan sevak' (principal worker) was totally dedicated for the development of the state and the NDA was doing it with full vigour and honesty as "there is no baggage on us." "We have no fear of what will happen if some file is opened. Only those who had sinned will be afraid. This fear is consuming our rivals, among who are those trying to establish a dynasty," he said without naming anyone. In an apparent reference to Naidu, he called him an "expert in U-turn," and said had he fulfilled the promises made by him, he could not have had to blame the Prime Minister for his follies. "He (Naidu) is hobnobbing with those who spared no efforts to hurt Andhra's pride," Modi said in an apparent reference to the TDP leader's aligning with the Congress. Ahead of the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls, Modi has been training his guns against Naidu, seeking to remind him that the Telugu Desam Party founder, the late NT Ramarao, had founded the very party against the Congress. Modi also said those who have to ensure the progress of sons and daughters of Andhra Pradesh were doing it for their own sons and daughters, seen as yet another criticism directed at Naidu. In a letter to the Prime Minister on the eve of his scheduled visit to the port city, Naidu had asked Modi if he was not ashamed to visit the state with 'empty hands', saying he owed an explanation to 'five crore people' over unfulfilled promises,vis-a-vis the AP Reorganisation Act,2014.

Decision to create Railway zone proof of NDA's commitment for Andhra Pradesh's development: PM Modi

Bringing his battle for special status for his state to the national capital, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Monday went on a daylong fast that became a rallying point for opposition unity for the second time in less than a month to fight the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut also made a surprise appearance at Naidu's 'Dharma Porata Deeksha' (day-long protest for justice) that began at 8 am. Raut said he came to attend the event as a representative of the Shiv Sena, amid strains with senior ally BJP.

Naidu ended his fast at 8.20 pm, accepting a glass of juice from JD(S) supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and TMC leader Derek O' Brien were among other opposition leaders who visited Andhra Bhavan to express their solidarity with Naidu, the supremo of Telugu Desam(TDP).

The leaders in their brief speeches mounted a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of issues, notably the Rafale deal, with Kejriwal going to the extent of accusing him of behaving like "PM of Pakistan" and not of India in the way he treats state governments led by opposition parties.

Reacting to Kejriwal's barb, BJP's national secretary and co-in-charge for Andhra Pradesh Sunil Deodhar said the leaders of the 'grand-alliance' are competing with each other on who can be more abusive towards Modi.

Naidu, who is trying to unite opposition parties, has over the last three months, held a number of meetings with opposition party leaders on forming an anti-BJP front. The TDP pulled out of the NDA government in March last year over its refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh.

Demanding that the Centre fulfil promises made during Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation in 2014, the TDP president alleged that Modi was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status.

"(Former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee said 'raj dharma' was not followed in Gujarat (during the 2002 post-Godhra riots). Now, 'raj dharma' is not being followed in the case of Andhra Pradesh. We have been denied what is rightfully ours," Naidu said.

He alleged that the central government did grave injustice to Andhra and it would have "repercussions on national unity".

"On behalf of five crore people, I'm warning this government... I came here to remind you of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act."

On January 19, 22 opposition parties came together at a rally convened by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee.

Naidu's fast also came ahead of the mega rally of non-BJP leaders under the aegis of Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) against the Modi government on February 13 in the national capital.

Against the backdrop of Naidu's dharna, BJP president Amit Shah wrote an open letter to people of Andhra Pradesh, saying the TDP chief knows that his political fortunes are declining rapidly and is back to theatrics in his desperation for grabbing headlines.

Shah accused Naidu of breaking the trust of the people and said he is going too far by "personally" attacking the prime minister.

Naidu's "delusional politics" is about to end, he said.

The TDP leader Sunday dragged Modi's wife while attacking the prime minister. Naidu claimed he had done so as Modi had referred to his son in targeting him at a rally.

Those who met Naidu also included National Conference chairperson Farooq Abdullah, NCP's Majeed Memon, DMK's Tiruchi Siva and Loktantrik Janata Dal's Sharad Yadav. No Left leader was present at the protest venue.

"The prime minister has stolen from the people from Andhra Pradesh and he has given that money to Anil Ambani. That is the fact of the matter," Gandhi alleged in an apparent reference to the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal with France.

The government and Ambani have rejected Gandhi's allegations of corruption in the deal.

"Mr Narendra Modi, wherever he goes, he goes to Andhra Pradesh, he lies about special status. He goes to the North-East, he tells another lie over there. He goes to Maharashtra and he tells another lie over there. He has got absolutely no credibility left," Gandhi alleged.

In just a couple of months, opposition parties will show Modi exactly what the sentiment in the country is, he said.

"I want to let you know that we are all standing together. We are going to defeat the BJP...," he added.

O'Brien recalled Modi's speech in Guntur in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday and said he didn't talk about development or special category status but "started a personal attack".

Modi, who was on his first visit to the state after the TDP walked out of the NDA government, came down heavily on Naidu, whom he repeatedly referred to as "father of N Lokesh."

Lashing out at the prime minister, Abdullah said, Modi has stooped so low. He's making personal attacks against Naidu, who is doing great service for the country.

Memon alleged that the Central government was meting out step-motherly treatment to Andhra and the BJP was attacking Naidu because he has taken the lead in uniting rival parties against it.

Mulayam Singh Yadav said he was not well but had come to endorse Naidu's stand.

"Naidu is fighting the battle for the poor, the farmers and all those who are oppressed," he added.

Stating that Naidu was fighting for a just cause, DMK leader Siva predicted that the Modi government would be ousted in three months.

Sharad Yadav blamed the Modi government for unemployment, joblessness which he said were a result of demonetization.

Kejriwal hit out at the prime minister over the alleged mistreatment meted out to states being run by governments of opposition parties.

The way PM Modi treats governments of opposition parties in states, he behaves like he is not the PM of India but PM of Pakistan, he said.

Congress leaders Anand Sharma, Ahmed Patel and Jairam Ramesh were also at the venue to express their support.

Naidu paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and at Ambedkar Statue at the Andhra Bhavan before he began the hunger strike.

Bringing his battle for special status for his state to the national capital, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Monday went on a daylong fast that became a rallying point for opposition unity for the second time in less than a month to fight the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Bringing his battle for special status for his state to the national capital, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Monday went on a daylong fast that became a rallying point for opposition unity for the second time in less than a month to fight the BJP ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. Shiv Sena's Sanjay Raut also made a surprise appearance at Naidu's 'Dharma Porata Deeksha' (day-long protest for justice) that began at 8 am. Raut said he came to attend the event as a representative of the Shiv Sena, amid strains with senior ally BJP. Naidu ended his fast at 8.20 pm, accepting a glass of juice from JD(S) supremo and former prime minister H D Deve Gowda. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and TMC leader Derek O' Brien were among other opposition leaders who visited Andhra Bhavan to express their solidarity with Naidu, the supremo of Telugu Desam(TDP). The leaders in their brief speeches mounted a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a range of issues, notably the Rafale deal, with Kejriwal going to the extent of accusing him of behaving like "PM of Pakistan" and not of India in the way he treats state governments led by opposition parties. Reacting to Kejriwal's barb, BJP's national secretary and co-in-charge for Andhra Pradesh Sunil Deodhar said the leaders of the 'grand-alliance' are competing with each other on who can be more abusive towards Modi. Naidu, who is trying to unite opposition parties, has over the last three months, held a number of meetings with opposition party leaders on forming an anti-BJP front. The TDP pulled out of the NDA government in March last year over its refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh. Demanding that the Centre fulfil promises made during Andhra Pradesh's bifurcation in 2014, the TDP president alleged that Modi was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status. "(Former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee said 'raj dharma' was not followed in Gujarat (during the 2002 post-Godhra riots). Now, 'raj dharma' is not being followed in the case of Andhra Pradesh. We have been denied what is rightfully ours," Naidu said. He alleged that the central government did grave injustice to Andhra and it would have "repercussions on national unity". "On behalf of five crore people, I'm warning this government... I came here to remind you of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act." On January 19, 22 opposition parties came together at a rally convened by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. Naidu's fast also came ahead of the mega rally of non-BJP leaders under the aegis of Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party(AAP) against the Modi government on February 13 in the national capital. Against the backdrop of Naidu's dharna, BJP president Amit Shah wrote an open letter to people of Andhra Pradesh, saying the TDP chief knows that his political fortunes are declining rapidly and is back to theatrics in his desperation for grabbing headlines. Shah accused Naidu of breaking the trust of the people and said he is going too far by "personally" attacking the prime minister. Naidu's "delusional politics" is about to end, he said. The TDP leader Sunday dragged Modi's wife while attacking the prime minister. Naidu claimed he had done so as Modi had referred to his son in targeting him at a rally. Those who met Naidu also included National Conference chairperson Farooq Abdullah, NCP's Majeed Memon, DMK's Tiruchi Siva and Loktantrik Janata Dal's Sharad Yadav. No Left leader was present at the protest venue. "The prime minister has stolen from the people from Andhra Pradesh and he has given that money to Anil Ambani. That is the fact of the matter," Gandhi alleged in an apparent reference to the controversial Rafale fighter jet deal with France. The government and Ambani have rejected Gandhi's allegations of corruption in the deal. "Mr Narendra Modi, wherever he goes, he goes to Andhra Pradesh, he lies about special status. He goes to the North-East, he tells another lie over there. He goes to Maharashtra and he tells another lie over there. He has got absolutely no credibility left," Gandhi alleged. In just a couple of months, opposition parties will show Modi exactly what the sentiment in the country is, he said. "I want to let you know that we are all standing together. We are going to defeat the BJP...," he added. O'Brien recalled Modi's speech in Guntur in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday and said he didn't talk about development or special category status but "started a personal attack". Modi, who was on his first visit to the state after the TDP walked out of the NDA government, came down heavily on Naidu, whom he repeatedly referred to as "father of N Lokesh." Lashing out at the prime minister, Abdullah said, Modi has stooped so low. He's making personal attacks against Naidu, who is doing great service for the country. Memon alleged that the Central government was meting out step-motherly treatment to Andhra and the BJP was attacking Naidu because he has taken the lead in uniting rival parties against it. Mulayam Singh Yadav said he was not well but had come to endorse Naidu's stand. "Naidu is fighting the battle for the poor, the farmers and all those who are oppressed," he added. Stating that Naidu was fighting for a just cause, DMK leader Siva predicted that the Modi government would be ousted in three months. Sharad Yadav blamed the Modi government for unemployment, joblessness which he said were a result of demonetization. Kejriwal hit out at the prime minister over the alleged mistreatment meted out to states being run by governments of opposition parties. The way PM Modi treats governments of opposition parties in states, he behaves like he is not the PM of India but PM of Pakistan, he said. Congress leaders Anand Sharma, Ahmed Patel and Jairam Ramesh were also at the venue to express their support. Naidu paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat and at Ambedkar Statue at the Andhra Bhavan before he began the hunger strike.

Chandrababu Naidu's day-long fast turns into show of Opposition unity

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched into a tirade against the BJP-led central government, alleging Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status.&nbsp;

Naidu, who began a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-chandrababu-naidu-to-sit-on-hunger-strike-demanding-special-status-for-andhra-pradesh-196485">day-long fast at the Andhra Bhavan in Delhi</a> demanding that the Centre fulfil all promises made during AP's bifurcation in 2014, warned that Modi would be given a befitting answer if he made personal attacks against the people of his state.&nbsp;

"(Former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee said 'raj dharma' was not followed in Gujarat (during the 2002 riots). Now, 'raj dharma' is not being followed in the case of Andhra Pradesh. We have been denied what is rightfully ours," Naidu said.&nbsp;

He alleged the central government did grave injustice to Andhra and it would have "repercussions on national unity".&nbsp;

"On behalf of five crore people, I'm warning this government... I came here to remind you of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act," Naidu said.&nbsp;

"I am warning you. Don't make personal attacks against me and my people. It's unwarranted. I am just doing my duty as the head of my state. We are only demanding what we were promised," he said, adding if somebody "attacks our self respect, we will not tolerate it".&nbsp;

The TDP chief said the party was denied permission to stage a protest in Parliament premises. "So, we came here".&nbsp;

A number of opposition party leaders, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, National Conference's Farooq Abdullah and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, are expected to extend their support to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief's fast.&nbsp;

Before beginning the fast, Naidu offered tributes to Matama Gandhi at Raj Ghat and to B R Ambedkar at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan.&nbsp;

A TDP delegation led by Naidu will submit a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday, party sources said.&nbsp;

Naidu has been trying to unite opposition parties to take on the BJP in the general elections. Over the last three months, he has held a number of meetings with opposition party leaders on forming an anti-BJP front.&nbsp;

The TDP had in March last year pulled out of the NDA government over its refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

The party has been accusing the Modi government of not releasing enough funds for the Polavaram irrigation project, the Kadapa steel plant and Amravati, the under-construction ultra-modern state capital.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched into a tirade against the BJP-led central government, alleging Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched into a tirade against the BJP-led central government, alleging Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not following 'raj dharma' by denying the state special status. Naidu, who began a day-long fast at the Andhra Bhavan in Delhi demanding that the Centre fulfil all promises made during AP's bifurcation in 2014, warned that Modi would be given a befitting answer if he made personal attacks against the people of his state. "(Former PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee said 'raj dharma' was not followed in Gujarat (during the 2002 riots). Now, 'raj dharma' is not being followed in the case of Andhra Pradesh. We have been denied what is rightfully ours," Naidu said. He alleged the central government did grave injustice to Andhra and it would have "repercussions on national unity". "On behalf of five crore people, I'm warning this government... I came here to remind you of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act," Naidu said. "I am warning you. Don't make personal attacks against me and my people. It's unwarranted. I am just doing my duty as the head of my state. We are only demanding what we were promised," he said, adding if somebody "attacks our self respect, we will not tolerate it". The TDP chief said the party was denied permission to stage a protest in Parliament premises. "So, we came here". A number of opposition party leaders, including Congress president Rahul Gandhi, National Conference's Farooq Abdullah and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, are expected to extend their support to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief's fast. Before beginning the fast, Naidu offered tributes to Matama Gandhi at Raj Ghat and to B R Ambedkar at Andhra Pradesh Bhavan. A TDP delegation led by Naidu will submit a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday, party sources said. Naidu has been trying to unite opposition parties to take on the BJP in the general elections. Over the last three months, he has held a number of meetings with opposition party leaders on forming an anti-BJP front. The TDP had in March last year pulled out of the NDA government over its refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh. The party has been accusing the Modi government of not releasing enough funds for the Polavaram irrigation project, the Kadapa steel plant and Amravati, the under-construction ultra-modern state capital.

Modi did not follow raj dharma in Andhra Pradesh's case: Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday arrived in Delhi ahead of his strike at Andhra Pradesh Bhawan on Monday demanding special status for his state.

Naidu will stage the 'Dharma Porata Deeksha' (a day-long protest for justice) at the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in the national capital from 8 am to 8 pm.

The chief minister will sit on a hunger strike along with his ministers, party MLAs, MLCs, and MPs.

As per an official statement, he will be submitting a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday.

Notably, Naidu in October 2013 had staged an indefinite fast at the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in Delhi, demanding that if a separate state is carved out of then unified Andhra Pradesh, both should get equal rights.&nbsp;

He, however on the fifth day of his protest was forcibly shifted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

Also on April 20 2018, on the occasion of his birthday, the TDP chief had observed fast in Vijayawada demanding special status for the state.

Earlier on Sunday Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on Naidu, calling him a master in backstabbing and destroying the dreams of people.

His Telugu Desam Party had pulled out of the NDA last year over the Centre’s refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh.&nbsp;

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday arrived in Delhi ahead of his strike at Andhra Pradesh Bhawan on Monday demanding special status for his state.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday arrived in Delhi ahead of his strike at Andhra Pradesh Bhawan on Monday demanding special status for his state. Naidu will stage the 'Dharma Porata Deeksha' (a day-long protest for justice) at the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in the national capital from 8 am to 8 pm. The chief minister will sit on a hunger strike along with his ministers, party MLAs, MLCs, and MPs. As per an official statement, he will be submitting a memorandum to President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday. Notably, Naidu in October 2013 had staged an indefinite fast at the Andhra Pradesh Bhavan in Delhi, demanding that if a separate state is carved out of then unified Andhra Pradesh, both should get equal rights. He, however on the fifth day of his protest was forcibly shifted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Also on April 20 2018, on the occasion of his birthday, the TDP chief had observed fast in Vijayawada demanding special status for the state. Earlier on Sunday Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on Naidu, calling him a master in backstabbing and destroying the dreams of people. His Telugu Desam Party had pulled out of the NDA last year over the Centre’s refusal to grant special category status to Andhra Pradesh.

Delhi: Chandrababu Naidu to sit on hunger strike demanding special status for Andhra Pradesh

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-hating-modi-the-opposition-has-begun-to-hate-the-nation-pm-modi-195852">After attacking the Congress in the Lok Sabha on Thursday</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in his state on Sunday.&nbsp;

Modi said that Chandrababu had promised to make the "sun rise" in Andhra, but that he is stuck on making his "son rise".

He added that Chandrababu had promised to start new programmes for the poor, but that all he has done is put his sticker on Modi's programmes.&nbsp;

Modi added that Chandrababu is a "senior" when it comes to changing alliances. The TDP walked out of the NDA alliance in 2018 after the Centre refused to give Andhra special category status, which had been promised to it by the previous UPA regime when Telangana was carved out of it in 2013.&nbsp;

Modi added that Chandrababu is a "senior" when it comes to forging new alliances. Chandrababu had been by Mamata Banerjee's side last week when she called off her "Save the Constitution" dharna. The two had had closed-door talks before she called off her dharna.&nbsp;

Modi was not done with his digs at Chandrababu, telling him again that he is a "senior" when it comes to knifing his father-in-law (NT Rama Rao) in the back, and that he is a senior when it comes to losing election after election.&nbsp;

Modi also brought up the opposition meet slated for Monday in Delhi.&nbsp;

"He (Chandrababu) will go to Delhi tomorrow to get his photo taken. He will go with a lot of people, and will sound his party's bugle (for the 2019 elections)."&nbsp;

Modi then added that the BJP organises meets like this with its workers' money but that Chandrababu, on the other hand, will be taking money from the state treasury."&nbsp;

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PM in Guntur: Ye (Chandrababu Naidu) kal photo khichwane ke liye Delhi jane wale hain, bada hujoom le ke jane wale hain, party ka bigul bajane. Lekin BJP jaise apne karyakartaon ke paiso se karyakram kara rahi hai, vo Andhra ki janta ki tijori se paise nikaal kar ke ja rahe hain. <a href="https://t.co/RMkgmhqeJj">pic.twitter.com/RMkgmhqeJj</a>
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PM Modi in AP: Unhone (Chandrababu Naidu) Andhra Pradesh ke sun rise ka waada kiya tha, lekin apne ‘son’ ko hi rise karane main jutt gaye hain, unhone Andhra ke gareebon ke liye nayi yojnaein chalane ka wada kiya tha, lekin Modi ki yojanaon par hi apna sticker laga diya hai. <a href="https://t.co/gZKntjqf0B">pic.twitter.com/gZKntjqf0B</a>
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Modi was in Andhra to inaugurate development projects and also kick off the BJP's campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabah elections in the state. This was the first time Modi was visiting Andhra after the TDP walked out of the NDA alliance.&nbsp;

After attacking the Congress in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in his state on Sunday.

After attacking the Congress in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in his state on Sunday. Modi said that Chandrababu had promised to make the "sun rise" in Andhra, but that he is stuck on making his "son rise". He added that Chandrababu had promised to start new programmes for the poor, but that all he has done is put his sticker on Modi's programmes. Modi added that Chandrababu is a "senior" when it comes to changing alliances. The TDP walked out of the NDA alliance in 2018 after the Centre refused to give Andhra special category status, which had been promised to it by the previous UPA regime when Telangana was carved out of it in 2013. Modi added that Chandrababu is a "senior" when it comes to forging new alliances. Chandrababu had been by Mamata Banerjee's side last week when she called off her "Save the Constitution" dharna. The two had had closed-door talks before she called off her dharna. Modi was not done with his digs at Chandrababu, telling him again that he is a "senior" when it comes to knifing his father-in-law (NT Rama Rao) in the back, and that he is a senior when it comes to losing election after election. Modi also brought up the opposition meet slated for Monday in Delhi. "He (Chandrababu) will go to Delhi tomorrow to get his photo taken. He will go with a lot of people, and will sound his party's bugle (for the 2019 elections)." Modi then added that the BJP organises meets like this with its workers' money but that Chandrababu, on the other hand, will be taking money from the state treasury." PM in Guntur: Ye (Chandrababu Naidu) kal photo khichwane ke liye Delhi jane wale hain, bada hujoom le ke jane wale hain, party ka bigul bajane. Lekin BJP jaise apne karyakartaon ke paiso se karyakram kara rahi hai, vo Andhra ki janta ki tijori se paise nikaal kar ke ja rahe hain. pic.twitter.com/RMkgmhqeJj — ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2019 × PM Modi in AP: Unhone (Chandrababu Naidu) Andhra Pradesh ke sun rise ka waada kiya tha, lekin apne ‘son’ ko hi rise karane main jutt gaye hain, unhone Andhra ke gareebon ke liye nayi yojnaein chalane ka wada kiya tha, lekin Modi ki yojanaon par hi apna sticker laga diya hai. pic.twitter.com/gZKntjqf0B — ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2019 × Modi was in Andhra to inaugurate development projects and also kick off the BJP's campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabah elections in the state. This was the first time Modi was visiting Andhra after the TDP walked out of the NDA alliance.

Chandrababu Naidu promised 'sun rise' in Andhra, but he is stuck on making 'son rise': Modi

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

In a blistering attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, BJP president <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/alliances-prove-our-strength-amit-shah-on-sp-bsp-coming-together-194602">Amit Shah</a> on Monday termed the TDP supremo as a "U-turn Chief Minister" and declared he will not be allowed to enter the NDA alliance again.

Taking a jibe at the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister for switching parties when either the BJP or the Congress came to power at the Centre, Shah accused Naidu of misguiding the people of the state.

"As soon as Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power, Chandrababu Naidu joined NDA and left the alliance in 2004 when Congress came to power. He is now supporting Congress party which insulted Andhra Pradesh. He fought the Telangana elections with the Congress, and when he lost, he joined the 'Mahagathbandhan'&nbsp;(grand alliance)," Shah said at a rally.

"I am sure once the counting for 2019 elections will be over and NDA government will come to power again, Chandrababu Naidu will make all the efforts to join the NDA back. Let me tell you that this time, the NDA's doors for him have been shut forever. He has misguided the people of the state. It is appropriate to call Chandrababu Naidu a U-turn chief minister," he added.

The TDP, a ruling party of Andhra Pradesh, pulled out from the NDA last year over the demand of special category status which was promised during the bifurcation of the state in 2014.

Continuing his attack on the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Shah said, "When he (Chandrababu Naidu) felt that people are angry with the way he is running the government and with his efforts to try to make his son as the Chief Minister, to try to gain sympathy, he put the entire blame on BJP and distanced himself from us."

Shah claimed that Naidu snapped ties with the NDA to overcome corruption in the TDP government of the state. Trashing Naidu's allegations that the Centre did not focus more on Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation, the BJP chief remarked that the NDA government’s support for the state's development is ten times more than what was provided during the Congress government in over 50 years."

14 important tasks of Andhra Reorganisation Act were to be completed in 10 years. Out of those 14, 10 tasks have already been completed in five years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi government. He (Naidu) is lying that we have done nothing," he added.

Talking about the steps taken by the central government for Andhra Pradesh's development, Shah underlined that the BJP opened more than 20 institutions of National Education and initiated several projects for AIIMS, IIT, and IIM in various regions of the state.

"Under Awas Yojana, more than 10 lakh houses have been constructed in Andhra Pradesh. 37 lakh toilets were constructed and more than 27 lakh youth received Mudra loans in Andhra Pradesh. Over 6 crore women received free gas cylinders under Ujjwala Yojana. Farmers across the country with up to five acres of land will be provided Rs 6,000 assistance directly into their account," he elaborated.

Alleging a nexus between the TDP and Congress, Shah said, "I just want to ask Chandrababu Naidu, why did you leave NDA, which gave Rs 5,56,000 crores to the state of Andhra Pradesh? Why did you join hands with Congress which gave just Rs 1,17,000 crores?"

He asserted that leaders of both Congress and TDP are corrupt and will not be able to take Andhra Pradesh to greater heights, and argued that only the NDA government can develop the state.

 
&nbsp;

In a blistering attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday termed the TDP supremo as a "U-turn Chief Minister" and declared he will not be allowed to enter the NDA alliance again.

In a blistering attack on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, BJP president Amit Shah on Monday termed the TDP supremo as a "U-turn Chief Minister" and declared he will not be allowed to enter the NDA alliance again. Taking a jibe at the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister for switching parties when either the BJP or the Congress came to power at the Centre, Shah accused Naidu of misguiding the people of the state. "As soon as Atal Bihari Vajpayee government came to power, Chandrababu Naidu joined NDA and left the alliance in 2004 when Congress came to power. He is now supporting Congress party which insulted Andhra Pradesh. He fought the Telangana elections with the Congress, and when he lost, he joined the 'Mahagathbandhan' (grand alliance)," Shah said at a rally. "I am sure once the counting for 2019 elections will be over and NDA government will come to power again, Chandrababu Naidu will make all the efforts to join the NDA back. Let me tell you that this time, the NDA's doors for him have been shut forever. He has misguided the people of the state. It is appropriate to call Chandrababu Naidu a U-turn chief minister," he added. The TDP, a ruling party of Andhra Pradesh, pulled out from the NDA last year over the demand of special category status which was promised during the bifurcation of the state in 2014. Continuing his attack on the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Shah said, "When he (Chandrababu Naidu) felt that people are angry with the way he is running the government and with his efforts to try to make his son as the Chief Minister, to try to gain sympathy, he put the entire blame on BJP and distanced himself from us." Shah claimed that Naidu snapped ties with the NDA to overcome corruption in the TDP government of the state. Trashing Naidu's allegations that the Centre did not focus more on Andhra Pradesh after bifurcation, the BJP chief remarked that the NDA government’s support for the state's development is ten times more than what was provided during the Congress government in over 50 years." 14 important tasks of Andhra Reorganisation Act were to be completed in 10 years. Out of those 14, 10 tasks have already been completed in five years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi government. He (Naidu) is lying that we have done nothing," he added. Talking about the steps taken by the central government for Andhra Pradesh's development, Shah underlined that the BJP opened more than 20 institutions of National Education and initiated several projects for AIIMS, IIT, and IIM in various regions of the state. "Under Awas Yojana, more than 10 lakh houses have been constructed in Andhra Pradesh. 37 lakh toilets were constructed and more than 27 lakh youth received Mudra loans in Andhra Pradesh. Over 6 crore women received free gas cylinders under Ujjwala Yojana. Farmers across the country with up to five acres of land will be provided Rs 6,000 assistance directly into their account," he elaborated. Alleging a nexus between the TDP and Congress, Shah said, "I just want to ask Chandrababu Naidu, why did you leave NDA, which gave Rs 5,56,000 crores to the state of Andhra Pradesh? Why did you join hands with Congress which gave just Rs 1,17,000 crores?" He asserted that leaders of both Congress and TDP are corrupt and will not be able to take Andhra Pradesh to greater heights, and argued that only the NDA government can develop the state.

Chandrababu Naidu is 'U-turn CM', NDA's doors shut to him forever: Amit Shah

Jayaram Chigurupati, Director Coastal Bank and MD, Express TV (a Telugu channel) was found dead in a car parked on a Highway near Aitavaram village on Thursday night. The deceased has been found with a head injury, the police said.

The probe authorities are yet to ascertain whether it was an accidental death or a murder. They have collected all the CCTV footages of Jayaram`s car from several toll gates for carrying out the probe.

Chigurupati was arrested in January last year on the charge of non-payment of salaries to employees.

He was accused of non-payment of salaries/compensation amounts to the removed employees as per the agreement between them. He was allegedly involved in other cases which were being investigated by the CID of Telangana Police.&nbsp;

Jayaram Chigurupati, Director Coastal Bank and MD, Express TV (a Telugu channel) was found dead in a car parked on a Highway near Aitavaram village on Thursday night.

Jayaram Chigurupati, Director Coastal Bank and MD, Express TV (a Telugu channel) was found dead in a car parked on a Highway near Aitavaram village on Thursday night. The deceased has been found with a head injury, the police said. The probe authorities are yet to ascertain whether it was an accidental death or a murder. They have collected all the CCTV footages of Jayaram`s car from several toll gates for carrying out the probe. Chigurupati was arrested in January last year on the charge of non-payment of salaries to employees. He was accused of non-payment of salaries/compensation amounts to the removed employees as per the agreement between them. He was allegedly involved in other cases which were being investigated by the CID of Telangana Police.

Andhra Pradesh: TV channel MD found dead in car, probe underway

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Wednesday said February 1, the day the central government will present the budget in 
Parliament will be a "black day" for the state and called for protests.

In his daily teleconference with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders, Naidu said the Centre had cheated the state in the last five budgets.

"February 1 is a black day for the state. The BJP-led government at the Centre has discriminated against the state at every step. Unless the BJP is trounced at the hustings, justice will not be done to Andhra Pradesh (AP)," the chief minister said.

He asked his party cadre to observe peaceful protests by sporting black badges and showing black flags when the Centre presents the budget for 2019-20.

Referring to reports in China Global Times, a newspaper in China, Naidu said failures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government were being publicised even in China.

"The country has been pushed into chaos under Modi's rule. There is widespread antagonism towards Modi due to unemployment. People are opposing the BJP," he said.

The Andhra chief minister alleged discrimination against the state with regard to the central government releasing funds on Tuesday to various states through the National Disaster Relief Fund.

"Maharashtra has been given Rs 4,717 crore while AP got only Rs 900 crore for drought relief. Andhra suffered extensive damage running into thousands of crores of rupees due to cyclone Titli. Cyclone Phethai also caused severe destruction, but the Centre did not grant even a rupee," Naidu lamented.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Wednesday said February 1, the day the central government will present the budget in Parliament will be a "black day" for the state and called for protests.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu Wednesday said February 1, the day the central government will present the budget in Parliament will be a "black day" for the state and called for protests. In his daily teleconference with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders, Naidu said the Centre had cheated the state in the last five budgets. "February 1 is a black day for the state. The BJP-led government at the Centre has discriminated against the state at every step. Unless the BJP is trounced at the hustings, justice will not be done to Andhra Pradesh (AP)," the chief minister said. He asked his party cadre to observe peaceful protests by sporting black badges and showing black flags when the Centre presents the budget for 2019-20. Referring to reports in China Global Times, a newspaper in China, Naidu said failures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government were being publicised even in China. "The country has been pushed into chaos under Modi's rule. There is widespread antagonism towards Modi due to unemployment. People are opposing the BJP," he said. The Andhra chief minister alleged discrimination against the state with regard to the central government releasing funds on Tuesday to various states through the National Disaster Relief Fund. "Maharashtra has been given Rs 4,717 crore while AP got only Rs 900 crore for drought relief. Andhra suffered extensive damage running into thousands of crores of rupees due to cyclone Titli. Cyclone Phethai also caused severe destruction, but the Centre did not grant even a rupee," Naidu lamented.

Union budget 2019: Andhra Pradesh chief minister calls for protests on budget day; says Centre 'cheated' state

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