Thursday, October 30, 2008

Congress to postpone Telangana issue

Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy was seen defending his stand when presenting his views about Telangana to Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh.

The Congress high command, it seems, had asked YSR to clarify his stand on Telangana because almost all other parties in the State now seem to be supporting the T issue. The high command wanted him to state how he is going to go for elections if he is undecided on Telangana.

YSR stated that feelings of other regions must also be considered first before going ahead. He also mentioned that a States Reorganization Committee may become imminent in the long run. However, for the present he is confident he can delay this issue for some more time. He stated that as of now, there is no hurry for them. The Elections in other parts of the Country in the coming months will not affect the Elections in Andhra Pradesh, was what YSR felt.

It is clear that YSR is still riding on the wave of his policies. The sentiments of people may change if the Congress loses in other states in the coming elections.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Our team is off for the festival

Dear Readers,

Our team is off on Diwali Vacation. We wish you a Happy Diwali in advance.

If this is your first visit, read posts that interest you. Do come back on Thursday for we will be back in action again.

Happy reading,
Team
Voices of Andhra Pradesh

Friday, October 24, 2008

Praja Rajyam to watch its Leaders

Congress is now into its third phase of Indiramma Sambaralu. For those who know little about these celebrations, let us tell you, the Congress during its rule has done several pro-poor activities in which one is the Gruha kalpa scheme under which they claim to have constructed lakhs of houses for the poor.

At several of these speeches, YSR has been seen becoming very emotional. He first highlights all the good things, then gives the statistics for everyone to see the facts, and finally he requests the people to compare the development programs of Congress and TDP and see for themselves what difference the Congress is making for them.

While this is on one side, we have had cases of thousands of poor people complaining during these meetings that the real beneficiaries are not getting any houses. We have had an NRI lodging a complaint regarding how a Construction company has cheated him of crores of rupees under these schemes. We have farmer suicides, farmer injustice in sale of cotton and so on.

Lot of things seem to be looking good on paper, but not all that good in reality. It is also true that while some get benefited, some will always remain outside this bracket. And, we haven't even started talking about how Lok Satta, TDP, Praja Rajyam and other parties have challenged Congress to publish white papers on the money spent. They all feel that a lot of public money is being diverted by selfish people before it is reaching the people.

It is has been seen time and again in the last four and half years that the Congress has had a lot of difficultly in being transparent in their Governance. In spite of repeated complaints from Opposition, Congress resorted only to counter-allegations but has never really accepted a challenge and acted more answerably. However, transperancy, answerablity, and performance are now becoming the need of the hour as people are becoming more and more aware. Unless Congress tries become more transparent in AP, it is running the risk of losing faith in people, in spite of its performance.

Congress and its Indiramma Sambaralu

Congress is now into its third phase of Indiramma Sambaralu. For those who know little about these celebrations, let us tell you, the Congress during its rule has done several pro-poor activities in which one is the Gruha kalpa scheme under which they claim to have constructed lakhs of houses for the poor.

At several of these speeches, YSR has been seen becoming very emotional. He first highlights all the good things, then gives the statistics for everyone to see the facts, and finally he requests the people to compare the development programs of Congress and TDP and see for themselves what difference the Congress is making for them.

While this is on one side, we have had cases of thousands of poor people complaining during these meetings that the real beneficiaries are not getting any houses. We have had an NRI lodging a complaint regarding how a Construction company has cheated him of crores of rupees under these schemes. We have farmer suicides, farmer injustice in sale of cotton and so on.

Lot of things seem to be looking good on paper, but not all that good in reality. It is also true that while some get benefited, some will always remain outside this bracket. And, we haven't even started talking about how Lok Satta, TDP, Praja Rajyam and other parties have challenged Congress to publish white papers on the money spent. They all feel that a lot of public money is being diverted by selfish people before it is reaching the people.

It is has been seen time and again in the last four and half years that the Congress has had a lot of difficultly in being transparent in their Governance. In spite of repeated complaints from Opposition, Congress resorted only to counter-allegations but has never really accepted a challenge and acted more answerably. However, transperancy, answerablity, and performance are now becoming the need of the hour as people are becoming more and more aware. Unless Congress tries become more transparent in AP, it is running the risk of losing faith in people, in spite of its performance.

A Bill for Separate Telangana to be tabled in Parliament

The BJP and allied parties have agreed to table the bill for Separate Telangana as per the request from NTPP. The bill will be discussed in the parliament and a vote is likely to be cast on it.

This is being seen as a major move that will make many things clear. It is going to show how strong the sentimeent for a separate Telangana is.

It will clarify ance and for all, the stand which Congress is going to take for this bill. All these four and a half years, it has kept TRS in the dark and with them the hopes of many Talangana enthusiasts also. It will show how much leaders from other parts of the country understand the Telangana issue and sympathize with it and support its cause. It will, above all, also show how much our own local parties are committed to the issue.

Devendar Gound meets Sonia Gandhi

NTPP Devendar Goud met Sonia Gandhi and discussed the issue of separate Telangana. He emphasized the need to give a separate state for Telangana by putting forward a strong case for the same.

He reported that Sonia heard him patiently and responded positively over the issue. He mentioned that Sonia assured him that Telangana issue is in her top priority and that she will discuss this with the Prime Minister as soon as he arrives to India after his visit from Japan and China.

This meeting is considered crucial because, the party stand is going to play a big role for the Talangana Bill which is going to be placed before the Parilament by the BJP.

TDP asks NTR kin not to attend Yuva Garjana

TDP leader, Chandhrababu Naidu, asked NTR kin not to attend Yuva Garjana meeting. Except Balakrishna, all the other actors of the family are to refrain from this public gathering.

Shocked by Junior NTR's refusal to attend the meeting, TDP has taken this decision to make sure that people do not conceive that there is a divide in the NTR family over TDP. Chandrababu Naidu feels that others can be involved in the meetings at a more appropriate time later during Election campaigns.

Many are seeing this as a move to keep the confidence of the fans of the actors and fallowers of TDP. This can ensure that a negative sentiment in public can be avoided in an early stage. With TDP going forward strongly for Telangana, they are just beginning to win back the sympathy of people. At this stage they can't afford to make any mistakes.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

We invite more Authors

Dear Readers,

We invite more authors to contribute to this blog. Our vision is to spread more awareness among people about the polticial scenario in Andhra Pradesh. Our opinions and views are important and they must reach more and more people through media like these.

We request like-minded authors to join us in this effort. If you are interested to write on this blog, please leave a comment to this section expressing the same. Our Admin team will contact you and take this forward.

Note: We are getting very good response from our readers from Andhra Pradesh. We thank all our readers for their support and enthusiasm.

Thank you,
Team
Voices of Andhra Pradesh

Junior NTR will not participate in Yuva Garjana TDP Campaign

Junior NTR met Chandrababu Naidu at his residence and they seem to have had a discussion for about an hour. Chandrababu Naidu tried to convince Junior NTR to attend the Yuva Garjana campaign rally on Nov 5. No matter how much he tried, Jr. NTR just did not get convinced. He admitted to having some prior commitments for his upcoming movie (incidentally called MLA) and that he wants to honor those commitments.

It is already talk of the town that the NTR family is divided over their support for Telugu Desam Party. This move may not go well with the party. There are two main reasons cited for this action. One, Jr. NTR wants to concentrate more on his Acting career like his contemporary actors such as Mahesh Babu, etc. Two, that he requested a party ticket for his film producer who wanted to contest from Gunnavaram, but the party has denied this request because they wanted to place their own candidate in this seat.

There is disagreement of terms here. There is dissatisfaction also. All this, of course is inside information which is not entirely on record. So it is not certain if we were to believe all this. But the fact remains. Several of Jr. NTR fans are going be disappointed over the absence of their favourite hero at the Yuva Garjana rally.

Interview with Gadar about Telangana

Famous balladeer Gadar gave an interview with a local TV News channel recently. He spoke extensively about Telangana and his interactions with various party leaders in Andhra Pradesh about this issue. Here is an excerpt from the interview.

Question: What do you think are the major issues in Telangana in the present day.
Gadar: Some of the major issues are lack of self respect, social justice, improper allocation of natural resources to the region, and social, cultural, political and economic differences of the region when compared to other regions in Andhra Pradesh.

Question: Your own contribution for the emancipation of this region is well-known. In what other ways are you working towards this goal?
Gadar: You are right, my own struggle is selfless, neutral and pro-poor. I sing for the poor even with bullets in my body. I participate in almost all programs where I am invited for a good cause. I have no resistance or no opposition when I want to meet any big leader in any party to have my word with them. My struggle is focused, devoted, and disciplined. (He goes into a ballad impromptu...)

Question: It seems you interacted with Chiranjeevi recently, what was the discussion all about. How did Chiru react to a separate Telangana?
Gadar: I know Chiru, Pawan personally and had met them as Artist meeting another artist all these days. But this meeting was different. I am meeting a leader now. Chiru showed maturity and underestanding. He is like a plain paper on which he wants people to write their problems. People are welcoming him and I could see that change in the Actor-turned-politician. The discussion was mainly about Telangana. I briefed him about the problem faced by the people in the Telangana region. I told him what people expect from him. I also advised him on best practices he could follow when he speaks in this region in phase 2 of his Praja Ankita Yatra.


Question: What about your discussions with NTPP Devendar Goud.
Gadar: I advised him to dedicate himself for the cause. I told him not to look at seat-sharing and other such politically motivated actions but to spead awareness and reach more and more people and be committed to the cause.


Question: Whats your opinion about KCR and TRS after all these four and half years of their stuggle?
Gadar: You see, it is not enough to tie up with a party just for political gain and wait for things to happen. Sooner than later, people will understand the commitment shown. It was clear when TRS kept losing their ground in Telangana repeatedly in the last four and a half years. They ought do be doing more. They ought to restore faith in people about their party and their commitments.

Question: How about TDP and BJP?
Gadar: They have just recently declared their support for this cause. We are yet to see if they will display any acts of commitment and dedication. There is more time needed to judge their stand.

Question: Finally, do you foresee Telangana coming in the next few years under the leadership of one or the other party?
Gadar: Starting from 1952, we have a serious and a strong case for a separate Telangana and the strength of the case, I am afraid, has not reduced in these many years even after several governments have ruled the state. At any given point in time, a case against giving Telangana was never clearly stated. There is a need for them to do this first and put it face to face with the case for a separate Telangana. Only then a convincing arguement for Telangana will come through and a separate state will be formed. With years passing, the movement for this is becoming strong, it is only time that it will erupt into a mass movement. At that time no one can stop it from happening with or without party approval. I am hopeful that leaders realize the importance of people before people force them to do it.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Telugu Desam Party divided due to Balakrishna fans?

Balakrishna fans are calling their hero the next Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. They Wove to give their full support for the same.

They also say that while Balakrishna is here in Andhra Pradesh, Chandra Babu Naidu can go to the centre and become the Prime Minister if needed.

While TDP is dismissing these things as temporary and sporadic events more due to the enthusiasm of fans, it is worth noting that such conceptions may bring in internal differences in the party by the time of elections. Even other family members of NTR family such as Tarakaratna have also been seen supporting Balakrishna to be the next CM.

Nava Telangana gets BJP support for Telangana issue

Devendar Goud met BJP leaders in Delhi and gathered their support for passing a resolution in Parliament seeking a separate state for Telangana. BJP has assured NTPP that they will table a resolution for the same in the next few days.

It is clear that the NTPP is trying its best to see if separate Telangana state can be formed even before the forthcoming Elections in Andhra Pradesh. The trouble is even the Lok Sabha elections are also going to commence very soon. The ruling Congress at the centre is already making plans to conduct Lok Sabha elections in Feb 2009, if they get favourable results for state elections in MP and Rajasthan.

Under these circustatnces, even if a resolution is passed for separate Telangana, parties may become busy to prepare for the elections and this issue may be sidelined. NTPP is hopeful of succeeding in their efforts. Let us wait and see.

Chiru will tour Telanga in second phase of Praja Ankitha Yatra

Praja Rajyam party is likely to announce a favourable stand for statehood of Telangana in its scheduled tour of Telangana districts. Chiranjeevi will tour Karimnhagar, Warangal, Khammam, and Nalgonda district starting from October 30 for about 7 days.

Many things are likely to get clear after the tour. One, the support Chiru is going to get from these regions, two, the party stand on Telangana and three the issues faced by the people of this region on which they would like the party to focus their attention.

If Chiru's party also favours a separate Telangana, interesting possibilities of alliances can be foreseen. Many pro-Telangana parties may show interest in teaming with Praja Rajyam. With election round the corner, these developments are crucial for the future of Andhra Pradesh governance.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Nava Telangana Praja Party goes to Delhi to put pressure on UPA for Telangana

Devender Goud and his NTPP members met several party leaders of the ruling UPA in Delhi. They want to put pressure on the UPA to come to a consensus on a separate state for Telangana even before the forthcoming Elections in Andhra Pradesh.
NTPP has not made alliances so far. They feel that this is too early for this. They want to concentrate more on getting a separate Telangana even before Elections.
This move of going to Delhi is being seen as their way of showing their commitment to the cause for separate Telangana to the people of this region. By doing so, they are certain that the Telangana people will recognise them as a party dedicated towards this cause.

BJP to fight it alone in AP

The BJP has made it clear that it is ready to fight it alone in Andhra Pradesh in the forthcoming elections if required.
The party spokespersons have indicated that they were alarmed by the kind of alliances that parties are ready to form purely based on political gain. They are surprised that parties are ready to compromise even on their own value system just for gaining more power in the future.
We all know that BJP is now in power in Karnataka and they are looking to make a descent entry into Andhra Pradesh as well. Going by the recent activities of the party in AP, we can say that they are preparing well for this. If at all there was a time when they can do it, we can say that this could be the best time. When so many new parties are going to contest and when there are so many issues that have come up recently, there is no guarantee that any one party may come to power on its own. Each party is likely to have some seats if they try hard. Even BJP may get considerable amount of seats in AP this time if they play their cards well.

Praja Rajyam party terms accusations against Chiru as mediocre

The Praja Rajyam spokesperson Mr. Parkala Prabhakar spoke about the accusation levied on the party by leaders from other political parties. He termed the accusations as being mediocre.
He said people have some respect for political leaders. They consider them as dignified and diplomatic. If they go around pointing fingers at mediocre stuff like flat tyres and sore throats, they are going to fall low in the views of the people. They must act and behave more mature than that.
He made it clear that things like these are not political issues and leaders must be mature enough to make such simple distinctions for themselves.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Chiru will tour Telangana districts in the next phase of Praja Ankitha Yatra

Chiranjeevi announced during the inauguration of the second office for Praja Rajyam that he will be touring the Warangal and Karimnagar districts over a period of five days starting from October 22. He has asked his party members to make necessary arrangements for the same.

With over 35 lakh members joining the party since its inception, the party is hopeful of getting good response from this region too.

Talangana people and fans are hoping that this visit can bring the party to a consensus on the Telangana issue.

Chiru's interview on NDTV

Chiranjeevi was interviewed by NDTV recently. We provide you some excerpts from the questionaire.

NDTV: What made you enter Politics?

Chiru: After my successful career in the film industry, i felt the need to reach people and solve their problems. If I look back at my life when I grow old, it will give me great satisfaction if I have served people when I had the energy and the ability to do it.

NDTV: Are you taking inspiration from N. T. Rama Rao?

Chiru: Yes, you may say so. NTR had done a lot of good for the common man. The troubles faced by people were always on the top of his mind as a politician and also as an actor. I am inspired by the good things that he did for people.

NDTV: How do you propose to solve the problem faced by the common man?

Chiru?: I am getting a lot of support from people. They are coming forward to tell me their problems in all public rallies we organized so far. I hope to consolidate their feedback, recognize their demabds and problems and put forth a people-friendly agenda in the days to come. It is just the beginning and I am hopeful that this will lead to a great movement in Andhra Pradesh.

NDTV: Are you confident that you will become the next Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh?

Chiru: I believe in my people and the support they are providing me. If the people'sverdict is that I should be the CM, then yes, I will definitely become the next CM.

Information about Political Parties in Andhra Pradesh

This page carries information about the political parties in Andhra Pradesh.

There are two major political parties in Andhra Pradesh, namely, Congress and Telugu Desam. Telangana Rashtra Samithi which was formed to promote the Telangana cause has also gained popularity with previous elections. Nava Telangana party, and Praja Rajyam were formed recently. Other parties include, Lok Satta, Bharatiya Janata Party, CPI, and CPI(M).

Congress Party

Since the formation of the separate state of Andhra Pradesh in 1953, Congress party enjoyed majority in the house and administered the government for 30 years. Under the leadership of eminent leaders such as Potti Sriramulu consistent development and a sustained growth was recorded.

They lost ground in 1983 when N. T. Rama Rao started the Telugu Desam Party, overthrew the Congress, and put an end to their monopoly. Congress had to be content with staying in the Opposition.

In 2004, they got back to power under the leadership of Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy. Learning from the mistakes made by the former chief minister, Chandra Babu Naidu (TDP), the Congress came back with a strong pro-poor and pro-farmer agenda.

Telugu Desam Party

Telugu Desam Party was founded by the renowned Telugu Film Star N. T. Rama Rao on March 29, 1982. When it first came to power, it gave a much needed break from the monopoly of Congress. They gained popularity through pro-poor schemes and development programs that boosted the morale of the Telugu language and the Telugu people’s self respect. In 1995, his son-in-law and the then Finance Minister Nara Chandra Babu Naidu overthrew N. T. Rama Rao with the support of other party loyalists and became the Chief Minister. Naidu continues to be the supremo of the Party and heads the house as the Opposition leader in the present Assembly.

Lok Satta Party

Lok Satta Party was launched in Andhra Pradesh on Oct 2, 2006. It is led by Administrator-turned-politician Mr. Jayaprakash Narayan. It aims to free the country from “money and muscle power politics” and bring in a citizen centered Political Culture.

It is emerging as a major mainstream political party in AP, with more than 350,000 members and chapters in all the districts. Through their Citizen Service Centers,Surajya Movement, and People’s Commission Against Corruption, they conduct several activities to identify key Governance issues, and to weed out political corruption. As this party is driven basically by youth, they even seem to be having a good website. Check it out: http://www.loksatta.org/

Telangana Rashtra Samiti

Telangana Rashtra Samiti was founded by K. Chandrasekhar Rao in 2001 in Siddipet. KCR was in TDP earlier. The party had the main agenda of forming a separate state for the Telangana region.

In 2004 Elections he formed an alliance with the Congress party. TRS won 26 Assembly and 5 Lok Sabha seats and continued to support Congress both at the state and the Center till They withdrew support from the Center in September 2006 and resigned from Assembly enmasse in April 2008 stating that the Congress failed to deliver the demand for a separate state of Telangana.

In the subsequent by-elections however, the party lost heavily to Congress and TDP as the Telangana people voted them out believing they have failed to deliver a separate state for them. Though KCR tried to resign from the party presidentship, the party continues to hold him as their leader as they feel he can be the instrument of delivering a separate state.

Praja Rajyam Party

Praja Rajyam party was founded by actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi on August 26, 2008. Chiranjeevi felt the need to eradicate corruption in the society and enable People’s Rule through honest and efficient Governance, through transparency and through sincerity. The party was functioning initially purely through the family emembers of Chiranjeevi, including Allu Aravind, Naga Babu, Pawan Kalyan. It slowly diversified to include experienced eminent leaders from different walks of life, experienced politicians who have a clean political record, and of course scores of Chiru fans and enthusiasts. The party does not have a clear agenda yet. However, through road shows and through awareness camps run through fans, Chiranjeevi hopes to first understand the problems faced by the common man and then come up with a practical, tangible, and workable agenda that will suit the interests of all.

Exactly like the TDP during its inception by N. T. Rama Rao in yesteryears, even Chiranjeevi’s Praja Rajyam party is drawing crowds to the tune of lakhs and crores. At this stage it will be difficult to tell whether these are party enthusiasts, followers of just fans of Chiru.

Nava Telangana Praja Party (NTPP)

Senior TDP leader T. Devendar Goud branched out from the party to form his own party called the Nava Telangana Praja Party. The party was founded on 11th July 2008. Devendar Goud and his party are of the opinion that the Telangana region has been subject to neglect repeatedly from the time of the formation of separate state for Andhra Pradesh. The people of Telangana lack basic amenities and resources even after 60 years of independent India despite the fact that this region is sorrounded by rich natural resources.

Formation of a separate state for Telangana region is the sole and principal agenda of this party. They believe that no other solution is going to help Telangana people. One of the party’s moves in the near future is going to be to declare this region as a separate state on their own accord. This sounds like the American act of Declaration of Independence, but thats how they are going to act if their dream is not realized soon. Of course, their party members are going to contest from all the Assembly Constituencies in the Telangana region in the forthcoming general elections of Andhra Pradesh.

About this Blog

The political scene of Andra Pradesh is unique in many ways. AP is a classic case-study for the socio-political evolution of a large state. The co-existence of several linguistic, cultural, and economical corridors in a single state has brought with it, many administrative problems. Political parties trying to lobby for power have for generations effectively exploited these factors to win favours of voters. A scenario of unbiased development throughout the state has become almost impossible as a result.

This blog attempts to analyse the political environment of Andhra Pradesh. As a disclaimer, we want to clearly state right in the beginning that WE ARE NOT SYMPATHISERS OF ANY ONE POLITICAL PARTY OR GROUP. WE ARE INDEPENDENT NEUTRAL OBSERVERS ONLY!
Come back here to find out what we read between the lines of politicians and their policies. We are here to strike a balance. Send in your comments and participate actively in this mahaprasthanam!

If you want to win a game, you must be a part of it. We are here to be a part of it. Our aim is to put our thoughts on the web. We are a group of Central university (Hyderabad) graduates.

Film stars to contribute more this election

Film Stars are all set to change the scene of the elections this season.

The Telugu Desam chief Chandra Babu Naidu is likely to give seats and more power to the N. T. Rama Rao family members all of them being actors in the film industry.

Even Congress has roped in many actors and they have vowed to spend at least three days a month for poll campaign.

All this is definitely to give a stiff competition to the Chiru party which is fast being popular in Andhra Pradesh.

Congress and TDP are eager to give Awards to each other

Alarmed at the way TDP chief, Chandrababu Naidu was declaring freebies to the public, the Congress declared that he is fit to be given an award called "All Free."

Reacting quickly to the challenge thrown at him, Chandrababu Naidu said he is ready to take the honour from the party but the Congress party must also be ready to take an award for "Most Corrupt" party.

Allegations and counter allegations are common in politics, particularly when the elections are so close.

Chiru starts second office for Praja Rajyam Party

Chiru inaugurated a second office for the Praja Rajyam party in Jubilee Hills. This office is intended to serve as a meetings place for the party enthusiasts and Chiranjeevi.

While the main office will remain as the head office, the second office is where interactions are going to take place. The main office will be better utilised for undertaking party activities without any interruptions.