Sania Mirza booked for trespass in mosque

Hyderabad, Dec 13 (IANS) The police Thursday registered a case against tennis star Sania Mirza and an advertising agency for shooting a commercial in the historic Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad without permission.

The Hussainialam police station registered a case of trespass against Sania and the advertising agency on a complaint by the minority welfare department.

Assistant commissioner of police, Charminar, B. Reddenna said the department had complained that Sania and the ad agency shot the commercial in the mosque without its permission.

The minority welfare department is responsible for the upkeep of the 17th century mosque located near Charminar, the symbol of Hyderabad.

The case was filed amid reports that some people were planning protests against the alleged desecration of the mosque after Friday prayers.

Hyderabad district minority welfare officer Kareemulla had Tuesday lodged a complaint with the police that the commercial was shot without permission. However, the police registered a case two days later.

The shooting evoked protest from the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM), a powerful political party in the Muslim-majority old city, and from a section of people, who alleged that Sania and the agency had hurt their religious sentiments.

The mosque officials pointed out that the shooting of films and commercials was not permitted in the mosque premises.

Meanwhile, the police have made tight security arrangements to prevent any untoward incident Friday as some people were reportedly planning protest against the shooting of commercial.

The mosque is a major tourist centre. Tight security is in place at the mosque since the May 18 bomb blast that killed nine people. Muslims constitute 40 percent of the city's seven million population.

Behind The Scene: Is Naidu a changed man?

Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu is desperately trying to create an impression among the party cadres that he is a changed man. The way he mingled with the party workers at the party executive meeting a couple of days ago and shared lunch with them and the way he admitted his fault of not interacting with party workers during his regime is an indication to this.

But those who know Naidu's style of functioning say that it is all nothing but a drama. No doubt, Naidu has built up the party cadres during NTR regime, but after he assumed power in 1995, he he had distanced himself from party cadres. The disgruntled party cadres did not work for the party's victory in 2004, which is evident from the way the TD could not get the number of votes equivalent to the cadre strength. Groupism and factionalism have become rampant in the party. Even in the last three years of opposition, the TD workers have not gained any confidence, even as the leaders tried to protect their own identity.

So, it is hard to believe, under these circumstances, that Naidu and the other leaders are changed persons. If he is really a changed man, he needs to get his act together and gear up the party cadres for the next elections. As of now, he has no plan or strategy to take on the Congress.

Srija-Sirish Inspired 10-12 Youngsters

Srija and Sirish turned popular with their secret marriage. As Srija is the daughter of Mega Star she was made more popular by media.

But just after a week of their secret marriage, producer Sakhamuri Panduranga Rao's daughter ran away with her driver to marry. Sources say that about 10 other pairs ran away within a month's time to get married. That's the impact of Srija-Sirish on the youth. But only the celebrity stories see light in big way.

A TV channel is planning to conceptualize a 30-minute program on the topic of 'eloping youngsters and the influences of cinema and celebrity icons'. In fact Srija-Sirish topic is going to be discussed in big way in that with the involvement of a few psychologists, lecturers, youngsters and parents.

From HIV to activism - young AP widows show the way

Hyderabad: K. Rama Devi, 27, who contracted the AIDS virus from her late husband, represents a group of more than 3,000 young HIV positive widow activists who are helping spread awareness about the disease in Andhra Pradesh villages.

Most of them are uneducated and victims of social boycott due to the stigma attached to the disease in India, which has at least 2.5 million HIV/AIDS patients.

Rama, who was attending the second annual meet of 8,000 HIV+ activists here a few days ago, narrated her painful tale to IANS about how her pleasant life changed within days of her husband dying of HIV. She hails from the state's west Godavari district.

"I was just 14 years old when my parents made me marry a mason, who was just three years older to me. We were enjoying life until two years ago when he took to prostitutes and alcohol," Rama said in Telugu even as an NGO activist translated it into English.

"I had repeatedly pleaded with him to come out of it for the sake of our two minor sons. But he didn't budge and said life was only to be enjoyed. He threatened me, saying I could leave whenever I wanted."

"When his health started deteriorating, we advised him to visit a doctor. He didn't go. He insisted that doctors would unnecessarily charge him Rs.300. He said he would regain his health with the use of local medicines.

"But later, without intimating us he went through the HIV test and was found infected with the virus. He never disclosed his status to us probably thinking it would put us in grave trouble - and he was actually right.

"He died in September last year, leaving me and my children in the hands of people who had no knowledge about HIV/AIDS. I too accepted destiny, as I had no knowledge of it. Soon I and my sons were asked to take the same test.

"The test results, as expected, made my life more worse. I was found HIV positive but was somehow relieved that my sons were not. News of my HIV status spread like wildfire and the villagers decided to put me in solitary confinement in my house. Nobody talked to me for five months, except my sons. I felt like living in jail paying a heavy price to sins of my late husbands," she said, wiping tears from her pale cheeks.

"I remained in darkness for five months before some people belonging to an NGO came to know about my worse-than-hell life," she said.

Gulping down some water and despite finding it difficult to speak about her trauma in front of strangers, Rama somehow continued: "Activists associated with AP State AIDS Control Society (APSACS) bailed me out, but for this they had really struggled hard to make villagers understand HIV/AIDS and the stigma attached to it.

"People were informed that it is not a communicable disease and doesn't spread through talking, touching, kissing or hugging. By doing this they gave me a new lease of life. I was taken for the treatment and put on anti-retroviral treatment (ART).

"I was then asked to join the group and work for men and women who were in a similar situation through which I had just passed. After some initial hesitation, I agreed to join the 'Be Bold' campaign as an outreach worker."

The Be Bold campaign was launched in Andhra Pradesh by APSACS Dec 1, 2006, covering all villages and cities and involving all sections of people, urging people to test themselves to know their HIV status and fight against the stigma and discrimination against AIDS patients.

G. Asok Kumar, a administrative official and project director of APSACS, said: "There are around 3,000 young HIV+ widows associated with the campaign along with thousands of others. They are reaching the remote areas of the state to spread awareness.

"Their work is commendable as the number of HIV tests done in the state this year is 1.45 million as against 590,000 last year," Kumar told IANS.

Rama said: "Spreading the message is easier said than done. People protest and are unwillingly to discuss problems. They just run away when we disclose that we are infected with the virus. We disclose it only after making people aware of the stigma attached through street plays, drama and folk music.

"In my eight months of work I have helped at least 50 such people suffering from the disease."

Like Rama, Visam Shetty Lakshmi, 25, another HIV+ widow, said she was mentally harassed to such an extent that she once attempted suicide. But after being counselled by NGO activists she joined them.

She is now earning through this work and continues her solitary life after her husband died last year. She confidently claims of providing succour to 120 HIV victims.

CC Reddy Starting Daily News Paper

CC Reddy is now running a weekly tabloid called 'Ee Bhumi'. He recruited 200 people for the magazine across the state. That is only a pilot job for his big mission that he is going to start shortly. The magazine 'Ee Bhumi' got good response in the market. The news that is presented in the magazine is interesting and fresh, say the readers. Very soon CC Reddy is starting daily News Paper.

So apart from Surya and Sakshi we are going to see 'Ee Bhumi' daily slowly. Sakshi is about to hit the market for this coming Sankranthi as per initial reports. We have to see if that starts as usual or takes some more time.

Sources say that there is going to be a big brain drain from Eenadu and Andhra Jyothy as 'Ee Bhumi' daily is also going to start. CC Reddy is offering fat salaries and many other benefits for his senior team. Already there was some drain in Eenadu due to Surya. Now Sakshi and Ee Bhumi would add more to that. We have to see if Ramoji Rao hikes up the salaries to his team like he did when Surya was announced.

Innovations for Everyday Life ( Must See )

@~*~Innovations for Everyday Life - Must See ~*~@

Things that make life easier...

CUP & COOKIES
Smart cup in which you can put 2-3 of your favorite cookies. You don't need extra plates. It's made for right handed and left handed.

__________________

BANANA GUARD - Protect Your Banana!
Are you fed up with bringing bananas to work or school only to find them bruised and squashed? Banana Guard allows you to safely transport and storage individual bananas letting you enjoy perfect bananas anytime, anywhere.

__________________

LOCK-CUP
Lock Cup - Anti-Theft Coffee Cup. Are you tired of others stealing your coffee cup? Well now there's a solution. The Lock - Cup has a hole which prevents most people from using it. Only the owner of the cup can use his/hers shaped key to close the hole.

__________________

PENGUIN TEA TIMER
Making tea, though easy to do, is also time consuming. Once you pour the hot water into the cup, you must patiently hover over it, waiting for the tea to steep. Well, the Penguin Tea Timer happily does the waiting for you.
Place your tea cup under the beak and set it to the desired time. As you turn the timer dial, the beak lowers the tea into the hot water. When time is up, a bell sounds and the penguin automatically lifts his beak, removing the tea bag from the water.

__________________

TRANSPARENT TOASTER
You love toast, but you always burn it? Than, this invention us for you.
This transparent toaster allows you to see the bread while it is toasting so you just have to take it out when the colour is right. This idea is based on a transparent heating glass technology.

__________________

BUTTER CUTTER
One Click Butter Cutter controls your portion as an important part of staying healthy. This ingenious butter cutter delivers one standard pat with each click of the handle.

__________________

GIANT REMOTE
Never lose your remote again!
With giant buttons, this extra-large remote is easy to use and impossible to lose. It's a 6-in-1 remote so you can use it to control your TV, VCR, DVD player, satellite, cable and auxiliary A/V device. It even features glow-in-the-dark buttons, so you can easily find the remote in the dark.

__________________

DAYCLOCK
What day is today? You don't know? Then you need a DayClock. It's uniquely designed to keep track of weekly events like your golf day, card night, movie night, and so much more. It's ideal for vacations and cruises when it's easy to lose track of the day.

__________________

CRIME SCENE TOWEL
Chalk outline crime scene beach towel - be the coolest person on the beach!

__________________

LASER SCISSORS
Laser ScissorsCutting a straight line has never been easier. Just aim the pin-point laser and follow the line. The scissor blades are stainless steel and cut very clean with a micro serrated edge.

__________________

TOILET SEAT LIFTER
'Who left the Toilet Seat up?' The PeaceMaker will end the battle of the toilet seat. Merely step on the pedal to activate the lifting mechanism. When finished, remove your foot from the pedal and the seat gently comes to a rest where it started.

__________________

ILUMINATING CAR SLIPPERS
Do you get up at night to drink water, go to the toilet...Do you wish you could see in the dark? Remarkably bright LED lights are triggered by your footsteps and light up the floor 30 feet in front of you; ultra-soft plush style are extra comfortable and cozy warm.

__________________

"THE THING" - INFANT PILLOW
The Zaky is an ergonomic infant pillow designed by a mom to mimic the size, weight, touch, and feel of her hand and forearm to help her baby with comfort, support, protection, and development. The Zaky can help calm your baby and help your baby sleep better through the night.

__________________

TRAVELER'S PHRASE BOOK T-SHIRT
If you are traveling a lot and don't always know the language of the country you are visiting, then this T-shirt is for you. It has a phrase book printed on it so just point a finger at the pictogram you need and then point it twice at the question mark, which means, "Where is it?" and in no time you have found what you were looking for. or not.

__________________

MODERN LADDER

Realy cool modern ladder.

__________________

LATEST DESIGN WAITER/WAITRESS TRAYS
Anatomic tray, for waiters. No more dropping trays. We just don't know is it comfortable.

__________________

WHEEL-MOVING BENCH
Whether you want to sit on the sun or in the shade, near the river or under the tree... now you have your movable bench, to sit wherever you like.

__________________

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\//////////////

plz add replies and repps......

__________________

"Don't Let Someone Become A Priority In u r Life,When u Are Just An Option For Them"

Thinking a better Siggy

Jagan to counter Chiru onslaught?

Heard that Chief Minister Dr Y S Rajasekhar Reddy's son Jaganmohan Reddy has decided to take a plunge into active politics this year; to give a new fillip to the Congress, which is in a dilemma following reports of Megastar Chiranjeevi entering politics.

The Congress leaders feel Jagan is the only hope of tackling the Chiranjeevi onslaught and the sooner he does, the better. The decision might be announced soon after starting his proposed Telugu daily "Saakshi" on February 21.

As part of his strategy, Jagan is understood to have asked his supporters to spread the message to nook and corner of the state in the name of social service activities through their organization "Y.S. Jagan Yuva Sena." The activities include includes establishing full-fledged Blood bank and medical consultancy hospital as a model with socialists to poor charging nominal fee in Hyderabad and mobile medical services to the poor in interior areas. Model hospitals would be established in other places too bases on the success of the first one. Though Y.S. Jagan Yuva Sena's activities are going on in 15 districts in the state, Jagan has confined himself to Pulivendula constituency and it surrounding areas. He now wants to tour the entire State in a phased manner, sources say.

A Yuva Sena activist said Jagan's fans have been pressurizing him to enter the politics at the earliest, before the political equations change rapidly. "Jagan has proved himself as successful industrialist and can prove also good politicians if he enters into politics," he said.

Cool Cover Girls (ooo Lalalla)

Recently, Bipasha, Priyanka, Preity & Deepika Padukone made it to the cover of Vogue magazine. Also Kangana Ranaut suddenly caught a lot of attention when her picture appeared on the cover of a film magazine in a transparent body suit.
Our Indian actresses, we learn, make for impressive Cover Girls. So we list the actresses who make it to the Top Cover Girls list.
Their physical beauty matched with their intelligence and success degrees make them 'Most Wanted'!

Kangana Ranaut
What makes her a Cover Girl?
Kangana Ranaut is the new happening girl in Bollywood. She has managed to capture the attention of audiences with her unconventional looks and striking performance in Gangster.
The actress, known for her reclusiveness and who-cares attitude, has recently posed for a magazine where she dressed in a body suit that gives the impression of nudity.
From the start of her Bollywood career, Kangana has shown no discomfort in wearing revealing clothes, always selling point for Cover Girls !.

Aishwarya Rai
What makes her a Cover Girl?
Aishwarya has not only launched a thousand products but has also helped sell many mags! The damsel is known to be the most beautiful girl in the world. With a face worth a million bucks, and an equally beautiful body, Ash is one stylish Cover Girl.
And the most popular within our Bollywood circle. With a penchant for style, and well-spoken demeanor, she's more than just a visual treat.

Malaika Arora Khan
What makes her a Cover Girl?
She may not be a full-fledged actress, but model-actress Mallaika Arora Khan has a certain sex appeal that remains unparalleled.
In spite of being a mom, the sensuous damsel makes it to the covers of mags more often than not and is more popular and preferred by the males than most other actresses.
With a perfect ten bod, she is one helluva Cover Girl!

Kareena Kapoor
What makes her a Cover Girl?
Actress Kareena Kapoor shoots straight from the lip. And besides her gutsy nature, and tremendous ability of calling a spade a spade, Bebo enjoys one of the freshest and most beautiful faces that oozes tremendous amounts of sex appeal.
She may not have the perfect figure, but the way she carries herself is almost perfect and makes for a close to perfect Cover Girl.

Deepika Padukone
What makes her a Cover Girl?
Her first film has just hit the screens, but supermodel Deepika Padukone's face has hit the cover of a couple of magazines already. Hailing as a combination of the beautiful Aishwarya Rai and the sexy Priyanka Chopra, Deepika is one to watch out !
She has an attractive face and a perfect 10 body, which makes her a visual treat. And with a launch pad in the form of Om Shanti Om, success doesn't seem too far away either for this new Cover Girl.

Preity Zinta
What makes her a Cover Girl?
She is the most vivacious girl around, the girl with the best dimples and an extremely innocent face. It's often you'll see her stare at you from magazine covers constantly opining and sharing her intelligent point of view.
Not known so much for her body as her peaceful demeanour, Preity is a symbol of calm.
And makes for a pleasant and classy Cover Girl.

Bipasha Basu
What makes her a Cover Girl?
She has the spunk and the oomph! And several success stories tucked under her belt. Bipasha Basu is another who is applauded for her honesty and at the same time makes a pretty picture atop magazine covers.
Known for stable relationships, Bips has proved that she is serious when it comes to her men, and though having fun is what she enjoys, sensibilities is not what she is fond of having fun with.
Quite sporty in nature, that athletic and great figure has everyone saying Ooh la la!

Priyanka Chopra
What makes her a Cover Girl?
The girl's performance curve along with her poise and composed stature puts her in an enviable position. Actress Priyanka Chopra has met with much success, and yet remains a down-to-Earth, approachable actress, with no high qualms and claims.
A good looker coupled by a sexy body, and her much humane quality, makes her more than just an attractive Cover Girl.

Sushmita Sen
What makes her a Cover Girl?
She always had the oomph and sex appeal. Not only in the way she looked and carried herself but also when she spoke. The 'seductress' is an epitome of confidence and a great personality and makes for one great Cover Girl.
She isn't as successful an actress as she is a human being.
Quite the perfect lady any man would like to court, Sush remains real and makes for a complete Cover Girl.

Chiranjeevi Selling Andhra Jyothy News Paper

This is the observation of crores of Telugus living across the globe. It is Chiranjeevi who is selling Adhrajyothy News Paper from the last one week. Ever since the news that Chiranjeevi is setting up new party has seen light the News Paper took very big interest in publishing about him on banner everyday. Till now, Chiranjeevi's news has been on the top in that News Paper.

The sales of paper were increased a lot and was also crossed Eenadu this week as per the trade reports. Andhra Jyothy has taken the big mantle of analyzing all pros and cons if Chiranjeevi enters politics. It has been publishing detailed analysis with histograms and pie diagrams for non verbal understanding. Even today there is an analysis that which party is going to bite the mud if Chiru announces his party.

The News Paper says that it conducted survey among lakhs of people in the state. But the readers of the News Paper in different places are saying that none came to them for survey on this? Then are the figures mentioned by Andhra Jyothy in these surveys wrong? That is the doubt people have been getting now. Many conclude that it would be the personal opinion of the News Paper that is pertaining to people's view.

John unveiled Kingfisher Swimsuit Special 2008 Album

Buzz: 'Kamma Meeting' To Avoid Chiranjeevi!

This is the spy news revealed three days late. Kavuri Samba Siva Rao, the Kamma-Congress leader held a meeting at his home three days back calling all Kamma leaders of all parties. This meeting was held as an informal get together and escaped the media lens. Many of the Kamma leaders have come to the meeting and there is a film glitter as well with Aswini Dutt, Rama Naidu and Murali Mohan. Chiranjeevi supported for Aswini Dutt in previous elections when he contested from Vijayawada. But now Ashwini Dutt is among the group that resists Chiranjeevi's growth in politics.

The agenda of the meeting is how to integrate 'Aikamatyam' among Kammas. 'First Caste-Next Party' is the slogan. The threats with respect to Chiranjeevi's political entry are discussed in big way.

Initially they thought to give the leadership of this Kamma group to Venkaiah Naidu. But at last unanimously, everyone declared that Chandrababu would be their leader. The conclusion of the meeting is to push the glory of Kammas in politics and curb the entry of Chiranjeevi. A few leaders have told in the meeting that they would pool big funds from NRIs and industrialists of their community to spend for the unity of Kammas. How they spend that pooled-fund if any, has to be seen!!

Vundavalli Arun Kumar's Online Fight With Ramoji?

Outspoken Congress MP Vundavalli Arun Kumar has now gone online. Yes, he has launched the internet edition of his weekly newspaper, Eevaram. Now the newspaper can be accessed via internet. Good news for the Congress sympathizers. More and more people around the world can read Eevaram and the ideology of Arun Kumar.

But one person is unhappy, sources point out. He is a media baron and does not want Arun Kumar to get wide publicity. With the internet edition in his hand, Arun Kumar will take on his opponents including the media baron with an iron hand. He will be able to disseminate the Congress information across the globe.

But the question that is nagging the minds of his opponents is from where Vundavalli is getting all the funds to run the media. Is he spending all that he has in his pocket for the sake of prestige or is he really getting some funds to sustain the publication? Unless Arun Kumar or his opponents come out with facts and figures doubts continue in the minds of people.

Apart from all this, he is continuing his fight on Ramoji by joining hands with ABK Prasad, the Chairman Official language commission. ABK Prasad is a Kamma but got betrayed by Ramoji Rao. He unleashed the darker sides of Ramoji Rao and his character which will be seen in the online edition of Vundavalli's Eevaaram.

Hitec Babu Scratching Head For 'NRI-TDP' Website

Former Chief Minister and Telugu Desam president N Chandrababu Naidu is called Hitec CM. But he is unable to start his own NRI-TDP website due to non availability of right man to help him.

Babu speaks from housetops when it comes to modernization, technological revolution and innovation. But when it comes to setting his own house in order, quite often he fails and stands exposed.

And this is exactly what has happened with his much-touted NRITDP website, set up for the "benefit" of non-resident Telugu-speaking people around the world.

Six months after the website was set up, it is yet to be started fully. A visit to the site says it is still under construction. What is the reason for such a long delay? First, the computer man who had been helping Chandrababu Naidu from behind the scene, Mr PNV Prasad, had left the party. Before leaving the party, he kept himself aloof for a long time. Unless Chandrababu Naidu finds someone really capable and trusty, he will not be able to construct his website and reach non-resident Indian Telugus in 100 countries.

Hero Balakrishna For Rajahmundry MP Seat

Hero Balakrishna For Rajahmundry MP Seat

This is not a gossip but the hot confirmed news from reliable sources. Hero Balakrishna is being pulled in by Chandrababu Naidu to make him contest from Rajahmundry for MP seat in coming Parliament Elections. Sources say that Balakrishna also expressed his consent for the same. The idea is to wash out Congress MP Undavalli Arun Kumar, who bagged big fame for the first time with his fight against Margadarsi and Eenadu Chairman Ramoji Rao. The idea of placing Balakrishna in Rajahmundry is to create a wave in East and West Godavari districts.

A few days back there was a discussion in Balayya's family that he would be the president of TDP and takes the mantle of campaigning. Although Balakrishna maintained poise at that time, he got convinced with Babu's call to contest for MP seat. The other hidden benefits offered for Balayya by Babu are not known. There was a two hour discussion between Babu and Balayya couple of days ago with this regard.

There seems to be a very interesting phenomenon in coming Assembly as well as Parliament elections.

Chiranjeevi's 'Sample Test' Revealed Off Late

This is the inside talk that is spreading in political circles. Chiranjeevi, in his statement to media, mentioned that he didn't ask anyone to talk on his behalf or do show on his name. At the same time he did not condemn the news in News Papers and media immediately. He observed for a few days before responding to media (only in written form).

Sources say that it is like 'gummadikaya donga antey bhujalu thadumukunnadu' .

"No one asked Chiranjeevi if he encouraged his men to do show on his behalf. But Chiranjeevi himself said that he is not responsible for anything. But inside sources say that a close ally of Chiranjeevi ignited a spark and kept silent stating that Chiru is announcing party for Sankranthi. It's only Chiranjeevi's wish to know the public pulse, media reciprocation and the response of political circles regarding his political entry. It's only a 'test fire'. He understood various aspects in these days. He understood that there is thumping support from public, no media support from Eenadu and balanced approach by political circles. He also understood how many are willing to leave TDP and Congress to join his party if he announces.

After understanding all this, Chiranjeevi released his statement to media stating that the uproar about his political entry got ignited without his involvement. It is a very intelligent move, indeed.

Chiranjeevi keeps political parties guessing

Hyderabad (IANS) Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi continues to keep political parties in Andhra Pradesh and his fans guessing about his plans of entering the political arena.

Even as pressure is mounting from fans to take a plunge into politics, Chiranjeevi is keeping his cards close to his chest. Informed sources said he was in two minds and wants to test the waters first.

Chiru, as his fans popularly call the film star, has asked his supporters to be patient till he makes an announcement on the issue.

"I am deeply touched by the warmth displayed by countless people across the state in response to a news event. I appeal to all my supporters to be patient till I make an announcement. I have not authorised any individual or organisation to act on my behalf," he had said in a statement issued Friday.

He was referring to reports in a section of the media that quoted sources close to him as saying that he would launch a political party in January.

While the ruling Congress and the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) are wary of the impact his entry would have on their prospects in the 2009 elections, smaller parties and caste-based outfits trying to forge a third front are eager to accept him as their leader.

Leaders of Kapu, the caste to which Chiranjeevi belongs, want him to enter politics without delay. Other backward classes are also looking towards him to take on the Kammas and Reddys, the powerful castes dominating the TDP and Congress respectively.

Speakers from Kapu, Mala and Madiga castes, at a meeting of weaker sections organised by former advocate general S. Ramchandra Rao here Sunday, also exhorted Chiranjeevi to lead them.

"We expect Chiranjeevi will lead us in our efforts to form a third alternative," said Mala Mahanadu leader K. Shivaji.

Over the last few days, enthusiastic fans and supporters of the actor held meetings in his support across the state, especially in the politically significant coastal Andhra, the region to which the actor belongs.

They are confident that the actor would recreate the magic of thespian N.T. Rama Rao, who had taken politics by storm by coming to power within nine months of launching the TDP in 1982.

Chiranjeevi, one of the highest paid actors in the country who has acted in 148 films in a three-decade long career, is said to be consulting his family members and close friends about the timing of the launch of a new party and its policies and programmes. It is still not clear if his party will represent the interests of a particular caste or a group of castes.

Like other popular actors in the south, he also enjoys a demigod status. With 3,000 Chiranjeevi fan clubs across the state, his popularity can be compared to that of NTR.

The actor's entry could realign political forces in the state. The Left parties, who are keen on building a Third Front as an alternative to the Congress and TDP, said they would not mind joining hands with Chiranjeevi if he came up with specific policies and programmes.

"Let us wait for him to announce the launch of his party and its policies and programmes," said Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) MP Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy.

Meanwhile, sources close to the 52-year-old actor said he was also planning a movie with a political message to mobilize public opinion in his favour.

The major political parties are wary of the impact of Chiranjeevi's entry in politics. Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy said he would welcome the actor's foray into politics and would even ask him to join the Congress.

"He may leave an impact in the coastal belt and Rayalaseema regions but not in Telangana," said Telangana Rashtra Samithi president K. Chandrasekhar Rao, whose party is fighting for separate statehood for the Telangana region.

Chiranjeevi fans take out rally in Vizag

Vizag: Fans of actor Chiranjeevi took out a rally from Poorna Market to Dabagardens via Jagadamba on Tuesday urging him to plunge into active politics.

M. Raghava Rao, president of Mega Star Fans’ Sangham and its general secretary P. Sarath Kumar and treasurer T.S. Dorabbai led the procession.

“We sincerely appeal to him to join politics as he is a man of commitment and has lot of love and affection for the oppressed and neglected sections. He has been doing good work through blood bank and other charitable projects founded by him,” V. Satish Kumar, a Chiranjeevi fan, said.

Andhra CM rejects doctors' demand

Stalemate over junior doctors' stir in Andhra Pradesh continued for the fourth day today as Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy rejected their demand for filing a case for non-bailable offence against a city MLA for allegedly attacking them at a state-run children's hospital.

''The concerned police officials would decide the charges to be framed. How can we interfere in the day to day functioning of the police officers. How can they (doctors) tell us what sections to be invoked,'' Reddy told reporters on Tuesday.

He was asked about the specific demand of the striking medicos that non-bailable charges should be framed against Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) MLA Afsar Khan, who allegedly attacked the doctors on duty at Niloufer government children's hospital on Sunday last.

Denying that his government was soft-pedalling on the MIM MLA, he said action would be taken in accordance with law.

He made an appeal to the doctors saying the government cared for their security and that they should call off their stir in the interest of the patients.

However, the medicos continued their stir joined by their seniors who staged a token protest, throwing medical services out of gear.

Former DGP to support Chiranjeevi

HYDERABAD: Tollywood superstar Chiranjeevi would get a strong supporter in M V Bhaskar Rao, former director general of police, when he launches his proposed political party next month.

"I will join hands with him. I have briefed him on the situation of backward classes in the state in the past. What he is planning to do is the need of the hour," said Rao, who flirted briefly with politics 10 years ago. "The two castes —Reddys and Kammas— that together constitute only 10 per cent of the state population, have been cornering over 50 per cent of the political power and behaving like maharajas. The political monopoly of these castes should end and make way for political and social equality," he said.

Rao, angry over the insulting treatment of the then government, resigned from his job as Director General Civil Defence in 1997 to start a political outfit, Andhra Nadu. He was then left with three years of service. Andhra Nadu fought the Lok Sabha elections in 1998 and Assembly polls the following year and lost steam. It subsequently merged with the Congress.

A strong votary of power sharing by all sections of the society, Rao does not cherish the idea of reservation and preferential treatment given to under-privileged groups. He describes sops such as Rs 2-a-kg rice as dole that is given to the African Americans in the U.S. It is this behaviour that smacks of feudal mindset which should not be accepted in a democracy like ours. "Why should you give them dole? Why shouldn’t you increase their abilities to earn decent living? It is so because the ruling classes would want to continue their political monopoly," he said.

Indian American student sues New York police

New York(IANS) A civil liberties group has sued the New York Police Department (NYPD) on behalf of an Indian student who was detained in July while photographing a subway station here.

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) filed the suit Thursday in the district court of Manhattan, alleging that police officers unlawfully handcuffed Arun Wiita, 26, a Columbia University graduate student.

Wiita was spotted using a digital camera near 207th Street and Tenth Avenue in Manhattan.

A resident of New Jersey, Wiita is seeking compensatory damages and reimbursement of legal fees.

"I was surprised and upset that I could be handcuffed on the street for taking a photograph," Wiita said. "What was really disheartening was that I knew this has probably happened before and that it could happen again to anyone."

"Wiita's arrest came within hours of his having embarked on a carefully planned 10-day project to photograph all 468 subway stations in New York," the lawsuit read.

"Though he was subsequently released without formal charges, Wiita was humiliated and confused by the arrest, and he believes that he was targeted in part because of his South Asian or Middle Eastern appearance," the lawsuit added. Wiita's mother is from India. He was born in the US.

Earlier this year, the police settled a suit brought by NYCLU on behalf of an award-winning documentary maker Rakesh Sharma, who was detained for filming with a handheld camera on a Manhattan street.

As a result, the mayor's office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting twice revamped its rules regarding the use of cameras on streets, parks or public property, tailoring them to apply only to potentially disruptive movie and television productions.

Police sources said officers question people photographing the city's rail infrastructure on "rare occasions", citing instances in which law enforcement officials have identified Iranian intelligence agents and suspected Pakistani terrorists taking photographs of the Brooklyn and Williamsburg bridges.