Reprehensible action: Naidu

Venting ire: TDP activists burning a poster of Minister for Agriculture Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy in Vijayawada on Monday.

HYDERABAD: Leader of the Opposition in Assembly N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday said he had never seen during his 32-year- long political career a Minister, who is also the leader of the Legislative Council, assaulting members in the House.
Addressing a press conference, Mr. Naidu said the Minister Y. S. Vivekananda Reddy, by his behaviour, has plunged the Andhra Pradesh Assembly's record to a new low. Even States that have witnessed violent scenes such as Bihar, Karnataka and Orissa look much better than Andhra Pradesh now. What is this rowdyism, he sought to know.
He said the TDP did not become emotional in the House even when the party leaders like former Ministers Paritala Ravi and P. Siva Reddy were brutally murdered. Nor was it provoking the ruling party as was the case when the Congress was in Opposition. People would decide who was right and who was wrong.
He wondered why the Minister got so upset when not just the TDP, but all other Opposition parties had highlighted the irregularities in the land allotments and demanded a House Committee probe. TDP had already offered to face the probe on allotments made during its regime.
At another press conference, deputy leader P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju and other MLAs castigated the Minister and the MLAs belonging to the former Kadapa MP, Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy for attacking them. Mr. Raju said if he were the Chief Minister, he would have dismissed the Minister in five minutes.
Money in polls
Later delivering the Badrivishal Pitti Memorial lecture here on Monday, Mr. Naidu said that huge amounts of money were spent by contesting candidates in the recent elections to Legislative Council. The candidates from local bodies quota spent Rs. 10 crore to Rs. 15 crore after paying up to Rs. 15 lakh for each vote, he alleged . A lot of easy money earned by irregular land settlements and other unlawful means was finding its way into politics. Bhanu Kiran, a suspect in the recent murder of his mentor Maddelacheruvu Suri, had earned Rs. 1,000 crore in land transactions while Suri was in jail, he added.
Mr. Naidu said that illegal money and corruption were the biggest challenges to the country's growth as a super power. “The present trend of lawlessness will continue if a government which tolerated corruption is elected.”
He expressed his happiness that the judiciary was playing an effective role in countering corruption.
The meeting was also addressed by Badrivishal Pitti's son Sharad B. Pitti.

Chief Minister advises children to set clear goals

PATIENT WAIT:Schoolchildren look bored as they wait for Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy's arrival at the State-level Children's Theatre Festival 2011 at Ravindra Bharathi in Hyderabad on Monday.

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy on Monday advised children to set goals depending on their interests to make a successful career.
Inaugurating the State-level Children's Theatre Festival organised by Jawahar Bal Bhavan here, Mr. Reddy said any mistake in career selection could end up changing the course of their life and loss of precious time.
In this context, Mr. Reddy cited the example of his classmate in school Harsha Bhogle, who gave up a promising career in engineering to pursue his interest in cricket commentary.
With avid interest in debating and quiz while in school, Mr. Harsha Bhogle wanted to become a cricket commentator but joined an engineering college and later the Indian Institute of Management, the Chief Minister said.
Mr. Reddy also referred to the case of a medical doctor who did a course at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) after spending nine years in a medical college and service thereafter. He had lost 13 years by the time he acquired a degree from NIFT, the Chief Minister pointed out.
Lauds Azhar, VVS
He lauded former cpatain of the Indian cricket team Mohammed Azharuddin for achieving his goal of representing the country.
Sania Mirza, Saina Nehwal and V.V.S. Laxman also set goals for themselves and worked towards achieving them, he said.
The Chief Minister asked children to develop self-confidence which could be achieved by treading the right path. He also asked parents to guide their children in career selection and not thrust their interests on them. Primary Education Minister S. Sailajanath requested the Chief Minister to sanction a new bus to Jawahar Bal Bhavan. Principal Secretary Chandana Khan was present on the occasion.

Damage control by Congress pays off

big trouble:TDP legislator V. Jogeswara Rao showing a placard which was torn by Agriculture Minister Y. S. Vivekananda Reddy inside the Legislative Assembly in Hyderabad on Monday. —

HYDERABAD: Agriculture Minister Y.S. Vivekananda Reddy and Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy expressed regret over the developments that rocked the Assembly on Monday resulting in a scuffle between the Congress and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) members on the floor of the House.
Described as a “dark day” by political parties, the unruly incidents in the House forced adjournment of the proceedings close to seven hours. The issue, however, subsided after the Congress leaders went into damage control mode and yielded some ground to the TDP which had been insisting on the constitution of a joint legislature committee to go into land allocations since 2004.
Turns emotional
Mr. Vivekananda Reddy said he became emotional as TDP members were levelling personal allegations against his ‘god-like brother' Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy. “Take up any probe into my brother's policies but don't call him a thief and the Congress a band of looters. I could not tolerate this,” he said. The Minister said his relationship with Rajasekhara Reddy was akin to that of Rama's younger brother, Lakshmana, and now “I am like Lakshmana without Rama.” The Chief Minister too sought an apology from the House on behalf of the government. Such situations arise when members resort to personal allegations and mud-slinging, he said, asserting that he and the Congress were not prepared to tolerate any criticism of YSR.
The statements came after Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy's hectic parleys with senior colleagues as the Opposition announced its resolve to compromise for nothing short of dismissal of the Minister. Even as Deputy Speaker Nadendla Manohar called a meeting of floor leaders more than once to pacify the agitated members, the Chief Minister sent his emissaries, D. Sridhar Babu and Government Chief Whip Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka to ‘convince' Opposition leader N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Naidu softens stand
The move initially appeared to have boomeranged as the TDP leaders announced their resolve against attending the Assembly if the Minister was not sacked forthwith. But Mr. Naidu who held consultations with senior leaders softened his party's stand later which was evident from the fact that the TDP did not insist on the Minister's dismissal, in the House.
Sources said that the change in the main Opposition's stand follows the willingness expressed by Mr. Kiran Kumar Reddy to tender an apology to the House and to partially concede the demand for an inquiry by a House Committee into land deals after a debate on the issue.
Mr. Sridhar Babu and Mr. Vikramarka are learnt to have conveyed the Chief Minister's decision to Mr. Naidu, thus breaking the deadlock.

Kiran drops hints of cabinet expansion after

HYDERABAD: Chief minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy in an informal chat with reporters on Monday hinted at the possibility of a cabinet expansion and reshuffle and filling of nominated posts after the budget session of the assembly.




At present there are four vacancies in the state cabinet. With the formal merger of the PRP with Congress, three from that party may be accommodated in the cabinet. The possibility of changing portfolios of some ministers is also not ruled out as they had openly expressed their unhappiness when the Kiran cabinet was formed on December 1.



Replying to a question about the new practice of writing series of letters adopted by transport minister Botsa Satyanarayana, the chief minister defended saying that there was nothing wrong in it since he was offering some good suggestions.



Asked about the likely date by which a delegation of ministers from Telangana would be sent to meet Sonia Gandhi to press their demand for a separate Telangana, the chief minister said, "I hope they will get an appointment soon."

Breaking News:

HYDERABAD: The simmering differences within the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on the Telangana issue came to the fore on Monday. In the presence of party president N Chandrababu Naidu, TDP's Telangana legislator Nagam Janardhan Reddy and other party MLAs from the region clashed both in the assembly and outside on Monday, indicating that Nagam was perhaps on his way out from the party.




Nagam, whos TDP Telangana Forum was disbanded by Naidu last week, played the lone champion of Telangana in the assembly on Monday and forced three adjournments. In what appeared to be a calculated move, he clashed with the other Telangana TDP MLAs first in the House and later outside. The TDP MLAs from Telangana wasted no time in hitting back at Nagam and by the afternoon, it was a free for all.



In clear indication that Nagam is all set to part ways with Naidu, the Nagarkurnool MLA told the media that the TDP chief had always been for united Andhra and against the creation of Telangana. "Naidu has been sending signals that the TDP is pro-united Andhra. I want to make it clear that successive governments including the TDP regime led by Naidu had done injustice to the Telangana region," Nagam said.



According to sources, Nagam was lured by TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao to join the latter's party and that he would be made working president of the TRS in case he is able to bring along with him at least 20 of the 39 TDP Telangana MLAs. "But it appears that Naidu sensed his moves and has virtually ensured that Nagam's grand plan is nipped in the bud," said party sources.



The sources said at least 20 TDP Telangana MLAs did play along with Nagam initially. "However, Naidu spoke to each of them individually and ensured that they do not go along with Nagam," they said. As a result, as of Monday, only three of the TDP T MLAs, A Uma Madhava Reddy (Bhongir), K Hareeshwar Reddy (Parigi) and Mahender Reddy (Tandur) are said to be sailing with Nagam.



By evening, Nagam skipped a TDP meeting chaired by Naidu on the council elections. "I will never leave the party. There is no question of joining the TRS or floating my own party," the MLA said. But indications from the Naidu camp was that Nagam's days in the TDP were clearly numbered.

Telangana March: Inter exam gets relief; CBSE, ICSE hit

HYDERABAD: In a major relief for students appearing for the Intermediate Board exams, the Telangana JAC and TRS said on Monday that the 'Million March' on March 10 would now be held between 1pm and 4pm. But the changed timing would still hit CBSE and ICSE students hard as their exams are slated in the afternoon.




"The Million March on March 10 will be held between 1pm and 4pm," Telangana JAC convenor M Kodandaram said on Monday. He insisted that at least 10 lakh people from Telangana districts would march to the state capital but instead of converging at four places as planned earlier, they would now stage a massive rally on Tank Bund road.



The Inter exams that began in the state on Monday are being held between 8am and 11am and approximately 9 lakh students from the region will be appearing for the English-II paper on March 10. "With T protesters deferring the march to afternoon, Inter students should be able to write the exam without any hitch. If at all, they may face some problems in returning home," said an official.



But CBSE and ICSE students appearing for their Boards would have to bear the brunt of the rally. The social sciences paper for CBSE class X is scheduled for 10.30am-1.30pm on March 10. "These students can expect trouble during the second half of the exam and in returning home," said the official, adding that most of the 17,500 CBSE students in the state are from Hyderabad.



In the case of the ICSE board, a few hundred class XII students are slated to appear for the commerce paper from 2pm-5pm on March 10. "Although ICSE students in the state may not be that many as compared to the Inter and CBSE students, they are surely going to be the most hit by the 'Million March'. Any disruption can affect their chances in appearing for all-India exams and threaten their academic career," a source said.



Despite Monday's statement, the differences between Telangana JAC and TRS on the 'Million March' is said to be widening. While Kodandaram said at least 10 lakh people would participate, TRS sources termed it an impossible number and said that they would be happy if even a lakh turned up. At the press meet, Kodandaram did in fact admit to differences. While TRS was for postponement, others wanted it to be held on March 10. However, the issue was sorted out at the steering committee meeting, the Telangana JAC convenor claimed.

A new beginning, says Chiranjeevi

Explaining his stand: Praja Rajyam president K. Chiranjeevi greeting party activists at a general body meeting at Nagole in Hyderabad on Monday. (Right) PR party members at the meeting.



HYDERABAD: Praja Rajyam president K. Chiranjeevi signalled the winding up of the two-and-half-year-old party, following its decision to merge with the Congress, but clarified that it only meant the beginning of continued struggle to achieve social justice, though on a different path.



At a general body meeting of the party, attended by its mandal, district and State-level executive members — a move necessitated by procedures prescribed by the Election Commission — he described his decision to merge with the national party as a ‘win-win' situation. Members of the Praja Rajyam's Political Affairs Committee and 10 of its 18 MLAs attended.



Mutually beneficial



He said the thought of joining hands with the Congress was initially tough, but one that he later found to be mutually beneficial. This was because of the reality of a political climate where no single party could get a majority and when coalition politics were inevitable. “People have to understand the political truth,” he said, expressing satisfaction that leaders and cadres were behind him.











Mr. Chiranjeevi added he had put forth some conditions at his meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi, before announcing the merger. “I wanted assurances on Polavaram project and Pranahita-Chevella project too, apart from asking for strict monitoring to ensure that funds meant for welfare of the scheduled castes and tribes were not diverted and others, 11 in all and Ms. Gandhi agreed,” he added.



Senior leader C. Ramachandraiah said he would strive to get political, social, educational and economic recognition for the neglected sections as only then would they be called truly empowered. Party leader T. Manohar read out a resolution that said all partymen would abide by the decision of the president and that in future too, they would be with him. The gathering approved the resolution.



Among those who also spoke were MLAs Vanga Geetha, Anil Eravathri, senior leaders Kotagiri Vidyadhar Rao and B. Veda Vyas.



They said that given Mr. Chiranjeevi's popularity in other States too, he would play a pivotal role in improving the Congress' prospects and would be the party's choice as Chief Minister in Andhra Pradesh.

Party decision on MLC candidature irks Yedla

VIZIANAGARAM: Five days ahead of polling to MLC (Graduate Constituency), the Telugu Desam Party received a jolt from Yedla Ramana Murty, the party's State joint secretary and Vizianagaram ZPTC member, who announced that he would distance himself from active politics in the district.




Mr. Murty, however, said he would continue in the party as an ordinary member.



Announcing the decision at a press conference at his residence on Monday, Mr. Murty said that he had taken the decision with a heavy heart as the party polit bureau member P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju and district president Kolla Lalitha Kumari did not recommend his candidature for the MLC (Graduate Constituency) post even after he expressed his desire.



He said that he had been with the party since its inception and worked as mandal parishad president and district president in the past whereas his contemporaries served as ministers and MLAs.



Show of strength



He said that he wrote a letter in this regard to party president N. Chandrababu Naidu and submitted a copy to Mr. Ashok.



Mr. Murty made it a point to demonstrate his strength in Vizianagaram Assembly constituency.

Jupalli vows to quit for Telangana

MAHABUBNAGAR: Endowment Minister Jupalli Krishna Rao said that he would submit his letter of resignation to the Governor as per the norms if the Center failed to introduce Telangana bill in the ongoing Parliament session.




Speaking to media person here at DCC office on Monday, Jupalli Krishna Rao who received rousing welcome from the Congress activists at several places right from entering the district at Kothoor, said that he wanted to abide by his announcement at Osmania University few months ago that he would resign to his post of Minister if UPA government failed to take a favourable decisions on Telangana.



He disclosed that he wrote a brief letter along with his resignation to AICC president Sonia Gandhi in which he explained her as what the people of Telangana wanted. “Even if party and Chief Minister do not accept my resignation, I will submit my resignation to the Governor as per norms, the moment it become clear that Center is not inclined to introduce Telangana bill in the Parliament during the ongoing Parliament session.



Mr. Krishna Rao said he has given a fitting reply to Eluru MP Kavuri Sambashiva Rao, by submitting resignation, who at a press conference commented that Telangana Ministers and MLA's would not survive even for ten minutes without posts. He advised Kavuri to abstain from making such comments against Telangana leaders or else he had to face the wrath of people of the region.



Mr. Krishna Rao said that the Justice Srikrishna committee report was prepared under the influence of leaders of ‘Seemandhra'. “The report is full of lies and wrong conclusions” he commented.



Krishna Rao said that eleven political parties including main opposition party in the Parliament were supporting introduction of a bill favouring Telangana State and added that the recent 17-day-long non-cooperation movement undertaken by State government employees has made all the political parties in the country to think positively on creation of Telangana State.



He said unnatural movements created by capitalists of Seemandhra would have no impact on creation of Telangana State.



Local MLA N. Rajeshwar Reddy said that they would submit their resignations for MLA posts on March 12, to high command at Delhi.

Labourers' ordeal ends

Rescued bonded labourers from Orissa taking shelter at the hostel in Nalgonda on Monday.



NALGONDA: The 156 bonded labourers -- 53 men and 51 women -- from Orissa who were rescued by the Nalgonda district administration will be sent back on Tuesday by train. They were being taken care of at the Social Welfare Boys Hostel here and were provided food and medical care.



RDO Padmakar, supervising the arrangements, told The Hindu that the labourers belong to Bolangir, Bargargh and Nuwunbada districts in Orissa. Ten children were taken to Kamineni Hospital at Narketpally for check-up, also to ascertain their age. This would facilitate filing of cases under the Child Labour Act against owners of two brick kilns at Anneparthi village -- Chand Pasha and Ramanaiah -- where the labourers were employed. The Labour Department initiated action against the two for violation of the Migration of Act and the Minimum Wages Act.



Meanwhile, some of the labourers alleged that they were assaulted with sticks by the goons of both Chand Pasha and Ramanaiah, besides the police. Udenath Sahu (30) who was hit on the chest, said he had suffered bleeding wounds.



Aksheye (17), Dilip (30), Suresh (50), Bheem (48), Sukru Sahu and Revati Sahu, wife of Dilip, were among those who were allegedly beaten up. While Sukru Sahu was unable to lift his right hand because of the pain, Revati said she suffered bruises on the left thigh and on her hands when she tried to intervene when her husband was being assaulted.



They alleged that the brick kiln owners did not honour the promises made to Orissa contractor/middleman of making payments and providing facilities while recruiting. When this was raised by them both resorted to abuse and attacks.



NGOs help



After suffering the ill-treatment three weeks ago, the labourers, aided by some NGOs, decided to complain. Chand Pasha and Ramanaiah also lodged counter-complaints, leading to expose in several local TV channels of the sordid happenings in the kilns.

Ailing child fails to get Arogyasri benefits

G. Jaise



SANGAREDDY: G. Jaise is a four year old girl who does not understand what the future holds in store for her. But the parents who know are silently weeping in helpless condition.



Jaise is a resident of Chinnagundavelli village in Siddipet mandal and is suffering from a cardiac problem. Her parents Nagamma and Venkat are daily wage labourers.



In the recently held Rachabanda programme, they applied for a health card and were issued a temporary health card covering the family under Arogyasri on February 12. The card No is 171617561235.



The issuance of card has naturally raised their hopes for a better cashless treatment for Jaise. But their hopes were dashed. “We went to the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) twice after getting the temporary health card but of no use. We were forced to pay Rs. 4,000 as bed charges and Rs. 5,000 for tests. It is quite against what we heard about Arogyasri,” says Venkat worrying when his daughter would get the required treatment.



Venkat claimed that they had taken their daughter to Care Hospital twice earlier but were unable to get her treated due to financial problems.



“The amount at NIMS was paid only after one of my relative came to the rescue. If not, I would have had to run away. The staff at NIMS said that I have to pay charges as long as my daughter stays in the hospital. That is why we returned home. Why free treatment is not being extended to my daughter?'' asks Venkat, who has spent almost Rs. 20,000 so far for her treatment.



When contacted, Dr. S. Bhaskar Rao, district coordinator of Arogyasri, said that the case did not come to his notice. He said that the parents of Jaise can contact the ‘Arogyamitra' at the government hospital at Siddipet for assistance.



“Let some one come to the rescue of my daughter and get her treated immediately,” urges Ms. Nagamma.