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I&B Shri Bimal Julka on 61st National Film Awards

Watch an interview with the Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting , Shri Bimal Julka talk about the 61st National Film Awards 2014.  

Whom to vote, whom to rely?

  Hardly five days left for polling in Seemandhra. However, the two main contenders TDP and YCP are confusing the people with their quite opposite arguments. Both parties argue that they alone are honest and the other is a traitor. They claim that they alone can give a good governance and capable to build a new capital with international standards. All other parties like JSP, Loksatta, Aam Admi including Congress believed to be have no role to play in this elections battle. So, the fight between two big players intensifies as the D-Day is closing in.   However, people of Seemandhra are still searching for answers to two questions. Whom to be punished for bifurcation and who is to be rewarded for fighting against the bifurcation. It is evident all the contenders in this election battle have contributed their own part in the bifurcation, but none including Congress is agreeing it. Even Kiran Kumar Reddy who plans to tap the votes with his Jai Samaikyandhra party is also an offender in this whole affair, but claims he is the real Samaikyandhra champion. Whichever party fights to keep the state united, did so only to win the hearts of people and certainly not to stop the division of the state. So, it is understood that none of the parties are honest in this regard. So, all parties may not get a single vote, if people prefer to cast their votes based on this issue.   So, the next question is which party is honest and which is capable to build the new capital. It is evident that Congress and TDP have that experience and ability but Congress lacks honesty. YCP has neither has any administrative experience nor has any idea about building a whole new city. Its President Jagan Mohan Reddy’s CBI track record and probability of resuming his cases and returning to jail is a big disadvantage to his party. TDP having alliance with a winning party BJP and its prime minister candidate Narendra Modi’s assurance to extend full support to the state gives edge over the other two in this regard. So, if people prefer to cast their votes on this base, definitely TDP will get advantage of it.

Can Jagan escape CBI cases?

  Jagan Mohan Reddy, his mother Vijayamma and sister Sharmila are assuring the people that Jagan is going to change their fate with his five signatures. They also tell the people that he alone is capable to build a new capital for the state that is par with any European cities.   However, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and BJP Prime Minister Candidate Narendra Modi both are firmly saying that Jagan Mohan Reddy has to return to jail after elections. Although, Jagan wants to support BJP, Modi is reluctant to take his party support because of Chandrababu is reluctant.   Even if Jagan wants to support Congress led UPA alliance, its chances to get sufficient majority is blink. So, the only option left before Jagan is support Third Front. But, the half a dozen aspirants, who are very desperate to occupy the Prime Minister Chair, may not let the others take advantage of this rare opportunity. So Third Front also unlikely to come into power at Centre. In this context, Jagan may not be able to bail himself out of his CBI cases, even though he becomes Chief Minister.   In case, if his party is defeated in the elections, his situation will become very miserable. So, instead of thinking about five signatures, better he think how to bail himself out from CBI and ED cases, rather thinking to change the people’s fate.

Will support Chandrababu: Jairam Ramesh

  Just few days ago Congress party has announced that it is ready to support Third Front, to prevent communal Modi and his BJP forming the government at Centre. Later, it slightly alters its statement and said that it is very difficult to run the government taking or giving external support to Third Front. It changed the statement because BJP grabs this point and start telling the people that Congress has accepted its defeat well before facing the elections, so is prepared to extend its support Third Front. Now, Jairam Ramesh, who dropped in Seemandhra for campaigning for his Congress party, has made a similar statement yesterday.   As if he realized the Congress defeat is certain in Seemandhra, he said “If, people of Seemandhra elect Chandrababu as their Chief Minister, I assure them my full support to his government for rapid development of the state. However, people should realize that voting to him is voting to Narendra Modi. Voting to TDP is just voting to BJP.” His statement reveals that Congress is sure about its defeat in Seemandhra. However, its leaders like Chiranjeevi and others are entertaining the people wearing a bold face and stating their party is going to make a clean swipe in the elections.

Selfies can be dangerous Mr. Digvijay Singh

      Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh’s relationship with Amrita Rai , a Government Televison journalist/anchor is out in the open and we are yet to find out who leaked those private pictures of the him and Amritha. First the tweet was about her computer being hacked and next it was her saying that she was married and on a verge of divorce. Next it was Digvijay Singh confirming his relationship with her and that they planned to get married once her divorce was through. The pictures doing the rounds in the net show them taking pictures of themselves – selfies in short which we still don’t how they were leaked.

Work distribution between Modi, Babu and Pawan

  Narendra Modi, Chandrababu and Pawan Kalyan together have conducted three public meetings at Madanapalli, Nellore and Guntur and they will hold two more meetings at Bheemavaram and Vizag today itself. Despite scorching summer heat, there was overwhelming response to their meeting in the three places probably Modi and Pawan factor has made the crowds dare the scorching heat. Modi has thanked the people for taking pains to attend the meeting in this summer heat and promised to return the favor certainly, when his party elected to power. Senior BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu is translating his speech into Telugu in all his meetings.   A specific pattern can be seen in their speeches. Modi is concentrating his speech on development aspects of the state and criticizing Sonia and Rahul and appealing the people not to fall in the trap of Congress and YSR Congress parties. Chandrababu is reiterating his elections promises and sharply criticizing his darling enemies-Sonia, Rahul and Jagan in his speeches. He also do not forget remind the people about how he has developed Hyderabad city and so stresses that he alone is capable to construct a new capital for Andhra. Pawan solely dedicates his speeches to attack Jagan Mohan Reddy and for praising Narendra Modi.   Nevertheless, there is overwhelming response when Modi is promising a great future to the people. Chandrababu makes people happy with election promises. Obviously, youth is thrilled to hear Pawan Kalyan is boldly hitting at Jagan Mohan Reddy. The trio has cleverly distributed different issues between them and precisely connecting with the people wherever they go.

Scam Andhra or Swarna Andhra? Modi asks

      In what would be described as a Congress party bashing session which has become a regular feature of the NDA rally featuring the BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi ,TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu and actor Pawan Kalyan. Mr Modi who was addressing a rally at Madanapalle in Chitoor district spoke about the government of the mother and son and the Congress party in Delhi who had insulted the Telugu people and their pride whenever they had an opportunity. He took a jibe at them saying that the June 2 as the appointed date where the two states come into existence as it is also the date of Italy's formation day and the republic day in reference to Sonia Gandhi’s Italian lineage. In an effort to reach out to the Seemandhra voters, the Gujarat chief minister said the choice for them was to choose between a 'Scam Andhra' or 'Swarna Andhra and that their welfare and development schemes were possible only by the BJP and TDP .He further praised Naidu as the torch bearer for development in the past and the same could be achieved in the future by him only.

What may play spoilsport for Congress, TRS chances?

  Polling in Telangana was over and the fate of the political parties and their candidates’ has been locked in the EVMs. So all they can do now is keep telling the media that they are very sure of winning the elections with absolute majority, but only until the verdict comes out on May 16th. But, they are very much aware of their fate. While, Congress and TRS are seems to be preparing for post poll alliances, others may be drafting the statements for blaming the rival parties.   However, what are the main reasons that may play spoil sport for Congress and TRS parties’ electoral chances?   1. Power hungry TRS Chief KCR’s decision not to have poll alliance with Congress party. Otherwise, they would have become a mighty force in Telangana.   2. Because of KCR’s decision, triangular contest between Congress, TRS and TDP-BJP alliance become inevitable. As a result, the voters may be split between three parties.   3. Pawan Kalyan factor helps a lot to TDP-BJP alliance. It may tilt some percentage of votes in favor their alliance.   4. Settlers’ votes in Telangana are decisive. Their votes either goes to Congress or TDP or YSR Congress party but certainly not to TRS, that scares them like anything.   5. Chandrababu’s BC card, KCR’s cast factor and his failure to keep his promise of making a SC as first CM.   6. Reports about Narendra Modi likely to become Prime Minister may have some influence on the voters. Although, people may split between parties in casting their votes for Assembly seats, many may prefer to vote for NDA Loksabha candidates only.   7. Lack of proper and strong leadership in T-Congress party.

Around Rs.1 crore kept in car engine burned

  Around Rs. 1 crore hard cash concealed in a Innova car engine was burned as the currency catches fire. This incident happens in Suryapeta in Nalgonda district on Wednesday morning. The car is having a label-MLA Uttam Kumar Reddy. The four persons including the driver abandoned the car and flee away with the remaining amount. State Election Commissioner Banwar Lal has told the media that there was Rs.2.5 crore in the engine and not Rs.1 crore. He said that police are investigating this case and will take action on the concerned after receiving preliminary report from them.

Brisk polling in progress

  Polling in Telangana is going very smooth and with brisk pace. There are no major untoward incidents have been reported except minor clashes between political parties agents in some places. Polling was delayed in some places due to technical problems in EVMs. However, EC officials have replaced them immediately as 2000 EVMs were kept ready in spare in each district.   According to latest reports, Warangal has the highest per cent of voting (38) and Hyderabad has the lowest (19) per cent voting. Hyderabad-19; Ranga Reddy-26; Medak-33; Kammam-37; Nalgonda-36; Warangal-38; Adilabad-34; Nizamabad-37.5; Kareem Nagar-32; Mehboob Nagar-36 per cent voting has been recorded.

Secret pact between Cong. TRS in Gajwel?

  Prathap Reddy, the TDP candidate contesting against TRS president KCR in Gajwel alleges that Congress candidate Narasi Reddy has join hands with TRS party and co-operating for his rival KCR’s victory in Gajwel. Prathap Reddy alleges that he was sold off to TRS party, so is there are no TRS polling agents seen in the area. However, he expressed full confidence to defeat both KCR and Narsi Reddy.   It is hard to imagine KCR, who led the agitations for last ten years will be defeated in Prathap Reddy’s hands. Perhaps, TRS might be trying to ensure KCR wins the elections with huge majority that would be far beyond anyone’s reach.

Modi’s first election meeting at Tirupati

  BJP star campaigner Narendra Modi will begin his two day-elections campaigning in Seemandhra from today at Tirupati. He will attend series of public meetings at Madanapalli, Nellore, Guntur, Bhimavaram and Visakhapatnam on tomorrow. TDP president Chandrababu and Janasena president Pawan Kalyan also will attend these six meetings. Narendra Modi has already hinted that he is going to aim his guns on Jagan Mohan Reddy apart from Congress high command during his electioneering in Seemandhra. In his recent interview given to a news channel he said that his party doesn’t need the support of YSR Congress party to form the government and once his government is formed at Centre, he will not spare Jagan Mohan Reddy’s corruption cases. Obviously, Pawan Kalyan and Chandrababu, who also participate in his meetings may add fuel to fumes by aiming their guns at Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Harish rao slaps legal notice to Pawan Kalyan

  It seems Pawan Kalyan has invited troubles by targeting TRS president KCR and his nephew Harish rao in his speeches during campaigning for TDP-BJP candidates in Warangal few days ago. They both gave him a fitting reply and a legal notice as well. Ditchpalli police have filed a case against Pawan Kalyan following Nizamabad court orders under sections 153(A) and 506. Harish rao has served him a legal notice for making false allegations against him of having business affairs with former PCC President Botsa Satyanarayana.   However, Pawan stick to his allegations and said that he can prove them with evidence. Pawan Kalyan has begun canvassing in Guntur district from Wednesday. So, he may train his guns on Jagan Mohan Reddy and thus force him also to follow Harish rao. Although, many senior and junior politicians are indulged in this mud-slinging game, TRS leaders particularly aiming Pawan Kalyan makes many think the reasons behind.

April 30th Telangana elections – Rewriting the History of AP

      A historic Moment for the State of Andhra Pradesh as it goes to polls tomorrow - April 30th.The Votes polled tomorrow will decide the fate of who will govern the state of Telangana which will officially become a State after June 2nd. And these elections are going to be decisive factor. A total of 119 Assembly seats and 17 Parliamentary seats and more than 29 million voters are part of this electoral battle. The major contending parties are the Congress, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Telugu Desam Party (TDP) combine, JSP ,CPI (M) ,BDP, Lok Satta, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM),AAP and several independent candidates who are in the fray.   The election campaign had been quite a battle where we saw the leaders in the best of their histrionics –read making samosas, iron clothes, sweep roads and other antics to woo the voters.Whether the voters fall for this will be known after the results come out. The major political players like Naidu, Jagan, Kiran Kumar, and the Congress leaders had traded barbs at each other with each leader trying to claim credit for the bifurcation of the State. The new rebel entrant in the form of Power star Pawan Kalyan who was the star campaigner for the TDP-BJP alliance ,with his novel approach to politics will have considerable influence on the first time young voters. The 60 year old dream of Separate Telangana will finally become a reality and once the counting is over on May 16th, India and Andhra Pradesh will witness the historic separation of two regions into Telangana and the Rest of Andhra Pradesh.

Tabla Maestro Late Ustad Allarakha remembered today

      Today is Late Ustad Allarakha’s 95th birthday and we also had the Google India Home page with a doodle of the maestro playing the tabla, in homage to the great artist.   His son  Ustad Zakir Hussain who is currently in Istanbul also mentioned in his Facebook page which said “ Just landed in Istanbul. It is my father and guru Ustad Allarakha's birthday today. Will have a grand music party here with John McLaughlin, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Jean-Luc Ponty, Vinnie Colaiuta, Hugh Masekela, George Duke, Husnu Senlendirici and many friends. I am sure they are also having a party for Dad up there in heaven and God is cooking. I miss him.” Born on April 29, 1919 in Phagwal, Jammu, his full name is Allarakha Qureshi Khansaheb and was popularly known by his first name. He passed away in the year 2000 and has left behind a legacy in the Punjab Gharana which is still continued by his sons Zakir Hussain, Fazal Qureshi, and Taufiq Qureshi  who are also respected tabla players in their own right.  

Rajeev Suri is Nokia’s new CEO

      Forty six year old, India born Rajeev Suri is the new Chief Executive Officer of Nokia Solutions and Networks (NSN).This was announced after Nokia finalized the sale of its mobile phone division to Microsoft last week for 5.4 billion euro ($7.5 billion) on Friday. Nokia's former chief executive Stephen Elop left the firm to become Executive Vice President of the Microsoft devices group.   Risto Siilasmaa, Chairman of Nokia, said Mr Suri "has a proven ability to create strategic clarity, drive innovation and growth, ensure disciplined execution, and deliver results". Indian-born, Mr Suri has been working at Nokia for the past 20 years and has been heading the firm's network equipment unit since October 2009.

Court orders Police to file case against Pawan

  Responding to a petition filed by lawyer Ravi Kumar, Nizamabad court has ordered Dichchipalli police to file a case against Pawan Kalyan for making derogatory comments against TRS president KCR during his speech at Warangal. The court orders the police to submit their report before 11th June. Perhaps, next some of his supporters or some TDP or BJP activist may also file a petition against KCR for the same reasons and no surprise if the court asks police to file a case against KCR. However, these kind of cases filed earlier against several politicians including KCR, have never come for trial as they were shelved in later period.

T time up – Election Campaign ends

      April 28th 6:00 PM is the last day for campaigning to end in the Telangana region.It was a whirlwind campaign session where the Congress, TRS, TDP, BJP, JSP, YSRCP , the star entrant Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan along with the smaller and other independent parties battling it out for their stake in the Telanagana region.It was a diverse and free for all campaign where all the leaders have hurled abuses and traded jibes at each other. Allegations and counter reactions, taking the credit for the formation of Telangana by the Congress, TDP and BJP parties was the flavor of the season in the Telangana Election campaign season 2014.   The separate Manifestos for both the states had the leaders giving outlandish reforms and benefits to the people. How many of these will actually become a reality will be seen after the results are declared. Meanwhile it’s time for the Telangana leaders take a break from the campaign heat and  let the people decide their fate  on April 20th  and wait for the results on May 16th 2014 .

Kavuri to join BJP on May 1st

  Former union minister Kavuri Sambhasiva rao, after quitting Congress party has planned to join TDP, but couldn’t get admission because of the party local leaders’ objections. Then he plans to secure BJP ticket by joining it and met its president Rajnath Singh in New Delhi few days ago. Though, Rajnath has agrees to admit him into party, he didn’t assured any ticket to him. So, he took few more days’ time to think over whether to join BJP or not. After seeing the positive waves for Modi and BJP, he decides to join BJP, though it denies ticket to him. He will join BJP in a public meeting to be held on 1st May at Bheemavaram.   If, BJP comes into power at Centre, being its member, he can ask the government to allot him some contract works, if not party ticket. Many politicians like him, who are contract businesses, are foreseeing a huge business from the new capital construction and infrastructure development in the residuary Andhra Pradesh. So, Kavuri’s decision to join a winning group is not a bad decision.