Throwing all rules to the winds and subverting the model code of conduct, a prominent political party distributed copious amounts of cash among poor voters to ‘buy’ their mandate in the bypolls scheduled for Tuesday.
Slum-dwellers who came home after their day’s work were thrilled to find a Rs 1,000 note attached to the voter slips dropped through their doors and windows.
The constituency is witnessing a prestigious battle between the APCC president, Mr D. Srinivas, the BJP’s Mr E. Lakshm-inarayana and the Telugu Desam candidate, Mr Narsa Reddy.
Interestingly, none of the political parties have bothered to complain about the cash gifts given by their rivals since they don’t want to earn the ire of poverty-stricken voters who are happy at the windfall.
Not only that, heavy betting worth lakhs of rupees is also on among bookies on who will be the winner, with most plumping in favour of Mr Srinivas. Betting is also on in Mancherial and Sirpur constituencies.
The ‘free cash gift’ is the animated topic of discussion in every locality, roadside tea stalls, hotels and offices on election eve.
Some poor families have used the cash to clear their petty debts while others made essential purchases. Free liquor has also reached most ‘eligible’ voters.
“They have distributed Rs 1,000 per household along with voters slip,” said Mr Ramulu, a labourer with family of six, while talking to this correspondent.
Distribution of cash and liquor is unabated despite ‘strict’ police supervision in the entire town. In fact, there have even been complaints about ‘bias’ in the distribution of cash with some ‘beneficiaries’ saying that it was not fair to give Rs 1,000 to a family of two as well as a family of six.
It is learnt that leaders had also paid each self-help group Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000 depending on their strength and had also gifted amounts ranging up to Rs 5 lakh to caste organisations. In some areas, SHGs got up to Rs 20,000
Mr Sattaiah, who lives in a weaker section colony, was heard complaining to a party leader that 150 households had been missed in cash distribution. “They are our pucca voters and we will lose them if you don’t provide cash,” he warned openly.
The cash distribution has been done carefully through trusted local leaders and family members. Different brands of liquor were sent to caste organisations, youth clubs and trade unions.
“Our youth club got Rs 20,000 from a candidate,” said Mr Narasimlu, a resident of Ambedkar Colony. “We distributed the amount to all the members proportionately.”
Those members of the youth club who took part in the campaign got Rs 200 per day, apart from biriyani and beer. “We have never enjoyed such luxury,” he said.
Ms Sulochana, a housewife of Kotagally, said that her family earned good money in the run-up to the polls. “My husband and son took part in the campaign,” she said. “Such bypolls will give us some relief from financial difficulties.”
She also added a rider, “But money will not have any impact on our vote. We will vote as we wish.” So the voter does have the last word.
Showing posts with label trs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trs. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
KCR’s son KTR to embark on his own Odarpu yatra
As the poll campaign is going on a feverish pitch, leaders are trying to find new methods to win over the support of voters.
TRS chief Chandrasekhar Rao’s son KT Rama Rao has decided to embark upon “Odarpu Yatra” to console the bereaved weavers’ families as part of byelection campaign in Siricilla constituency. The weavers constitute 25 per cent of the 2.10 lakh voters in the constituency.
Rao proposes to meet 600 weavers’ families who committed suicide in the last five years. Rao is contesting from this constituency for the second time.
Talking to media, Rao said that as an MLA, he had called on 200 families earlier and now he proposes to meet the rest. He said he would assure them of all possible help and will tell them that all their problems will be solved once the statehood to Telangana becomes a reality.
In 2009 elections, he defeated independent candidate K K Mahender Reddy with a thin margin of 110 votes. Mahendar Reddy had challenged the result in the high court which is still pending. As part of his poll campaign, TRS chief KCR will also meet some weavers on July 23. Party MP Vijayashanti will also meet the weavers’ families in Yellareddypet, Gabhiraopet and Siricilla on July 16.
TRS chief Chandrasekhar Rao’s son KT Rama Rao has decided to embark upon “Odarpu Yatra” to console the bereaved weavers’ families as part of byelection campaign in Siricilla constituency. The weavers constitute 25 per cent of the 2.10 lakh voters in the constituency.
Rao proposes to meet 600 weavers’ families who committed suicide in the last five years. Rao is contesting from this constituency for the second time.
Talking to media, Rao said that as an MLA, he had called on 200 families earlier and now he proposes to meet the rest. He said he would assure them of all possible help and will tell them that all their problems will be solved once the statehood to Telangana becomes a reality.
In 2009 elections, he defeated independent candidate K K Mahender Reddy with a thin margin of 110 votes. Mahendar Reddy had challenged the result in the high court which is still pending. As part of his poll campaign, TRS chief KCR will also meet some weavers on July 23. Party MP Vijayashanti will also meet the weavers’ families in Yellareddypet, Gabhiraopet and Siricilla on July 16.
Friday, February 12, 2010
TRS alleges betrayal, slams Telangana committee
The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) has rejected the terms of reference announced by the Central Government on Friday for the five member Justice B.N. Srikrishna committee looking into the issue of statehood for Telangana.
TRS chief K Chandrasekhara Rao, whose 11-day fast in December had forced the Central Government to announce that the process for formation of Telangana state would be initiated, said the terms of reference were unacceptable to people of Telangana.
"The centre has once again betrayed the people of Telangana. The terms of reference are not acceptable to us. We will continue the agitation and insist on acceptance of our resignations," the MP from Mahabubnagar told reporters.
The all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Telangana will hold an emergency meeting on Friday evening to chalk outs its course of action.
The JAC, hoping that the terms of reference would be to lay a roadmap for carving out Telangana state with a clear time-frame, said New Delhi's announcement had disappointed the leaders.
"How can the Centre equate the demand for Telangana state with the demand for unified Andhra?" asked JAC convenor M Kodandaram.
The terms of reference include examining the demands of a separate state of Telangana as well as the demands for maintaining the present status of a united Andhra Pradesh.
A statement by the Home Ministry said that the committee would submit its report by December 31.
"Having a time-frame is no reason for accepting the terms of reference," said Kodandaram.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Bandaru Dattatreya said the central government had once again put the Telangana issue in cold storage.
The Osmania University students JAC has also rejected the terms of reference. The student leaders said separate state could be achieved only through a struggle.
trs, Trs news, telangana, Telangana statehood,
TRS chief K Chandrasekhara Rao, whose 11-day fast in December had forced the Central Government to announce that the process for formation of Telangana state would be initiated, said the terms of reference were unacceptable to people of Telangana.
"The centre has once again betrayed the people of Telangana. The terms of reference are not acceptable to us. We will continue the agitation and insist on acceptance of our resignations," the MP from Mahabubnagar told reporters.
The all-party Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Telangana will hold an emergency meeting on Friday evening to chalk outs its course of action.
The JAC, hoping that the terms of reference would be to lay a roadmap for carving out Telangana state with a clear time-frame, said New Delhi's announcement had disappointed the leaders.
"How can the Centre equate the demand for Telangana state with the demand for unified Andhra?" asked JAC convenor M Kodandaram.
The terms of reference include examining the demands of a separate state of Telangana as well as the demands for maintaining the present status of a united Andhra Pradesh.
A statement by the Home Ministry said that the committee would submit its report by December 31.
"Having a time-frame is no reason for accepting the terms of reference," said Kodandaram.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Bandaru Dattatreya said the central government had once again put the Telangana issue in cold storage.
The Osmania University students JAC has also rejected the terms of reference. The student leaders said separate state could be achieved only through a struggle.
trs, Trs news, telangana, Telangana statehood,
Monday, February 8, 2010
JAC meet ends in utter chaos
The public meeting organised by the Kakatiya University students JAC came to an abrupt and chaotic end here with slogan-shouting students and Madiga Reservation Porata Samithi (MRPS) activists almost coming to blows.
An hour after the meeting began, popular folk singer Desapati Srinivas enthused the students by his renditions and eloquent speech. However, due to paucity of time, he had to cut short his speech to make way for MRPS leader Manda Krishna Madiga. But the large crowd comprising students insisted on Mr. Srinivas continuing his speech.
As soon as Mr. Krishna began his speech, scores of students below the dais hurled water sachets and empty water bottles in an attempt to stop him from speaking. Enraged by this, MRPS members tried to manhandle the other students. Mr. Srinivas too was beaten up.
The policemen who remained silent onlookers were forced to enter the scene. They surrounded the dais and some went up and vacated the place.
Accusations
Meanwhile, the tiff continued between the MRPS and other students accusing each other of trying to gain an upper hand. The police were compelled to use mild force to disperse the crowds from the venue thus bringing the meeting to an end. Social activist Swami Agnivesh, balladeer Vimala and women rights activist Sandhya and others had to leave.
The meeting itself began with lots of problems due to increased restrictions from the police in the wake of High Court’s order.
Earlier, the speakers, including TRS ideologue K Jayashankar, academics T Papi Reddy, K. Venkatanarayana, A. Sitaram Naik and some student leaders wanted the students to continue their struggle till separate Telangana was achieved. They listed the injustices done to the Telangana region for long.
They wanted the students not to allow political leaders into their movement. The students were asked not to lose heart and commit suicide in a fit of emotion. Instead, the students should patiently carry on their agitation.
telangana, Telangana statehood, Trs news, trs,
An hour after the meeting began, popular folk singer Desapati Srinivas enthused the students by his renditions and eloquent speech. However, due to paucity of time, he had to cut short his speech to make way for MRPS leader Manda Krishna Madiga. But the large crowd comprising students insisted on Mr. Srinivas continuing his speech.
As soon as Mr. Krishna began his speech, scores of students below the dais hurled water sachets and empty water bottles in an attempt to stop him from speaking. Enraged by this, MRPS members tried to manhandle the other students. Mr. Srinivas too was beaten up.
The policemen who remained silent onlookers were forced to enter the scene. They surrounded the dais and some went up and vacated the place.
Accusations
Meanwhile, the tiff continued between the MRPS and other students accusing each other of trying to gain an upper hand. The police were compelled to use mild force to disperse the crowds from the venue thus bringing the meeting to an end. Social activist Swami Agnivesh, balladeer Vimala and women rights activist Sandhya and others had to leave.
The meeting itself began with lots of problems due to increased restrictions from the police in the wake of High Court’s order.
Earlier, the speakers, including TRS ideologue K Jayashankar, academics T Papi Reddy, K. Venkatanarayana, A. Sitaram Naik and some student leaders wanted the students to continue their struggle till separate Telangana was achieved. They listed the injustices done to the Telangana region for long.
They wanted the students not to allow political leaders into their movement. The students were asked not to lose heart and commit suicide in a fit of emotion. Instead, the students should patiently carry on their agitation.
telangana, Telangana statehood, Trs news, trs,
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Students, police clash in OU
Police and students fought pitched battles at the Osmania University on Wednesday as violence erupted during the funeral procession of K. Venugopal Reddy, a student who committed suicide on Tuesday pained at the delay in the formation of Telangana.
A mob at OU set fire to two police vehicles, damaged a third one and pelted stones at the police personnel. Cops then lathicharged the mob and and fired over 30 tear gas shells to disperse them. Over 40 people, including 15 cops were injured in the violence.
Following the clashes, the Telangana Joint Action Committee decided to extend the bandh to Thursday to protest against the lathicharge on students. The APSRTC, which resumed its services on Wednesday, is likely to cancel its services on Thursday in view of bandh.
However, Krishank, the OU JAC member, said RTC was being exempted from the bandh because of Samakka Jatara that will be held on Thursday at Warangal. “We are also exempting petrol bunks from the bandh,” he said.
Earlier in the day, thousands of Telangana activists gathered at the Arts College building where Venugopal’s body was kept. Police in riot gear was deployed in large numbers in the campus.
Trouble erupted near the Ladies Hostel around 11 am, after police prevented students from taking out a procession with the body from the NCC Gate. The situation spiralled out of control and students and police clashed with each other for over an hour.
trs, Trs news, kcr, telangana, hyderabad hot news, hyderabad city, hyderabad news,
A mob at OU set fire to two police vehicles, damaged a third one and pelted stones at the police personnel. Cops then lathicharged the mob and and fired over 30 tear gas shells to disperse them. Over 40 people, including 15 cops were injured in the violence.
Following the clashes, the Telangana Joint Action Committee decided to extend the bandh to Thursday to protest against the lathicharge on students. The APSRTC, which resumed its services on Wednesday, is likely to cancel its services on Thursday in view of bandh.
However, Krishank, the OU JAC member, said RTC was being exempted from the bandh because of Samakka Jatara that will be held on Thursday at Warangal. “We are also exempting petrol bunks from the bandh,” he said.
Earlier in the day, thousands of Telangana activists gathered at the Arts College building where Venugopal’s body was kept. Police in riot gear was deployed in large numbers in the campus.
Trouble erupted near the Ladies Hostel around 11 am, after police prevented students from taking out a procession with the body from the NCC Gate. The situation spiralled out of control and students and police clashed with each other for over an hour.
trs, Trs news, kcr, telangana, hyderabad hot news, hyderabad city, hyderabad news,
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Two Telangana ministers withdraw resignations
The two Telangana ministers Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and D Sridhar Babu on Tuesday withdrew their resignations from the Andhra Pradesh Council of Ministers.
The two had remained adamant on their resignations even after 18 of their colleagues withdrew their resignations after the Centre called an all-party meeting on the contentious Telangana issue on January 5.
However, following a fresh directive from the Congress high command, Venkat Reddy and Sridhar Babu relented today.
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee President D Srinivas prevailed upon them to withdraw their resignation in line with the high command's directive.
Accordingly, the two announced their decision to take back the resignations and fight for achieving statehood to Telangana while "staying in power".
"We have confidence in the Centre and hope it will go ahead with the process of formation of Telangana in tune with its December 9 announcement," they said.
The two had remained adamant on their resignations even after 18 of their colleagues withdrew their resignations after the Centre called an all-party meeting on the contentious Telangana issue on January 5.
However, following a fresh directive from the Congress high command, Venkat Reddy and Sridhar Babu relented today.
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee President D Srinivas prevailed upon them to withdraw their resignation in line with the high command's directive.
Accordingly, the two announced their decision to take back the resignations and fight for achieving statehood to Telangana while "staying in power".
"We have confidence in the Centre and hope it will go ahead with the process of formation of Telangana in tune with its December 9 announcement," they said.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Centre to set up new panel on T in 48 hours
The Centre is expected to announce a committee to undertake an exercise to resolve the Telangana issue in the next 48 hours. Before that, the Congress core group is expected to meet on Friday.
The Centre is moving forward after a series of meetings here with the leaders of eight recognised parties in Andhra Pradesh, jointly and individually, over the last three days.
A delegation comprising Andhra Pradesh officials, including some top police officers, are expected to reach New Delhi on Friday and hold meetings with the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram.
They will discuss the ground situation in the state at a time when a section in the state is toying with the idea of whether Hyderabad can be made a Union Territory.
Officials in Hyderabad denied that they had been summoned for such a meeting. Authoritative sources in the ruling UPA on Thursday indicated a formal announcement of a committee would be made “most probably on Saturday”.
The government decided to move forward after the Andhra political leaders agreed to resolve the issue through discussion instead of violent agitation. Significantly, the Telugu Desam (TD) and the Praja Rajya (PR), which have been fighting for an united Andhra Pradesh, are divided on the Telangana issue. This division came to the fore at an eight-party meeting called by Mr Chidambaram on January 5.
While the Congress has already ruled out the option of imposition of President’s Rule in the state, the Centre is treading cautiously after realising that the agitation on smaller states can spread to Maharashtra, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
The Congress core group comprises the party chief, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, the finance minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, the defence minister, Mr A.K. Antony, Mr Chidambaram, and the Congress president’s political secretary, Mr Ahmed Patel.
The Centre is moving forward after a series of meetings here with the leaders of eight recognised parties in Andhra Pradesh, jointly and individually, over the last three days.
A delegation comprising Andhra Pradesh officials, including some top police officers, are expected to reach New Delhi on Friday and hold meetings with the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram.
They will discuss the ground situation in the state at a time when a section in the state is toying with the idea of whether Hyderabad can be made a Union Territory.
Officials in Hyderabad denied that they had been summoned for such a meeting. Authoritative sources in the ruling UPA on Thursday indicated a formal announcement of a committee would be made “most probably on Saturday”.
The government decided to move forward after the Andhra political leaders agreed to resolve the issue through discussion instead of violent agitation. Significantly, the Telugu Desam (TD) and the Praja Rajya (PR), which have been fighting for an united Andhra Pradesh, are divided on the Telangana issue. This division came to the fore at an eight-party meeting called by Mr Chidambaram on January 5.
While the Congress has already ruled out the option of imposition of President’s Rule in the state, the Centre is treading cautiously after realising that the agitation on smaller states can spread to Maharashtra, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
The Congress core group comprises the party chief, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, the finance minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, the defence minister, Mr A.K. Antony, Mr Chidambaram, and the Congress president’s political secretary, Mr Ahmed Patel.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
After T-party, it's a committee
The Centre appears to be moving forward on constituting a committee to find ways for the peaceful resolution of the Telangana issue, highly placed sources indicated after a meeting of leaders of eight political parties of Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday evening.
The meeting, called by the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, at his North Block office, lasted over four hours. The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) is said to have no objection to the setting up of such a committee, but is insisting that it should be headed by a political leader, not a bureaucrat.
The meeting, called by the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, at his North Block office, lasted over four hours. The Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) is said to have no objection to the setting up of such a committee, but is insisting that it should be headed by a political leader, not a bureaucrat.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Students roar for Telangana
The Osmania University Students Joint Action Committee on Sunday asked students of educational institutions in Telangana to adopt a “Gujjar style” in their agitation for statehood.
The JAC, which conducted its Vidyarthi Garjana at Arts College on the OU campus, spelt out details of the agitation which includes plans to block railway tracks and highways on January 5, when the Centre will hold its all-party meet on Telangana statehood.
The campus and surrounding areas echoed with ‘Jai Telangana’ slogans as lakhs of students converged on the campus. The meeting went off peacefully though there were occasional provocative remarks made by some JAC leaders.
The JAC passed several resolutions demanding introduction of the Telangana statehood Bill directly in Parliament as per Article 3 of the Constitution, without waiting for an Assembly resolution as the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram had set out in the T-plan.
The JAC demanded payment of Rs 10 lakh ex gratia to the students who died in the pro-statehood agitations, apart from giving a government job to a member of the victim’s family.
The JAC resolved that Hyderabad is an integral part of Telangana and that Andhra and Rayalaseema have no right on it. They criticised the Telangana ministers for taking back their resignations even before the Centre made a clear statement on T-state.
During the course of the meeting, JAC leaders made calls to violence. One said, “We will attack Gandhi Bhavan and NTR Bhavan (party headquarters of the Congress and the Telugu Desam) if they try to obstruct formation of Telangana state.” Another said, “We will not allow people from Andhra to return (to the city) after their Sankranti vacation.”
“We will not allow those who speak against Telangana to live in Hyderabad,” another leader said, while one more added: “No Telangana student will appear for exams till the bifurcation process is initiated,”
A student leader, “We will not allow buses and trains from Andhra to Telangana on January 5,” and asked the TD chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu to break his silence on Telangana. They also warned the Lok Satta chief, Mr Jayaprakash Narayan, to stop lobbying against Telangana in New Delhi.
Telangana statehood,Trs news, hyderabad hot news, hyderabad city, hyderabad news,Telugu News,Telugu,andhra,telangana,
The JAC, which conducted its Vidyarthi Garjana at Arts College on the OU campus, spelt out details of the agitation which includes plans to block railway tracks and highways on January 5, when the Centre will hold its all-party meet on Telangana statehood.
The campus and surrounding areas echoed with ‘Jai Telangana’ slogans as lakhs of students converged on the campus. The meeting went off peacefully though there were occasional provocative remarks made by some JAC leaders.
The JAC passed several resolutions demanding introduction of the Telangana statehood Bill directly in Parliament as per Article 3 of the Constitution, without waiting for an Assembly resolution as the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram had set out in the T-plan.
The JAC demanded payment of Rs 10 lakh ex gratia to the students who died in the pro-statehood agitations, apart from giving a government job to a member of the victim’s family.
The JAC resolved that Hyderabad is an integral part of Telangana and that Andhra and Rayalaseema have no right on it. They criticised the Telangana ministers for taking back their resignations even before the Centre made a clear statement on T-state.
During the course of the meeting, JAC leaders made calls to violence. One said, “We will attack Gandhi Bhavan and NTR Bhavan (party headquarters of the Congress and the Telugu Desam) if they try to obstruct formation of Telangana state.” Another said, “We will not allow people from Andhra to return (to the city) after their Sankranti vacation.”
“We will not allow those who speak against Telangana to live in Hyderabad,” another leader said, while one more added: “No Telangana student will appear for exams till the bifurcation process is initiated,”
A student leader, “We will not allow buses and trains from Andhra to Telangana on January 5,” and asked the TD chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu to break his silence on Telangana. They also warned the Lok Satta chief, Mr Jayaprakash Narayan, to stop lobbying against Telangana in New Delhi.
Telangana statehood,Trs news, hyderabad hot news, hyderabad city, hyderabad news,Telugu News,Telugu,andhra,telangana,
Centre may have a one-on-one T meet
There were indications on Sunday that the Centre was studying the option of obtaining views of the political parties individually during its January 5 meeting. It was assumed all along, because the Centre has not notified otherwise, that it would be a round table conference.
Sources said state leaders of different parties got an indication that the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, might prefer to listen to the leaders in greater detail by talking to them individually, rather than discussing the issue on an open forum.
“The Central leaders have been obtaining views on whether emotions will overshadow a meaningful discussion in the round-table conference,” a Lok Sabha MP told this newspaper.
The second option is for Mr Chidambaram to make introductory remarks and ask the leaders of the parties to suggest how to proceed further.
While they try and figure that out, the parties shortlisted their representatives for the January 5 meeting.
The Congress high command has cleared the names of the Eluru MP, Mr Kavuri Sambasiva Rao (Andhra), and the Huzurnagar MLA, Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy (Telangana).
Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy is a non-controversial three-time MLA who headed the legislature committee on implementation of the jobs-for-locals GO 610. Mr Rao was first elected MP from Guntur in 1984.
The PCC chief Mr D. Srinivas, who reached Delhi on Sunday, said the names were selected by the party high command. Mr Srinivas said he would not be present at the meeting, which would be attended by Mr K. Rosaiah in his capacity as Chief Minister.
He has planned a series of meetings with the PM and Union ministers on Monday. A large contingent of Congress leaders, from both pro- and anti-T groups, are leaving for Delhi to brief their representatives.
Telangana statehood,Trs news, hyderabad hot news, hyderabad city, hyderabad news,Telugu News,Telugu,andhra,telangana,
Sources said state leaders of different parties got an indication that the Union home minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, might prefer to listen to the leaders in greater detail by talking to them individually, rather than discussing the issue on an open forum.
“The Central leaders have been obtaining views on whether emotions will overshadow a meaningful discussion in the round-table conference,” a Lok Sabha MP told this newspaper.
The second option is for Mr Chidambaram to make introductory remarks and ask the leaders of the parties to suggest how to proceed further.
While they try and figure that out, the parties shortlisted their representatives for the January 5 meeting.
The Congress high command has cleared the names of the Eluru MP, Mr Kavuri Sambasiva Rao (Andhra), and the Huzurnagar MLA, Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy (Telangana).
Mr Uttam Kumar Reddy is a non-controversial three-time MLA who headed the legislature committee on implementation of the jobs-for-locals GO 610. Mr Rao was first elected MP from Guntur in 1984.
The PCC chief Mr D. Srinivas, who reached Delhi on Sunday, said the names were selected by the party high command. Mr Srinivas said he would not be present at the meeting, which would be attended by Mr K. Rosaiah in his capacity as Chief Minister.
He has planned a series of meetings with the PM and Union ministers on Monday. A large contingent of Congress leaders, from both pro- and anti-T groups, are leaving for Delhi to brief their representatives.
Telangana statehood,Trs news, hyderabad hot news, hyderabad city, hyderabad news,Telugu News,Telugu,andhra,telangana,
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Minister gets notice for Rosaiah attack
The Congress high command has served a show cause notice on the IT minister, Mr Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, for criticising the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, and bringing disrepute to the party.
The AICC general secretary, Mr Janardhan Dwivedi, issued the notice and gave the minister a week’s time to reply.
Two MPs, one from Telangana region and one from elsewhere in AP, were also to be issued similar notices for violating party discipline and approaching the media, it was learnt late Friday night.
Mr Venkat Reddy had sharply criticised Mr Rosaiah before the media on Thursday and had accused him of acting like the Chief Minister of Andhra region.
Mr Venkat reddy has also angered the high command by refusing to withdraw his resignation unlike other ministers.
He also said that the Chief Minister’s comment on industries moving away from the state because of protests showed his bias against Telangana.
Other ministers too had objected to his remarks against the Chief Minister.
Mr Rosaiah had sent a report on the ‘intolerable’ behaviour of the minister to the high command and demanded that he be thrown out of the cabinet. However, the high command decided to serve a show cause notice for now.
Mr Venkat Reddy refused to comment on the show cause notice. “I dont know anything about it,” he told this correspondent.
AP CM, andhra news, hyderabad hot events, trs, Trs news,
The AICC general secretary, Mr Janardhan Dwivedi, issued the notice and gave the minister a week’s time to reply.
Two MPs, one from Telangana region and one from elsewhere in AP, were also to be issued similar notices for violating party discipline and approaching the media, it was learnt late Friday night.
Mr Venkat Reddy had sharply criticised Mr Rosaiah before the media on Thursday and had accused him of acting like the Chief Minister of Andhra region.
Mr Venkat reddy has also angered the high command by refusing to withdraw his resignation unlike other ministers.
He also said that the Chief Minister’s comment on industries moving away from the state because of protests showed his bias against Telangana.
Other ministers too had objected to his remarks against the Chief Minister.
Mr Rosaiah had sent a report on the ‘intolerable’ behaviour of the minister to the high command and demanded that he be thrown out of the cabinet. However, the high command decided to serve a show cause notice for now.
Mr Venkat Reddy refused to comment on the show cause notice. “I dont know anything about it,” he told this correspondent.
AP CM, andhra news, hyderabad hot events, trs, Trs news,
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
2 lakh students take to streets for T
On the call given by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of private educational institutions, over two lakh students in the city and elsewhere in the district, took to the streets from 10 am to 12 noon, raising pro-Telangana slogans on Tuesday. On NH 202, students also took out pro-Telangana rallies at different places, blocking traffic from Warangal to Eturanagaram.
At Kakatiya University (KU) where nine KU JAC members are on a fast-unto-death since Monday, people from all walks of life including students and local politicians thronged the hunger strike site at SDLCE, KU to extend moral support.
The KUJAC, which is part of the Telangana Students’ JAC consisting of all six universities in the T-region, has banned the use of party flags in the varsity.
“Those who come to express solidarity with the agitating students have been requested not to carry any party flag to the hunger strike site as the T-agitation should not be given a political colour,” said Mr K. Vasudeva Reddy, KUJAC Warangal district convenor.
Rallies by Intermediate, degree, PG, engineering, pharmacy, BEd and other professional courses students’ kept arriving in the campus. Those visiting the hunger strike site have pro-mised to sponsor all needs of the students including food, tents, water, placards, loudspeakers and others.
“The KU employees JAC has promised to provide us with food,” said Mr Vasudeva Reddy. On Tuesday, Mr Puli Ravi, Telangana NRIs’ JAC representative donated Rs 25,000 to the KUJAC.
Similarly, Mr ‘Karate’ Prabhakar, Praja Telangana (urban) president donated Rs 1.30 lakh to the KUJAC on Monday as ex-gratia for all T-victims in the district.
When TD politburo member Mr K. Srihari came to the KU, students demanded resignations of all Telangana TD politicians from their party. Assuaging their feelings, Mr Srihari said, “Telangana state is more important than the TD. If TD chief Mr N. Chandrab-abu Naidu says no to Telangana, we will be with you.”
Meanwhile, KUJAC me-mbers demanded immediate medical support for Kaviraj, an OU student, whose kidneys had failed during participation in the T-agitation.
At Kakatiya University (KU) where nine KU JAC members are on a fast-unto-death since Monday, people from all walks of life including students and local politicians thronged the hunger strike site at SDLCE, KU to extend moral support.
The KUJAC, which is part of the Telangana Students’ JAC consisting of all six universities in the T-region, has banned the use of party flags in the varsity.
“Those who come to express solidarity with the agitating students have been requested not to carry any party flag to the hunger strike site as the T-agitation should not be given a political colour,” said Mr K. Vasudeva Reddy, KUJAC Warangal district convenor.
Rallies by Intermediate, degree, PG, engineering, pharmacy, BEd and other professional courses students’ kept arriving in the campus. Those visiting the hunger strike site have pro-mised to sponsor all needs of the students including food, tents, water, placards, loudspeakers and others.
“The KU employees JAC has promised to provide us with food,” said Mr Vasudeva Reddy. On Tuesday, Mr Puli Ravi, Telangana NRIs’ JAC representative donated Rs 25,000 to the KUJAC.
Similarly, Mr ‘Karate’ Prabhakar, Praja Telangana (urban) president donated Rs 1.30 lakh to the KUJAC on Monday as ex-gratia for all T-victims in the district.
When TD politburo member Mr K. Srihari came to the KU, students demanded resignations of all Telangana TD politicians from their party. Assuaging their feelings, Mr Srihari said, “Telangana state is more important than the TD. If TD chief Mr N. Chandrab-abu Naidu says no to Telangana, we will be with you.”
Meanwhile, KUJAC me-mbers demanded immediate medical support for Kaviraj, an OU student, whose kidneys had failed during participation in the T-agitation.
T threat ruins New year plans
Just when harried Hyderabadis were gearing up to say ‘good riddance’ to a nasty 2009, and ring in 2010 on the right note, T activists announced, “Not so soon...”
With the agitating students of OU and other student wings making it clear that they “will not tolerate” any New Year revelry that makes light of the current situation in the state, young party hoppers who hoped to wrap up 2009 in style, are a disappointed lot.
While some young ’uns are grounded, thanks to the security scare, others confess they have cancelled their New Year’s eve plans to avoid unpleasant run-ins with frenzied mobs, who are sure to play party poopers. And even though cops are doing their best to reassure the public, nothing seems to be working to ease the tension.
Youngsters are wary of heading to crowded bashes and are opting for risk-free private parties. Meenakshii Thakur, a second year student of CBIT, says, “My parents have asked me not to step out for any party this New Year. And considering how tense the situation has become of late, one can’t really blame anyone for feeling paranoid. I hate the thought of sitting cooped up indoors when the world is celebrating. I might go to Mumbai or plan a house party at a friend’s place. One thing is for sure, I want to avoid trouble.”
Permission problems don’t plague young girls alone this year. Boys too are being grounded by worried parents, says Firdous Majeed, a final year student of St Mary’s. “parents are apprehensive of letting us go out on New Year’s eve. House parties are the norm now as it doesn’t feel too safe to venture out. I am also planning to stay at home and ring the year in with my close friends.”
Even those who have their reservations and tickets in place are backing out. Aditi Gupta, an engineering graduate from Vasavi College of Engineering, says, “After I heard about the latest threat, I decided to scrap my original party plans. Instead, I’ll head to a private bash that doesn’t attract much attention.”
Commissioner of Police B. Prasada Rao, meanwhile, says cops will be able to keep things under control. “Telangana supporters cannot ruin celebrations. Starting today, Section 144 will be enforced for a week. Passes for New Year bashes are being sold at star hotels and upmarket commercial establishments only.
There will be continuous patrolling around hotels and nightclubs all through the night. Also, the control rooms have been instructed to take every call made to the helpline seriously.”
Telangana statehood,Trs news, hyderabad hot news, hyderabad city, hyderabad news,Telugu News,Telugu,andhra,telangana,
With the agitating students of OU and other student wings making it clear that they “will not tolerate” any New Year revelry that makes light of the current situation in the state, young party hoppers who hoped to wrap up 2009 in style, are a disappointed lot.
While some young ’uns are grounded, thanks to the security scare, others confess they have cancelled their New Year’s eve plans to avoid unpleasant run-ins with frenzied mobs, who are sure to play party poopers. And even though cops are doing their best to reassure the public, nothing seems to be working to ease the tension.
Youngsters are wary of heading to crowded bashes and are opting for risk-free private parties. Meenakshii Thakur, a second year student of CBIT, says, “My parents have asked me not to step out for any party this New Year. And considering how tense the situation has become of late, one can’t really blame anyone for feeling paranoid. I hate the thought of sitting cooped up indoors when the world is celebrating. I might go to Mumbai or plan a house party at a friend’s place. One thing is for sure, I want to avoid trouble.”
Permission problems don’t plague young girls alone this year. Boys too are being grounded by worried parents, says Firdous Majeed, a final year student of St Mary’s. “parents are apprehensive of letting us go out on New Year’s eve. House parties are the norm now as it doesn’t feel too safe to venture out. I am also planning to stay at home and ring the year in with my close friends.”
Even those who have their reservations and tickets in place are backing out. Aditi Gupta, an engineering graduate from Vasavi College of Engineering, says, “After I heard about the latest threat, I decided to scrap my original party plans. Instead, I’ll head to a private bash that doesn’t attract much attention.”
Commissioner of Police B. Prasada Rao, meanwhile, says cops will be able to keep things under control. “Telangana supporters cannot ruin celebrations. Starting today, Section 144 will be enforced for a week. Passes for New Year bashes are being sold at star hotels and upmarket commercial establishments only.
There will be continuous patrolling around hotels and nightclubs all through the night. Also, the control rooms have been instructed to take every call made to the helpline seriously.”
Telangana statehood,Trs news, hyderabad hot news, hyderabad city, hyderabad news,Telugu News,Telugu,andhra,telangana,
T-stir pushing investors away: CM
The Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, on Tuesday presented a gloomy picture of the industrial sector in the state.
He said that several companies were shifting proposed projects to other states or deferring investments because of Telangana troubles.
Mr Rosaiah made these observations after the representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, besides captains of top pharma and IT companies met him to express concern at the state of affairs.
According to the CM, Bharat Forge Limited dropped investment proposals in the state and decided to shift to Gujarat. Peugeot, Kaparo, Lakshmi Mittal, Brandix, J.P. Morgan and Stanley, United Health Group and leading pharma ESAI have all deferred investments.
“The image of Hyderabad as an investment destination has taken a beating because of the violence,” he said.
Bulk drug industry alone suffered loss of Rs 500 crore in the past 20 days and the hotel industry suffered losses with reservations dropping by 40 per cent, he said.
Meanwhile, the CM is making a last-minute effort to retain the two-day CII summit which was scheduled to be held on January 21 at Hyderabad but is now being shifted to Chennai.
The Union commerce minister, Mr Anand Sharma, categorically told Mr Rosaiah that the event would be held in the city only if the Union home ministry concurred.
The PM, Dr Manmohan Singh, is scheduled to inaugurate the summit.
trs, hyderabad city, Telugu, andhra, andhra news,
He said that several companies were shifting proposed projects to other states or deferring investments because of Telangana troubles.
Mr Rosaiah made these observations after the representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry, the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, besides captains of top pharma and IT companies met him to express concern at the state of affairs.
According to the CM, Bharat Forge Limited dropped investment proposals in the state and decided to shift to Gujarat. Peugeot, Kaparo, Lakshmi Mittal, Brandix, J.P. Morgan and Stanley, United Health Group and leading pharma ESAI have all deferred investments.
“The image of Hyderabad as an investment destination has taken a beating because of the violence,” he said.
Bulk drug industry alone suffered loss of Rs 500 crore in the past 20 days and the hotel industry suffered losses with reservations dropping by 40 per cent, he said.
Meanwhile, the CM is making a last-minute effort to retain the two-day CII summit which was scheduled to be held on January 21 at Hyderabad but is now being shifted to Chennai.
The Union commerce minister, Mr Anand Sharma, categorically told Mr Rosaiah that the event would be held in the city only if the Union home ministry concurred.
The PM, Dr Manmohan Singh, is scheduled to inaugurate the summit.
trs, hyderabad city, Telugu, andhra, andhra news,
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Law student held for Nagam attack
The sleuths of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) on Monday arrested a law student in connection with the attack on the Telugu Desam MLA and former minister, Mr Nagam Janardhan Reddy.
The CID officials said more arrests — for damaging MLAs’ vehicles on December 24 — are on the cards.
T. Rahul Reddy, 20, a second year law student and the son of one Mr Hitendar Reddy was the fourth accused arrested in Nagam Janardhan Reddy attack case. He has been booked for unlawful assembly and rioting.
The DGP, Mr R.R. Girish Kumar, said, “Students have admitted that some ‘outsiders’ had come to the campus and resorted to violence. Students should not allow the entry of anti-social elements into the campus. Students may have to face criminal cases due to their association with the anti-social elements.”
Trs news, trs, hyderabad hot news, hyderabad news,
Earlier, the police had arrested one T. Nagaraju, alias Srikanth Raju, the prime accused in the MLA attack case, has been involved in 17 other cases including murder, robbery, extortion and kidnapping. K. Venkanna, 26, and R. Sattaiah, 29, were also arrested.
Meanwhile, the ABVP filed a petition in State Human Rights Commission alleging that Rahul, who was picked up on December 25, has not yet been produced before the court. The SHRC directed the police commissioner to submit a report by 11 am on Tuesday.
The CID officials said more arrests — for damaging MLAs’ vehicles on December 24 — are on the cards.
T. Rahul Reddy, 20, a second year law student and the son of one Mr Hitendar Reddy was the fourth accused arrested in Nagam Janardhan Reddy attack case. He has been booked for unlawful assembly and rioting.
The DGP, Mr R.R. Girish Kumar, said, “Students have admitted that some ‘outsiders’ had come to the campus and resorted to violence. Students should not allow the entry of anti-social elements into the campus. Students may have to face criminal cases due to their association with the anti-social elements.”
Trs news, trs, hyderabad hot news, hyderabad news,
Earlier, the police had arrested one T. Nagaraju, alias Srikanth Raju, the prime accused in the MLA attack case, has been involved in 17 other cases including murder, robbery, extortion and kidnapping. K. Venkanna, 26, and R. Sattaiah, 29, were also arrested.
Meanwhile, the ABVP filed a petition in State Human Rights Commission alleging that Rahul, who was picked up on December 25, has not yet been produced before the court. The SHRC directed the police commissioner to submit a report by 11 am on Tuesday.
Don’t take police for granted: DGP
The director-general of police, Mr R.R. Girish Kumar, on Monday told political parties not to take the police for granted, and took serious objection to leaders naming and accusing senior cops of being partial.
The Telangana Rashtra Samiti president, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, while addressing the Joint Action Committee meeting on Friday, had named four inspectors-general of police and accused them of ill-treating students of Osmania University and warned that he would teach them a lesson in future.
Leaders from Andhra and Rayalaseema too made allegations against the police officers at Anantapur and Vijayawada.
IPS officers took serious note of all this and complained that such statements had demoralised the police force. Following this, the DGP came out with strongly worded statement in support of his force on Monday.
Mr Kumar warned that anyone indulging in provocative speeches inciting violence will be dealt with under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
“Some of the political parties are naming police officers accusing them of partiality,” he said. “I want to tell political parties and the public that police is impartial. We are neither for nor against Telangana or Andhra-Rayalaseema. Not only IGPs but all officers are neutral.”
The DGP added that the police was abiding by the Constitution and rule of law and nothing else.
He further said that there was no dichotomy in government instructions. “The government told us that peaceful agitation shall be allowed and violence shall not be tolerated,” said Mr Girish Kumar.
“It is easy to throw stones on the police like throwing stones on buses,” he said. “Character assassination and motive attribution to police is not good. Such allegations of partiality affect the motivation of the force.”
He added that police exhibited utmost restraint in dealing with the agitation.
“Our men are on duty day and night,” he said. “Police is under great pressure as many of the elected representatives including two MPs, four MLCs and 21 MLAs are on fast unto death. It is a tough time for police. But we handled them with utmost restraint.”
The DGP also asked the electronic media not to repeatedly telecast violent incidents.
“When the same clippings are on air from morning to evening this will affect the public mind,” he said.
He added that commissioners of police could restrain channels and cable operators.
trs, Trs news, hyderabad hot news, hyderabad city, Telugu,
The Telangana Rashtra Samiti president, Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao, while addressing the Joint Action Committee meeting on Friday, had named four inspectors-general of police and accused them of ill-treating students of Osmania University and warned that he would teach them a lesson in future.
Leaders from Andhra and Rayalaseema too made allegations against the police officers at Anantapur and Vijayawada.
IPS officers took serious note of all this and complained that such statements had demoralised the police force. Following this, the DGP came out with strongly worded statement in support of his force on Monday.
Mr Kumar warned that anyone indulging in provocative speeches inciting violence will be dealt with under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
“Some of the political parties are naming police officers accusing them of partiality,” he said. “I want to tell political parties and the public that police is impartial. We are neither for nor against Telangana or Andhra-Rayalaseema. Not only IGPs but all officers are neutral.”
The DGP added that the police was abiding by the Constitution and rule of law and nothing else.
He further said that there was no dichotomy in government instructions. “The government told us that peaceful agitation shall be allowed and violence shall not be tolerated,” said Mr Girish Kumar.
“It is easy to throw stones on the police like throwing stones on buses,” he said. “Character assassination and motive attribution to police is not good. Such allegations of partiality affect the motivation of the force.”
He added that police exhibited utmost restraint in dealing with the agitation.
“Our men are on duty day and night,” he said. “Police is under great pressure as many of the elected representatives including two MPs, four MLCs and 21 MLAs are on fast unto death. It is a tough time for police. But we handled them with utmost restraint.”
The DGP also asked the electronic media not to repeatedly telecast violent incidents.
“When the same clippings are on air from morning to evening this will affect the public mind,” he said.
He added that commissioners of police could restrain channels and cable operators.
trs, Trs news, hyderabad hot news, hyderabad city, Telugu,
Friday, December 25, 2009
Students beat Nagam with chappals, hound out TDP leaders
Senior TDP leaders Nagam Janardhan Reddy, Kadiam Srihari, E Dayakar Rao and others went to Osmania University to express their solidarity with the striking students, who were hurt in the police lathicharge on them. On seeing the TDP leaders, the students got agitated further and gheraoed them, demanding that they all come out of the TDP to express their support for Telangana. The students attacked 20 cars of the TDP leaders and their followers, damaged them with stones and turned them upside down.
While the students spared Srihari and Dayakar Rao, they targeted sturdy Nagam Janardhan Reddy, who they alleged, was acting like a stooge of TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu. They beat him with chappals and as he started leaving the place, they chased him. Being a hefty personality, Nagam could not run further and fell down on the road. As he lost consciousness, he was taken to Kamineni Hospital on a motor bike. Others had left the place with a lot of insult.
TDP leaders Mothkupalli Narsimhulu and Devender Goud condemned the attack on the TDP leaders, stating that it was the handiwork of some anti-social elements and not the genuine students.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Telangana bandh: TRS supporters, students get violent on the streets
Normal life was paralysed across Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh as the 48-hour bandh called by TRS and other parties to protest the Centre's decision to hold further consultations on the statehood issue began with violence breaking out at some places.
The shutdown call had an immediate impact as students and other Telangana supporters came on to the streets and resorted to stone pelting on buses and shops in Hyderabad and other Telangana districts.
Violence broke out in Hyderabad, Warangal and other places in the region within hours of the Centre's announcement as police resorted to baton-charge to disperse angry crowds of protesters.
In the state capital, several petrol pumps were shutdown soon after TRS President K Chandrasekhar Rao and other Telangana leaders gave the bandh call. Long queues were witnessed at the few petrol stations that remained open.
Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) suspended services in the city and other Telangana districts. A large number of commuters were stranded in Hyderabad as the city buses run by APSRTC remained off the roads.
Incidents of buses and other vehicles being burnt were reported from several places in the city since late last night after the shutdown began.
Centre on Wednesday night said there was a need to hold wide ranging consultations on the Telangana issue with all political parties and groups in the state.
trs, hyderabad city, hyderabad hot events, hyderabad hot news,
The shutdown call had an immediate impact as students and other Telangana supporters came on to the streets and resorted to stone pelting on buses and shops in Hyderabad and other Telangana districts.
Violence broke out in Hyderabad, Warangal and other places in the region within hours of the Centre's announcement as police resorted to baton-charge to disperse angry crowds of protesters.
In the state capital, several petrol pumps were shutdown soon after TRS President K Chandrasekhar Rao and other Telangana leaders gave the bandh call. Long queues were witnessed at the few petrol stations that remained open.
Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) suspended services in the city and other Telangana districts. A large number of commuters were stranded in Hyderabad as the city buses run by APSRTC remained off the roads.
Incidents of buses and other vehicles being burnt were reported from several places in the city since late last night after the shutdown began.
Centre on Wednesday night said there was a need to hold wide ranging consultations on the Telangana issue with all political parties and groups in the state.
trs, hyderabad city, hyderabad hot events, hyderabad hot news,
Konda Surekha becomes active for T-state.
konda surekha, well known Congress MLA and a staunch follower of YS Rajashekhara Reddy has become active yet again. Followed by the death of YSR was her resignation to the ministry, when she shook the state politics bargaining Chief Ministerial position for YS Jaganmohan Reddy.
From then on, konda surekha gathered to be in limelight for some reason or the other. “Yesterday’s disappointing statement from Chidambaram has hurt the moralities of Telangana people. If my resignation will help in any form for our fight of Telangana, iam ready to dos so,” a worried konda surekha said before the media.
konda surekha has even participated in the agitations staged by student unions and youngsters in Hanamkonda, late night.
From then on, konda surekha gathered to be in limelight for some reason or the other. “Yesterday’s disappointing statement from Chidambaram has hurt the moralities of Telangana people. If my resignation will help in any form for our fight of Telangana, iam ready to dos so,” a worried konda surekha said before the media.
konda surekha has even participated in the agitations staged by student unions and youngsters in Hanamkonda, late night.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tollywood to put off releases
Unnerved by attacks on theatres and the prevalent political unrest, the Telugu film industry is planning to postpone all movie releases slated for this month.
This decision was taken by the producers’ council which met on Wednesday in the wake of Telangana agitators attacking theatres screening Allu Arjun’s Arya-2, Ram Charan Teja’s Magadheera and Manchu Mohan Babu and his son Vishnu’s Saleem.
The producers’ council will hold another meeting with exhibitors, distributors and other stakeholders on Thursday to take a final decision on postponing the movie releases.
Adurs starring Junior NTR and Leader starring Daggubati Rana are two big films slated for release this month.
Theatres are expected to screen old popular movies and non-Telugu films in theatres across the state till the end of this month.
“There is political unrest in the state and people are not coming to theatres to watch films,” said Mr Vijandar Reddy, member of the AP Film Chamber of Commerce. “Collections have dropped drastically and it doesn’t make sense to release movies in such turbulent times.”
Mr Shyam Prasad Reddy, president of the producers’ council, however, said that a final decision on postponing releases had not been taken yet.
“It is a business that involves crore of rupees,” he said. “A few producers brought up the idea of postponing the releases. We will take the final decision on Thursday.”
Meanwhile, actor Mohanbabu, who pledged his support to United Andhra Pradesh, has declared that he will go on hunger strike at Tirupati against the separation of the state.
“These attacks are the handiwork of some miscreants,” he said. “They cause losses to people from all the regions in the state.”
While many actors refused to comment on the attacks fearing backlash from agitators, senior filmmakers claimed that they will not shift their base from Hyderabad even if Telangana state is formed.
“It is foolish for agitators to attack the films of family members of Chiranjeevi and Mohanbabu just because they declared their stand,” said Mr Thammareddy Bharadwaja, senior filmmaker. “We are here to entertain people. We are not doing any anti social activity.”
This decision was taken by the producers’ council which met on Wednesday in the wake of Telangana agitators attacking theatres screening Allu Arjun’s Arya-2, Ram Charan Teja’s Magadheera and Manchu Mohan Babu and his son Vishnu’s Saleem.
The producers’ council will hold another meeting with exhibitors, distributors and other stakeholders on Thursday to take a final decision on postponing the movie releases.
Adurs starring Junior NTR and Leader starring Daggubati Rana are two big films slated for release this month.
Theatres are expected to screen old popular movies and non-Telugu films in theatres across the state till the end of this month.
“There is political unrest in the state and people are not coming to theatres to watch films,” said Mr Vijandar Reddy, member of the AP Film Chamber of Commerce. “Collections have dropped drastically and it doesn’t make sense to release movies in such turbulent times.”
Mr Shyam Prasad Reddy, president of the producers’ council, however, said that a final decision on postponing releases had not been taken yet.
“It is a business that involves crore of rupees,” he said. “A few producers brought up the idea of postponing the releases. We will take the final decision on Thursday.”
Meanwhile, actor Mohanbabu, who pledged his support to United Andhra Pradesh, has declared that he will go on hunger strike at Tirupati against the separation of the state.
“These attacks are the handiwork of some miscreants,” he said. “They cause losses to people from all the regions in the state.”
While many actors refused to comment on the attacks fearing backlash from agitators, senior filmmakers claimed that they will not shift their base from Hyderabad even if Telangana state is formed.
“It is foolish for agitators to attack the films of family members of Chiranjeevi and Mohanbabu just because they declared their stand,” said Mr Thammareddy Bharadwaja, senior filmmaker. “We are here to entertain people. We are not doing any anti social activity.”
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