Bypolls to 10 of the 12 vacant Assembly seats from Telangana will be held on July 27, the Election Commission announced on Tuesday, setting the stage for a bitter political battle. Counting of votes would be taken up on July 30 from 8 am.
Byelections will be held to Sirpur, Chennur (SC), Mancherial, Yellareddy, Koratla, Dharmapuri (SC), Huzurabad, Siddipet and Warangal West that were held by the TRS, and Nizamabad (Urban) which was held by the BJP.
Byelections will not be held in the Sircilla and Vemulawada, where election petitions filed by losing candidates in the 2009 polls are pending in the AP High Court.
In Sircilla, Mr Mahender Reddy, a TRS rebel, who lost by 171 votes, has alleged irregularities in counting. In Vemulavala, Mr Adi Srinivas of the Congress contended that the winner, Ch. Ramesh in 2009, was not an Indian citizen. The TRS chief, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, saw a “politically conspiracy” in the EC leaving out these two seats.
The notification would be issued on July 2 and the last day for filing nominations would be July 9. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is July 12. Polling would be held between 7 am to 5 pm on July 27.
Showing posts with label Telangana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Telangana. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Congress in a bind over strategy for bypolls in T
Just when the Congress had heaved a sigh of relief at averting the possible rebellion of the Kadapa MP, Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy, it finds itself in a dilemma over what strategy to adopt on Telangana in the forthcoming by-elections in the region.
The Karimnagar MP, Mr Ponnam Prabhakar, and the Zahirabad MP, Mr Suresh Shetkar, called on the law minister and in-charge of AP affairs, Mr Veerappa Moily, and demanded that the party should not go against popular sentiment in Telangana.
They want the party to clearly state during the poll campaign that the Congress is in favour of a separate Telangana state.
This view is firmly opposed by Congress politicians whose constituencies are in the other two regions. It is pertinent to note that the government whip in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Dr S. Sailajanath, called on Mr Moily and urged him to ensure that the party uses the slogan of development and other welfare schemes during the election campaign and does not commit to anything on Telangana.
Mr Prabhakar wants the party to expose the Telugu Desam and the BJP for not conceding to the demand for a separate state when they were in power, even though they were instrumental in the creation of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand.
The MPs want the party to highlight its contribution to Telangana: the announcement by the Union home minister on December 9 and also the appointment of the Srikrishna committee.
The Karimnagar MP, Mr Ponnam Prabhakar, and the Zahirabad MP, Mr Suresh Shetkar, called on the law minister and in-charge of AP affairs, Mr Veerappa Moily, and demanded that the party should not go against popular sentiment in Telangana.
They want the party to clearly state during the poll campaign that the Congress is in favour of a separate Telangana state.
This view is firmly opposed by Congress politicians whose constituencies are in the other two regions. It is pertinent to note that the government whip in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, Dr S. Sailajanath, called on Mr Moily and urged him to ensure that the party uses the slogan of development and other welfare schemes during the election campaign and does not commit to anything on Telangana.
Mr Prabhakar wants the party to expose the Telugu Desam and the BJP for not conceding to the demand for a separate state when they were in power, even though they were instrumental in the creation of Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand.
The MPs want the party to highlight its contribution to Telangana: the announcement by the Union home minister on December 9 and also the appointment of the Srikrishna committee.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Jagan to resume tour to Telangana after by-elections
Congress MP from Kadapa Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy on Friday asserted that he would resume his tour of Telangana districts as part of the “Odarpu Yatra” after the by-elections to 12 Assembly seats.
Talking to reporters here after he was escorted back by the police in wake of his arrest in Wangapally in Nalgonda district, Mr. Reddy said there was no going back on his promise of continuing his yatra.
The MP said what he could understand from today's incidents was that the TRS was afraid of his tour because of the impending by-elections. “Let the fear haunt them, I will certainly visit Telangana districts after the by-elections,” he said.
Undeterred by the violent incidents that rocked Mahabubabad in Warangal district and other parts of the State, Mr. Jagan told reporters that he would not be cowed down by the threats held out by the pro-Telangana forces particularly, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti.
Justifying his decision to tour Warangal to call on the families of those persons, who died after untimely death of his father, Mr. Jagan said the TRS had needlessly politicised his tour. “I never said it is political visit. I wanted to call on the families who lost their dear ones. Why should it hurt the TRS?” he said.
'Fulfilling promise'
He maintained that he was fulfilling the promise he had made at Pavurallagutta that he would visit all the families of those who died of shock. “The Telangana issue was not there when I had made this promise. It is strange that the TRS objects to my visit now,” he said. He also made a fervent appeal to his supporters and the Congress workers to observe restraint. “As soon as I realised that some Congress workers indulged in violence, upset over my arrest, I appealed to them to remain calm,” he remarked.
Keywords: Telangana, Congress
Congress MP from Kadapa Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy on Friday asserted that he would resume his tour of Telangana districts as part of the “Odarpu Yatra” after the by-elections to 12 Assembly seats.
Talking to reporters here after he was escorted back by the police in wake of his arrest in Wangapally in Nalgonda district, Mr. Reddy said there was no going back on his promise of continuing his yatra.
The MP said what he could understand from today's incidents was that the TRS was afraid of his tour because of the impending by-elections. “Let the fear haunt them, I will certainly visit Telangana districts after the by-elections,” he said.
Undeterred by the violent incidents that rocked Mahabubabad in Warangal district and other parts of the State, Mr. Jagan told reporters that he would not be cowed down by the threats held out by the pro-Telangana forces particularly, the Telangana Rashtra Samiti.
Justifying his decision to tour Warangal to call on the families of those persons, who died after untimely death of his father, Mr. Jagan said the TRS had needlessly politicised his tour. “I never said it is political visit. I wanted to call on the families who lost their dear ones. Why should it hurt the TRS?” he said.
'Fulfilling promise'
He maintained that he was fulfilling the promise he had made at Pavurallagutta that he would visit all the families of those who died of shock. “The Telangana issue was not there when I had made this promise. It is strange that the TRS objects to my visit now,” he said. He also made a fervent appeal to his supporters and the Congress workers to observe restraint. “As soon as I realised that some Congress workers indulged in violence, upset over my arrest, I appealed to them to remain calm,” he remarked.Friday, May 28, 2010
Warangal developments force SCR to cancel and divert trains
The South Central Railway has cancelled some trains and curtailed operation of some trains in view of the tense situation in Telangana districts, following the clash between police and agitations in Mahabubabad town of Warangal district.
Following are the details of trains cancelled or partially cancelled:
Tr.No.2706 Secunderabad-Guntur express will run up to Kazipet and back as Tr.No.2705, Tr.No. 7406 Adilabad-Tirupati Krishna express will run up to Kazipet and return back as Tr.No.7405 exp. Tr.No. 7035 Secunderabad-Sirpur Khagnagar express will run up to Kazipet and return back as Tr.No 7036 exp. Tr.No. 0752 Secunderabad- Manchiryal special will run up to Kazipet and return back as Empty rake.
Tr.No. 323 Bhadrachalam-Sirpur Khagnagar passenger now at Yelgur will be terminated at Yelgur and rake will be moved to Kazipet. Tr.No. 2713 Vijayawada-Secunderabad Satavahana express now at Kesamudram will return to Vijawayada Tr.No.2714. Tr.No. 7201 Guntur-Secunderabad Golconda express now at Dornakal will return back from Dornakal to Guntur Tr.No. 7202.
Tr.No. 357 Bhadrachallem - Kazipet now at Chimalpahad will return back. Tr.No. 7234 Sirpur Khagnagar-Secunderabad Bhagyanagar express now at Ghanapur will run upto Kazipet and return back as Tr.No.7233.
Tr.No. 7405 Tirupati-Adilabad Krishna express will run up to Vijayawada and return back as Tr.No. 7406 from Vijayawada – Tirupati.
Tr.No. 338 Vijayawada-Kazipet passenger stands cancelled on 28-5-10.
Tr.No. 322 Sirpur Town- Kazipet passenger will also be cancelled on 28-5-10.
Following are the details of trains cancelled or partially cancelled:
Tr.No.2706 Secunderabad-Guntur express will run up to Kazipet and back as Tr.No.2705, Tr.No. 7406 Adilabad-Tirupati Krishna express will run up to Kazipet and return back as Tr.No.7405 exp. Tr.No. 7035 Secunderabad-Sirpur Khagnagar express will run up to Kazipet and return back as Tr.No 7036 exp. Tr.No. 0752 Secunderabad- Manchiryal special will run up to Kazipet and return back as Empty rake.
Tr.No. 323 Bhadrachalam-Sirpur Khagnagar passenger now at Yelgur will be terminated at Yelgur and rake will be moved to Kazipet. Tr.No. 2713 Vijayawada-Secunderabad Satavahana express now at Kesamudram will return to Vijawayada Tr.No.2714. Tr.No. 7201 Guntur-Secunderabad Golconda express now at Dornakal will return back from Dornakal to Guntur Tr.No. 7202.
Tr.No. 357 Bhadrachallem - Kazipet now at Chimalpahad will return back. Tr.No. 7234 Sirpur Khagnagar-Secunderabad Bhagyanagar express now at Ghanapur will run upto Kazipet and return back as Tr.No.7233.
Tr.No. 7405 Tirupati-Adilabad Krishna express will run up to Vijayawada and return back as Tr.No. 7406 from Vijayawada – Tirupati.
Tr.No. 338 Vijayawada-Kazipet passenger stands cancelled on 28-5-10.
Tr.No. 322 Sirpur Town- Kazipet passenger will also be cancelled on 28-5-10.
Jagan defies diktat, firm on yatra
Defying the diktat of the Congress high command, the Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, has decided to go ahead with his tour of Warangal district to console the families of those who died after the demise of his father, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy.
Though negotiations between Mr Reddy and the party leaders were continuing even late at night, it is learnt that he is adamant about undertaking the tour at the time of going to press. He will take the InterCity Express to Mahbubabad, about 200 km from here, at 7.45 am on Friday, if he does not change his mind. There is a likelihood that he may be arrested.
On Thursday morning, the Congress leader and Union minister, Mr Veerappa Moily, talked to Mr Reddy and asked him to postpone the tour. He told the Kadapa MP that he was talking on behalf of the Congress president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi.
Mr Moily seems to have told Mr Jagan that the high command was aware of the sentiments attached to the yatra, but cautioned that it would be better to postpone it because of the strong opposition it had triggered from pro-Telangana sections. However, Mr Jagan reportedly told Mr Moily that he could not postpone the tour as it had been announced.
Later, Mr Moily met Mr Jagan's mentor, Dr K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao, who was in Delhi, and asked him to convince the MP to postpone the tour. Mr Ahmed Patel, political secretary to the Congress president, also spoke to Dr Rao and Mr Reddy.
Dr Rao arrived from Delhi on Thursday evening and tried to persuade Mr Reddy from undertaking the tour. But he did not succeed.
As of now, things are headed for a political showdown between Mr Reddy and the state government. Sources said that the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, was insistent on implementing the high command diktat and had instructed police officers to take necessary steps.
This means Mr Reddy might be taken into custody by police on the contention he had no permission to conduct a tour and the law and order situation in Warangal was not conducive.Sources said intelligence wing had informed the state government about the movement of some Maoist dalams in the district and about plans by some Telangana groups to stall the tour.
After talking to Mr Jagan, Mr Moily and Mr Patel also informed the high command decision to Mr Rosaiah and the PCC chief, Mr Srinivas, and urged them to see to it that the yatra was postponed.
Following this, Mr Rosaiah also called up Mr Jagan over phone and conveyed the high command advice. But the Kadapa MP said it was not fair to ask him to postpone the tour.
“I don’t understand what sin I am committing,” he reportedly told the Chief Minister. “Do you think the Congress will benefit from postponement of my tour?”
Mr Rosaiah, who later addressed the media in connection with another issue, said that Mr Jagan had not sought permission from the police for the yatra. To a question, he said the party high command would take care of the situation.
The Chief Minister also held an informal cabinet meeting and told ministers what transpired between him and Mr Jagan and also what the high command wished for.
In a deft move, he made the ministers endorse the high command decision and deputed the home minister, Ms Sabita Indra Reddy, and the agriculture minister, Mr N. Raghuveera Reddy, to meet Mr Jagan and convince him against going on tour. They met him but he did not relent.
Later both the ministers held a high level meeting with the DGP, Mr R.R. Girish Kumar, the intelligence chief, Mr Mahender Reddy, and other police officers. They again left for Mr Reddy’s residence at 8 pm and were closeted with him.
Mr Rosaiah, who left for Ongole, told mediapersons there that the high command had not approved of Mr Jagan's tour. “In case there will be a tour, the law and order machinery will take care of things,” he said.
Though negotiations between Mr Reddy and the party leaders were continuing even late at night, it is learnt that he is adamant about undertaking the tour at the time of going to press. He will take the InterCity Express to Mahbubabad, about 200 km from here, at 7.45 am on Friday, if he does not change his mind. There is a likelihood that he may be arrested.
On Thursday morning, the Congress leader and Union minister, Mr Veerappa Moily, talked to Mr Reddy and asked him to postpone the tour. He told the Kadapa MP that he was talking on behalf of the Congress president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi.
Mr Moily seems to have told Mr Jagan that the high command was aware of the sentiments attached to the yatra, but cautioned that it would be better to postpone it because of the strong opposition it had triggered from pro-Telangana sections. However, Mr Jagan reportedly told Mr Moily that he could not postpone the tour as it had been announced.
Later, Mr Moily met Mr Jagan's mentor, Dr K.V.P. Ramachandra Rao, who was in Delhi, and asked him to convince the MP to postpone the tour. Mr Ahmed Patel, political secretary to the Congress president, also spoke to Dr Rao and Mr Reddy.
Dr Rao arrived from Delhi on Thursday evening and tried to persuade Mr Reddy from undertaking the tour. But he did not succeed.
As of now, things are headed for a political showdown between Mr Reddy and the state government. Sources said that the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, was insistent on implementing the high command diktat and had instructed police officers to take necessary steps.
This means Mr Reddy might be taken into custody by police on the contention he had no permission to conduct a tour and the law and order situation in Warangal was not conducive.Sources said intelligence wing had informed the state government about the movement of some Maoist dalams in the district and about plans by some Telangana groups to stall the tour.
After talking to Mr Jagan, Mr Moily and Mr Patel also informed the high command decision to Mr Rosaiah and the PCC chief, Mr Srinivas, and urged them to see to it that the yatra was postponed.
Following this, Mr Rosaiah also called up Mr Jagan over phone and conveyed the high command advice. But the Kadapa MP said it was not fair to ask him to postpone the tour.
“I don’t understand what sin I am committing,” he reportedly told the Chief Minister. “Do you think the Congress will benefit from postponement of my tour?”
Mr Rosaiah, who later addressed the media in connection with another issue, said that Mr Jagan had not sought permission from the police for the yatra. To a question, he said the party high command would take care of the situation.
The Chief Minister also held an informal cabinet meeting and told ministers what transpired between him and Mr Jagan and also what the high command wished for.
In a deft move, he made the ministers endorse the high command decision and deputed the home minister, Ms Sabita Indra Reddy, and the agriculture minister, Mr N. Raghuveera Reddy, to meet Mr Jagan and convince him against going on tour. They met him but he did not relent.
Later both the ministers held a high level meeting with the DGP, Mr R.R. Girish Kumar, the intelligence chief, Mr Mahender Reddy, and other police officers. They again left for Mr Reddy’s residence at 8 pm and were closeted with him.
Mr Rosaiah, who left for Ongole, told mediapersons there that the high command had not approved of Mr Jagan's tour. “In case there will be a tour, the law and order machinery will take care of things,” he said.
Friday, May 7, 2010
MLA escapes getting burnt at Praja Patham
The Warangal East MLA, Mr Baswaraju Saraiah, narrowly escaped getting burnt when a youth standing near him tried to immolate himself.
The incident occurred during a protest at Kottawada area in the 52nd municipal division here on Thursday while the MLA was on the last leg of Praja Patham tour.
The youth, Ranjeet, 19, in an attempt to douse himself with kerosene in the presence of the MLA, accidentally spilled some of the inflammable liquid on the MLA’s head and face. The Matwada police reacted quickly and prevented the youth from lighting the match stick.
Police also arrested 14 Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) activists, including local the leader, Mr A. Vidyasagar.
Just before Kottawada incident, Mr Saraiah had to face the ire of CPI activists, who greeted the MLA with empty pots.
It was soon followed by a protest by more than 300 TRS activists, who had a heated argument with Mr Saraiah on the issue of tendering resignation for the separate state of Telangana.
Meanwhile, Mr Vidyasagar said the immolation bid was undertaken by a Telangana supporter and no TRS activist was involved in the attempt.
Elsewhere, the Mahbubabad Congress MLA, Ms M. Kavitha, and the TD MLA from Dornakal, Ms Satyavati Rathod, also faced protests by TRS activists.
The incident occurred during a protest at Kottawada area in the 52nd municipal division here on Thursday while the MLA was on the last leg of Praja Patham tour.
The youth, Ranjeet, 19, in an attempt to douse himself with kerosene in the presence of the MLA, accidentally spilled some of the inflammable liquid on the MLA’s head and face. The Matwada police reacted quickly and prevented the youth from lighting the match stick.
Police also arrested 14 Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) activists, including local the leader, Mr A. Vidyasagar.
Just before Kottawada incident, Mr Saraiah had to face the ire of CPI activists, who greeted the MLA with empty pots.
It was soon followed by a protest by more than 300 TRS activists, who had a heated argument with Mr Saraiah on the issue of tendering resignation for the separate state of Telangana.
Meanwhile, Mr Vidyasagar said the immolation bid was undertaken by a Telangana supporter and no TRS activist was involved in the attempt.
Elsewhere, the Mahbubabad Congress MLA, Ms M. Kavitha, and the TD MLA from Dornakal, Ms Satyavati Rathod, also faced protests by TRS activists.
Srikrishna: No one dare pressurise me
Justice Srikrishna has denied that there has been any political pressure on the Srikrishna Committee over the Telangana issue. “There is no political pressure on the committee. Nobody dares to pressurise me. Even my parents,” said Justice Srikrishna while interacting with media persons at the Lakeview Guest House.
Making a clear statement about the independent functioning of the Committee, he said, “I know how to separate grain from chaff. I am an experienced judge you know.”After his meeting with several non-governmental organisations and intellectuals, Justice Srikrishna told reporters that there was no truth in reports that the Governor had sent a report to the Prime Minister requesting him to use his office to curtail the Committee’s tour programme in the state.
“We have not been informed about anything like that. We are free to decide on our tour programme and in fact, we are going to the districts in the month of July,” he said ruling out any restrictions from the government in the name of law and order and security problems.
The committee will receive reports from the Telugu Desam, MIM and Muslim League from May 10 to 12. Three groups from the TD requested time and the committee has granted the same. One or two delegations from the Congress will meet the committee on May 17 or 18 and over the next two weeks, the committee will meet political, cultural, business and non-governmental organisations and hear their views on the bifurcation.
Making a clear statement about the independent functioning of the Committee, he said, “I know how to separate grain from chaff. I am an experienced judge you know.”After his meeting with several non-governmental organisations and intellectuals, Justice Srikrishna told reporters that there was no truth in reports that the Governor had sent a report to the Prime Minister requesting him to use his office to curtail the Committee’s tour programme in the state.
“We have not been informed about anything like that. We are free to decide on our tour programme and in fact, we are going to the districts in the month of July,” he said ruling out any restrictions from the government in the name of law and order and security problems.
The committee will receive reports from the Telugu Desam, MIM and Muslim League from May 10 to 12. Three groups from the TD requested time and the committee has granted the same. One or two delegations from the Congress will meet the committee on May 17 or 18 and over the next two weeks, the committee will meet political, cultural, business and non-governmental organisations and hear their views on the bifurcation.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Congress flays Chandrashekhar Rao for attacking state chief
TRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao today came under criticism from state Congress leaders for attacking APCC president D. Srinivas.
Mr. Rao had hit out at Mr. Srinivas for not submitting a report in favour of separate Telangana to the Srikrishna Committee citing objections from Congress leaders from non-Telangana regions.
“Submitting report to the Srikrishna Committee is an internal matter of our party. Why should Chandrasekhar Rao talk about it?” senior Congress MLA S. Sailajanath told reporters.
The Committee was appointed by the Centre to examine the situation in Andhra Pradesh over the Telangana issue.
“Chandrasekhar Rao is making allegations against Mr. Srinivas only to prove his existence. He (TRS president) tried to please Mr. Srinivas to have an electoral alliance with Congress for the 2004 elections. How can he forget those days?” state Health Minister and Congress’ Hyderabad unit president D. Nagender asked.
Describing Rao as an “untrustworthy person”, Mr. Sailajanath alleged that the TRS president spoke against the issues which he is highlighting now.
“He (Rao) tries to project himself as champion of Telangana. He says various agreements like six-point formula and Hyderabad, which were meant to benefit Telangana, have never been implemented. But in 1996, he spoke against such agreements on the floor of the House as a TDP MLA,” he said.
Mr. Rao had hit out at Mr. Srinivas for not submitting a report in favour of separate Telangana to the Srikrishna Committee citing objections from Congress leaders from non-Telangana regions.
“Submitting report to the Srikrishna Committee is an internal matter of our party. Why should Chandrasekhar Rao talk about it?” senior Congress MLA S. Sailajanath told reporters.
The Committee was appointed by the Centre to examine the situation in Andhra Pradesh over the Telangana issue.
“Chandrasekhar Rao is making allegations against Mr. Srinivas only to prove his existence. He (TRS president) tried to please Mr. Srinivas to have an electoral alliance with Congress for the 2004 elections. How can he forget those days?” state Health Minister and Congress’ Hyderabad unit president D. Nagender asked.
Describing Rao as an “untrustworthy person”, Mr. Sailajanath alleged that the TRS president spoke against the issues which he is highlighting now.
“He (Rao) tries to project himself as champion of Telangana. He says various agreements like six-point formula and Hyderabad, which were meant to benefit Telangana, have never been implemented. But in 1996, he spoke against such agreements on the floor of the House as a TDP MLA,” he said.
TRS not to have alliance with any party
Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao has said that he will not forge alliances with any other party in future elections as he cannot trust any of them.
Recalling his “bitter memories” of alliance with the Congress and the Telugu Desam in the past, Mr. Rao expressed confidence that the party would grow as a major force independent of others in the coming days. He was addressing a meeting to mark the ninth anniversary celebration of the TRS here on Wednesday. About 3,000 delegates attended the meeting held at a function hall in Secunderabad.
25 resolutions passed
A significant feature of the meeting was the passage of twenty five resolutions on different problems facing Telangana. Mr. Rao himself moved a resolution demanding that the construction of tail pond for Dummugudem project be withdrawn as it was aimed to divert Godavari water to Krishna basin. Several leaders spoke on the resolutions that would be submitted to the government.
The TRS chief dismissed reports that the party would merge with Congress and blamed the press for indulging in speculation. He said he had only stated in reply to a question by presspersons recently that the issue of merger with any other party was a big decision requiring the mandate of the TRS general body. Neither he nor even the polit bureau was competent to take a decision on this issue. Mr. Rao said the “power hungry” TDP was scared of the TRS and resorted to “match fixing” with the Congress in the recent budget session of the Assembly. He criticised TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu for lacking the “face” to show to the public for two-and-a-half months when the State encountered agitations for and against Telangana.
Repeating his threat of civil war if the Srikrishna Committee did not respond positively to the demand for separate Telangana, he clarified that it did not mean taking to guns. What he actually meant was it would lead to a situation of lawlessness on account of the anguish of the people of Telangana. However, he said there was no reason to anticipate negative outcome from the panel.
Recalling his “bitter memories” of alliance with the Congress and the Telugu Desam in the past, Mr. Rao expressed confidence that the party would grow as a major force independent of others in the coming days. He was addressing a meeting to mark the ninth anniversary celebration of the TRS here on Wednesday. About 3,000 delegates attended the meeting held at a function hall in Secunderabad.
25 resolutions passed
A significant feature of the meeting was the passage of twenty five resolutions on different problems facing Telangana. Mr. Rao himself moved a resolution demanding that the construction of tail pond for Dummugudem project be withdrawn as it was aimed to divert Godavari water to Krishna basin. Several leaders spoke on the resolutions that would be submitted to the government.
The TRS chief dismissed reports that the party would merge with Congress and blamed the press for indulging in speculation. He said he had only stated in reply to a question by presspersons recently that the issue of merger with any other party was a big decision requiring the mandate of the TRS general body. Neither he nor even the polit bureau was competent to take a decision on this issue. Mr. Rao said the “power hungry” TDP was scared of the TRS and resorted to “match fixing” with the Congress in the recent budget session of the Assembly. He criticised TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu for lacking the “face” to show to the public for two-and-a-half months when the State encountered agitations for and against Telangana.
Repeating his threat of civil war if the Srikrishna Committee did not respond positively to the demand for separate Telangana, he clarified that it did not mean taking to guns. What he actually meant was it would lead to a situation of lawlessness on account of the anguish of the people of Telangana. However, he said there was no reason to anticipate negative outcome from the panel.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Now, KCR warns of inferno
The Telangana Rashtra Samiti president, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, on Wednesday warned that Telangana region would turn into an inferno if the government tries to suppress T-movement.
Mr Rao, addressing the 15,000 delegates assembled at a private function hall in Secunderabad on the occasion of the party’s 9th anniversary celebrations, said,“ If Telangana is denied there will be a civil war.”
Accusing the Congress, TD, PR and CPM of ditching Telangana people, he said henceforth TRS would go it alone strengthening its base from grass root-level. “We will not merge with any party. The TRS will lead the Telangana movement and achieve statehood. We have had alliance with the Congress and Telugu Desam in the past, but they ditched us,” he recalled.
Mr Chandrasekhar Rao called Mr Chandrababu Naidu a power hungry sikandi (eunuch) scared of the TRS, and said the PCC president, Mr D. Srinivas, was spineless, as he did not submit a report to the Srikrishna committee despite being a Telangana man.
Mr Rao, women leaders and mother of the late Srikant Chari, who ended his life for the cause of Telangana, became emotional when a youth sang a song in praise of the martyr.
Mr Rao, addressing the 15,000 delegates assembled at a private function hall in Secunderabad on the occasion of the party’s 9th anniversary celebrations, said,“ If Telangana is denied there will be a civil war.”
Accusing the Congress, TD, PR and CPM of ditching Telangana people, he said henceforth TRS would go it alone strengthening its base from grass root-level. “We will not merge with any party. The TRS will lead the Telangana movement and achieve statehood. We have had alliance with the Congress and Telugu Desam in the past, but they ditched us,” he recalled.
Mr Chandrasekhar Rao called Mr Chandrababu Naidu a power hungry sikandi (eunuch) scared of the TRS, and said the PCC president, Mr D. Srinivas, was spineless, as he did not submit a report to the Srikrishna committee despite being a Telangana man.
Mr Rao, women leaders and mother of the late Srikant Chari, who ended his life for the cause of Telangana, became emotional when a youth sang a song in praise of the martyr.
TRS not to have alliance with any party
Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao has said that he will not forge alliances with any other party in future elections as he cannot trust any of them.
Recalling his “bitter memories” of alliance with the Congress and the Telugu Desam in the past, Mr. Rao expressed confidence that the party would grow as a major force independent of others in the coming days. He was addressing a meeting to mark the ninth anniversary celebration of the TRS here on Wednesday. About 3,000 delegates attended the meeting held at a function hall in Secunderabad.
25 resolutions passed
A significant feature of the meeting was the passage of twenty five resolutions on different problems facing Telangana. Mr. Rao himself moved a resolution demanding that the construction of tail pond for Dummugudem project be withdrawn as it was aimed to divert Godavari water to Krishna basin. Several leaders spoke on the resolutions that would be submitted to the government.
The TRS chief dismissed reports that the party would merge with Congress and blamed the press for indulging in speculation. He said he had only stated in reply to a question by presspersons recently that the issue of merger with any other party was a big decision requiring the mandate of the TRS general body. Neither he nor even the polit bureau was competent to take a decision on this issue. Mr. Rao said the “power hungry” TDP was scared of the TRS and resorted to “match fixing” with the Congress in the recent budget session of the Assembly. He criticised TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu for lacking the “face” to show to the public for two-and-a-half months when the State encountered agitations for and against Telangana.
Repeating his threat of civil war if the Srikrishna Committee did not respond positively to the demand for separate Telangana, he clarified that it did not mean taking to guns. What he actually meant was it would lead to a situation of lawlessness on account of the anguish of the people of Telangana. However, he said there was no reason to anticipate negative outcome from the panel.
Recalling his “bitter memories” of alliance with the Congress and the Telugu Desam in the past, Mr. Rao expressed confidence that the party would grow as a major force independent of others in the coming days. He was addressing a meeting to mark the ninth anniversary celebration of the TRS here on Wednesday. About 3,000 delegates attended the meeting held at a function hall in Secunderabad.
25 resolutions passed
A significant feature of the meeting was the passage of twenty five resolutions on different problems facing Telangana. Mr. Rao himself moved a resolution demanding that the construction of tail pond for Dummugudem project be withdrawn as it was aimed to divert Godavari water to Krishna basin. Several leaders spoke on the resolutions that would be submitted to the government.
The TRS chief dismissed reports that the party would merge with Congress and blamed the press for indulging in speculation. He said he had only stated in reply to a question by presspersons recently that the issue of merger with any other party was a big decision requiring the mandate of the TRS general body. Neither he nor even the polit bureau was competent to take a decision on this issue. Mr. Rao said the “power hungry” TDP was scared of the TRS and resorted to “match fixing” with the Congress in the recent budget session of the Assembly. He criticised TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu for lacking the “face” to show to the public for two-and-a-half months when the State encountered agitations for and against Telangana.
Repeating his threat of civil war if the Srikrishna Committee did not respond positively to the demand for separate Telangana, he clarified that it did not mean taking to guns. What he actually meant was it would lead to a situation of lawlessness on account of the anguish of the people of Telangana. However, he said there was no reason to anticipate negative outcome from the panel.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
A.P. bypolls: row in Congress
Congress leaders from Telangana are divided over the issue of contesting the byelections to 12 Assembly constituencies as a section of the party cadre has strong reservations over the suggestions of some senior leaders that they should not enter the poll fray.
Sentiments
Congress Working Committee member K. Keshava Rao, among others, had suggested at a meeting of party seniors that the Congress take note of the sentiments of the people of Telangana and refrain from fielding candidates for the vacant seats.
Several aspirants, pinning hopes on the byelections, are accusing the seniors of trying to indirectly help the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS).
They dared the seniors to approach the high command and air their views. They are confident that in multi-cornered contests, the party would benefit.
“Every time elections are held in the region, they are toeing the TRS' line. As a national party, the Congress must contest the elections. Though the party is weak in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, that has never refrained it from putting up candidates in successive elections,” former APSRTC chairman Gone Prakash questioned.
The two-day tour of Nizamabad Urban constituency by Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president D. Srinivas has also evoked curiosity whether he was testing the ground to enter the fray.
But pressure is building on him from his constituents to contest.
It is understood that former Minister Md. Ali Shabbir, having lost the race for the Legislative Council seat, now wants to contest the bypolls from Yellareddy.
Another former Minister G. Vinod is eyeing the Chennur seat, while J. Ratnakar Rao wants the ticket for his son from Korutla.
Sentiments
Congress Working Committee member K. Keshava Rao, among others, had suggested at a meeting of party seniors that the Congress take note of the sentiments of the people of Telangana and refrain from fielding candidates for the vacant seats.
Several aspirants, pinning hopes on the byelections, are accusing the seniors of trying to indirectly help the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS).
They dared the seniors to approach the high command and air their views. They are confident that in multi-cornered contests, the party would benefit.
“Every time elections are held in the region, they are toeing the TRS' line. As a national party, the Congress must contest the elections. Though the party is weak in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, that has never refrained it from putting up candidates in successive elections,” former APSRTC chairman Gone Prakash questioned.
The two-day tour of Nizamabad Urban constituency by Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president D. Srinivas has also evoked curiosity whether he was testing the ground to enter the fray.
But pressure is building on him from his constituents to contest.
It is understood that former Minister Md. Ali Shabbir, having lost the race for the Legislative Council seat, now wants to contest the bypolls from Yellareddy.
Another former Minister G. Vinod is eyeing the Chennur seat, while J. Ratnakar Rao wants the ticket for his son from Korutla.
Friday, April 23, 2010
T-areas to face the heat, SeemaAndhra get rain
Temperatures have been unusually high in Hyderabad in the past 12 days.
In 2002 and 2003, the highest recorded temperature was 42ºC, but the impact was confined to four or five days.
However, this year, even in the month of April, there has been no respite from the heat. The maximum temperature recorded on April 13 was 42.5ºC and it touched 42.7ºC on April 15. It has been hovering between 41ºC and 42.5ºC since.
On Thursday, the maximum temperature in the twin cities was 41.7ºC and the minimum was 27.4ºC.
According to the latest weather bulletin of the IMD, dry weather will prevail over the Telangana region for the next few days, indicating that heat wave will continue. Thundershowers or rain may occur in Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, expressed concern over the crop damage caused due to heavy winds and unseasonal rains that lashed some districts — West Godavari, Krishna, Khammam, Prakasam, Guntur, Nellore, Chittoor and Nalgonda — on Wednesday.
Paddy and maize fields and banana, papaya and mango plantations have felt the brunt. Gales also reportedly destroyed mangroves.
Mr Rosaiah has ordered immediate relief and assistance to the affected people.
It was reported that 18 people died in the heavy rains. Ex-gratia from the Calamity Relief Fund will be provided to the farmers as per the eligibility and also under the Apathbandhu scheme.
In 2002 and 2003, the highest recorded temperature was 42ºC, but the impact was confined to four or five days.
However, this year, even in the month of April, there has been no respite from the heat. The maximum temperature recorded on April 13 was 42.5ºC and it touched 42.7ºC on April 15. It has been hovering between 41ºC and 42.5ºC since.
On Thursday, the maximum temperature in the twin cities was 41.7ºC and the minimum was 27.4ºC.
According to the latest weather bulletin of the IMD, dry weather will prevail over the Telangana region for the next few days, indicating that heat wave will continue. Thundershowers or rain may occur in Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema regions.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, expressed concern over the crop damage caused due to heavy winds and unseasonal rains that lashed some districts — West Godavari, Krishna, Khammam, Prakasam, Guntur, Nellore, Chittoor and Nalgonda — on Wednesday.
Paddy and maize fields and banana, papaya and mango plantations have felt the brunt. Gales also reportedly destroyed mangroves.
Mr Rosaiah has ordered immediate relief and assistance to the affected people.
It was reported that 18 people died in the heavy rains. Ex-gratia from the Calamity Relief Fund will be provided to the farmers as per the eligibility and also under the Apathbandhu scheme.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
KCR meets T-panel, warns of war
The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) president, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, on Friday strongly advocated bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh stating that there was no “emotional integration of the people of Telangana with those from Andhra since the merger” and warned of civil war if it was not done.
Mr Rao, along with a delegation of party leaders, including Ms Vijayashanti, Mr G. Vinod, experts Prof Jayashanker, Mr Vidyasagar and others made a power point presentation to the Srikrishna Committee in New Delhi and gave a voluminous report seeking separate Telangana. TRS is the first political party to present its view point before Srikrishna Committee.
During the 4-hour meeting, KCR presented a voluminous report on the injustice done to the region over the years pertaining to 10 subjects including irrigation, education, power, financial allocations and employment.
Justice Srikrishna, who heard the TRS delegation, expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the discussion and promised to call the TRS team again in July for further discussions.
“The TRS delegation gave a power-point presentation and also provided documents to push their case. We will hold discussions again. We need to have a closer look at all the documents and papers presented to us,” Justice Srikrishna said after the meeting.
Expressing satisfaction over the outcome of the meeting, Mr Rao said the TRS delegation had made it clear to the panel that bifurcation was the only solution or else there would civil war.
“Merger of Telangana with Andhra was neither unconditional nor eternal. Any alliance cannot be continued by force. The Samaikhya Andhra agitation is pure rubbish. There is no way for people of Telangana to live with Andhra,” KCR remarked.
Mr Rao said while elected representatives like MPs, MLAs from Telangana region support Telangana in one voice; it was not the case in Seema-Andhra region.
“TRS told the committee that there were 5/6 divergent views in Seema-Andhra region. Some want Samaikhya Andhra, some suggest separate Andhra State, some wanted separate north coastal State, some from Rayalaseema are opposed to merger with Andhra while some other want to join with Telangana in the name of Rayala-Telangana,” he said.
The committee agreed that it received divergent views from Seema-Andhra. It sought additional information on some subjects, KCR said.
He said they had provided irrefutable proof of government documents, GOs, CAG reports and other data. “The committee members looked surprised at our inputs,” he said.
Mr Rao requested the committee to look into the “illegal” construction of Pothireddypadu and other projects that harmed the interests of Telangana.
“We brought to the committee’s notice how work on Ichampalli has been set aside and Polavaram taken up,” he said.
Mr Rao, along with a delegation of party leaders, including Ms Vijayashanti, Mr G. Vinod, experts Prof Jayashanker, Mr Vidyasagar and others made a power point presentation to the Srikrishna Committee in New Delhi and gave a voluminous report seeking separate Telangana. TRS is the first political party to present its view point before Srikrishna Committee.
During the 4-hour meeting, KCR presented a voluminous report on the injustice done to the region over the years pertaining to 10 subjects including irrigation, education, power, financial allocations and employment.
Justice Srikrishna, who heard the TRS delegation, expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the discussion and promised to call the TRS team again in July for further discussions.
“The TRS delegation gave a power-point presentation and also provided documents to push their case. We will hold discussions again. We need to have a closer look at all the documents and papers presented to us,” Justice Srikrishna said after the meeting.
Expressing satisfaction over the outcome of the meeting, Mr Rao said the TRS delegation had made it clear to the panel that bifurcation was the only solution or else there would civil war.
“Merger of Telangana with Andhra was neither unconditional nor eternal. Any alliance cannot be continued by force. The Samaikhya Andhra agitation is pure rubbish. There is no way for people of Telangana to live with Andhra,” KCR remarked.
Mr Rao said while elected representatives like MPs, MLAs from Telangana region support Telangana in one voice; it was not the case in Seema-Andhra region.
“TRS told the committee that there were 5/6 divergent views in Seema-Andhra region. Some want Samaikhya Andhra, some suggest separate Andhra State, some wanted separate north coastal State, some from Rayalaseema are opposed to merger with Andhra while some other want to join with Telangana in the name of Rayala-Telangana,” he said.
The committee agreed that it received divergent views from Seema-Andhra. It sought additional information on some subjects, KCR said.
He said they had provided irrefutable proof of government documents, GOs, CAG reports and other data. “The committee members looked surprised at our inputs,” he said.
Mr Rao requested the committee to look into the “illegal” construction of Pothireddypadu and other projects that harmed the interests of Telangana.
“We brought to the committee’s notice how work on Ichampalli has been set aside and Polavaram taken up,” he said.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
SC rejects plea on ’56 T-agreement
The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a public interest litigation that sought enforcing of the ’Gentlemen’s Agreement’ signed by leaders of all political parties from Telangana and Andhra regions in 1956 for creating Andhra Pradesh to help in curbing the demand for a separate state.
“We can’t entertain such a petition,” said a bench comprising Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justice Deepak Verma, while dismissing the PIL filed by Mr M. Narasimha Swamy after a brief hearing.
Mr Swamy had pleaded for issuing notice to the AP government and the Centre for enforcing the 1956 accord.
The petitioner accused the successive governments of “discriminating” against the poor people of Telangana in terms of the government employment, education and allocation of funds. He described it as the main reason for the demand for a separate state. If the accord was implemented in letter and spirit the issue would have not surfaced, the PIL said.
“The violations of the agreement are cited as one of the reasons for demands for separate statehood for Telangana,” the PIL said while citing 14 demands on behalf of the people of Telangana, which were not met as per the 1956 agreement.
Among the points raised by the PIL were inadequate funds for local self-government, public health, education, particularly primary and secondary education, irrigation, drinking water schemes, development of agriculture, market for the agro- products, cooperatives and overall planned development of entire Telangana region.
“The agreement reached by representatives of all parties assuring measures for Telangana region could not be implemented, nor any machinery created for the same,” though the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had announced an eight-point programme in the Lok Sabha in 1969 and 5-point plan in 1972 for implementing the accord.
“The fate of these measures received the same treatment as the similar measures taken earlier. Instead a six-point plan was presented in Parliament in 1973, further reducing the protection and safeguards for people of Telangana and it mostly benefited people of Andhra region,” the PIL said,
“We can’t entertain such a petition,” said a bench comprising Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justice Deepak Verma, while dismissing the PIL filed by Mr M. Narasimha Swamy after a brief hearing.
Mr Swamy had pleaded for issuing notice to the AP government and the Centre for enforcing the 1956 accord.
The petitioner accused the successive governments of “discriminating” against the poor people of Telangana in terms of the government employment, education and allocation of funds. He described it as the main reason for the demand for a separate state. If the accord was implemented in letter and spirit the issue would have not surfaced, the PIL said.
“The violations of the agreement are cited as one of the reasons for demands for separate statehood for Telangana,” the PIL said while citing 14 demands on behalf of the people of Telangana, which were not met as per the 1956 agreement.
Among the points raised by the PIL were inadequate funds for local self-government, public health, education, particularly primary and secondary education, irrigation, drinking water schemes, development of agriculture, market for the agro- products, cooperatives and overall planned development of entire Telangana region.
“The agreement reached by representatives of all parties assuring measures for Telangana region could not be implemented, nor any machinery created for the same,” though the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had announced an eight-point programme in the Lok Sabha in 1969 and 5-point plan in 1972 for implementing the accord.
“The fate of these measures received the same treatment as the similar measures taken earlier. Instead a six-point plan was presented in Parliament in 1973, further reducing the protection and safeguards for people of Telangana and it mostly benefited people of Andhra region,” the PIL said,
Monday, March 29, 2010
Nizamabad ZP passes resolution on Telangana
The general body of the Zilla Parishad unanimously passed a resolution demanding the Government of India to table the Bill relating to the formation of Telangana state, in its meeting held here on Sunday.
The chairman K. Venkatramana Reddy presided over the meeting which was attended among others by the Minister for Medical Education P. Sudarshan Reddy, MLAs, MLCs, ZP vice-chairman Taher Bin Hamdan, ZPTC members, MPP presidents and other ex-officio members.
While moving the resolution the Telugu Desam Party member K. Dinesh urged the chairman to ensure its passage and submit the same to Justice Srikrishna Committee which was arriving in the district on April 2. The chairman immediately announced that the resolution was passed without any opposition.
Earlier, the members observed a two-minute silence in respect of Telangana student martyrs and the former Minister and former ZP chairman T. Bala Goud who passed away recently. The MLAs, MLCs and other members paid rich tributes to the late leader and martyrs in their addresses.
The meeting which was conducted after several months as it was postponed thrice, due to the agitation for Telangana witnessed pandemonium intermittently with charges and counter charges of the ruling and the Opposition members. At one stage the chairman and the TDP floor leader V. Mohan Reddy shouted aloud on each other.
After a prolonged discussion the general body cancelled the sanction of a proceeding given for works worth about Rs.1 crore in five mandals citing the reason that the works were allotted without introducing the related proposal in the ZP nor in its Standing Committee meetings.
There was a division on the issue in which even a couple of ruling party members raised hands in favour of the Opposition's demand.
Telangana activists held
About 90 pro-Telangana activists were arrested by the police when they tried to gain entry into the Zilla Parishad Conference Hall with an intention to thwart the proceedings, here on Sunday. They were shifted to different police stations and set free after execution of personal bonds later in the evening.
Some of the protestors who were taken to the Makloor police station staged a dharna inside it shouting slogans of Jai Telangana and Jai Jai Telangana. The arrested included the BJP, the CPI (ML)-New Democracy and the TRS workers and students.
Earlier there was a commotion on the ZP premises as the Telangana protagonists gheraoed Minister for Medical Education P. Sudarshan Reddy, chairman K. Venkatramana Reddy and the elected representatives demanding their resignations for Telangana. Police made tight security arrangement and enabled the Minister and other leaders to enter the conference hall standing guard to them.
Notwithstanding, mild tension prevailed with both the policemen and protesters pushing each other.
The meeting was called for after a long time and a couple of postponements due to the Telangana agitations.
The chairman took a firm stand to conduct it at any cost.
Even chappals were thrown from somewhere among the crowd of protesters. The proceedings were held smoothly after the arrest of protestors.
The chairman K. Venkatramana Reddy presided over the meeting which was attended among others by the Minister for Medical Education P. Sudarshan Reddy, MLAs, MLCs, ZP vice-chairman Taher Bin Hamdan, ZPTC members, MPP presidents and other ex-officio members.
While moving the resolution the Telugu Desam Party member K. Dinesh urged the chairman to ensure its passage and submit the same to Justice Srikrishna Committee which was arriving in the district on April 2. The chairman immediately announced that the resolution was passed without any opposition.
Earlier, the members observed a two-minute silence in respect of Telangana student martyrs and the former Minister and former ZP chairman T. Bala Goud who passed away recently. The MLAs, MLCs and other members paid rich tributes to the late leader and martyrs in their addresses.
The meeting which was conducted after several months as it was postponed thrice, due to the agitation for Telangana witnessed pandemonium intermittently with charges and counter charges of the ruling and the Opposition members. At one stage the chairman and the TDP floor leader V. Mohan Reddy shouted aloud on each other.
After a prolonged discussion the general body cancelled the sanction of a proceeding given for works worth about Rs.1 crore in five mandals citing the reason that the works were allotted without introducing the related proposal in the ZP nor in its Standing Committee meetings.
There was a division on the issue in which even a couple of ruling party members raised hands in favour of the Opposition's demand.
Telangana activists held
About 90 pro-Telangana activists were arrested by the police when they tried to gain entry into the Zilla Parishad Conference Hall with an intention to thwart the proceedings, here on Sunday. They were shifted to different police stations and set free after execution of personal bonds later in the evening.
Some of the protestors who were taken to the Makloor police station staged a dharna inside it shouting slogans of Jai Telangana and Jai Jai Telangana. The arrested included the BJP, the CPI (ML)-New Democracy and the TRS workers and students.
Earlier there was a commotion on the ZP premises as the Telangana protagonists gheraoed Minister for Medical Education P. Sudarshan Reddy, chairman K. Venkatramana Reddy and the elected representatives demanding their resignations for Telangana. Police made tight security arrangement and enabled the Minister and other leaders to enter the conference hall standing guard to them.
Notwithstanding, mild tension prevailed with both the policemen and protesters pushing each other.
The meeting was called for after a long time and a couple of postponements due to the Telangana agitations.
The chairman took a firm stand to conduct it at any cost.
Even chappals were thrown from somewhere among the crowd of protesters. The proceedings were held smoothly after the arrest of protestors.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Focus on farming in T reports
In the run up to the scheduled tour of Srikrishna Committee members in Nizamabad, Karimnagar and Adilabad districts from March 31, leaders of political parties, mass organisations and groups are preparing to submit their views to the panel members.
Two members of the five- member Srikrishna Committee — Ms Ravinder Kaur and Abusaleh Shariff — will tour the district to elicit opinion from various sections of the population on the Telangana issue. Some organisations like Retired Employees Association, Nizamabad Chamber of Commerce and students organisations besides some public representatives have already sent their letters to the committee.
The main theme in the various submissions is expected to be the sorry state of agriculture in the district, which during Nizam rule itself, saw a golden age.
Even before the formation of Andhra Pradesh, the district boasts of Nizamsagar project which had 2.5 lakh acre ayacut.
However, leaders and organisations advocating Telangana state lament that due to negligence of the successive governments in the united state, the project saw its capacity gradually reduced and is now catering only to the needs of one lakh acres.
As a result, a large number of farmers have resorted to indiscriminate digging of borewells — according to estimates the number of borewells in the district is about 3 lakh — thus depending completely on ground waters and electricity. The recurring power shortage in the state led to uncertainty in farming causing huge losses to farmers and suicides.
Though Gutpa-Ali Sagar projects were built to stabilise Nizamsagar ayacut, lack of flow in Godavari due to building of projects upstream in Maharashtra, farmers got no relief.
The failure of agriculture has also triggered migration of rural populace to Gulf countries as well as other places in the country.
Political parties and organisations are in the process of preparing reports encompassing all these aspects of the problem to submit to the committee members.
Two members of the five- member Srikrishna Committee — Ms Ravinder Kaur and Abusaleh Shariff — will tour the district to elicit opinion from various sections of the population on the Telangana issue. Some organisations like Retired Employees Association, Nizamabad Chamber of Commerce and students organisations besides some public representatives have already sent their letters to the committee.
The main theme in the various submissions is expected to be the sorry state of agriculture in the district, which during Nizam rule itself, saw a golden age.
Even before the formation of Andhra Pradesh, the district boasts of Nizamsagar project which had 2.5 lakh acre ayacut.
However, leaders and organisations advocating Telangana state lament that due to negligence of the successive governments in the united state, the project saw its capacity gradually reduced and is now catering only to the needs of one lakh acres.
As a result, a large number of farmers have resorted to indiscriminate digging of borewells — according to estimates the number of borewells in the district is about 3 lakh — thus depending completely on ground waters and electricity. The recurring power shortage in the state led to uncertainty in farming causing huge losses to farmers and suicides.
Though Gutpa-Ali Sagar projects were built to stabilise Nizamsagar ayacut, lack of flow in Godavari due to building of projects upstream in Maharashtra, farmers got no relief.
The failure of agriculture has also triggered migration of rural populace to Gulf countries as well as other places in the country.
Political parties and organisations are in the process of preparing reports encompassing all these aspects of the problem to submit to the committee members.
Monday, March 22, 2010
T panel extends date for responses
The Justice Srikrishna committee appointed to look into the issue of statehood for Telangana on Monday extended till April 10 the date for receiving views and suggestions from political parties and other stakeholders on the various terms of reference put out by it.
The decision was taken in view of requests that "some more time is required as the issues involved require in-depth study and examination".
"The committee has considered the requests made and agreed to extend the date for submission of responses by April 10," said member-secretary of the committee Vinod K. Duggal in an advertisement published in leading dailies in the capital Monday.
The one-month period for submitting views and suggestions expired March 21, Sunday.
The five-member committee, formed after violent agitations by political parties and student organisations for carving out a separate Telangana state, also requested stakeholders to furnish the details at the earliest so that it "can start holding consultations" with the parties, organisations and groups concerned "as quickly as possible".
The committee, mandated to "examine the situation in the state of Andhra Pradesh with reference to the demand for a separate state of Telangana as well as the demand for maintaining the present status of a united Andhra Pradesh", is slated to submit its report to the central government by Dec. 31.
The other members besides Justice Srikrishna and Duggal are Ranbir Singh, vice chancellor of the National Law University, Delhi; Abu Saleh Shariff, senior research fellow in International Food Policy Research Institute, Delhi; and Rabinder Kaur, professor at the department of humanities and social sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi.
The decision was taken in view of requests that "some more time is required as the issues involved require in-depth study and examination".
"The committee has considered the requests made and agreed to extend the date for submission of responses by April 10," said member-secretary of the committee Vinod K. Duggal in an advertisement published in leading dailies in the capital Monday.
The one-month period for submitting views and suggestions expired March 21, Sunday.
The five-member committee, formed after violent agitations by political parties and student organisations for carving out a separate Telangana state, also requested stakeholders to furnish the details at the earliest so that it "can start holding consultations" with the parties, organisations and groups concerned "as quickly as possible".
The committee, mandated to "examine the situation in the state of Andhra Pradesh with reference to the demand for a separate state of Telangana as well as the demand for maintaining the present status of a united Andhra Pradesh", is slated to submit its report to the central government by Dec. 31.
The other members besides Justice Srikrishna and Duggal are Ranbir Singh, vice chancellor of the National Law University, Delhi; Abu Saleh Shariff, senior research fellow in International Food Policy Research Institute, Delhi; and Rabinder Kaur, professor at the department of humanities and social sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi.
JAC launches ‘bus yatra’ to highlight separate Telangana cause
In the wake of the exit of ruling Congress and TDP, the Telangana Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising of TRS and various people’s organisations is trying to strengthen itself by undertaking a ‘yatra’ for the Statehood cause and putting in place an organisational structure.
C. Kodandaram, the convener, is the only leader who so far had a post in the JAC but now leaders of various people’s organisation have been named as office bearers.
Telangana Non-Gazetted Officers (NGOs) Association leader K. Swamy Goud would be the new convener of the JAC.
The JAC on Sunday launched a ‘bus yatra’ from here which would traverse across various Telagana districts for three days.
JAC members and cultural troupes would campaign about the need for separate Telangana agitation during the ‘yatra’, Mr. Kodandaram said after flagging it off.
“This ‘yatra’ is aimed at strengthening the Telangana movement by unifying all the outfits fighting for a separate statehood,” he said.
Claiming that affluent sections in non-elangana regions are obstructing the formation of Telangana, he said the ‘yatra’ would mobilise public opinion against such people.
Rejecting the JAC’s directive to all Telangana public representatives to quit their posts to mount pressure on the Centre for the formation of separate Sate, the ruling Congress had walked out the committee.
The main opposition Telugu Desam had been expelled by the JAC for not complying with the decision to resign.
C. Kodandaram, the convener, is the only leader who so far had a post in the JAC but now leaders of various people’s organisation have been named as office bearers.
Telangana Non-Gazetted Officers (NGOs) Association leader K. Swamy Goud would be the new convener of the JAC.
The JAC on Sunday launched a ‘bus yatra’ from here which would traverse across various Telagana districts for three days.
JAC members and cultural troupes would campaign about the need for separate Telangana agitation during the ‘yatra’, Mr. Kodandaram said after flagging it off.
“This ‘yatra’ is aimed at strengthening the Telangana movement by unifying all the outfits fighting for a separate statehood,” he said.
Claiming that affluent sections in non-elangana regions are obstructing the formation of Telangana, he said the ‘yatra’ would mobilise public opinion against such people.
Rejecting the JAC’s directive to all Telangana public representatives to quit their posts to mount pressure on the Centre for the formation of separate Sate, the ruling Congress had walked out the committee.
The main opposition Telugu Desam had been expelled by the JAC for not complying with the decision to resign.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Hyderabad is a free zone: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has held that Hyderabad would be a “free zone”, entitling people from other parts of the state to compete in police and other important government jobs.
A bench of Justices G.S. Singhvi and Mukundakam Sharma dismissed the review petition filed by the Andhra Pradesh government challenging its October 9, 2009 judgement holding that Hyderabad was a “free zone” and does not preclude others from competing/working under certain government jobs including the city police wing.
“We have perused the review petitions and record of the civil appeals, and are convinced that the judgment for which review has been sought does not suffer from any error apparent warranting its reconsideration. Hence, the review petitions are dismissed,” the apex court said in a terse order.
The apex court’s judgement assumes significance as the supporters of a separate Telangana have been insisting that Hyderabad be a part of the proposed state as and when it is carved out of Andhra Pradesh. Those for a unified state want Hyderabad to be made a union territory.
The apex court had earlier ruled that people from all parts of the state would have equal rights in government jobs, postings and promotions as clause 14(f), of the Presidential Order, 1975, explicitly excluded certain posts, including those recruited under the Hyderabad City Police Act, from any restriction in matters of appointments and postings.
A bench of Justices G.S. Singhvi and Mukundakam Sharma dismissed the review petition filed by the Andhra Pradesh government challenging its October 9, 2009 judgement holding that Hyderabad was a “free zone” and does not preclude others from competing/working under certain government jobs including the city police wing.
“We have perused the review petitions and record of the civil appeals, and are convinced that the judgment for which review has been sought does not suffer from any error apparent warranting its reconsideration. Hence, the review petitions are dismissed,” the apex court said in a terse order.
The apex court’s judgement assumes significance as the supporters of a separate Telangana have been insisting that Hyderabad be a part of the proposed state as and when it is carved out of Andhra Pradesh. Those for a unified state want Hyderabad to be made a union territory.
The apex court had earlier ruled that people from all parts of the state would have equal rights in government jobs, postings and promotions as clause 14(f), of the Presidential Order, 1975, explicitly excluded certain posts, including those recruited under the Hyderabad City Police Act, from any restriction in matters of appointments and postings.
