Andhra Pradesh

AP’s First solar Power Plant commissioned

  Even while, Telangana state badly struck with power crisis, due to lack of proper efforts by the state government, so far it couldn’t get any help form the Centre. But, the AP state which overcomes its power problems within five months due to sincere efforts put by the state government and its Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.AP State is also getting sops from the Centre that helps the state to become surplus-power state in the near future.   Union Minister for Energy Piyush Goyal, who is quite impressed with AP government’s efforts, has agreed to grant Rs. 1350 crores from the National Green Energy Fund to the state for construction of evacuation lines for solar and wind power projects in the state.   The Coal ministry has ordered the Western Coal Fields Ltd in Maharashtra to supply and additional amount of 1 million tons of coal to Thermal Power Plants in the state, which have been facing severe coal shortage till last three months.   Andhra Pradesh state government while putting sincere efforts to get all possible help from the Centre, it is also strategically making long strides in power generation sector. The state first ever solar thermal power plant with 50 mw capacity was commissioned on yesterday in Ananthapur district. Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd. have established this solar thermal power plant in an area of 600 acres in Nagula Puram village in Peddavadaguru mandal of Anantapur district with Rs.848 crores, under Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM).

TRS

TRS catches the seven mandals issue again

  TRS party that strongly objects the Centre’s decision of merging the seven mandals of Kammam district with AP state, in the later period simple switched off its agitation plans for the same. But, now and then it is wisely utilizing that issue to highlight the injustice it met over this issue and to strengthen its argument that Centre is showing discrimination towards Telangana state.   So, it once again got a chance to raise this issue when YSR Congress party MLAs T Venkateswarulu and P Venkateswarulu asked the Telangana government to take care of the tribal living in the seven mandals, who are ignored being by both governments.   Replying to his appeal, Telangana Finance Minister Etela Rajendar said his government can’ take that responsibility, as the seven mandals are now part of Andhra Pradesh state. He said however his government is still providing power supply to the seven mandals with humanitarian approach. He said it’s unfortunate that Centre has merge the seven mandals using its powers. He said that his government will again appeal Prime Minister Narendra Modi to revoke his government’s decision on this issue.   Actually, TRS government has expressed a great concern for the tribal living in the seven mandals, till they were merged with AP, but not now. Although it is justified, if it could extend some help to the tribal, who want to be identified as people of Telangana, they would be happy with it. However, since it is AP government’s duty to take care of the tribal, YSR Congress party should ask it, instead of asking Telangana government.

YSR Congress party

YSR party rubbishes the media reports

  YSR Congress party leader Dharmana Prasada rao, who is heading the capital committee formed by the party to protect the interests of farmers and agricultural labour in the ear marked villages, speaking to media “We strongly condemn the reports published in a section of media stating that our party is creating hurdles in the land acquisition process for the capital city construction. I would like to remind them that our party president Jagan Mohan Reddy has welcomed the state government’s decision to build the capital city in Vijayawada. So, there is no meaning in writing such reports against us, he said.”   “We just want to ensure the interests of farmers and agricultural labour is protected. We also welcome the farmers who want to offer their lands to the state government for this purpose. But, being the main opposition party in the state, we can’t simply ignore their interests, if they have any problems or objections in handing over their lands to the government. So, we will definitely visit all the ear marked villages and try to know their opinions, demands, problems and objections if any. We will not step back fearing the media reports,” said Dharmana.   Congress party also formed a committee headed by its senior leader C Ramachandraiah for the same purpose. But, when it visits the ear marked villages, the committee members have faced very ugly situation there. If the committee is formed to safeguard the interests of the farmers, then the farmers should welcome them, but they fumes upon them. Why? Now, YSR Congress party is also going to try its hands, probably to taste the same experience? Let the farmers decide its fate.

Maharashtra Governor

Maharashtra Governor injured, Five MLAs suspended

  The Shivsena and Congress MLAs in an attempt to stop the Maharashtra Governor CH Vidyasagar rao from addressing the house have staged a dharna in front of the main entrance yesterday. However, when he tried to enter the house, he was minor injured in a clash between the MLAs and his security persons. He is very angry for the misbehavior of the MLAs. He asked the Speaker of the house to take appropriate action against those MLAs, who involved in this incident. So, the newly elected Speaker of the house Haribahu Bagde, suspended the five Congress MLAs from the house for two years for misbehaving with the Governor.   Congress has strongly condemned his decision for barring the peoples’ representatives for two years from the house. The five MLAs facing charges are also argue that they are not involved in this incident, but BJP government wanted to eliminate them from the house with political motivations. They owe to fight against the Speaker’s decision till he lifts the ban on them. They said will go to people to garner their support and to fight against the government, if the Speaker do not lift the ban on them immediately.   Political parties in the country have strongly condemned this incident and also agree that action to be taken against the involved. But, they do not expect such a severe action against the elected representatives. So, the Speaker also may revoke his decision, but in the meantime, it provides a great opportunity to opposition parties to blame the ruling BJP government that it starts pressurizing its MLAs to attract them into party.

Hudhud Cyclone

Central team to visit Hudhud affected areas soon

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has granted Rs.1000 crores as Hudhud relief fund and Rs.450 crores out of it was already released. Efforts for the release of balance amount are on. A central team is coming for a three day visit to the affected areas on 25th of this month to assess the damage.   The cash strapped AP government that has been asking for the central assistance for its various projects, is not in a position to allocate huge funds for the relief and reconstruction operations. So, it insists the central government to send a team to assess the loss occurred to the north coastal AP districts and release the funds appropriately, in addition to the funds promised by Prime Minister Modi.   The other factor that makes the Centre to send its team to affected areas may be Modi’s promise to convert Vizag into a smart city. It is the most affected with Hudhud cyclone. CM Chandrababu Naidu has promised the people of the city that he will take it as a challenge and rebuild the city from scratch in par with international standards. He also assured them that works like laying of underground electrical cables replacing the electrical polls, developing greenery, setting-up high-end educational and IT institutes will begin very soon.   So, the state government may guide the central team to prepare their reports accordingly after assessing the damage so as the funds to be released by the central government for cyclone relief can serve multipurpose.

BJP

BJP to have a smooth sail with NCP support

  BJP and Shivsena snapped their ties just before Maharashtra Assembly elections for failing to strike a deal on seat sharing issues. Congress and its alliance partner NCP also snapped ties for the same reasons. Their over confidence to make a clean sweep in the elections and greediness to rule the state on their own are the actual reasons that spoils their relations.   However, Shivsena joined hands with BJP after it was defeated in the elections and BJP emerges as single largest party with 121 MLAs. But, Shivsena is raged to see BJP admitting its party MP Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu into party after taking him into Modi’s cabinet in the recent cabinet expansion. So, Shivsena president Uddhav Takre has declared that his party will not support the Devendra Fadnavis lead BJP government, if it accepts NCP support. Probably, his idea behind that condition is to have a chance to twist BJP’s hand whenever he wants. But, BJP also can understand his idea. So, it declares that it will welcome all political parties, except Congress to support it’s government. A MLA from NCP told the media that his party has issued a one-line whip to all its 41 legislatures to vote in support of Devendra Fadnavis government.   BJP has total 121 legislatures out of 287 members in the Assembly. It needs 23 MLAs support to cross the majority mark of 144. Maharashtra CM Fadnavis claims that his party has 10 Independent MLAs and 8 other MLAs support, besides 41 MLAs support from NCP. So, BJP need not to worry about Shivsena threats or conditions.   So, it is like a slap on Shivsena Chief’s face. So, he declared that his party prefers to sit in the opposition benches rather than supporting BJP government. He also issued a whip to his 63 MLAs to be present in the house, when the Fadnavis government seeks a trust vote today afternoon. He also fielded his party candidate for the Speaker post in the Assembly. Besides Shivsena, BJP and Congress also field their candidates for the same.

Etela Rajendar

BC population in Telangana 51.08 percent: Etela

  Many of the decision taken during last five months ruling by TRS government draws sharp criticism from the people and the opposition parties. One such decision was conducting a statewide survey. Today, when a discussion on the survey begins in the Assembly, opposition parties have grilled the government with their questions and criticism for its survey in the state.   MIM MLA Akbaruddeen speaking on this issue demands the government to table its survey report in the Assembly, so as members of the house can understand what is the purpose of the survey and whether it is fulfilled or not. He made it clear that if the state government shows any discrimination towards Andhra people living in the state, MIM will strongly oppose it. He said all the welfare schemes should be given to them also without any discrimination. He also opposed the ‘nativity’ issue chipped by it in its survey forms. He said all the students should be treated alike with equal respect.   TDP MLA Revanth Reddy has asked “Government shows interest to gather information about the properties and income of the people, but simply ignores to ask the people how much amount loans they have. Although, the government virtually made all the people home arrest for 12 hours for this purpose, it couldn’t complete 100 percent survey. Thousands of people like me all over the state patiently wait for the enumerators, but no one has turned up. If so, how the government claims its survey is a grand successful. If it is true then what is it doing with the survey reports?”   BJP MLA Dr. Lakshman asked, “When the government is telling that the survey is successful, then why is it again asking the people to register their names for welfare schemes and ration cards?"   Finance Minister Etela Rajendar replying to their questions said that survey has nothing to do with ration cards or welfare schemes. He said that it is to gather the information about citizen’s social, financial, educational and employment status. He said it is unfortunate to see opposition parties are criticizing our survey, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciates for our efforts. Etela disclosing the statistics of the survey said there are 51.08 percent BCs, 21.5 percent OCs, 17.5 percent SCs, 14.46 percent minorities, 9.91 person STs in the total population of the state.

Congress

Land acquisition also becomes political issue

  These days, the land acquisition for the capital city has become a major issue for both ruling and opposition parties. While, ruling TDP government is trying to handle this matter smoothly, opposition parties are trying to grab this opportunity to trouble it by provoking the farmers. Congress and YSR Congress also have formed committees for this purpose. Congress committee lead by its senior leader C Ramachandraiah had a bitter experience during its recent visit in Toolluru Mandal.   Although, farmers in some villages in the ear marked area are willing to handover their lands to government, they sharply criticized it for not sending the ministers’ sub-committee to know their opinions, demands and to clear their doubts on land-pooling procedure. Then only, government seems woke-up and the sub-committee starts visiting the ear marked villages. They took the feedback from the farmers on various issues related to land acquisition and also educated the farmers about the land pooling procedure and the benefits they will get out of it. Farmers also seem to be satisfied with their assurances and coming forward offering their lands to the government.   Next, YSR Congress committee to be led by its convener Dharmana Prasada rao is also visiting the villages on 13 and 14th of this month. So, it also may try to provoke the farmers and tap their anger against the government. But after seeing the Congress committee’s bitter experience, YCP committee may move precautious to avoid repeat of same experience.   However, it is quite unfortunate to see the opposition parties are politicizing this issue, even when they are aware that state capital is to build very urgently in wake of the growing conflicts between AP and Telangana states. Moreover, it will be very difficult to run the government sitting outside the state.

Telangana

KCR helps to unite the opposition parties

  Telangana CM KCR’s idea of transferring the entire blame onto previous governments for the present power and water crisis seems backfires at him. Although, all his ministers simply followed his line on these issues, it only helps the opposition parties to unite against his government in the Assembly. TDP and Congress party members both not only condemned his allegations but also criticize him for taking excuse on those grounds to hide his failure to handle the situation.   Congress floor leader K Janareddy replying to him said, “People have elected your party setting aside us. So, if you do believe that our government has done any mistakes, you should try to rectify them instead of trying to transfer blame on us to hide your failures. You are in power now. It doesn’t mean that you can project the opposition parties as villains in the public view. It is not fair at all.”   “You should remember that you also did agitations and questioned our Congress government, when you are in the opposition side. But, you are finding fault with us for questioning your government. What is wrong if we conduct bus yatras? I suggest you to first change your attitude towards us. It is not wise to defame each other like this. We should be role models to our future generations and not as villains,” said Janareddy.   TDP leader Revanth Reddy also spits fire on the TRS government in the Assembly for defending itself by blaming the previous governments. He argued, “The Southern Load Dispatch Center in Bengaluru reveals that Telangana government has consumed more power than AP, only because it is our due share. Even though, we got 247 million units additional power as our share, it is pity you are still blaming Chandrababu Naidu and his government. You are blaming previous governments only to conceal your failures. You shouldn’t blame others for your failures.”

Is KCR admitting his failure with his assurances?

  Telangana CM KCR strongly defending his government on power crisis has once again tried to transfer the blame onto previous governments, while highlighting the efforts put by his government to address the crisis. He squarely blames the AP government and it’s Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for the present crisis.   He alleges that Chandrababu is encouraging his party leaders of Telangana to go on bus yatras to highlight the crisis, while obstructing power supply from the state to Telangana. He said Chandrababu seems has determined to ruin the agriculture in Telangana so as Telangana government will be blamed for it.   He said, however his government will not allow him to do so. He explained various measures like revamping and recharging of water tanks (ponds) across the state, signing MoUs with Chhattisgarh government for 1000mw power supply, efforts to construction of power generation plants and laying power transmission lines etc. taken by his government so far. He assured within next two years there would be visible improvement in irrigation and power situation.   CM KCR may not said that there are not enough transmission lines between the two states that can carry 1000mw power supply, but Chhattisgarh CM Dr. Raman Singh’s appeal to Centre for the same reveals that KCR is just trying to take excuse with his MoU. If, KCR could convince the Centre for laying transmission lines, then also it may take not less than three to four years, otherwise it may take decades to complete. So, it seems KCR seeking excuse showing the MoU to escape from the opposition parties.   Telangana government might be making a right move with its Water-Grid proposals, but it also need water to recharge. Unless, there is sufficient rain fall and sufficient water in the rivers, these link-ponds can’t be recharged. However, it is wide idea to repair the abandoned water ponds well ahead of rainy season. Whether, he admits or not, one thing is clear that his government can’t resolve the power and irrigation water issues right now. He is saying the same in other words by with his assurances.

Is Jagan trying to join hands with BJP?

  Those, who closely watch YSR Congress party President Jagan Mohan Reddy’s political moves, whenever he lands at New Delhi, suspect him although he gives them nice reasons for it. Many believes that he is trying to strike a chord with ruling NDA government to bail himself out of the cases filed against him by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate.   CPI leader Narayana reacting on his recent visit to New Delhi said “He appears to be trying to join hands with BJP and TDP is trying to obstruct him.”   It is evident Jagan Mohan Reddy and his party has been always cautious while speaking about BJP, NDA government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In fact, he never let his tongue slip on them nor allowed his party leaders to speak against them.   Modi has promised Rs.1000 crore to Hudhud cyclone hit North Coastal AP districts. However, when his NDA government has not released that amount Jagan and his party leaders aim their guns at CM Chandrababu Naidu and his government, instead of NDA government. Jagan blames TDP government fails get the funds released from the Centre, but not criticized the NDA government for not releasing the funds.   He also wisely grabs this opportunity to land at New Delhi to meet Finance and Home Ministers to give representation to them. This itself is underlining a point that he has other intentions than what he is saying to public. So, there is nothing surprise if leaders like Narayana suspects his honesty and argues that it is just an excuse to meet the NDA ministers, particularly Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Bandaru gets Labour and Sujana Science and Technology

  Bandaru Dattatreya, who sworn in as Minister of State, (Independent charge) was given Labour and Employment portfolio and Sujana Chowdary (MoS) gets Science and Technology and Earth Sciences portfolios.   As predicted Manohar Parrikar was given Defense portfolio that was under Finance Minister Arun Jaitley until now. But, Arun Jaitley was now given additional charge of Information and Broadcasting. Earlier, it was held by Prakash Jawadekar. He was shifted to Forests and Environment ministry. Shivasena MP, who quits party and joins BJP after taking oath yesterday, was given Railways taking it from Sadananda Gouda. He was given Law ministry.   Here is the list of cabinet ministers after reshuffle: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also hold Personal, Public Grievances, Pensions, Space and Nuclear Rajnath Singh: Home Arun Jaitley: Finance, Company Affairs, Information and Broadcasting Manohar Parrikar: Defense Suresh Prabhu: Railways D Sadananda Gouda: Law Nithin Gadkari: Shipping, Road Transport and National Highways M Venkaiah Naidu: Housing, Urban Development and Rural Poverty Elimination Ashok Gajapathi Raju: Civil Aviation Ravishankar Prasad: Communications and IT JP Nadda: Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsha Vardhan: Science, Technology and Earth Sciences Ramvilas Paswan: Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Chowdary Birendar Singh: Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking water and Sanitation Anantha Geete: Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Anantha Kumar: Fertilizers and Chemicals Kalraj Mishra: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises   Sushma Swaraj: Foreign and NRI Affaris Uma Bharati: Water Resources, Rivers Development and River Ganga Cleansing Menaka Gandhi: Women and Child Welfare Smrithi Irani: Human Resources Najma Heftulla: Minority Welfare Harsimrath Kour Badal: Food Processing   Narendra Singh Thomar: Steel and Mines Jyual Oram: Tribal Affairs Tavarchand Gehlat: Social Welfare Radha Mohan: Agriculture Ministers with Independent charge: Nirmala Sitaraman: Commerce Bandaru Dattatreya: Labour and Employment VK Singh: foreign Affairs and Statistics Sripada Nayak Ayush: Health and Family Welfare Piyush Goel: Coal and Energy Prakash Javadekar: Forests and Environment Dharmendra Pradhan: Petroleum and Natural Gas Sarvanand Sonval: Sports and Youth Affairs Jitendar Singh: PMP, Staff Training, Science, Technology, Nuclear, Earth Sciences and Space Rao Indarjith Singh: Planning and Defense Rajiv Prathap Rudy: Parliamentary Affairs, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mahesh Sharma: Tourism, Civili Aviation and Cultural Affairs