Political News

Singer Kalpana-Hope of 16 lakh bhojpuri speaking people

2008-07-14T23:23:00.000+05:30

Singer Kalpana-Hope of 16 lakh bhojpuri speaking people

This singer Kalpana is making it big in the small screen. She is one of the strong contender of NDTV IMAGINE’s new musical reality show JUNOON…..Kuchh Kar Dikhaane Ka ! Kalpana is represent the folk team “Maati Ke Laal”, presenting folk songs from UP/Bihar/ Assam .

The show started with a very grand opening by dashing ever charming talented actor Hritik Roshan. Hritik’s presence in the show revealed the glamour of the show. The show is hosted by none other than the legend of silver screen Annu Kapoor. His presence shows the deftness of the show.

Illa Arun represented Kalpana from folk group as Triveni of river Bhramaputra and Ganga as she has taken the responsibility of three states-UP, Bihar & Assam. Kalpana’s performance of bihu of Assam was the greatest hit. She was asked by Illa Arun to sing Bhupen Hazarika’s hit song Manuhe Manuhor Babe and got great applaud from the judges and the audience.

Says Kalpana, I am from northeast, ASSAM . Northeast is a reservoir of talent but it hurts when people consider the region different from India . She feels that north-eastern India is a reservoir of talent but it has not been given due recognition because the region suffers from a sense of geographical and social alienation. She is 'hurt' that many people do not consider the northeast as a part of India . For example, in the television music talent hunt reality shows contestants from our region do well. And the nation must realise that they (participants) reach there because of their talent, not favouritism. I want the rest of the country to cherish it, but respect for the region is lacking,' KALPANA told. Kalpana holds the local residents equally responsible. 'Talents from the region are not being recognised. To a certain extent, we (northeast residents) are also responsible for it because we don't remind them about our potential.

But without any support she made it big in Mumbai film industry. She has truly confirmed that language has no barrier. It would be injustice to put a tag (Bhojpuri Singer) on Kalpana. If we correctly analyze she can really sing in different languages.

Says Kalpana,I had no support or godfather in Mumbai .But thanks to the people of UP & BIHAR who gave me full support and made Kalpana a big name in Bhojpuri music industry. She says, today with this show JUNOON people are getting to know the richness of Bhojpuri music. I wish if Laluji extend his best wishes & moral support to promote Bhojpuri as he is the only international super star.

Kalpana’s get up, her performance, her confidence and above all her signing in the show is mind-blowing. She is the most versatile singer. What a tremendous power & performance Kalpana has. Kalpana, you are a very big bridge in between Assam & Bhojpuri. You are the voice of 16 lakh Bhojpuri speaking people. I some times suspect that how u pronounces such good Bhojpuri language. Anyways keep it up... I pray God to make you NDTV's Junoon Champ. All the mentors including Annu Kapoor ended up with commenting Kalpana as a complete package of performance & singing.

By : ASHOK BHATIA P .R.O. 09221232130

2008-07-14T23:21:00.000+05:30

Shradha Sharma Signed By G.P.Sippy Film

50 films in forty five years is no mean achievement and there is no stopping G.P.Sippy Multimedia as they unveiled their plans for fourteen movies in the next two years in association with Boutique cinema. Present on this occasion was their chairman Ajit Sippy and Sunil Khosla with Vibha Khosla ( both directors of Boutique Cinema) A Three film contract was signed with Siddarth Koirala and Shradha Sharma (of "Saathi' fame in star plus). After "Anwar", this would be Siddarth's next foray into Bollywood and Shradha would be making her debut on the big screen with this venture. In the past supersatrs like Shahrukh Khan, Rajesh Khanna, Raveena Tandon and many others were launched by G.P. Sippy Multimedia. Even the famed "Gabbar" of Sholay, Amjad Khan was launched by this production house. "Jab Luv Hua ", scheduled to be launched in july 2008 is also the first digital film.

Chiru's "PRAVASA VAARADHI" coming to Chicago

2008-07-09T23:50:00.000+05:30

Chiru's "PRAVASA VAARADHI" coming to Chicago

"PRAVASA VAARADHI", our Sixth International SPARC Meeting by the Pravasa Chiranjeevi Organization, USA on Sunday, July 13^th 2008 at Bloomingdale, IL in support of Padma Bhushan Dr. Chiranjeevi. Pravasa Chiranjeevi Organization has conducted more than 25 events in USA including a successful 5K Walk-a-Thon in California, huge gatherings in Dallas, New Jersey and Los Angles and a NRI Ratha Yatra from Tirupathi to Srikakulam in raising the awareness and support for Padma Bhushan Dr. Chiranjeevi as our Leader for the state of Andhra Pradesh. As we all know the character, determination and the service minded nature of Dr. Chiranjeevi, We want to portrait the need of a Great personality and better direction in the form of Dr. Chiranjeevi for the development of our state in all respects. We invite you all for your royal participation and make this event a grand success in Bloomingdale IL.

Venue: Bloomingdale Court Theatre (Funasia Theatres)

324 West Army Trail Rd, Bloomingdale IL 60108

Date & Time: Sunday July 13^th 2008, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM

Event Type: Free Shankar Dada Zindabad Movie & SPARC Meeting

Click here for online free registration of the event - http://PravasaChiranjeevi.Org/chiru/chicago_event.htm

On-site Registration will start at 10:30 AM on Sunday, July 13^th 2008 at Bloomingdale Theatres
Short video of Padma Bhushan Dr. Chiranjeevi and also the past events conducted by Pravasa Chiranjeevi Organization will be screened.
Mega Producer Mr. Allu Aravind garu and Mega brother Mr. Nagababu garu will address (video conference) the gathering
Lunch will be provided to all the participants

Noted NRI educationalists, IT professionals, Entrepreneurs and Doctors from different parts of USA will be addressing the gatherings and share their views and open brainstorming session will be conducted to collect the ideas of all the attendees. International SPARC Sessions would mainly focus on the following topics and the role of Pravasa Chiranjeevi Organization and the support of our NRIs

1. Social and Economic change

2. Current Education and Health care systems

3. Best way for the most utilization of the natural resources and self sustainability

4. Present distribution model in all walks of life and how we can minimize the middle man for the betterment of the Hardworking man and woman or the formers

Pravasa Chiranjeevi Organization, USA welcomes you all with your families and friends to participate in the International SPARC (Socio-Political Analysis & Research Center) Meet. For more information, registration and volunteering, please visit www.pravasachiranjeevi.org or

For More details, please contact:

Narasaiah Vadranam @ 678-612-6714, Srinivas Lottala @ 314-374-5375,

Ms. Rajani Akurati @ 630-674-4633, Kishore Pula @ 615-496-2351,

Suresh Mandala @ 913-549-0699, Madhu Vengala @ 309-530-3486 and

Pawan @ 309-363-5274

Playing a character in the film ‘Daughter’ is a unique experience: Actress Rucha

2008-07-09T23:15:00.000+05:30

Playing a character in the film ‘Daughter’ is a unique experience: Actress Rucha

Producers Dr. Medha Mehandale and Manasi Mehandale are soon coming up with their first Hindi film ‘Daughter’. They are also introducing an eighteen-year-old sweet and bubbly girl Rucha who they are sure of winning the audience’s heart. Rucha has been very fortunate to be working with Vikram Gokhale, Reema and Padmini Kolhapure in her debut film itself. Along with being the co-producer of the film, Dr. Manasi Mehandale has also given her voice in one of the songs. Recently we met the main lead of the film Rucha during the promotion of the film. Here are some excerpts of an interview with her:-

* How did you develop an interest in acting?

Director Viju Mane, known to our family, was making a film in Marathi by the name ‘Gujiri’. He proposed me to do a special appearance in this film. I was not too sure of taking up acting that time. I was only 15 years old and thought of giving it a try. Acting excited me a lot even though I had a lot to learn. I thoroughly enjoyed acting and that’s where started off with it.

* Which are the films that you have done after ‘Gujiri’?

As I mentioned earlier, I had never understood acting that well, hence never took it very seriously. Also I didn’t want acting to be my career. I did it as my hobby only. I always wanted to become a doctor and even today I am busy with my related medical studies. That’s how I did not take up any film assignments after ‘Gujiri’. Even today my first preference is to become a doctor.

* Since your mother is also a doctor, is that why you wish to become a doctor?

My mother is definitely my role model and I have received all my inspiration from her. I strongly aspire to become a doctor and have my dream come true.

* How did you get an opportunity to work in ‘Daughter?’

Again through Director Viju Mane. He approached me with the script of ‘Daughter’ when I was in college. Even then I was too confused whether or not to do the film. Later when he narrated the script of the film to me, I was very happy and decided to do it. My passion of being a doctor and my hobby of acting met together through the film. Today I can proudly say that I am a part of a film like this.

* What have you felt in and through the film ‘Daughter?’

‘Daughter r’ is a very unique film. It is very different from the normal league of films. This film is based on adoption of those infants who are left alone by their parents due to various reasons. It is a story of such kids who spent their lives in ashrams and grow up with people who they understand to be their parents. The film has various emotions along with being a very fun filled one. It is a very beautiful message that the film is giving to its audiences.

* In this film you have worked with stars like padmini kolhapure and ayub khan along with Vikram Gokhale, Reema, and Arun Nalawade and Vinod singh. How do you feel working as a lead along with these stars?

In the film ‘Daughter’ I play an orphan girl whose name is Rucha. A girl whose grand father leaves her to live in an ashram since a very tender age of an infant. As she is growing she is adopted by Vikram Gokhale’s family and she goes and stays with them as a trial of 20 days. She gets love and affection from some and hatred and in affection from the others. The story is about how this young and innocent girl copes up with all the circumstances that she is put in. The character of Rucha is very strong by itself. Hence playing the same was not very difficult. Also the director always inspired and supported me for doing better. It became an easy job to do in the midst of these stars as my colleagues.

* The film has thrown light on couples that are against adoption?

Yes, the film reveals the existing shortcomings of our society, the existing mentality of the people of today’s century who consider money and wealth much above love and affection towards orphans.

Yes, before the shooting for the film began, I visited an orphanage in Thane. There I saw children like Rucha and understood their thought process. You can call it my homework for the film. It was a very touchy experience.

* Any remembrance during the shooting of the film that you would like to share with us?

Oh yes. I remember the first day of my shoot for the film. It was scheduled for 4:00 pm. I was to give the first shot and it rained quite heavily. Due to the delay the first shot happened only at 12 in the night. I had to appear smoking a cigarette in the shot. After the shot, we realized that I was holding the wrong side of the cigarette in my mouth. To be frank, I was quite nervous.

* Who are your favorite stars from Bollywood?

I like madhuri dixit and hrithik roshan a lot.

* Which directors do you wish to work with?

I wish to work with Mr Rakesh mehra who directed ‘Rang De Basanti’ and with Mr. Shamit Amin who directed ‘Chak De India’. Getting an opportunity I would also like to work with Aamir Khan and ShahRukh Khan.

* As an actor what are your aspirations?

I am only 18 and ‘Doctor’ is ideally my first film. I have got a great experience working in this film. It is a unique film with a very challenging role for me to do. I wish to do more of such challenging roles in other films as well. But as I mentioned earlier that I wish to become a doctor, I need to first fulfill that dream of mine. Mean while my acting career will keep going.

Chiranjeevi Shouldn't Miss Bus, Sorry The Train!

2008-01-10T16:32:00.003+05:30

Mega Star Chiranjeevi has great fan following in Andhra region and that is known for all. Adding to that he reserves Nizam rights of his films with him as the collections will be very strong. So he has great fan following in Telengana region too. If the things move on according to second SRC, there would be scope for materializing separate Telangana. That becomes a big chance for Chiru to make his hold in both the states!! For that he needs to come into alliance with KCR.

Now the assumptions are making rounds that Chiranjeevi would carry some interesting decisions along with KCR with respect to capturing Telangana region votes in coming elections. On the other hand he has to assemble his team to hit the mission with broader vision. As the elections are coming up in less than 15 months, it is high time for Chiranjeevi to make up his team and work accordingly. Otherwise he may miss the bus, sorry the train as said by Allu Aravind.

Let us see what happens.

Chandrababu Licking Minorities As Time Has Come

2008-01-10T16:32:00.002+05:30

Chandrababu Naidu started his campaigning at minority communities now. He is seen wearing Topis on banners in old city and Muslim dominated areas. It is known that he does this campaigning in big way once in 5 years just before a year for elections.

"The Muslim population also knows that he curry favors their leaders during this time and wishes to maintain friendly relations with them. And for rest of the years he will not show his face for them. So, it's season for Chandrababu to please minorities as per his agenda. But good thing is that he used to keep Charminar glowing with attractive lights in his reign", says Waqar Shiek, a shopkeeper near Charminar.

So Babu is now in the process of attracting Khans and Sheiks in old city.

Mayawati's Gun Pointed Jayaprada Instead Of Chiru

2008-01-10T16:32:00.001+05:30

Uttar Pradesh chief minister and Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati has spoken against film actors and actresses, because she does not know much about the film industry. Uttar Pradesh does not have a film industry of its own. All the films that are screened in Uttar Pradesh are shot in Mumbai. There's no film actor or actress worth his or her name who has settled down in Uttar Pradesh. Though film actor Amitabh Bachchan is from Allahabad, he had left the place long ago. In fact he left the place when he was a child. Moreover, Amitabh Bachchan is very close to Samajwadi Party president and former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Mulayam Singh Yadav. Incidentally Mulayam Singh Yadav is against Mayawati. So Mayawati has inherent hatred for film actors and actresses built in her.

Neither she nor the BSP requires the support of the film industry to sustain in Uttar Pradesh. The only film industry personality she is fully acquainted with is none other than Andhra Pradesh's Jayaprada. She is now the MP from Uttar Pradesh. But here too, the problem is that Jayaprada is from BSP's enemy Samajwadi Party.

Moreover, Mayawati has no stakes in Andhra Pradesh. Except for a brief political appearance now and then in Hyderabad, Mayawati has no interest in Andhra Pradesh. She came to Hyderabad for the public meeting only to keep her flocks together. She is fully aware that the BSP will never form a government at the Centre on the strength of votes it gets in Andhra Pradesh.

Political observers feel that Mayawati's statement was more directed against Jayaprada rather than Chiranjeevi. For, Jayaprada is a crowd-puller in Uttar Pradesh.

'Dasari Is A Venomous Snake'-Posani! Beware

2008-01-10T16:32:00.000+05:30

Although Posani shouted loud in TV channels about his film 'Apada Mokkulavadu', he bagged more curse than sympathy, say the sources. He dragged Dasari Narayan Rao into this issue and made big news in TV channels. But industry people are saying that Dasari is like a snake!!!!

"Dasari Narayana Rao is like a venomous snake. He is very dangerous. We don't know if Snake really holds 'paga' (wish to take vengeance) but Dasari will certainly take his 'paga' on the people who turn against him. He only looks out for right time. Dasari has been keeping ANR at bay from the past 15 years without talking to him as he talked against him in an occasion. Hence while giving ANR award for Shabana Azmi recently, Dasari called for another attractive meeting for journalists. Obviously media journalists went to Dasari's meeting and didn't cover ANR award function. Dasari's intentions go that way. Posani will certainly eat his cake for keeping a tiff with Dasari", said a film personality in Film Nagar last night.

Let us see if that really turns out to be true.

Is Chiru ready to pay 50k crores?

2008-01-10T09:47:00.001+05:30

For some weeks mega star Chiranjivi is hitting the headlines of many Telugu dailies. As each day passes by, Chiru's speculated entry into state politics is getting quite intense driving many politicians crazy.

What started as a game of speculation between many local news channels is actually assuming some serious political consideration given the actor's own game of wait and see.

Whether Chiru actually takes the holy plunge into the dirty politics or not it has some how made the winter of deccan plateau quite hot.

Off late, it has been the turn of all and sundry to script their own foreseeable action scenes on the political screen.

Disgruntled congressmen who could not fill enough of their purses in the mega projects the Chief Minister has initiated in the last three and half years of his rule are now trying their mega best to annoy their high command by making the mega star a Chief Minister designate even before he has set his sights on the ballot box.

The plight of telugu tamullu in the Telugu Desam Party is even more pathetic. Confronted with Telangana sentiment, party rank and file all over the state are increasingly getting polarized on the separation issue. Surely, with the possible entry of coastal boy Chiru the shelf life of their party is likely to expire even before the T-State is announced.

The baby elephant in Andhra wished to grow as big as its mom in theUP state, but Chiru's chilipi cum chinna tammudu has played the spoilsport for the mega dreams of the mega sister. behenji Mayawati annoyed with such chilipi tantrums has not spared the rod on her little brothers for playing truant with her. Hence her outburst shunning the naach gaane wale actor brothers as being unfit for public service.

For the lotus party, the waiting in the murky waters seems to be unending saga. The mega star still seems a mystery. However, for TRS chief, it is like waiting to see which side of the bread chiru is going to butter. Left Parties, having been dreaming since a long time for a third front, Chiru own rylu bandi could once again prove just a day dream best left behind.

Having said so much about the established political parties, lets see what it costs the mega star to gain his entry ticket. A political kitten called T G Venkatesh, of rayalaseema iykya vedika, well known for his obsessive opposition to T-State is now demanding from the mega star Chiranjivi to pay a compensation of Rs.Fifty thousand Crores to seema for actively considering joining politics which could potentially break up the united state of Andhra Pradesh.

Fact Sheet: Moily threatens dissidents

2008-01-10T09:47:00.000+05:30

Congress high command has conveyed the message to the dissidents that there would be stern action against them, if they speak against the party interests. AICC incharge of AP affairs Veerappa Moily, who brought the message, said serious action would be taken against Congress leaders airing anti-party and Government statements in public and asked them to use party fora to air their grievances.

Obviously, he was referring to the statements of Narasapuram MP Ch Harirama Jogaiah welcoming Chiranjeevi. Moily said Jogaiah spoke to him and he was asked to come to Delhi on Thursday. He expressed alarm over the growing indiscipline in the party and leaders were airing of views on corruption in Government and on Telangana publicly. He also described, as "prima facie false" charge by a leader corruption was rampant in Government.

Behind The Scene: Kaka warns high command

2008-01-10T09:46:00.000+05:30

Even as Veerappa Moily warned the party leaders of stern action for speaking against party interests, his colleague in the Congress Working Committee and the party deputy floor leader in the Parliament G Venkata Swamy predicted trouble for the Congress if the party failed to announce Telangana six months before the ensuing elections.

He termed the proposed move to constitute the second SRC as unjustified. "We all including Chief minister Dr YS Rajasekhar Reddy have left the Telangana issue to the discretion of the AICC president Sonia Gandhi. It is time the party high command should spell out its stand on Telangana. The party will sink in the next elections if it fails to come out with a categorical announcement on separate Telangana," he said.

"I had already conveyed the feelings of the people to Sonia Gandhi when I met her after the appointment of Rahul Gandhi as the AICC general secretary, he said and added that Sonia smiled quietly in response to his suggestion. The people of the region are looking forward to Sonia Gandhi for a positive decision on Telangana, he added.

City Buzz: Airport ready, roads are not!

2008-01-10T09:43:00.000+05:30

The new Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Shamshabad is all set to be opened on March 16, but the roads leading to the airport are still in a bad shape.

Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy is very much worried over delay in road connectivity to new Airport. At a meeting on Wednesday, he shouted at the Ministers and officials concerned and asked them to ensure completion of the pending works before the d-day.

Officials assured that road connectivity will be completed by large before the opening of airport and the P V Narasimha Rao expressway by September 30.

The Chief Minister wanted posting of police personnel all through the road from city to airport to ensure smooth travel for passengers. He asked Commissioners of Hyderabad City and Cyberabad Police to see that there should be no traffic congestion to and fro the airport once it becomes operational.

Buzz: Chiru's Will be a Family Party!

2008-01-09T11:08:00.000+05:30

Mega star Chiranjeevi's proposed political party will be nothing more than a "dynastic rule" like that of the Telugu Desam and the Congress. There will be no democratic procedures in the film actor's political party as and when it is announced. To begin with, Chiranjeevi's political party will be led by 1) the film actor himself, 2) his younger brothers, 3) his son and above all 4) his brother-on-law. Since all these five people are from the film industry, they all will participate in the election campaign and in public meetings to popularize the new political party, in case it is formed at all.

The top five positions in Chiranjeevi's party will be occupied by himself, his brothers, his son and his brother-in-law. So anyone who wants to occupy an important position in the new political party will have to be contented with positions down No. 5. If Chiranjeevi wants to keep his son away from politics for the time being, then the outsider, who will be the luckiest one, will have to accept the position No. 5.

And this is precisely the reason why Chiranjeevi is not getting the backing he needed from his own caste leaders or from seasoned politicians. They do not want to play second fiddle (in fact it is the fifth fiddle) to Chiranjeevi. Unless Chiranjeevi announces that he will keep his family away from the new political party, in case he chooses to announce one, there will be no political future for the film star's outfit.

People are already fed up with family rule in the Congress and the Telugu Desam. The TRS leadership is also treading the path of the Congress and KCR has brought his son to succeed him.

Second SRC rumours put KCR in trouble

2008-01-09T11:07:00.000+05:30

All of a sudden there was a report in a TV channel that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has cleared the proposal for the constitution of the second States Reorganisation Commission. But the news later turned out to be just a hoax. There was no truth in the report. But it has stirred up all major political parties and senior leaders in the backward Telangana region. The Telangana Bhavan, headquarters of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi, which is spearheading the cause of separate State for Telangana, started buzzing with full of activity. There was no one to either confirm or deny the report. Frantic calls were made to New Delhi from Hyderabad and senior leaders kept glossed to TV screens for any update on the second SRC.

As the day progressed, the TV channel stopped its news report and the Central government has clarified that no such orders were issued on the second SRC.

TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao was seen quite busy. In fact all political parties except the Congress are against second SRC. The TRS, though it had signed an agreement with the Congress prior to Assembly elections that it would abide by the second SRC, had later backtracked and it now does not want any new States Reorganisation Commission, The TRS wants Telangana to be declared unilaterally by the Cabinet without having gone through the regular and established procedure. So in this backdrop the TV channel created fuss among Telangana leaders, particularly those in the TRS and the Congress.

Behind The Scene: Telangana state soon?

2008-01-09T11:06:00.002+05:30

New Delhi: The Congress has in principle decided to request the UPA government to set up a second states reorganization commission (SRC) to look into formation of some new states, including Telangana. The move is designed to beat the anti-incumbency effect that the ruling party will have to counter in the 2009 general elections.

Despite the PM’s Office denying TV reports on Tuesday and asserting that there is no such move, highly placed Congress sources told media that a formal letter would be written by Congress president Sonia Gandhi to PM Manmohan Singh very soon, requesting the UPA government to set up a second SRC.

Sources said the AICC general secretary in charge of AP, M Veerappa Moily, is arriving in Hyderabad for a meeting with Youth Congress leaders and the issue of second SRC is expected to figure in his talks with state party leaders. The first SRC was set up in 1955; following its report, states were reorganised in 1956.

A delegation of the Telangana Regional Congress Coordination Committee is likely to meet party president Sonia Gandhi next week and according to sources, the announcement of formation of a second SRC may come up after that.

The second SRC would take up demands for the creation of Telangana (AP), Vidarbha (Maharashtra) and trifurcation of UP. “While the demands for Telangana and Vidarbha have been on for some time, UP CM Mayawati has supported the division,” a Congress leader said.

While there are demands for smaller states, the second SRC would consider only the three above mentioned demands, the sources said. Thus, the pleas for creation of smaller territories like Gondwana (Chhattisgarh), Gorkhaland (West Bengal), Kodagu (Karnataka), Bodoland (Assam), Ladakh (Jammu and Kashmir), Garoland (Meghalaya) and Mithilanchal (Bihar) would not be taken up.

Hillary wins NH primary to regain momentum

2008-01-09T11:06:00.001+05:30

Washington (IANS) Former first lady Hillary Clinton has won the Democratic presidential primary in New Hampshire with 39 percent of the vote, with 73 percent of precincts counted.

All three major US cable news networks late Tuesday declared her the winner over Senator Barack Obama who conceded defeat after receiving 36 percent of the vote in the intra-party election.

Speaking immediately afterwards, Hillary told cheering supporters: "You deserve a president who stands up for the people." She promised to "end the war in Iraq the right way" and "to restore American credibility throughout the world".

John Edwards came third among the Democrats, polling 17 percent, DPA news agency reported.

Senator John McCain, a backer of the US troop build-up in Iraq, won the Republican poll.

Vietnam war hero McCain, 71, claimed victory with 37 percent over former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, once the New Hampshire front-runner, who ran second with 32 percent.

"Tonight we sure showed them what a comeback looks like," McCain exclaimed to a cheering crowd of supporters in Nashua, New Hampshire. "We celebrate one victory tonight and leave for Michigan tomorrow to win another."

New Hampshire, a small northeastern state, traditionally holds the first primary in US presidential election year. Michigan holds the next contest on Jan 15 in the series of state-by-state votes to determine the Republican and Democratic nominees.

'Andhrajyothy' Continuing Its Chiru Business

2008-01-08T14:55:00.000+05:30

Andhra Jyothi has only one mission and that is presenting Chiranjeevi's news as regularly as possible. As the news is hot it is keeping on cashing on the same. While Eenadu has been conventional in its approach in presenting news on Chiranjeevi, Andhra Jyothy is placing him on the banner almost every alternate day. The News daily also conducted a survey on the ins and outs of Chiranjeevi entering politics.

Although Eenadu claims it to be the largest circulated News Daily that proves to be situational basing on this explanation by a News Stand owner.

He says, "We bring 50 Eenadu and 50 Andhra Jyothy every dawn. Generally they will be sold by afternoon and Andhrajyothy by evening. These days we still find Eenadu unsold till the evening and Andhra Jyothy selling off in the morning itself if Chiranjeevi's picture is seen on the banner".

That is an evident for the selling power of a News Paper that puts Chiranjeevi's picture on its banner.

Bucknor sacked, Harbhajan can play in Perth Test

2008-01-08T14:49:00.000+05:30

Melbourne(IANS) Team India heaved a sigh of relief as controversial West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor will not be officiating while Harbhajan Singh can play in the third Test against Australia in Perth starting Jan 16, the top International Cricket Council (ICC) official announced here Tuesday.

In a hurriedly convened press conference at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), ICC chief executive Malcolm Speed said that Billy Bowden of New Zealand would replace West Indies' Bucknor, an Elite Panel umpire. Pakistan's Asad Rauf will join Bowden in Perth.

Speed said that some people would be unhappy with ICC's decision at India's insistence to remove Bucknor.

"I can understand that people will take that view," he said. "It is an extraordinary set of circumstances and we want to take some of the tension out of the situation."

The move comes a day after the Indian cricket board drew the ICC's attention to the horrendous umpiring mistakes that cost India the Sydney Test Sunday.

Umpiring was one of the two issues India were unhappy with following that match, along with the three-Test suspension imposed on off-spinner Harbhajan.

The off-spinner was Sunday suspended for three Tests after he was found guilty of racially abusing Australia's Andrew Symonds in Sydney by allegedly calling him a "monkey".

India have appealed against the ban, and a fresh hearing is to be held.

But Speed could not say when that hearing would be held. He was hopeful it would occur before the next Test, starting Jan 16.

If the hearing on Harbhajan's ban was not held before the start of the third Test, the Indian off-spinner would be eligible for the match in Perth, Speed said. The ICC chief executive was hopeful India's tour would continue, but could not guarantee that.

Speed said the ICC needed to take a "pragmatic view" towards the issue, and needed to be "flexible" to resolve the crisis.

He was confident Bucknor, 61, would umpire again at Test level. Speed said match referee Ranjan Madugalle, the former Sri Lankan captain, would be appointed as a mediator between the Australian and Indian sides.

Meanwhile, a racism hearing against Australian spinner Brad Hogg will also go ahead, after the Indians alleged he called captain Anil Kumble a "bastard" in Sydney. Hogg's hearing will be held some time before the third Test by match referee Mike Procter.

Speed said Procter and an ICC-appointed code of conduct commissioner would re-hear the Harbhajan case, with the witnesses to be called again.

Behind The Scene: And now Babu has his own "TV"

2008-01-08T11:13:00.002+05:30

Former chief minister and Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu will not leave anything to chance when it comes to seeking publicity. How long could he depend on others for publicity? So after launching his own TDP Radio on the internet, Chandrababu Naidu has started his own TD news channel. This TV news channel is quite different from all the existing ones in that the TD leadership simply picks up press conferences/meetings covered by various electronic media, and put them up on Youtube. So you have Chandrababu Naidu speaking on a variety of subjects on the Youtube. The electronic news clippings are updated almost on hourly basis and those visiting the Telugu Desam's official website can go through the Youtube links.

Though the Telugu Desam's electronic "brain" PNV Prasad had left the party long ago, Chandrababu Naidu continues to get innovative ideas. So Chandrababu Naidu has with him, 1) TDP radio and 2) Youtube links. If one wants to hear Babu's speech, he or she may listen to the TDP radio and if one wants to record or watch Babu in action, just visit the TD website and click on the youtube link concerned.

With elections round the corner, Chandrababu Naidu has been trying his best to derive maximum political mileage and publicity for all his actions. Interestingly, the meetings of other senior TD leaders are also available in both audio and video format.

YSR sees no threat from Chiranjeevi

2008-01-08T11:13:00.001+05:30

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh chief minister Dr YS Rajashekar Reddy today said that new political entities like the one expected to be floated by Telugu film star Chiranjeevi or the Bahujan Samaj Party would not be a factor in state politics. Chiranjeevi is the biggest film star after NT Rama Rao in Telugu filmdom.

“We are the reigning champions, as they say in sports. We will be challenged in next year’s general elections. For the past 25 years, it has been between the Congress and the TDP. Now if there are new challengers, it will be good for us as it will further reinforce the fact that we are the champions. Frankly, the more the merrier”, he told the close aides who spoke to the media.

Dr Reddy was closeted with them to figure out the impact Chiranjeevi would have as he belongs to the Kapu community. The Kapus have largely voted for the Congress but with Chiranjeevi’s entry, the Congress leaders fear that they would choose him en masse.

Dr Reddy discounted this theory. He referred to a couple of recent surveys he had ordered to find how communities choose their parties. “For instance, the TDP is perceived as a Kamma community party, but over 40 per cent are consistently voting for us. The Congress is seen as a Reddy community party, but one third are with the TDP. The trend is the same among all other communities. Even in Gujarat, 30 per cent of the Muslims voted for the BJP,” he reportedly said.

Aides pointed to the trend across the country that when a second regional party emerges, the Congress always has been the loser. Dr Reddy said this is a fact in states like Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. He gave the watershed years for those states and the leaders who played out their roles.

“At that period, in none of these places, there was a strong state Congress leadership. The second is that there was substantial dissatisfaction with the Congress. The situation is exactly the opposite in AP”.

“The Congress here is more of a regional party. Issues like free power, housing, free health insurance and land distribution are all the state’s initiatives done in consultation with the party high command. Thanks to Mrs Sonia Gandhi, we are a strong leadership in the state. And never in the past was the party mechanism such a well oiled machine as it is now,” he said. Significantly, Dr Reddy said that Chiranjeevi was attempting to fill in the political vacuum caused by the TDP.

“Mr N Chandrababu Naidu is getting increasingly desperate, which means he will make more mistakes in the run-up to the elections,” he said.

Sureedu is Telugu Desam's Corruption Target

2008-01-08T11:13:00.000+05:30

Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy's personal security guard and confidante Sureedu is now the prime target of the Telugu Desam, which is spearheading a State-wide campaign against corruption in the Congress government. The TD leadership has zeroed in on Sureedu and Sarasa Devi on the DPEP scam. The TD has put up the pictures of these two persons along with another scamster V Subrahmanyam on the internet with the headlines that corruption in the Congress government.

As the TD has now decided to launch a door-to-door campaign against corruption, party leaders will increasingly use the names of Sureedu, Subrahmanyam and Sarasa Devi, along with their photographs.

It seems bad days are ahead for these influential people, who have thus far been calling the political shots. It is to be seen whether the Telugu Desam's campaign will be successful and the people will show scamsters their rightful place - jail. But all this will happen only when the person who heads the government has the political will and guts to do so.

Even if the Telugu Desam comes to power, it will not initiate action against these scamsters for the simple reason that no one in politics is clean enough to initiate criminal proceedings against the other.

A youth wing for Chiru even before the party!

2008-01-08T11:12:00.000+05:30

"Aloo ledu, choolu ledu, koduku peru Somalingam," goes a Telugu saying. Even before Chiranjeevi formally announced the launch of his political party, some enthusiastic political activists representing various parties have formed into Rashtra Chiranjeevi Yuvata.

The organization got itself registered and the leaders have started bombarding the media offices with statements, criticizing the critics of Chiranjeevi. For instance, the Chiranjeevi Yuvata leaders took strong objection to the comments of Roads and Buildings Minister T Jeevan Reddy against Chiranjeevi's plans to enter politics. In a statement, the organization vice president Sreeramula Suresh, state executive member M Navin Kumar, town unit president G Hari Prasad alleged that the ministers were showing the signs of frustration on the very indications of the proposed entry of Chiranjeevi. They are worried over their fate once Chiranjeevi enters into politics, they alleged. "Politics is not the domain of a few. A will to serve the people is the basic prerequisite in politics", they remarked.

Meanwhile, several leaders are already in the race to join hands with him, with a hope that they would get the party tickets in the next elections.

Several discontented leaders of the main political parties, NRIs and even some officials are making desperate attempts to develop rapport with the actor to test their political fortunes. A few Karimnagar based NRIs who are living in the US also called on the actor recently with an offer to muster support for him overseas.

10 jokers in Andhra state politics in 2007

2008-01-07T16:05:00.000+05:30

Normally we look at politicians to guide our destiny and design our policies; but in today's politics we come across a large number of buffoons in politics for variety reasons. Deccan Post takes a look at 10 jokers in state politics in 2007 who will be remembered for their foot in mouth remarks, timidity and double speak.

Dreams bite dust
Popularly called MSR, this septuagenarian Karimnagar legislator is one person who never misses an opportunity to express his frustration that CM YS Rajasekhara Reddy ignored him. First, he lost his job due to an endowments land scam and then he was not rehabilitated properly.

Boastful of being AICC general secretary three decades ago and PCC president, MSR always aspires for the moon and gets a lollipop. His trident attack on CM after another Velma senior leader J Ratnakar Rao was made minister has only lowered MSRs’ image. Of course, his second term as APSRTC chairman is no substitute to his gubernatorial dreams.

K K misses bull’s eye
Widely called KK, this maverick Congress leader is best remembered for his jack- in- the box image. People even recall his controversial remarks as education minister in Anjaiah’s cabinet in 1980s that Maths and History were unimportant to students.

After spending ages in wilderness, KK made it to forefront on Congress echelons thanks to Telangana issue. A shrewd man, KK first began his rehabilitation as activist of Telangana Regional Congress Committee and then quickly changed track and became an acolyte of YSR.

This first fetched him the coveted PCC president job and along with it came the Rajya Sabha seat. In the last one-year, we have seen him swinging on Telangana issue suiting his convenience. His blabber earned him more enemies within the party.

But, all machinations came to an end abruptly. One bullet shot from his son’r revolver which claimed the life of a young realtor has forced him to shut his mouth. He not only lost the PCC job, but also the confidence of YSR and the party high command. KK’s sudden fall has only exposed how vulnerable he has been all these days.

Rewarded for barbs
This Shadnagar Congress MLA has demonstrated how power-hungry Congress legislators are. After being denied a cabinet berth, this former minor irrigation minister went on a verbal rampage and hit out at YSR in true Congress style. For a few days, he offered free entertainment to people by venting out his frustration.

Of course, the party high command has its own reasons for keeping him out. Shankar Rao’s father-in-law and MP G Venkata Swamy is a deputy leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, and his brother-in-law G Vinod, a state cabinet minister, so a post for the third member from the family was unlikely.

Shankar Rao even went to the extent of joining hands with other dissident legislators like late PJR and Shashidhar Reddy, famously called Hyderabad brothers. And suddenly, one day he stopped his attack on the CM. Guess what? The CM, a shrewd politician sanctioned a mega tourism project to Shankar Rao on the Mahbubnagar highway, close to the Outer Ring Road. This deal has benefitted Shankar Rao by hundreds of crores, thanks to the rising land prices. He need not have asked for more, nor could he have achieved by becoming a minister.

‘Narada’ Narayana
So far, we have been faced with scarcity of comic leaders from the Left camp. Now this irrepressible comrade from Chittoor district has filled that slot. Known for his pragmatic ideology and cosy lifestyle,

K Narayana is in race to hog limelight on par with his more serious colleague in the bandwagon BV Raghavulu.

Narayana made a fool of himself by publicly eating chicken on Gandhi Jayanti day, when ahimsa is preached. The CPI state secretary could have simply said he had no faith in rituality. But, aping bourgeoisie politicians, he took a vow not to touch non-vegetarian for a year.

Since then, people have begun closely watching Narayana’s moves. A Congress MLA pointed out that the CPI leader had broken his vow, while others say he is eating eggs and omelets (will Gandhians approve of this?).

Not just that. His impromptu comments on third front and Chiranjeevi too have raised eyebrows. On one hand, he is eager to join hands with Chiranjeevi, and on the other also doubts the scope of third front. Narayana, tipped to lead the state for some more time, will end up with more antics.

Nagam loses shine
This bald and bold TDP heavyweight used to carry some credibility within his party. But, alas, these days no one takes him seriously and one can see him fretting and fuming. However, his histrionics in the assembly have made him indispensable to party supremo Chandrababu Naidu.

This Nagarkurnool legislator and former minister considers himself as TDP’s answer to YSR, as he is the only senior Reddy leader in the party. At least, he is the deputy leader of TDP in the assembly. But, Naidu has doubts about the lawmaker’s abilities.

To prove him right, Nagam goofed up the Obulapuram mines issue, which his party thought was a golden opportunity to nail the ruling Congress government.

Dr Reddy who was member of an all-party delegation, which visited Obulapuram mines, was expected to expose mines baron Gali Janardhan Reddy, on illegal mining. Due to his tactlessness, and petulant behaviour, Nagam failed to carry along other opposition leaders.

Apart from that, he even failed to prove beyond doubt the irregularities going on in the mines by the owner as well as the government. Thus, he lost an opportunity and an issue to the party.

Guest artist
Once hailed as Lady Amitabh, Vijayashanthi is struggling to lead a small outfit, Talli Telangana. A very successful heroine, Vijayashanthi initially thought that she would be a smash-hit with people of Telangana by just launching a party.

However, this was not the case, she realised after looking at the situation she had landed in. Before floating her own party, TRS leaders KCR and Narendra wooed her on the one hand, and BJP top brass led by Advani on the other.

The actress has now limited her appearance to occasions like Bonalu festival or a quick padayatra in a city slum. Last time she was spotted at Nilofer hospital where she held a baby and decried that people of the backward region were suffering because of the junior doctors’ strike. As is her wont, Vijayashanthi may take a long break before her next public appearance. Is this the way to be in politics?

Gone with the wind
Maverick, marauder, and Man Friday - all rolled into one. This angry and not-so young man has lost his way this year. Famous for his political analyses and poll predictions, Prakash Rao earned his proximity to YSR solely by attacking TRS supremo KCR and MSR, who too belong to the Velma community.

In the beginning, Rao aspired to emerge as a tall leader within the Congress, but ended up as a point man of YSR or his advisor KVP Ramachandra Rao. Gone Prakash Rao is supposed to have tricked in some DCC presidents from Telangana districts to submit a memorandum to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi that they do not consider Telangana a major issue.

Now, Prakash Rao’s mission is to tarnish the image of Nizamabad Congress MP and AICC secretary Madhu Yashki Goud. The Parliamentarian’s growing proximity to Rahul Gandhi and clout within the party may have prompted Prakash Rao to this mission.

By digging Goud and his kin’s involvement in fake documents to travel abroad, Prakash Rao is only harming the interests of his own party. But, people are not ready to believe that he can do these things on his own. From being a young Peddapalli MLA on Sanjay Vichar Manch ticket in 1978, Rao has been reduced to a semi-employed clown in political circus. What a fall!

No holds barred Ganga
The firebrand Mahila Congress president and MLC is a woman in hurry. She was badly looking for an issue to score a brownie point with YSR. Then came Telugu Mahila leader Nannapaneni Raja Kumari’s remarks against CM that YSR was a “broker”.

To demonstrate her loyalty, Ganga Bhavani led a group of women activists to the house of Raja Kumari and held a dharna there. When tempers ran high and situation turned violent, police stepped in. She threatened to “cut the tongue” of Raja Kumari. Ganga Bhavani justified her aggression on the ground that she cannot stand any criticism against YSR. She cannot stoop lower than this. However, Ganga Bhavani is considered being close to MSR.

An attention seeker
This hyper sensitive north-coastal TDP former minister is known for his now-on-now-off spirits. Once a member of shouting brigade in the assembly during 1989 and 1994, Sitaram often slips into inertia and becomes moody.

His recent release of list of Reddys who were appointed to various nominated as well as official posts by CM has betrayed the sense of frustration in TDP camp. But unwittingly Sitaram made people think of another dominant community, Kammas, during TDP period. This he would not have imagined.

Moreover, his warnings to TDP leadership on internal bickering too were made light by his own party leaders. He opposed TDP supporting a Congress rebel during MLC elections, but backtracked later. Sitaram’s attack on Union minister and NTR’s daughter D Purandareswari too have made him a laughing stock.

No longer isht devta
Many expected a bright future to G Kishan Reddy, who began his political apprentice as Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. A day never passed without him hitting media headlines in mid-1980s. A quick learner saffron brigade, Kishan Reddy swiftly changed loyalties.

First he was with Baddam Bal Reddy, later CH Vidyasagar Rao, then Dattatreya and finally M Venkaiah Naidu. He learned the tricks of the trade fast, but, in the process lost his self-image. Being a leader of two-member party in the assembly, Kishan Reddy should have been a big hit. But, thanks to his self indulgent and withdrawn attitude, he lost the opportunity.

Kishan Reddy was in tears in the assembly when Speaker KR Suresh Reddy made a casual remark about him. He offered to quit the assembly, but no one took him seriously. That is Kishan Reddy.

Behind The Scene: Jayaprada eyeing on AP?

2008-01-07T10:29:00.001+05:30

Samajwadi Party MP and heroine Jayaprada seems to be toying with the idea of coming back to Andhra Pradesh politics and play a bigger role in developing the party here.

New Delhi sources say Jayaprada is fed up with the Uttar Pradesh politics and she knows that it would be extremely difficult for her to retain her Rampur seat in the next Lok Sabha elections, in the wake of growing influence of UP chief minister Mayawati in her constituency. She might try for a Rajya Sabha seat, but there are several contenders within Samajwadi Party.

So, the best way is to return to Andhra Pradesh, join hands with either Telugu Desam or if the situation demands, with Chiranjeevi's new political party, so as to remain active in politics. Who knows, people of Andhra might even crown this glamourous woman!

Ramoji Rao Advised Chiranjeevi Not To Start Party

2008-01-07T10:28:00.001+05:30

This is the news from inside sources that Ramoji Rao talked to Chiranjeevi for quite a long time before the demise of Konidela Venkat Rao. He met him to give an advise for not to start party. He explained all ins and outs for Chiranjeevi and elucidated how he loses if he enters politics now. He said it seems that 2009 would be an year for TDP.

He added, "If you start party now, people get confused and Congress takes advantage of that. Congress is trying to color that the fight will be between only Congress and Chiranjeevi and TDP wouldn't be in priority. By this kind of indoctrination Congress would take an advantage. The ultimate loser will be you".

However, Congress people are openly talking about Chiranjeevi and welcoming his entry stating that the loser will be TDP. Majority of Telugu population is holding the same opinion now.

‘It won’t be a cakewalk for Chiru in politics’

2008-01-07T10:27:00.000+05:30

Hyderabad: The Left parties are game to the idea of entry of Chiranjeevi into active politics but refuse to play ball—at least for now—on the likely impact he will create on the political firmament in the state. Both CPM and CPI are of the opinion that it augurs well for the state if more number of parties and players enter the political arena.

However, the leaders of both the parties are not ready to accept that mega star Chiranjeevi - for that matter BSP’s Mayawati - will make inroads into the base of the parties. All they say is people will have a wider choice, and hence they welcome Chiru’s entry. Quoting CPM strongman Prakash Karat, CPM state secretary B V Raghavulu says the next elections will be far more decisive if only the proposed party by Chiranjeevi comes out with a clear-cut ideology, programme and policies.

Refusing to hazard a guess on his party’s stand in case Chiru floats a new party, he said: “It will be premature to comment.” Playing the cards close to his chest, he said the Left parties have always welcomed a third alternative provided the policies and programmes are in tune with the CPM ideology.

“Whatever be the final political scenario, the Left will have a very decisive role to play in the months to come,” he said. The CPM got 1.84 per cent votes in the 2004 assembly elections and won nine out of 14 seats it contested. Joining the issue, CPM floor leader Nomula Narsimhaiah said the Congress due to its anti-poor and anti-farmer policies has landed itself into a difficult situation in this election year. “It will not be a smooth sailing for the Congress this time round,” he says.

Preferring to play it safe, CPI general secretary S Narayana told ‘TOI’ that people were unhappy with the present leadership of the Congress and the TDP, giving rise to the third alternative option. “Though more players — whether it is Chiranjeevi or Mayawati — are welcome, they will not be able to make a dent in the two Left parties,” he admitted.

“We are not expecting any dramatic developments as in 1983 when NTR established TDP and swept to power,” he said. The CPI got 1.55 per cent of the votes in the 2004 poll and won six out of 12 seats it had contested.

The TDP had polled 37.59 per cent as against 38.56 per cent votes received by the Congress. The BSP had polled 1.23 per cent of votes and emerged as the seventh largest party though it had won only one seat, forfeiting in the remaining 159 seats it had contested. However, the BSP had polled more votes.

Behind The Scene: PJR death clears VHR's way

2008-01-07T10:22:00.000+05:30

Khairatabad MLA P Janardhan Reddy's sudden death has increased the stakes of Rajya Sabha member V Hanumantha Rao in the Hyderabad Congress politics.

PJR's follower, who feel orphaned after his death, are of the view that VHR is the only person they can rely on. Leaders like Secunderabad MP Anjan Kumar Yadav, PCC general secretay Nirajan and many others, who do not accept the leadership of Greater Hyderabad Congress Committee president Danam Nagender, are now rallying behind VHR, who is also more vocal and independent like PJR.

Indications are that VHR would play a more active role in the State politics, if he is not given the PCC chief post. With his proximity to the national leadership, he might emerge as a major centre in the State Congress, sources say.

Pawan responsible for BSP leader's ouster

2008-01-07T00:16:00.000+05:30

Film actor Pawan Kalyan, who always remains in the midst of controversies, on Sunday proved too costly for BSP State leader Nalla Surya Prakash. According to informed sources, Surya Prakash has been replaced by BSP national president Mayawati. Though the reason behind the sudden change in the State BSP leadership is not officially known, sources point out that the BSP central leadership was quite angry at the role played by Surya Prakash, both in Pawan Kalyan issue and in the entry of TRS (N) leader A Narendra into the BSP. Surya Prakash has hogged all the limelight. He announced that Pawan Kalyan was joining the BSP. He said he had photo documentary evidence to support his claim.

There were also reports that film star and Pawan Kalyan's brother Chiranjeevi was projected by the BSP State president as the future chief minister of the State. Mayawati, who was apparently unhappy over her party's State unit leader going too far and taking his own decisions on crucial issues, decided to teach him a lesson. So she replaced him with some one who would toe her line of thought and would not create problems for her.

Political Talk: Babu puts stop to T talk

2008-01-07T00:15:00.000+05:30

Former chief minister and Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu has virtually gagged the mouth of party leaders on the controversial Telangana issue. For the first time, Chandrababu Naidu made an open statement at a press conference at party State headquarters NTR Bhavan that Telugu Desam leaders and activists should not speak anything, good or bad, on Telangana. He also told them to approach him if they have to say something on the Telangana State.

Chandrababu Naidu's statement comes in the wake of reports that TD leaders from Telangana are divided on the demand for a separate State for the backward region. The TD supremo had faced certain embarrassing moments when media flashed the differences in the top leadership of the Telugu Desam on as crucial issue as the division of Andhra Pradesh to form a separate State for Telangana.

The TD chief could not hide his anger but made efforts to control it. His statement is a warning to senior leader T Devendar Goud and others to mend their ways if they had to remain in the Telugu Desam.

So there will be no T talk in the TD forums henceforth. One has to wait for Chandrababu Naidu's "appropriate time" to arrive for the TD chief to make a Telangana statement on his own.

Film stars can only sing and dance: Mayawati

2008-01-07T00:14:00.000+05:30

Hyderabad: Launching the Bahujan Samaj Party's foray into Andhra Pradesh politics, its leader and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Sunday made it clear that there was no place for film stars in her BSP.

Addressing a well-attended public meeting at the Nizam College grounds here, she urged people not to fall to the spell cast by film actors. 'The film actors can't serve the society. They can only dance and sing,' she said amid applause by the crowd.

Mayawati said the BSP was against admitting film personalities into the party in Uttar Pradesh and all other states, and asked party leaders in Andhra Pradesh not to make any attempt in this regard.

'BSP has no place for film actors. This is against our policy,' she said.

The BSP leader's comments are significant in view of the speculations that Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi could join the BSP or the party could invite him.

The clarification also came amid reports that Chiranjeevi's younger brother Pavan Kalyan, himself an actor, was keen to join the BSP. The party's state leaders had claimed a few days ago that Pavan Kalyan held talks with them.

Speculations were doing round since Sunday morning that Mayawati could call on Chiranjeevi to offer condolences after the death of his father. No such meeting took place and the BSP leader set the record straight at the public meeting.

Chiranjeevi, who is also engaged in some social activities, has a huge fan following in the state and his aides recently hinted that he would soon launch a political party.

During her hour-long speech, Mayawati repeatedly urged weaker sections of this southern state to replicate the Uttar Pradesh formula to gain political power in the state and at the centre to improve their socio-economic conditions and help BSP create a casteless society.

She promised to give separate statehood to Telangana region if the BSP formed government in New Delhi. The public meeting saw parliamentarian from Medak A. Narendra merging his Telangana Rashtra Samiti (Narendra) with the BSP.

Mayawati appealed to dalits, minorities and poor among upper castes to reject the Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), their allies and some regional parties, and said these parties were responsible for exploiting them since the independence.

'You (weaker sections) are an overwhelming majority but the Congress, BJP and their allies which ruled the country and the states during the last 60 years followed a policy of divide and rule. They divided you all these years and made you feel that you are in minority,' she said.

Buzz: Opportunist Jogayya Licking Chiranjeevi!

2008-01-06T16:10:00.002+05:30

Narsapuram Congress MP Chegundi Harirama Jogaiah has once again proved that he is the No. 1 opportunist in politics.

Being a Congress MP, it is totally unbecoming of him to say that Chiranjeevi is the next chief minister of the state. Hitherto, Harirama Jogaiah has been creating embarrassing moments for the Congress party with his separate Andhra slogan and he even went to Sonia Gandhi demanding separate Andhra State. He has been picking up arguments with the other Congress MPs too on this count.

Those who know the history of Harirama Jogaiah can recall that he is not a true Congressman. He joined the Telugu Desam; later moved into Congress; took a somersault into the Bharatiya Janata Party and then returned to Congress to become an MP. He is now once again contemplating taking a plunge into the Chirajeevi party, hoping that his Kapu caste would get him into the good books of Megastar.

Jogaiah incurred the wrath of the party high command for his unsavoury comments. If the Gandhi Bhavan sources are to be believed, the days of Jogaiah are numbered in the Congress.

Chiru's Security Officers Are Informers Now!

2008-01-06T16:10:00.001+05:30

Now, everywhere the buzz is about Chiranjeevi. Freshly, the government of Andhra Pradesh provided Chiranjeevi with VIP security. This is the first time that a celebrity has been given this type of security. Experts believe this to be a ploy to keep track on the megastar's political activities. So, the security officers act as informers for Government.

There is a clear indication that the state government has put an eye on the star. Sources also confirmed that intelligence agencies have been asked to keep an eye on Chiranjeevi's activities. This is one of the main reasons why the government of Andhra Pradesh provided to Chiranjeevi a VIP Security all of a sudden. This is the first time in the history of Andhra Pradesh that government has provided this type of security to a Celebrity. Presently only the cabinet ministers have been provided this type of security.

The government seems to be too cautious of the Telugu superstar's political plans. And that is why, though, Chiranjeevi has made his stand clear regarding his political entry, the party in power seems a bit worried.

Even political analysts believe that the security is nothing but to keep track and have the state intelligence agencies keep an eye on Chiranjeevi's activities.

Why Chiranjeevi Hugs Gaddar And Holds

2008-01-06T16:08:00.000+05:30

Hugging Gaddar is equal to that of hugging Maoists. Although there are split of opinions among Maoists about Gaddar, on a whole he is being treated as Chief Campaigning Singer of them. Many of Maoists feel that Gaddar is a 'collection-king' who earned big amounts moving with politicians. Gaddar is such a man who pleases the people in front of him with mere looks and smile accompanied with well behaved nature and modesty.

Chiranjeevi likes Gaddar as a poet-singer first and he is continuing the 'hugging-scenes' ever since his inclination for entering into politics was turned strong. Whenever Gaddar meets Chiranjeevi he wouldn't adjust with hand-shake. He takes liberty to hug him. And Chiranjeevi also hugs Gaddar and holds for a few seconds allowing media cameras to record clearly.

Gaddar has very good crowd-pulling capacity and if things are planned well, who knows, he may be useful for Chiranjeevi as well.

Chegundi's remark creates uproar in Congress

2008-01-05T21:25:00.001+05:30

Hyderabad - The prediction of senior leader and Congress MP Chegundi Harirama Jogaiah that Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi would become the next chief minister of Andhra Pradesh has sparked a row within the ruling party with its leadership seeking an explanation from him.

The party's state unit has come down heavily on Jogaiah, member of Lok Sabha from Narsapur constituency in coastal Andhra, for saying the actor would storm the state politics and blow away Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy's development mantra.

Acting president of the party's state unit G.S. Rao told reporters Saturday he had sought an explanation from Jogaiah. 'How can he criticise the chief minister of his own party?' wondered Rao.

He said while Jogaiah's prediction of Chiranjeevi becoming the next chief minister could be his personal view, it was not good on his part to comment that Rajasekhara Reddy's term as chief minister would last only a few days.

Jogaiah, however, stuck to his guns and warned Saturday that he would quit both the post and the party if he were issued show cause notice on the issue. He said if Chiranjeevi launched a party, he would join it.

Jogaiah had stated Friday that people of the state were waiting eagerly to see Chiranjeevi in the chief minister's chair and no force on earth could stop him from occupying that position.

He said the actor would have equal popularity in all the regions of the state. He claimed Chiranjeevi had the image of 'Mr. Clean' while all established political parties were 'polluted'.

The MP, like the actor, belongs to the Kapu caste and hails from coastal Andhra. He has been favouring bifurcation of the state against the wishes of the party leadership. He predicted that Chiranjeevi's reported stand in favour of statehood to Telangana would have no backlash in coastal Andhra and Rayalseema regions.

This is the first time that the speculations of Chiranjeevi's entry into politics have created a stir in the ruling party.

Other close aides of the chief minister were quick to hit back at Jogaiah. Revenue Minister Dharmana Prasad Rao said Reddy was the real hero for the poor, who were able to have two square meals because of him. 'Cinema glamour cannot wipe out the popularity of the chief minister.'

Another minister T. Jeevan Reddy said if Chiranjeevi wanted to serve people he should focus on social activities. 'Where is the need of floating another party?' he asked.

Chiranjeevi's fans, the Kapu community and leaders of different groups are keeping their fingers crossed as the actor has said he needs more time to decide on taking a plunge into politics. He has appealed to his fans to be patient while his advisers have hinted that he will soon announce formation of a new party.

Fact Sheet: Roja Shouting On Roads Again!

2008-01-05T20:31:00.000+05:30

Film actress, sorry former film actress, Roja is once again on the roads. This time she appeared in Vijayawada. Ever since she took over as the Telugu Mahila president, Roja has been taking up some or other agitation to draw the attention of the Congress government. But quite often she failed in her efforts and won the wrath of not Congress leaders but from her own Telugu Desam cadre.

Whenever Roja takes up some agitation, she annoys the Telugu Desam cadre to the extent that they lose temper and start shouting slogans against her. Not deterred by the protests, she has now taken up a mega agitation in Vijayawada. The issue is the murder of a minority girl studying pharma course in Vijayawada. A week has passed and the police are still clueless. Roja has become angry over the delay by the police in identifying the culprits and the State government to come to the rescue of the victim's family.

Roja blocked the roads in Vijayawada. Though she hails from Rayalaseema and has political stakes in the backward region, she wants to become quite popular in coastal Andhra and Telangana too. She is taking up similar agitations all over the State to ensure that TD president N Chandrababu Naidu gives him the TD ticket in the next Assembly polls.

NRIs express confidence in Chiranjeevi

2008-01-05T12:54:00.002+05:30

NRIs express confidence in Chiranjeevi

The members of Progressive Telugu Forum( PTF) embarked on a mission to bring in awareness of the current political scenario in Andhra Pradesh and the essence of new party with Chiranjeevi as the leader. They have started an online petition for the NRIs to offer their support by welcoming Chiranjeevi to provide Change & Hope to the state of Andhra Pradesh.

As part of its national campaign "Change & Hope with Chiranjeevi" they organized its sixth event in Los Angeles, CA on 30 Dec 07. They have conducted similar events in Dallas, Houston , Virginia , New Jersey and Bay Area. These events received tremendous support from all the cross-sections of the NRIs and everyone expressed their confidence in Chiranjeevi and extended their solidarity for the formation of new political party.

PTF would be conducting similar events in all the major cities of US. For more information on the topics discussed and upcoming events, please visit www.chiruforap.com or call Shekhar Seera at 805-754-0517 or Ram Tatineni at 214-551-2467.

Members of PTF request to provide your support to Chiranjeevi's new party by attending these meets and voicing out your opinions. If you are not able to attend, please visit www.chiruforap.com and support Chiranjeevi by signing the online petition.

Please forward this to all interested persons and encourage them to be a part of Chiru Phenomenon, which will bring new light and hope for the people of Andhra Pradesh.

Nostalgia: NTR Demanded For Kantha Rao

2008-01-05T12:54:00.001+05:30

An incident took place before the shooting of the film 'Lava Kusha', the first color film in Telugu. Shankar Reddy was the producer of the film and he didn't like Kantha Rao to be Lakshmana. He thought to pull in some other actor for that role. But NTR demanded for Kantha Roa to play the role of Lakshmana. Later when the film was released, it turned super hit and Kantha Rao was given an award in National Level for his role. Kantha Rao shared such nostalgic flavors in his biography 'Anaganaga Oka Raja Kumarudu'.

Kantha Rao also said that NTR used to like him a lot. In fact both of them acted together in the films like 'Ekaveera' as well. And there are numerous films in the filmography.

Kantha Rao's biography was released on his 85th birthday in Hyderabad.

Keep off politics, YSR tells Chiru

2008-01-05T12:49:00.001+05:30

Now that it is more or less certain that Megastar Chiranjeevi will be floating a new political party, Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy has started his own efforts to prevent Chiru from venturing into politics.

On behalf of YSR, his aide and advisor K V P Ramachandra Rao went to the 10th day ceremony of Chiru's father late Konidela Venkat Rao and had a brief chat with the Megastar. Sources close to the Chief Minister say KVP had conveyed YSR's message to Chiru, which is loud and clear: "Please do not mess up the political atmosphere in the State by entering into politics."

According to these sources, YSR conveyed to Chiranjeevi that the latter would not gain anything by entering into politics at this stage, as the Congress is not facing any major anti-incumbency situation right now. In fact, the Congress is sitting pretty in most parts of the State, except in Telangana and some parts of Andhra. And if Chiranjeevi enters politics, he could only split the votes of all parties, resulting in a hung Assembly. Therefore, there is no possibility of Chiranjeevi coming to power on his own.

"So forget about politics. Seek whatever you want including land for a studio free cost. If you are interested in politics so much, join the Congress and I will see that you get elected to Rajya Sabha," YSR told Chiru. And the reply was a mere smile!!

Fact Sheet: Letter diplomacy by Mallu Ravi

2008-01-05T12:49:00.000+05:30

Former MP and State government's special representative in New Delhi Mallu Ravi is moving heaven and earth at the State and the Centre to get into the good books of the Congress high command and become the Pradesh Congress Committee president.

With Chief Minsiter Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy blowing hot and cold over his candidature, Ravi thought the best way to impress upon the high command is to get as many recommendations as possible in his support. So, he is asking every leader close to him to write a letter to Madam Sonia Gandhi recommending his name for the PCC chief post.

Among those who had written letters to Sonia Gandhi include Madiga Reservation Porata Samiti leader Manda Krishna Madiga, Union Ministers Sushil Kumar Shinde, Meera Kumar and Motilal Vohra. He is now running after Governor N D Tiwari asking him to right a letter to Sonia Gandhi recommending his name.

Devender Goud to fight it out on Telangana

2008-01-05T12:48:00.000+05:30

Telugu Desam deputy leader in the Assembly and senior MLA T Devender Goud is understood to have decided to fight it out with his boss N Chandrababu Naidu on taking a stand on the formation of separate Telangana.

Desam sources say Goud is bringing pressure on Naidu to take a positive stand on Telangana, as every political party is now reconsidering its view on the issue. He even went to the extent of telling mediapersons in Warangal the other day that the party was seriously deliberating the issue of separate Telangana and would soon take a decision.

It looks like Devender Goud is taking the Telangana issue as an alibi to shift loyalties to Chiranjeevi. He reportedly told Naidu that even the Megastar is likely to take a positive stand on Telangana and therefore, the TD cannot remain in isolation. "So better take a quick decision, or else, the Telangana leaders in the party would have no future," he is learnt to have told the TD president.

Chiranjeevi Wants To Confuse People and Win?

2008-01-04T18:33:00.000+05:30

Mega star Chiranjeevi has the ways and means of floating a political party and sustain it- Electoral victory or defeat notwithstanding. But the film actor, who is regarded as the Badshah of the Tollywood, has been dillydallying the issue and is in deep political dilemma on his future political plans.

Why? The answer is quite simple. Whether one likes it or not, the mega star is not mustering enough will-power and self-support to announce his political intentions. Or in other words, he is not politically strong enough to take a step this way or that way. The film star has set his eyes on the seat of the chief ministership and wants to grab it any way. But his dilemma is that he may have to bite the dust if he faces political and electoral defeat in the May 2009 elections. He wants a straight victory, which is very difficult to predict these days. The last celluloid person who could make political and electoral waves in the country was late NT Rama Rao. After him there's no charismatic leader enough to capture the hearts of voters.

The mega star knows this fully well. So he is releasing political trailers quite often dropping a hint or two about his political and electoral intentions. In the meantime, his brother Pawan Kalyan too had released a trailer about his plans to join the BSP.

This is all nothing but to confuse the voters. A confused voter cannot decide for whom he should vote. Chiru wants to win the polls through confused voters and not through enlightened electorate, as political analysts put out.

Chiranjeevi Tremors In TDP and Goud As Dy CM

2008-01-04T18:25:00.002+05:30

Chiranjeevi tremors are shaking TDP. The much worried person is now Devender Goud who is about to hit Warangal with the event 'BC Garjana' on 23 rd of this month. Now the task on the shoulders of Devender Goud is to control the BC drain towards Chiranjeevi. BC Vote bank has been very crucial for TDP all these years and now that is going to affect in big way.

Inside sources say that almost all the cell phones of all party leaders are busy since this evening as they were discussing further plans to combat Chiranjeevi wave. The coming days will prove to be testing time for many political parties all over the state, say political analysts.

TDP leaders know that it is the opposition party that suffers when a new party comes into light. TDP is bound to lose lot of seats for Chiranjeevi's party and above all that there are chances that many of BCs would jump into Chiranjeevi's party from TDP. Inside sources say that Chandrababu sent a feeler from Gujarat that Devender Goud may jump out with Chiranjeevi.

That is true indeed. Inside sources say that Devender Goud is holding negotiations with Allu Aravind putting a few conditions. "I come along with you. I need Dy CM seat when we come into power. If separate Telangana materializes, I need complete hold on the region"-is the tentative dialogue of Devender Goud with Allu Aravind. The response of Aravind is yet to be known. On the other hand TRS is planning to come into negotiation with Chiranjeevi to share Telangana seats on 60:40 bases (60% for Chiranjeevi and 40% for TRS). Let us see what happens.

Nannapaneni Plays Drama With PJR's Death

2008-01-04T18:25:00.001+05:30

Senior TD leader Nannapaneni Rajakumari has nothing to do with the internal affairs of the ruling Congress. As one belonging to the main Opposition Telugu Desam, Rajakumari has every right to comment on public issues but not on the internal fighting in the Congress, unless she has some ulterior motives or political considerations.

The issue now is the death of former legislator and senior Congress leader P Janardhan Reddy. He died in the very presence of Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy though the latter was not aware of the fact that PJR had suffered a massive heart attack. Rajakumari is the only political leader in the State who has been blaming Rajasekhar Reddy for the death of Janardhan Reddy. She alleges that medical facilities were not provided to the former Khairatabad legislator immediately. "The chief minister's ambulance was very much available on hand but it was not utilized", she said.

So Rajakumari has a grouse against Rajasekhar Reddy and hence she has been repeating this issue wherever she goes. All this is because of the greater Hyderabad municipal elections.' Make PJR hero and YSR villain and get political mileage for the Telugu Desam' is the strategy now. Will this strategy of Rajakumari work?

In the evening, a television channel conducted an SMS poll asking the viewers opinion on Nannapaneni’s drama at PJR’s residence. And 90 per cent of the viewers condemned Nannapaneni’s vitriolic attack on YSR!

Is Narendra Taking foolish Decisions?

2008-01-04T18:25:00.000+05:30

Former Union minister A Narendra is now changing colors fast. Yes, we are talking about the political colors. But he does not want to quit his membership to the Lok Sabha. What would be the Reason? He says he did not quit the LS membership when he resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party before joining the Telangana Rashtra Samithi. "When I did not resign then, why should I now," he questions.

Strange political logic indeed! Only the likes of Narendra could offer such reasons or excuses to survive in politics.

He also says the TRS is not a political party but a platform to achieve separate Telangana State. So when he had shifted from the BJP to the TRS and now to the BSP, he feels that he had just changed platforms and not political organizations. So the question of anti-defection law does not apply to him.

Narendra, who did not talk about the "welfare" of Christians and Muslims when he was in BJP and TRS, now wants proportionate political representation to be given to them. He says he will take up political positions in BSP which does not attract the provisions of the anti-defection law.

Narendra is going to join BJP in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP Chief Mayawati. It is to be seen how the two leaders will go hand in hand and whether Narendra will be able to sustain the "authoritarian" attitude of Mayawati. He says Mayawati has promised him separate Telangana and hence decided to sail with her. We may get a thought, 'who is Mayawati, after all, to talk about Telangana and promise the division of Andhra Pradesh'. What political status or following does she enjoy in the State? BSP as things stand will not be able to capture power either at the Centre or at the State and thus her "promise" of separate Telangana has to be taken with a pinch of salt. And Narendra has gulped this "salt" many a time in the past.

Usha: 'What Chiranjeevi Can Do To AP?'

2008-01-04T18:24:00.000+05:30

3 letters have started a new epoch in AP politics in 1983. It is needless to say that those letters are N T R. People praised to the skies that the era is going to be Rama Rajyam. Entire state was in mass hysteria. The screen god became the Chief Minister as a cake walk. But was there Rama Rajyam? If giving rice for Rs 2 a kilo can be termed as Rama Rajyam, yes that was Rama Rajyam. If giving a yellow shirt and green knickers for Rickshaw pullers were Rama Rajyam, yes, NTR's era was a Rama Rajyam. If announcing prohibition initially but later setting up Government Liquor Hubs with a great nomenclature 'Varuna Vahini' can be termed Rama Rajyam, yes that was Rama Rajyam. On a whole, it's the faith, following and mania those decide the righteousness of a person of leaders. N T R brought identity for Telugu and 'Telugu vari atmagouravam' in international scenario. That is true and holds no dispute. N T R brought that identity and confidence for 6 Cr-population. As a successor Chandrababu also brought identity for Andhra Pradesh as a hub for world standard software technology. One cannot raise finger in that aspect.

But no body is immune to vote bank politics. Be it NTR, Chandrababu, YSR -everybody is bending for vote bank politics. Indian political scenario is in such a miserable position that Rs 2 kilo rice is still a vote pulling mantra. Politicians are becoming millionaires, multi millionaires and reaching unbelievable height sin acquiring properties. But still they are pulling common man votes by throwing Rs 2 kilo rice. Which politician could become a statesman and change this scenario? People know only one thing. Chandrababu earned Rs 10,000 Cr in his political career. YSR earned a few thousand crores in his era. Jayalalitha is worth Rs 5000 Cr in Tamilnadu. Chidambaram is also worth Rs 2000 Cr as per grapevine. The funniest part is that many of Chowdharys are patting themselves saying Babu has Rs 10,000 Cr property and Reddy's are putting glowing faces saying YSR has Rs 20,000 Cr. What about the common man? He is still running for Rs 2 kilo rice. Where is development? Where is welfare? Elections have become a child's play in India.

Will Chiranjeevi change this scenario? Can he start a new epoch that stands impressive and inspiring? Can he become a real life Muta Mestri and Tagore for AP? Then his entry into politics would certainly make great sense.

Vizag to be developed on par with Kolkata, Chennai

2008-01-04T02:04:00.004+05:30

Visakhapatnam: The coastal city of Visakhapatnam would be developed on par with Kolkata and Chennai, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Thursday while promising the people to look into their demand for setting up an international airport in the city.

Addressing a public meeting, the prime minister also assured them that he would look into the demand for establishing in Visakhapatnam an Indian Institute of Management.

Stating that the city was emerging as a key industrial centre, Singh held out an assurance of all assistance from the central government to improve the civic infrastructure.

While agreeing to look into the demand for an international airport, the prime minister said efforts would be made to operate round-the-clock flights from the existing airport. "As far as making the airport operational for 24 hours is concerned, the ministry will be asked to operationalise this at the earliest opportunity," he said.

The existing airport is under the control of the Indian Navy, which has its eastern naval command headquarters here. Flights from this airport are operated only during daytime and the airport also faces the problem of frequent flooding during rains.

Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, in his speech, urged the prime minister on behalf of the people of the state to sanction an international airport for the city.

Manmohan Singh, who was here to inaugurate the Indian Science Congress, also interacted with members of women self-help groups and lauded their efforts to fight poverty.

Earlier, he allayed fears about the future of state-owned Bharat Heavy Plate and Vessels (BHPV) Limited. He told a delegation of ruling Congress party leaders that the cabinet decision on making BHPV a subsidiary of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited was final and there was nothing to worry over it.

The delegation led by former chief minister and Visakhapatnam MP N. Janardhan Reddy called on Singh late Wednesday.

The prime minister also told the delegation that Neelachal Ispat Nigam Limited would be merged with Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, to solve the raw material problem faced by the latter.

The delegation demanded setting up of an Indian Institute of Management and other premier educational institutes, separate railway zone with Visakhapatnam as headquarters, and expeditious setting up of a Knowledge City on the city outskirts, and a petrochemical complex near Achuyutapuram.

Political Talk: Chiranjeevi Party In March-2008

2008-01-04T02:04:00.003+05:30

Chiranjeevi has fixed muhurtham for announcing his party in March 2008. He expressed his decision to enter active politics today in a function that was held on the name of his father Late Konidela Venkat Rao.

Many film celebrities and political friends have attended the function and had lunch. Chiranjeevi appeared without moustache and Nagababu with tonsured head in the name of their father.

Chiranjeevi discussed about his political ideas with his close friends in that occasion.

Chiranjeevi's Long Discussion With Dasari

Mega Star Chiranjeevi discussed with Dasari Narayana Rao for more than 15 minutes in standing posture. Chiranjeevi was seen standing and discussing with Dasari while the latter was having lunch in the ceremony of Late Konidela Venkat Rao.

The details of the discussion are not known as none approached them during the silent talk.

It was only Ghattamaneni Adi Seshagiri Rao who was sitting beside Dasari during that talk. Sources, off late, say that the discussion was about politics, announcing new party and association with Congress.

Chiranjeevi Fans Shout With Spirit

2008-01-04T02:04:00.002+05:30

Chiranjeevi fans have burnt crackers at a few places in AP just after listening to the news that their star has given a positive statement regarding his political entry. A few fans have made rounds on bikes shouting 'Twinkle Twinkle Mega Star-Mega Star Chief Minister'. It is not even the announcement of party but Chiranjeevi has just given a positive statement. And the fans have started celebrations.

"It's just Chiru gali. It will become tufaan in a few days", shouted a fan when media asked his opinion.

The fans are now happy that their star that has been silent all these days has opened his mouth now.

Rumors: Chiru taking political tuitions?

2008-01-04T02:04:00.001+05:30

Even as Megastar Chiranjevi’s political entry has remained a mystery for the political observers, rumours continue to make rounds as to how Chiranjeevi is making preparations for his new party.

According to grapevine, Chiranjeevi has already started taking tuitions from a well-known political science professor on various subjects – ranging from Constitution of India to political history of Andhra Pradesh to the sociological set-up in the State and its impact on the electoral system to the administrative mechanism, so as to have a thorough understanding of all the subjects. He is of the view that he should not be taken for a ride by other politicians when he actually enters the politics. He wants to know how the bureaucracy is taking the party in power for a ride and how corruption is so deeply rooted in the system.

Interestingly, he is also mastering the art of facing the media and of course, media management, so that he would not make any controversial remarks that would spoil his image. For that, he is said to be attending “mock press conferences” and “mock media interviews” regularly and practicing as to how answer queries from the media, however embarrassing they might be.

This is what we hear from that camp. By the way, the tuitions have come to a halt, following the death of Chiranjeevi’s father Konidela Venkat Rao. They might be revived after a few days, sources say.

All Party Leaders For Chiru's Father's Ceremony

2008-01-04T02:04:00.000+05:30

While Chiranjeevi's political entry is making big news in entire state and creating tensions for many parties, on the other hand almost all the party leaders have participated in the ceremony of Late Konidela Venkat Rao organized by Chiranjeevi fans on large scale at Subrahmanya Maidanam in Rajahmundry. Leaders of TDP and Congress are seen collectively at that event as per sources.

The event went on in large scale where the religious leaders of Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Christians have come to do prayers for the peace of Konidela Venkat Rao's soul. 'Annadanam' for poor people was conducted by Chiranjeevi fans on this occasion.

That was the following of Late Shri Konidela Venkat Rao in Rajahmundry.

Mumbai molestation victims recount horror

2008-01-03T19:59:00.000+05:30

MUMBAI (PTI): Recounting the tale of horror, one of the victims of the New Year Day molestation case here described how the hooligans pinched and groped her, while the woman's husband narrated how he felt when around 50 people were trying to get at his wife and cousin.

In an interview to a city tabloid, she said, "I just want to get over the horror. I want to stop seeing my face on TV. When we came out of the hotel (early) on January 1, I did not sense any trouble. But when we were walking, the crowd just kept getting closer."

"They touched my butt and pinched me. They also began grabbing my cousin sister-in-law. People just watched as my husband tried to protect me," she said.

"I believe Mumbaikars are not willing to stop and help people in trouble."

Her husband told the newspaper, "We are the victims. We were at J W Mariott from 9 PM on December 31 and at around 2 AM we (he, his wife and two cousins) decided to leave (the hotel) and take a rickshaw back to hotel Royal Gardens."

"Just as we stepped out, we saw a group heading towards us. They reached us and immediately began grabbing my wife. Since we were walking against the crowd it was difficult to move ahead. But then it got worse. It seemed like the whole crowd was on my wife and my cousin," he recalled.

"Then somebody pushed all of us on the ground. It seemed like they were 50 people around...all trying to get at my wife and cousin."

The victim's husband said "my brother and I tried to fight the crowd, but they were too many. That's when some photographers started clicking us."

"All of a sudden from the crowd, there emerged a man wearing a red T-shirt who tried to help us and started shouting for the police. The cops arrived in a few minutes and the crowd thinned out," he said.

"I told the police that my wife and cousin were molested. They put us in their vehicle and took us to the Juhu police station from where we were put in an auto and we went to our hotel."

Explaining the reason for not filing a police complaint, the victim's husband said, "We could not identify any of the molesters as it happened too fast. For the record neither the police nor the J W Mariott hotel should be blamed."

"We are all based in California and I got married just a day before this horrible incident. I have been coming to Mumbai for the last five years, but this experience on New Year has changed my perception about Mumbai," he added.

"We don't want to be bothered by the media and want to enjoy whatever is left of our vacations. And yes, I want to thank the man in the red T-shirt (who helped us)," he added.

Mayawati sends feelers to actor Chiranjeevi

2008-01-03T14:29:00.000+05:30

NEW DELHI: Both Sonia Gandhi and Chandrababu Naidu have reason to worry. Mayawati has grand plans for Andhra Pradesh.

The BSP chief is exploring a Dalit-OBC-minority-Brahmin alliance in the state before the next Lok Sabha polls. She has sent feelers to Telugu actor Chiranjeevi and Telengana Rashtra Samiti chief Chandrashekhar Rao for an electoral alliance. TRS is currently aligned with the UPA.

If the BSP-TRS-Chiranjeevi alliance fructify it would become a formidable force in the state upsetting traditional players — the Congress and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Mayawati is holding a rally in Hyderabad on January 6, while Chiranjeevi’s supporters are organising a “backward caste garjana” rally in Warangal on January 19 to lure backward castes from TDP and Congress.

Chiranjeevi, who has mass appeal across the state — akin to late NTR, is planning to launch a political outfit and an announcement to this effect may be made in February or March.

The actor belongs to the Kappu community, which is considered backward in some districts, forward in some and “other caste” in others. The Kappus constitute over 10% of the state population. The Dalits also has an equal representation. Overall, the BCs constitute over 50 per cent of the population. The proposed alliance would trigger realignment of social forces weakening the forward castes.

Six killed, 15 injured in Vijayawada temple stampede

2008-01-03T14:27:00.000+05:30

At least six people were reportedly killed and 15 others were injured in a temple stampede at Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday morning.

The incident occurred when a large number of devotees thronged the Durga ghat near Kanakadurga Temple to perform prayers on the occasion of 'Bhavani Deeksha'.

According to police, devotees pushed each other to move ahead, which resulted in a stampede, in which five women and a child was killed.

The injured have been admitted to the local government hospital. The condition of one injured woman is stated to be serious.

Vijayawada MP L Rajgopal and MLA Devineni Rajasekhar met the injured in the hospital.

Blaming the temple authorities for the incident, State Endowment Minister J Ratnakar Rao has ordered a departmental inquiry.

The government has announced one lakh rupees ex-gratia payment for the kin of those killed and 10,000 for each of the injured. (ANI)

City Buzz: Crude bomb found near NTR Garden

2008-01-03T10:45:00.000+05:30

Hyderabad: A crude bomb, with about 50 grams of explosive material stuffed into it, was found near a popular tourist spot near the state secretariat in the heart of the city on Wednesday.

The bomb, kept in a tiffin box, was found in a dustbin near NTR Garden which is at a stone's throw distance from Lumbini Park which was rocked by a terror bombing four months ago.

The recovery of the bomb a day after re-opening of the popular laser show at Lumbini park sent the police into a tizzy.

City Police Commissioner Balwinder Singh said that such type of bombs were generally used in Rayalaseema region often plagued by violent clashes between rival political groups.

''We have taken up the investigation and security has been tightened further at the Secretriat and public places,'' Singh said.

A security guard at the popular tourist spot found the bomb in a dustbin on a pavement and informed the police who later defused it, police said.

Meanwhile, the bomb disposal squad said the bomb contained 50 grams explosives and cycle ball bearings.

The famous laser show in the Lumbini Park here, the scene of the deadly terror bombings on August 25 last year, reopened yesterday amid tight security measures.

Over 40 people had lost their lives in the bomb blasts at the Lumbini Park and Gokul Chat Bhandar, a popular eatery, on August 25.

Five killed in stampede at Andhra temple

2008-01-03T10:44:00.000+05:30

Hyderabad (IANS) At least five devotees were killed and 15 others were injured in a stampede Thursday at a temple on Indirakiladri hill in Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada town, police officials said.

Those killed include four women and a child. The injured have been admitted to the government hospital in Vijayawada, about 280 km east of here.

Police said the mishap occurred around 5 a.m. during the annual Bhavani Diksha rituals at Durga Malleswari temple. More than 100,000 devotees had congregated on the hill for the last day of the rituals.

Vijayawada police commissioner C.V. Anand said the stampede occurred when thousands of devotees tried to surge towards the temple for a look at the deity.

He said police had warned the temple authorities on several occasions in the past that lack of proper arrangements could lead to a tragedy but they failed to take necessary precautions. He pointed out that the movement of devotees was limited to one road on the hill, leading to chaos during the rituals.

Vijayawada MP L. Rajagopal and legislator D. Nehru met the injured in the hospital. Nehru has announced a compensation of Rs.100,000 each to the kin of those killed and Rs.10,000 to each of the injured.

The temple near the river Krishna attracts thousands of devotees from all over Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.

Politics: What YSR has "achieved" thus far

2008-01-02T10:23:00.001+05:30

The State has ushered into the New Year. As people look forward for a bright future during 2008, Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy look backwards at the achievements of his government. Rajasekhar has completed three and a half years in power and let's see what he himself says about the achievements his government had made thus far.

1. The Congress government waived arrears of power bills related to agricultural consumption to the tune of Rs.1,192 crore on May 14.

2. Free power to the farmers from the first day (May 14th 2004) of YSR in power. Started "Jala Yagnam" to build 26 Major irrigation projects and 6 medium irrigation projects with the expenditure of 56,000 crore investment. FAB (Electronics, Semi Conductor) City to Andhra Pradesh.

3. Distribution of Lands to poor farmers with the "Indira Prabha" programme.

4. Science City Proposal in Ananatapur with 1,00,000 Crores investment.

5. Inter national Airport to Hyderabad.

6. The Congress government launched a new scheme by name Rajiv Yuva Shakthi to provide wage employment and self employment by spending 1000 crore. Birla Institute of Technology (BITS) to Andhra Pradesh.

7. For low-income urban population, government has launched an innovative housing scheme "Rajiv Gruhakalpa". American Consulate to Andhra Pradesh. 25 Paise interest to Dwacra Group Women.

8. Vizag Steel Plant Expansion. Adidas shoe company to Nellore district. Successfully getting highest amount of money from Central Finance commission since three years, for the 2007 year 30,000 crore and 2006 year 20,000 crore.

9. Completed Jhanjavathi Project for Vizianagaram district. Successfully launched "Rajiv Internet Village" to promote technology to villages.

Out of 117 election promises made in 2004, works pertaining to 74 were completed, 19 were are various stages of progress and 24 are pending.

And with elections fast approaching, Rajasekhar Reddy is busy seeking publicity for his schemes and completing the pending works.

Screen Talk: Film actors to be felicitated

2008-01-02T10:23:00.000+05:30

Kakinada: As part of the Yanam festival, film actors ANR, Krishnam Raju, Kaikala Satyanarayana, Anjali Devi, Sarada, Devadas Kanakala, R. Narayana Murthy and Saradhi will be felicitated at GMC Balayogi stadium at Yanam on January 6.

Sobha Raju will render Annamacharya sankeertans the same day.

Songs competitions will be held to mark the occasion. A sum of Rs. 36 lakhs has been allocated for the event, according to official sources.

BSP may have an edge over Chiru’s party in Telangana

2008-01-02T10:12:00.000+05:30

Hyderabad: Former Union minister and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader A Narendra’s reported decision to join the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) may give the BSP an edge in Telangana over actor Chiranjeevi’s proposed political party as the actor is said to take a decision on the issue only after assessing the mood in Andhra, from where he hails.

Mayawati would be arriving in the city on January 6 to relaunch the party in Andhra Pradesh. The party’s efforts to enter AP in the late 80s was a miserable failure as it could not attract a single mainstream political leader. Since then, the BSP has not tried to set foot in the state in a big way though the party won the Paderu assembly constituency in Visakhapatanam district in 2004.

Fact Sheet: Purandershwari logic impresses Sonia

2007-12-31T14:19:00.002+05:30

If the New Delhi sources are to be believed, Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development D Purandareshwari is all set to get the prestigious post of AICC spokesperson, a post which was held by seniors like S Jaipal Reddy, Ambika Soni and Kapil Sibal.

According to these sources, the Congress high command is more than happy with for her vitriolic attack on the Telugu Desam party and its supremo N Chandrababu Naidu. While the Congress thinktank is breaking its head as to how to erase the impression among the people that Rs 2 a kg rice scheme was only a Telugu Desam scheme introduced by its founder-president N T Rama Rao and therefore, it would help only the TD in the elections, Purandareshwari is making efforts to to delink NTR from the TD. She is trying to convince the people that Naidu is not a successor of NTR and that if at all there is anyone, who is implementing the policies of NTR, it is only Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy.

Purandershwari's logic has convinced the high command, though Sonia Gandhi initially did not like her to involve NTR's name in the Congress politics. But after realizing its impact on the Congress prospects, she felt Purandareshwari is right. And soon, Sonia is expected to appoint her in a key post in AICC, preferably, the Congress spokesman, sources say.

Political News: CK Babu injured in bomb blast

2007-12-31T14:19:00.001+05:30

Former Congress MLA CK Jayachandra Reddy alias CK Babu was injured in a bomb blast in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district on Monday.

A bomb, planted near a drainage canal, went off when Babu's vehicle was passing by, police said.

The attack took place when the former legislator was on his way to visit a temple.

Two of his gunmen, driver and an associate were also injured in the attack.

While the condition of the former MLA was said to be out of danger, the condition of the driver and one of his gunmen was serious, the police said.

The vehicle in which Babu was travelling was damaged in the blast.

What your number predicts for 2008

2007-12-31T11:22:00.000+05:30

Wondering what 2008 has in store for you? Numerologist Sanjay Jumani deciphers your future according to your ruling number.

1 People born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th in any month are termed as Number 1 people, ruled by the planet Sun.

With 2008 being ruled by the Sun, the number 1 people in a position of authority would fare well, showing the way to their subordinates with elegance.

With a little rumination, you could balance it into a win-win situation. It’s high time you focus on the non-materialistic things of life, which are also very important. Try to delve in the spiritual side too.

2 Number 2 represents the Moon, and they are persons born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th of any month.

Ruled by the Moon, this year would be favourable for the number 2 also, as 1 and 2 are quite compatible. The most important thing for you to do this year is not to depend on others to complete the job you started. Though this year will be good for you, your dreamy nature and over dependence on others could bring delays or failures in your life. You’ll be at your imaginative best if you allow your thoughts to go with the flow. Some of your intuitions could turn into realities. Those in alternate sciences such as yoga, meditation, reiki, astrology can climb further.

3 People born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th in any month are termed as Number 3 people, ruled by the biggest planet Jupiter.

This year being equal to number 1, you may find some opposition to your plans. However due to your stubborn and ambitious nature, you could overcome these hurdles and surge ahead in life.

Sun could further ignite your ambitious side, and make you more forceful, not for the sake of accumulation, but from the fear of being under obligation to others. You may excel in the execution of commands, being orderly and disciplined.

In the bargain, others may consider you dictatorial, so try to use a surgeon’s knife in such situations.

4 People born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st in any month are termed as Number 4 people, ruled by the planet Uranus.

A good year ahead as the numbers 1 and 4 go hand in hand; those who are awaiting a job change or marriage could get rewarded.

Due to your original ideas, and unconventional thoughts, you are likely to face problems in the form of misunderstandings. However, if you follow your intuitions and original thoughts, you stand better chances of success. Those who are in litigation could get a breather, but must try to avoid business partnerships.

5 People born on the 5th, 14th, 23rd in any month are termed as Number 5 people, ruled by the planet Mercury.

Due to your ruler Mercury, the fastest planet, you could be in quite an impulsive hurry, brimming with emotions. All others may not be as quick as you to match up with your pace, so expect less to avoid disappointment. If you faced a few problems last year, this year things could start to look up, especially on the financial front. Try to use your communicative skills, which is your USP.

6 People born on the 6th, 15th and 24th in any month are termed as Number 6 people, ruled by the planet Venus.

You could have an average year, although the number 6 is good for the number 1, it is sometimes seen that 1 is sometimes unkind to the number 6, so this year, brace yourself to face some delays in completing your projects.

May and October are the best months to start anything important.

Those who are in newer relationships should be warned not to be hasty, and may play the waiting game.

7 People born on the 7th, 16th and 25th in any month are termed as Number 7 people, ruled by the planet Neptune, and such persons are also under the influence of the interchangeable number 2 of Moon.

Ruled by the planet Neptune, 1 is one of the number 7’s best numbers, so a good year ahead. Travelling for work or pleasure would be profitable for you this year, but learn to control those mood swings and take decisions from your head and not from your heart.

Spiritually, a satisfying year, and yoga, meditation and alternate therapies could give you immense gratification. Those in consultancy, or any kind of service-related work could see unprecedented profits accrue.

8 People born on the 8th, 17th and 26th in any month are termed as Number 8 people, ruled by the planet Saturn.

Ruled by the planet Saturn, 1 of the Sun is the lucky number for the number 8, so although a year for you to surge ahead, be careful in your investments, and do not put all your eggs in one basket.

Try not to trust anyone blindly, invest sensibly and think before acting.

This year could see you make great progress both financially as well as personally.

Those on the lookout for buying land could take a chance, and some of you may end up with your dream house too.

Post-February, you should see a positive development as regards your profession.

9 People born on the 9th, 18th and 27th in any month are termed as Number 9 people, ruled by the planet Mars.

Ruled by the fiery planet Mars, the number 9 is a strong number at the end of the number line, and as there are seven numbers in between the numbers 1 and 9, you would find work being delayed, or missing opportunities that should have been rightfully yours.

This year you should keep a check on your temper and use your energies for constructive things to have a good year. Past laurels could come in handy, if you use them, which is not a bad idea if one does so, once in a while.

Chiranjeevi Stopping TTD Chairman Getting MLA Ticket

2007-12-31T11:19:00.001+05:30

No one knows if assumptions on Chiranjeevi's political entry are sending tremors among many but it is sure that TTD chairman Karunakar Reddy is quivering for that. Karunakar Reddy has been the 'yes man'of YSR and expecting MLA ticket from Tirupathi for 2009 elections. But YSR is cold on that aspect now. It is said that he is planning to reserve that ticket for person from Kapu community. The current Congress MLA at Tirupathi is Venkataramana who is a Kapu. As the chances of Chiranjeevi entering politics in 2009 are many, YSR doesn't want to take risk by giving Tirupathi ticket for other than Kapu leader. So Venkataramana will retain that again.

Apart from this, Karunakar Reddy is also upset as CM Is not giving positive signal for the lobbying of his brother's wife for the post of VC-Padmavathi Mahila University and request of his sister's husband for the post of VC-Sri Venkateshwara University.

Probably, Karunakar Reddy's prayers weren't answered by Tirumala Lord as of now.

Behind The Scene: Dasari becomes butt of ridicule!

2007-12-31T00:34:00.001+05:30

The Congress high command, which was of the opinion that Union Minister of State for Coal Dasari Narayana Rao is a man of principles and stature, has changed its mind now.

Eversince Dasari made that speech inviting Yuvaratna Balakrishna into politics and described him as future Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, the AICC was flooded with complaints against Dasari from the Congress leaders. Leading the batch of complainants is Rajya Sabha member V Hanumantha Rao. In fact, by loosing his tongue, Dasari has become a butt of ridicule in the AICC and everybody is doubting his credentials now.

Realising that he is under a scanner, Dasari rushed to Delhi to do the damage control exercise. H tried to convince the leaders in the AICC as to why he had to play to the gallery at the Balakrishna function, but there were no takers for his argument. Looks like days are numbered for Dasari.

Loose Talk: And now Kaka wants 3 States!

2007-12-31T00:19:00.002+05:30

Former Union minister and senior Congress leader G Venkataswamy has dropped a bomb shell. He now demands the division of Andhra Pradesh into three States. Not two. He wants AP to be divided into Telangana, Rayalaseema and Coastal Andhra. He even went to the extent of saying that the Congress Central leadership was also in favour of the trifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

This is the first time that a senior Telangana leader in the Congress party to come out with such a type of proposal. So far Congress leaders from Telangana have been demanding separation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh. But no one spoke of division into Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra.

Perhaps it is a clever ploy to gain the support of people from the backward Rayalaseema district. Or is it his real intentions to have the State divided into three parts. Though Venkataswamy, popularly known as Kaka, has not said it in so many words, it has however become clear that he would continue with the fight for Telangana in the new year. With the Congress high command refusing him the post of the President, Venkataswamy is at least aspiring for some gubernatorial post. Age, however, does not permit this senior Congress leader to play an active role either at the national level or at Telangana level. His spirits are quite high, despite his feeble age.

TRS not to contest bye-elections in Khairatabad

2007-12-31T00:19:00.001+05:30

Hyderabad - Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), the regional party fighting for a separate Telangana state, Sunday announced it would not field a candidate for bye-election to Khairatabad assembly seat as a mark of respect for senior Congress leader P. Janardhan Reddy who died Friday.

TRS president and former union minister K. Chandrasekhara Rao told newsmen that his party had decided to appeal to other parties to ensure unanimous election of a member of Reddy's family. He had fought for the rights of the people of Telengana.

Reddy represented Khairatabad constituency in the state capital for a fifth term. He had also served as a state minister.

Meanwhile, rich tributes were paid Reddy at a condolence meeting held at Gandhi Bhavan, the headquarters of the Congress party. Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy also paid tributes to the former minister and announced that a memorial would be constructed in his honour in the capital.

Leaders of Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) also paid their last respects.

Behind The Scene: KCR takes it easy on Gaddar

2007-12-31T00:18:00.000+05:30

Telangana Rashtra Samithi president K Chandrasekhar Rao is taking the comments of revolutionary balladeer Gaddar against him with a pinch of salt.

Apparently, people of Telangana take Gaddar's words with respect and therefore, his comments against KCR would definitely have an impact on the voters. Realising this, the TRS is refraining from retaliating against Gaddar. On the other hand, it is not attaching much importance to his words, saying that Gaddar's agenda was different from that of the TRS.

A TRS leader said the party would focus in its campaign that it would believe in "votes and seats" strategy to press the Centre for the formation of separate State. "If they (Mr Gaddar and other detractors of Mr KCR) have their own plans, they should go ahead with their own plan after all we are all striving for the separate State," he said.

He predicted that the support of TRS would be crucial for the formation of the government after the next elections and this would create a situation where they had to give the separate State.

New Year Greetings

2007-12-30T15:17:00.000+05:30

Rumors: PJR's Properties In Question Mark

2007-12-30T14:36:00.000+05:30

PJR's demise left many question marks behind. He has huge properties at various places but his son and wife are not informed about them. As PJR never anticipated any such risk to his life at this age, he didn't make arrangements to let his family know about all of his properties.

Whatever is visible before of the eyes of family members is the only property that is known for them. They have to see if they get any information from the close friends of PJR about his investments and properties. It is said that PJR kept many properties in the name of others and now it is a big question mark if they open their mouths or simply keep quiet. However, it is now a big task ahead for PJR's son Vishnu.

He has to carry the legacy of his father and the loyalty of the people who had put faith on him.

Desam may not contest in Khairatabad bypoll

2007-12-30T12:09:00.000+05:30

Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu is in two minds on whether he has to field a candidate in Khairatabad Assembly constituency, which would go to polls sooner or later following the death of its sitting MLA P Janardhan Reddy.

Naidu knows that it would be a futile exercise to field a candidate in Khairatabad at this juncture, because PJR has a huge support base in this constituency and his death has resulted in a lot of sympathy wave for his family. So, if the ticket is given to any of the members of PJR family, he or she would easily win the elections. Moreover, the term of the elected candidate would hardly be a few months and there is every possibility that elections to the Assembly could be advanced by six months. Thus, it would be waste of money and resources to contest the polls, a section of the TD is arguing.

At the same time, Naidu cannot ignore the argument that if the TD would not contest the byelections, it would demoralize the party cadres and have a negative impact on the party prospects in the forthcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections. So, even if it does not win, the party should contest the byelections and retain its identity in the constituency. Who knows even staunch supporters of PJR might not prefer his son Vishnu, if the latter is given the ticket, some TD leaders argue.

Anyway, Khairatabad is not going to be the same constituency again. It is going to be divided with Kukatpally and Alwal as separate constituencies. In such a case, the TD would better keep away from the byelections and focus on strengthening its base in the revised Constituencies, sources say.

Behind The Scene: PJR's death a shock to Chiru?

2007-12-30T12:08:00.000+05:30

There have been unconfirmed reports that film star Chiranjeevi was in secret confabulations with Khairatabad legislator P Janardhan Reddy over launch of a new political outfit. Chiranjeevi fully knows that without the support of Janardhan Reddy it was quite a difficult task to launch a political party and survive in Hyderabad. But unfortunately, Janardhan Reddy breathed his last all of a sudden keeping everyone high and dry. Sources point out that Chiranjeevi was badly hit by the death of Janardhan Reddy.

PJR, as he was fondly called, had a mass following in Hyderabad and parts of Telangana. He was a well known labour unionist and lakhs of poor people were solidly behind him. Chiranjeevi reportedly was advised to take the support of Janardhan Reddy as the film star will not only lose the image of a "Kapu leader" but also get the support base of BCs, STs, SCs, minorities and the have-nots. Though Janardhan Reddy hailed from a upper caste, he was famous with the poor and underprivileged.

Chiranjeevi has been receiving a blow after blow because he is passing through a bad astrological phase. Let's hope and pray that the film star will get a new phase of life in the New Year.

Buzz: Will Vishnu step into PJR's shoes?

2007-12-29T21:59:00.000+05:30

The sudden demise of Khairatabad MLA P Janardhan Reddy has left the Congress leadership in a state of confusion as to who would fill the void.

The followers of PJR feel his son Vishnuvardhan Reddy is the natural choice as the Congress candidate in the byelections to Khairatabad seat, which would be held in a couple of months. But sources close to Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy wonder whether or not Vishnu would be the right choice. By nature, Vishnu is different from PJR, who was basically a man of the masses as he grew to the top from the bottom. On the other hand, Vishnu is arrogance personified and has no cordial relationship with any of the Congress leaders, despite being an NSUI leader. All that he knows is to go to parties along with friends, enjoy with girls and occasionally get into quarrels with people.

Sources say even the Chief Minister might not favour Vishnu's candidature, especially because of childish behaviour which was evident from the way he beat up his brother Y S Ravindranath Reddy some time back. Instead, the Chief Minister might favour PJR's wife Sulochana and recommend her name to the high command. Let us see what is going to happen in the coming days.

Aus register 15th straight Test win as India collapse

2007-12-29T18:00:00.000+05:30

Melbourne (IANS) India slumped to one of their biggest defeats in recent times as they lost the first Test to Australia by 337 runs, on the fourth day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here Saturday.

Chasing a target of 499 runs, India were bundled out of 161 runs in the second and failed to cross the 200-mark in the both the innings. The Australian juggernaut, meanwhile, kept rolling as Ricky Ponting's side registered their 15th consecutive Test victory and is now one short of equalling their record of 16 wins under Steve Waugh. It was also Australia's nine successive win at the MCG.

Australia declared at 351 for seven late on the third day and India, who were dismissed for 196 runs in reply to Australia's first innings of 343, needed to a record score to win the match but it was too much of asking from them and they perished under the heavy hopes and failed to last even five days.

The highest successful run-chase at the MCG was England's 332 against Australia in the 1928-29 Ashes series. Only three sides have ever successfully chased in excess of 400 runs in the fourth innings of a Test.

For all their defiance, Indians failed and barring V.V.S. Laxman (42) and Sourav Ganguly (40), none of the Indian batsmen could put up a fight and perished with a whimper. Mitchell Johnson was the top bowler with his three for 21 while Brett Lee and Brad Hogg picked up two wickets each in the second innings. Matthew Hayden was adjudged the Man of the Match for his 124 in the first innings.

India, resuming on their overnight score of six for no loss, suffered the first set-back when fast bowler Brett Lee struck with his away going delivery as opener Wasim Jaffer (15) swished at it and wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist took an easy catch. With the catch Gilchrist became Australia's most successful wicketkeeper with 396 catches and left Ian Healy one behind.

Make-shift opener Rahul Dravid (16) in the company of V.V.S Laxman (42) looked set to see the first session through. But Dravid departed in the last over before lunch after the innocuous Andrew Symonds trapped him in front of the wicket. Dravid stonewalled for two and half hours and faced 114 balls for 16 and his exit left India dangling at 56 for two at lunch.

Sachin Tendulkar (15), after a brisk 62 in the first innings, was keen to attack and drove Lee through point for four. But he was out-thought by Lee, who followed a quick bouncer with a good ball outside off stump that was too full to cut, luring Tendulkar into the shot, which he edged to Gilchrist.

India was cruising along well when Ganguly and Laxman were at the crease. Laxman worked well for his 42 but fell to the frustration of Stuart Clark's tight bowling. Laxman drove on the up straight to Michael Clarke at cover. Laxman was watchful in his 112-ball innings but was quickly onto any bad balls from left-arm spinner Brad Hogg, who dropped short more often than he would like. Laxman pulled a pair of Hogg deliveries through midwicket for boundaries and was also impressive with his straight drives.

Ganguly was also prepared to take risks and more than once cut hard in the air near gully off Clark. He kept on fighting the sweltering heat and also slumped on to the ground after running a two. He needed attention from the team physio and batted on in near 40-degree heat, but kept on losing partners at the other end. He was the ninth wicket after he was trapped leg before by Hogg.

Young guns Mahndra Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh failed for the second time in the innings and couldn't rescue India. Yuvraj departed for five shortly before tea, missing a straighter ball from Hogg that would have crashed into his stumps. It was come and go situation for tail enders and India handed Australia a easy win.

TV9 and NTV Did Business With PJR's Death

2007-12-29T12:59:00.003+05:30

PJR passed away yesterday suddenly and it is obvious that the two top news channels TV9 and NTV started rolling on incessant news bulletins since the news broke down. But simultaneously they have done business by asking people to send condolences to PJR's family through SMS.

"That's the trick of business which can be accepted- but cashing the situation of death is something condemnable", says a viewer.

Estimation says that the money earned through SMS is being used by those channels to cover many expenses and the salaries of a few employees as well.

Keeping that business aspect aside, TV9 is doing demeaning act by being careless in some issues. The reporter standing in front of PJR's house says, "Every body is grief-stricken here and the surroundings are dull". But the general public who were standing behind the reporter were seen laughing with happiness for showing their faces to TV9 camera. A few guys were taking out their cell phones and calling their friends to switch on TV9 and see them. They were also taking confirmation if they were seen in the channel with smiles. When the news and the report was in sorrow, allowing general public who does such demeaning acts proves to be a mismanagement of TV9 reporter and cameraman. They should take care for not allowing the general public stand behind reporter while reporting news of sorrow.

YSR did not know PJR died in his presence

2007-12-29T12:59:00.002+05:30

Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy was addressing Congress workers at a function hall in the city in connection with the arrangements for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections. Even as Rajasekhar Reddy was addressing the meeting, Khairatabad legislator P Janardhan Reddy got down from the car and collapsed. Rajasekhar Reddy continued with his speech because he did not know what had happened. When he completed his address, he was told that Janardhan Reddy collapsed and was rushed to a corporate hospital.

Rajasekhar Reddy said he would have an official programme and after attending it, he would visit the hospital to call on Janardhan Reddy.

Rajasekhar Reddy left the function hall without knowing that Janardhan Reddy had died while being shifted to the hospital. After sometime, his security personnel informed him that PJR had died.

Janardhan Reddy had been keeping ill health for quite some time and had in fact underwent medical treatment in Hyderabad and Bangalore. But Janardhan Reddy did not tell anyone that he was not well. He projected himself as a healthy person though from inside he was not keeping well.

BJP divided over taking TRS support

2007-12-29T12:59:00.001+05:30

The State Bharatiya Janata Party seems to be divided over joining hands with the Telangna Rashtra Samithi in the coming elections.

While a section of the BJP leaders feel that since the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh election results have revived the hopes of NDA coming back to power at the Centre, it would be a better option to have a tie-up with the TRS in the next elections, so that it could at least win a few seats in Telangana and strengthen the NDA with the TRS support.

However, some other BJP leaders feel a tie-up with the TRS would spoil the image of the party. The way TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao was pampering the Muslims by praising Nizam and hobnobbing with the Muslim leaders would prove counter-productive for the BJP, if they had a tie-up. Moreover, it was doubtful, whether the people had still faith in the leadership of KCR. On the other hand, it would be better to have an understanding with other Telangana outfits like Talli Telangana, they suggest. The party would have better prospects, if it contested alone, by including the Telangana agenda in its manifesto and promising the people that it would grant Telangana State within three months, if the NDA comes to power at the Centre, they say.

Jagan: Sakshi is coming up against biased media

2007-12-29T12:59:00.000+05:30

The media market in Andhra Pradesh is heating up with Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, 35, an entrepreneur with extensive interests in mining, power generation, construction, cement, all set for a major newspaper launch as early as February.

Y. S. Jagan Mohan ReddyReddy, who is the son of Andhra Pradesh chief ministerY.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, will be launching a Telugu daily, ‘Sakshi’ (which means witness), followed by a 24x7 television news channel, which, according to some media reports, will be branded Indira TV.

Sakshi will enter a crowded field of eight Telugu daily newspapers, including market leader Eenadu, as well as Andhra Jyothy, Vaartha, Andhra Prabha, Andhra Bhoomi, Vishalandhra, Prajasakthi and Surya.

In a rare chat, Reddy talked about why there is the need for a ninth Telugu newspaper and perceptions that Sakshi will be a vehicle for the ruling Congress Party in Andhra Pradesh. Edited excerpts:

What is the need for one more Telugu daily?
Most of the Telugu media, especially the newspapers, have become completely biased and one-sided and I think the readers are deprived of a credible and objective newspaper. There is a large vacuum, which we plan to fill with wholesome reporting. Editorial content is going to be reader-centric and original.

As a business proposition, media appears promising with high potential and scope for attractive returns.

Given the background of the promoters, is this going to be a pro-Congress daily?
Sakshi is coming up against biased media. We cannot afford to be one-sided.

We see a reader and not a Congress or other party reader. We firmly believe in the saying that ‘facts are sacred and comment is free.’

But, papers such as Eenadu and Andhra Jyothy are already well entrenched.

We have aggressive strategies to take on the existing, well-established newspapers. Obviously, I cannot reveal the exact strategies. But, broadly we will take on competition by offering the reader a completely different newspaper in terms of both print quality and clarity of news.

When is the launch date?
We are planning to launch the newspaper close to February-end.

How much investment is going into this venture?
I cannot give you an exact figure at this point of time as we expect investments to increase until the date of launch.

How will Sakshi be different?
Sakshi is going to be the first Telugu daily with all the pages in multi-colour, and the first Telugu daily to be designed by a well-known international designer. (US-based Mario Garcia, who also designed Mint).

I can only say that the Telugu reader is going to have a refreshing and pleasant experience.

How many editions will the newspaper have?
We will come out from 19 centres within Andra Pradesh and four editions from metros, such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai. We are launching all editions at one go.

What would be the cover price?
Please wait and see.

YSR tells the world that PJR is his friend

2007-12-28T23:23:00.003+05:30

Everyone in Hyderabad or for that matter even in New Delhi knows that Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy and former Congress Legislature Party leader P Janardhan Reddy are not at good terms. They had been at virtual war for quite some time. But when PJR died on Friday, Rajasekhar Reddy wanted to send a strong message to the people and PJR's strong following that he (YSR) was a good friend of the deceased leader.

But simple condolence message will not work. So Rajasekhar Reddy, first, announced that PJR would get official funeral. Later, he came up with the announcement that there will be a general holiday in Greater Hyderabad municipal limits on Saturday when the funeral will take place.

Rajasekhar Reddy came out with these two measures to ensure that the large fan following of PJR do not become angry. This is exactly what had happened. When Energy Minister Muhammad Ali Shabber went to the hospital, he was received by a hostile crowd. They shouted slogans against Shabber for the simple reason that he is the incharge minister of Hyderabad district.

But when Rajasekhar Reddy went to the hospital, there was no slogan shouting. Everyone welcomed the Chief Minister. PJR and Shabber had been at good terms. The problem was between Rajasekhar Reddy and PJR. But timely announcement by Rajasekhar Reddy had calmed down the anger of PJR's group.

Srija, Sirish create nuisance at PJR's house

2007-12-28T23:23:00.002+05:30

The sudden death of Khairatabad MLA P Janardhan Reddy due to heart attack has sent shockwaves among the Congress workers in Hyderabad and thousands of his supporters thronged his residence to pay their last respects to the department leader.

It is nothing but natural that there would be stampede when VIPs come to such places, as the police would have to take extra precautions in providing them security. But some people behave as if they are more than the VIPs. Like Srija and Sirish Bharadwaj (daughter and son-in-law of Megastar Chiranjeevi).

It is a known fact that Sirish Bharadwaj is a distant relative of PJR, and he has every right to visit the latter's residence at this hour of grief. But he should behave like any other relative, who came there. But Sirish tried to pose himself as a VVIP, like a Chief Miniter and tried to barge into PJR house. He thought the police would provide him and Srija necessary security, just because they are related to Chiranjeevi, and lead them into PJR's residence, but the police did their duty and tried to push them away. Sirish picked up an argument with the police, stating that he was a close friend of Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, son of PJR and that he should be allowed. After much hungama, however, the police had let them in. Nobody paid them any attention and they had to leave the place quietly, after paying homage to PJR.

MSR decides to lead fresh T-struggle in Cong

2007-12-28T23:23:00.001+05:30

Controversial Karimnagar MLA and APSRTC chairman M Satyanarayana Rao has decided to lead a fresh Telangana movement within the Congress to bring pressure on the Congress high command to grant separate Statehood to the region.

MSR is understood to have closeted with a few senior Congress leaders including V Purushottam Reddy, Palvai Goverdhan Reddy, K V Kesavulu and P Narasa Reddy at his residence a couple of days ago and decided that the time has come all the veterans build up pressure on the high command, lest they would all fade out after the next elections.

The seniors are learnt to have observed that the so-called Telangana Regional Coordination Committee had lost its relevance, as many of its leaders like Chinna Reddy and Jeevan Reddy had lost interest in the Telangana and had become stooges of Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

Interestingy, the task of prevailing upon the Centre is said to have been entrusted to former PCC president and Rajya Sabha member K Kesava Rao. The future course of action is expected to be taken in a few days, sources say.

PJR's Funeral Tomorrow At Amberpet

2007-12-28T23:23:00.000+05:30

PJR's sudden death shook entire Hyderabad and the shops were shut down at Madhapur, Kondapur, Kukatpalli, Khairatabad, Somajiguda, Punjagutta and Ameerpet.
Party flags were pulled down as a sign of tribute for PJR. His final rites will be performed tomorrow at Amberpet Funeral Ground. Heavy traffic jam is observed at various places in the city.
The family members of PJR were collapsed listening to the news. All the TV channels are busy with the incessant news regarding PJR's death and the condition at his home. Thousands of PJR fans have conglomerated at the residence of PJR. PJR was survived with four daughters and 1 son.

Sirish and Srija Visited PJR’s House

2007-12-28T23:22:00.000+05:30

Chiranjeevi’s second son in law Sirish Bharadwaj and daughter Srija visited PJR’s house to pay homage for the deceased leader. PJR’s son and Sirish are good friends and also relatives. Number of Congress leaders is seen at his house. The parents of Sirish are also seen at the place. The condition of PJR’s wife is uncontrollable and the doctors are seeing to control her Blood Pressure levels to avoid any peril. PJR was born in 1948 and was grown up as a leader from rags. He started his career as a worker in a factory.

Flash Flash : PJR dies of sudden heart attack

2007-12-28T13:09:00.000+05:30

Hyderabad: Rebellious Congress MLA from Khairatabad P Janardhan Reddy died of massive heart attack here on Friday.

He was 59. PJR, as he is fondly called, was participating in the Greater Hyderabad Congress Committee meeting at Jewel Gardens in Secunderabad, when he collapsed with severe chest pain. He was immediately rushed to Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences nearby, where he was declared dead.

PJR, who rose to the level of Congress Legislature Party leader from an ordinary industrial worker and trade union leader, was always in the news with his rebellious attitude. He was a staunch critic of Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy and he, along with Sanathnagar MLA Marri Shashidhar Reddy, questioned the indifferent attitude of Rajasekhar Reddy government towards the Telangana region in general and Hyderabad in particular. Both, together, earned the nickname of ‘Hyderabad Brothers.”

PJR was elected to the State Assembly five times and was a minister in the Anjaiah and Vijayabhaskara Reddy Cabinets. He was defeated in 1999 elections by Telugu Desam candidate K Vijayarama Rao.

Bhutto among 10 women most admired by Americans

2007-12-28T10:48:00.000+05:30

New York(IANS) Benazir Bhutto figured among the 10 women most admired by Americans in a survey conducted by USA Today newspaper and Gallup polling agency.

The slain Pakistani leader, who had studied at Harvard, made it to the list for the first time, chosen by two percent of over 1,000 respondents in the annual poll conducted earlier this month.

The list was topped by US Senator Hillary Clinton, who narrowly beat television celebrity Oprah Winfrey. Clinton, who is the front-running Democratic party candidate, was chosen by 18 percent of Americans. Winfrey, who has been campaigning for Clinton's rival for the Democratic nomination, Barack Obama, was just two percentage points behind the former first lady.

Other women in the top 10 were US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (five percent), actress Angelina Jolie and first lady Laura Bush, both with three percent support and former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher, who had the same level of support as Bhutto.

US House of Representatives speaker, Nancy Pelosi, African-American author Maya Angelou and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II rounded off the list, all garnering one percent of Americans' votes.

The poll asked 1,011 adults in the US to choose women "living today in any part of the world" they admired most.

Buzz: Ramoji Rao's Land Business In Gujarat!

2007-12-28T10:47:00.001+05:30

This is the historical point to underline by Telugus. After winning in elections Narendra Modi talked to Ramoji for more than 20 minutes just to thank him for the support given by his News Channel –'ETV-Gujarathi'. Modi was rightly glorified by ETV and that added a lot for his charisma, Modi believed firmly. Ramoji Rao seems to be keeping the CMs of various states in his grip wherever he is present with his ETV. He is not just confining his 'king maker activities' for Andhra Pradesh but spreading to other states as well.

Inside sources say that Ramoji Rao is in the process of buying a few thousands of acres of land in other states as well to spread his empire. Well, he may set up Film City or start his Eenadu News Paper in other languages as well. Ramoji has 'links' with BJP groups and he has got good relations with Venkayya Naidu and others. It is said that Ramoji wishes to have big lands in Gujarat, Karnataka and other states whichever are possible.

Let us see how far Modi will be helpful for Ramoji now.

Behind The Screen: Condolence or chamchagiri?

2007-12-28T10:47:00.000+05:30

Whether or not Chiranjeevi enters politics, Kapu leaders appear to be in a hurry.

What should have been a condolence meeting has turned out to be a political platform for sycophants

On Wednesday, some local Kapu Sangham leaders led by film producer Ramesh Naidu, organized a condolence meeting to pay tributes to late Konidela Venkat Rao, father of Megastar Chiranjeevi at Ravindra Bharati. They invited a few film personalities including Kodi Ramakrishna, Srihari, Babu Mohan and Mada Venkateshwara Rao, apart from several community leaders.

Most of the participants, who spoke at the meeting, were more interested in eulogizing Chiranjeevi, rather than paying homage to Venkat Rao. Some of them, like Babu Mohan, went to the extent of saying that Venkat Rao was fortunate to give birth to a great personality like Chiranjeevi, who was “born on the earth only to serve the humanity”. “Venkat Rao garu should have survived for another one-and-a-half years. He would have been very happy to see his son changing the destiny of Andhra Pradesh,” a Kapu leader said. Babu Mohan, too, was all praise for Chiranjeevi and wished that the latter should take the reins of the State at the earliest, which would make his father’s soul in the heaven happy.

One wondered whether the meeting was organized to condole Venkat Rao’s death or do “chamchagiri” to Chiranjeevi.

Ironically, the same gathering remained on the dais and in the audience to pay homage to slain Kapu leader Vangaveeti Mohana Ranga on the occasion of his 8th on his death anniversary.

Babu happy over 'Stop Polavaram' order

2007-12-27T11:10:00.001+05:30

The mega dam proposed at Polavaram village across the river Godavari would have spelt doom for the Telugu Desam and the TRS alike. The Telugu Desam was hoping that the Polavaram dam would not materialise. Much to the happiness of the Telugu Desam, the Left and the TRS, the Polavaram dam could not get environment clearance. This means there will be no Polavaram project.

Had Chief Minister YS Rajasekhar Reddy succeeded in taking up the Polavaram, the Telugu Desam would have been washed away. Because those in East and West Godavari, Krishna and Guntur districts would have voted for the Congress en masse. The Polavaram dam had been a dream project for long and Rajasekhar Reddy would have gone down in the history as the great visionary, after Sir Arthur Cotton.

In the Telangana region, the TRS would have too been washed away because the party failed to stop the Congress from going ahead with the project.

The rejection of permission for the dam had come as a blessing both for the Telugu Desam and the TRS. But it will prove a costly affair to the Congress. However, the Congress may scrape through putting the whole blame on the Telugu Desam, the Left and the TRS. The BJP, though it has a nominal presence in the State, also opposed the dam.

Fact Sheet: MSR triggers unrest in Cong

2007-12-27T11:09:00.003+05:30

The appointment of former minister and Karimnagar MLA M Satyanarayana Rao as the chairman of AP State Road Transport Corporation has triggered a lot of unrest among the Congress leaders in the State.

For several months, Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy has not been filling up any vacancies in the Corporations and Committees, despite the fact that several aspirants in the party have been bringing pressure on him to provide them posts. Everytime the Congress leaders go to him with a request to appoint them in the corporations, YSR has been turning them down, stating that it would create a lot of disgruntlement among those who don't get the posts.

But the sudden appointment of MSR as the APSRTC chairman, and that too, with a Cabinet rank, has created heartburn among the other Congress leaders. They are now questioning whether YSR would fill up the posts only if the leaders scold him. Now that the government has entered the election year, it is highly unlikely that he would fill up the posts at this stage, Gandhi Bhavan sources say.

Fact Sheet: Gujarat polls upset media!

2007-12-27T11:09:00.001+05:30

The Gujarat election results have upset the plans of several new media ventures and made their promoters think twice.

Most of the promoters have scheduled the launch of their ventures in such a way that they would coincide with the mid-term elections to Lok Sabha, so that there would be hectic political activity in the State and they would have spicy political news to cover. Even "Saakshi" daily proposed to be launched by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, son of Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy, was expected to be launched some time next month. So are a couple of Telugu channels.

But, with the Congress receiving a setback in the Gujarat polls, the chances of mid-term elections to Lok Sabha have become bleak. As a result, the new media ventures would have nothing sensational to report and therefore, they are all getting rescheduled. Unless of course, Chiranjeevi really enters politics, which would again kick off a lot of political activity in the State!

Behind The Scene: Chiru entry, a Cong Ploy?

2007-12-27T11:03:00.000+05:30

Is hype and hoopla around Chiranjeevi’s entry into politics just a ploy by Congress government in the State? Yes, say, some political observers. They said that the entire fracas that surrounded Kasu Prasada Reddy, an eye specialist, is a storm in tea cup.

Many may not agree with this, but the story goes like this: Prasada Reddy who is equally close to both Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy as well as Chiranjeevi wanted to know the pulse of public on the mega star’s entry into politics, and if possible to assess its impact on the ruling Congress fortunes in coming polls.

For this, he has selected a small group of lower rung reporters and invited them to a star hotel at Begumpet for a talk. But, descended there were some senior political reporters who wasted no time in highlighting the story in a big way, making it to banner headlines next day.

NTV, in which a minister from Telangana is stated to have some share, promptly sensationalized the story, by putting it in scroll, throughout the day. This was taken by other channels too, which were badly waiting for a breaking story. So is the case with other major Telugu dailies.

Now, the story is simple. The actor issued a press release urging his fans to keep quiet, till he announced it officially, and the eye specialist is incommunicado to media, after chided by YSR, and the media struggling to sustain its story.

Meanwhile, the minister and the CM are happy that the entire episode has done a big benefit for them; to make people divert their attention from various scams and misdeeds of government. Poor TDP and other parties are left in lurch as they do not know what is going to happen to them now.

Venkaiah treates journos with 'chepala pulusu'!

2007-12-26T21:35:00.001+05:30

After a long time, journalists in Hyderabad were treated with some real sumptuous feast by Bharatiya Janata Party national vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu.

For many days, politicians in the State capital have been treating the journalists with utter contempt, because of the fabricated stories appearing in the media on every politician. So, when Venkaiah gave them a royal feast in Hotel Mariotte, a star hotel in Hyderabad, it was virtually flooded with reporters not only on the BJP beat, but also on the other political and non-political beats. So much that Venkaiah wondered whether there were so many reporters in Hyderabad.

Okay, Venkaiah did not leave the reporters just like that. He gave them full two-hour bhashan in Hindi, English and Telugu. on how Narendra Modi could emerge victorious in Gujarat elections and why there are bright chances of BJP staging a come back in the next general elections. The mediapersons, who came in hundreds, had to patiently wait for the lunch, which of course was worth waiting. It had all varieties of menu: from Nellore Chepala Pulusu to Nadu Kodi fry to Hyderabad biryani.

Behind The Scene: Why did VHR purchase new dress?

2007-12-26T21:33:00.000+05:30

Rajya Sabha member V Hanumantha Rao is a man of high optimism. Despite all the rumours that there are no chances for him to become the next Pradesh Congress Committee president or get a berth in the Manmohan Singh cabinet, he did not lose his hope.

The other day, Hanumantha Rao purchased two sets of new clothes – kurtha and pyjama, along with a coat in New Delhi. Yet, he did not wear them and has still been coming in his old dress to AP Bhavan in Delhi and Fateh Maidan Club in Hyderabad.

Inquiries revealed that he purchased the new dresses for the special occasion: when he becomes the PCC president or takes oath in the Manmohan Singh Cabinet. Though he would do regular shopping, he wanted that those two dresses should be worn only on those occasions. One doesn't know whether his wish would be fulfilled or not. Wish him all the best!!

Photo Feature: Oldest Photograph of 1840

2007-12-26T12:35:00.001+05:30

In 1814, Joseph Nicéphore Niépce created the first photographic image with a camera obscura, however, the image required eight hours of light exposure and later faded. Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre is considered the inventor of the first practical process of photography in 1837. That's what the history of still photography says.

The above photograph was taken somewhere in 1840 and it is archived in the oldest photographs documents now. So, this can be called the photograph that was taken in first phase in India. The ladies in this photograph were temple dancers (devadasis) as mentioned in a brief description along with this photograph.

NJ Telugus suggest Chiru to Tie-up with Lok Satta

2007-12-26T12:28:00.003+05:30

Progressive Telugu Forum( PTF),USA has organized its Fourth event in Edison,NJ, on 23rd December as part of its national campain to bring Hope & Change in current political system in AP with the leadership of Chiranjeevi.

New Jersey Area PTF Co-Ordinater Srikanth Reddy Akuthota welcomed the audience and thanked them for attending despite heavy rain and servere weather conditions and holiday weekend.

PTF National Convener Ram Tatineni started the meeting with "Hope & Change with Chiranjeevi" message and explained the need of the day to get Chiranjeevi into politics for better Andhra Pradesh.

Several speakers participated in intelligent discussion on various aspects of current state of politics and what Chiru can & has to do with new party.

Mr Venu Palyam, Vice President, Marlabs Inc expressed confidence in the leadership of Chiranjeevi and started the discussion of how Chiranjeevi can take advantage of experience and knowledge of Lok Satha .

Many speakers agreed with Mr Venu and stressed the need to get into an alliance with Lok Satha as it has earned a clean image in AP with its tireless efforts on various issues such as Health and Education that are the most important factors in common man's life.

Other speakers include Satya Rayavarapu, Veer Tikki,Suresh,Shyam,Leela Krishna,Ramana Pasupuleti, HariKrishna and others.

Speakers raised concern about the current state of politics in AP and pressed the need for alternative political party .

Several people including local telugu families participated in the event and expressed confidence in Chiranjeevi's leadership.

Photos of the event can be viewed at the URL below.

http://picasaweb.google.com/ramtatineni/NewJerseyMeet

PTF is organizing two more events in Bay Area and Los Angeles in California this weekend on 12/29 and 12/30.

For more details on these events please visit

http://chiruforap.com/bayarea.htm

http://chiruforap.com/la.htm

Please visit www.chiruforap.com and support Chiranjeevi by signing the on-line petitoion.

Thanks & Regards
Ram Tatineni
National Convener, Progressive Telugu Forum

Chiru passing through "Sade Saat" phase

2007-12-26T12:28:00.002+05:30

Astrologers say that film actor Chiranjeevi is passing through the "Sade Saat" phase. Sade Saat or the bad seven afflicts all people on the earth during one or other phase of life. The bad seven years are known to cause heavy damage to property and public image of the individual. Many successfully come out of the phase by the Grace of the Almighty. But a few suffer during the period.

The film star is currently passing through this worse phase. The year 2007 was in a way the worst year for the film actor. The year started with one or the other trouble for Chiranjeevi. Several domestic issues put him to great botheration. His daughter ran away from home and married a person against the wishes of the family. Then the debut film of his son flopped at the box office. His brother is caught in a legal battle over a marital affair. And finally there was bereavement in his family.

Astrologers also point out that the next year too will be an uphill task for Chiranjeevi. Since he is passing through the bad seven years phase, his plans for a political party may backfire and will not yield any desired electoral result in the May 2009 elections.

This is something really bad for all those who believe in astrology and the Sade Saat phase. But it all depends on the Almighty God.

'Swathi' Editor Balaram Is Worth Rs 1500 Cr

2007-12-26T12:28:00.001+05:30

This sounds a wonder to know that many of Telugu celebrities from various fields have turned crorepathis of more than Rs 1000 Cr in very short notice. After film stars, politicians and media barons now we have to talk about a magazine editor who earned many crores of worth approximately Rs 1500 Cr now. That is Vemuri Balaram, the editor of Swathy magazine.

He started the magazine with many hopes and myriad doubts 3 decades ago in a small room at Vijayawada. His family background was also rich but not to big extent. He didn't earn big figures with his legacy and parental property but only earned on Swathy magazine. Balaram used to spend his earnings from 'Swathy' only for his livelihood and the rest he invested on acres of lands at various places. He believed in cultivating lands and procured many acres. His house in Vijayawada is now a sprawling one and requires big eyes to see.

His lands have got steep appreciation in the past 4-5 years and left him with Rs 1500 Cr and above now. Is that not astounding to know!

Popular Politician of the Year-2007

2007-12-25T18:34:00.000+05:30

He has been a notable personality in Rajahmundry from the past 30 years but not known for the rest of the state. He was in Congress and has been known as an interpreter and translator for Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi when they used to come to Rajahmundry. He never earned big and never made any sort of news in the past 30 years. But he turned a news maker all of a sudden this year by attacking Ramoji Rao's Margadarsi. His name goes along with that firm now. He is Undavalli Arun Kumar, the MP of Rajahmundry who turned popular this year. He exposed his invincible arguing capabilities, timely response for tricky questions and boldness in putting strife with media baron Ramoji Rao.

He turned a newsmaker this year and attracted each and every media channel, tabloids, news papers and websites. There were many magazines those were sold out in market in big way with his photograph on cover page. He also started a magazine by himself this year called 'Ee Vaaram'. He is now an MP and Editor of 'Ee Vaaram' too.

Every politician will be a news maker somehow or other. But breaking the silence and attracting the media and public all of a sudden is something to be underlined- and that too for quite a long time. So, Undavalli Arun Kumar can be called the popular politician of the year 2007.

Chiranjeevi's Father Very Strong And Sturdy

2007-12-25T12:59:00.000+05:30

Chiranjeevi's father Shri Konidela Venkat Rao turned a topic for discussion among many. He breathed his last last morning leaving his family in big grief. The fans of Chiranjeevi took it very personal and few had shed tears as a silent condolence for the family of their star. Not only the fans of Chiranjeevi, but many other hearts also melted with compassion.

Many have started saying great things about Late Shri Venkat Rao.

"He was very strong and sturdy. He used to drive on motor cycle from Nellore to Rajahmundry when he was in his 50s. He is very disciplined and affectionate and the qualities were taken by his children", said an old friend of Venkat Rao.

"He used to have great affinity for Mogultur although traveled various places on transfers. Chiranjeevi used to study in Mogultur living in his aunt's house. Venkat Rao was known for love and affection", recalled another.

The day was spent by many mega fans and admirers of Mega Star by paying homage for the passed away father of Chiranjeevi, Nagababu and Pawan Kalyan.

New channel to have Telangana tinge

2007-12-25T12:57:00.000+05:30

One more Telugu news channel will hit your screens soon. Called T Channel, this latest 24 x 7 network is likely to be commissioned by first quarter of next year. Former Andhra Jyoti editor K Ramachandra Murthy is the CEO cum MD of the new channel.

Bhavanarayana, of Maa TV former news editor will be the editor of this new channel, and Mallepalli Lakshmaiah, senior journalist and Dalit intellectual will be state network in charge. Rammohan, till recently with Satya TV, will be its output editor.

Though Kapil Chit fund people are touted to be owners of this new channel, sources say that Andhra Joyti boss Vemuri Radha Krishna has a strong stake in T Channel. A few NRIs from Karimnagar district are also said to have some minor stake in it.

The new channel will have a Telangana tinge to it, though its top brass is unlikely to own it. “Some people may say we are Telangana channel, while others are free to interpret it as Telugu channel and Truth channel,” said a functionary associated with the channel.

Anyway, it is going to be refreshingly different from the existing seven private Telugu news channels - ETV-2, TV 9, Maa TV, Teja News, Zee Telugu, NTV and TV 5. Indications are that actor Nagarjuna is busy with preparations of launching his own news channel in 2008.

Rumors: Devender Goud to join Chiranjeevi

2007-12-25T12:56:00.000+05:30

Some important developments are in the offing in state. Telugu Desam Party veteran and former home minister T Devender Goud is set to join hands with mega star Chiranjeevi, who is expected to announce launching his own political outfit in the new year.

Vexed with Chandrababu Naidu’s tantrums aimed at him, Goud is seriously thinking of joining the bandwagon, which is likely to have the cause of social justice, sources said. In this case, Chiranjeevi, will have to acknowledge Goud as virtually No 2 in the new party.

This status has been eluding Goud in TDP presently. “Sometimes, Goud assumes that he is No 2 after Naidu, but he is equated with just yet another light weight, like Kadiam Srihari or Errabelli Dayakar Rao,” pointed out a TDP leader close to the Medchel MLA.

Goud is more hurt by the fact that certain TDP seniors like Ummareddy Venkateswarlu, who openly ridicule Goud, are believed to have the backing of TDP chief. “Naidu has no guts to challenge Goud openly, but he does give pinpricks to the latter indirectly,” said the Goud aide.

Normally, Goud always addresses Naidu as Sir”. But, of late, he started using singular number terms like “Aaayana” and “Baabu”. One should not forget the fact, that TDP senior Kotagiri Vidyadhara Rao lost his place with Naidu, just because he addressed the CM as “Baabu” in a cabinet meeting long ago.

If Goud dumps Naidu, and embaraces Chiranjeevi, it is going to be a biggest blow to TDP in Telangana region. Not only that, backward classes elsewhere too would develop cold feet for TDP and distance themselves from it.

Some advisors of Goud are of the view that he should float a separate Telangna TDP and have a tie up with Chiranjeevi. “But, no final decision is taken on the course of action,” a Goud associate said. Anyway, Goud is going to unveil his political ambitions before 2009 polls.

Devendar Goud suggests, Babu follows

2007-12-25T08:29:00.001+05:30

Till a few days ago it was the other way round. Telugu Desam supremo N Chandrababu Naidu used to call the shots in the party meetings and internal discussions. Now it is senior party leader T Devendar Goud who has been virtually dictating terms in the review meetings. Devendar Goud's suggestions and advices are accepted by Chandrababu Naidu instantly. Now that he is in the race for power, with State Assembly polls fast approaching, Chandrababu Naidu has come to terms. He knows fully well that if he has to win the political race, he should keep everyone in the Telugu Desam in happy mood. Since Devendar Goud hails from the backward Telangana and his role getting important in the area, Chandrababu Naidu does not want to antagonise him. Devendar Goud has of late emerged as a crowd puller in the Telangana region and Chandrababu Naidu wants to keep Devendar Goud in good humour at least till he bounces back to power.

On Monday during the Politburo meeting of the Telugu Desam, Devendar Goud came up with a list of suggestions which Chandrababu Naiud promptly agreed to implement. Even the distribution of blankets among the inmates of social welfare hostels is the idea thrown up by Devendar Goud.

BC leaders in the Telugu Desam are happy that Chandrababu Naidu is at last giving importance to senior leaders in the party. But the million dollar question that remains unanswered is: will Chandrababu Naidu continue with the same generous attitude after he comes to power, whether in 2009 or 2014.