Wednesday, September 8, 2010

YSR detractors to bite the dust: Jagan

YSR detractors to bite the dust: Jagan

M. Ilyas

Ongole, Sept. 8: Stepping up his attack on Telugu Desam president, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, and others, Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, said that those making false allegations against his father YSR even after his death, will be wiped out by the wrath of people.

On the sixth day of his Odarpu Yatra at Nandipalem village in Konakanamitla mandal in Prakasam on Wednesday, Mr Jagan said that they were jealous of people’s love and affection for us.

He (Mr Chandrababu) is in a delusion that he is still the chief minister and is trying to defame YSR. Mr Jagan was apparently referring to Mr Chandrababu’s allegations in Srikakulam district on Tuesday that YSR was corrupt.

He also came down heavily on a vernacular daily for its biased approach towards their family.

Referring to YSR’s six year regime, Mr Jagan said that his father was a role model for other chief ministers in the country.

“YSR always thought about people’s welfare. His tenure as chief minister was a golden period. Everyone in the state benefitted in some way or other by his schemes,” Mr Jagan said.

Alleging that some leaders were misleading the high command, the minister for mines, Mr Balineni Srinivas Reddy, said that Mr Jagan did not start the Odarpu to get the CM’s post but to console families whose kin died, either due to shock or committed suicide after YSR’s death.

Villagers of Chowtapalem obstructed Cumbam former legislator, Mr Udumula Srinivas Reddy, from sharing the dias with Mr Jagan, alleging that he had not developed their village.

Darsi MLA, Dr Buchepalli Sivaprasad Reddy, and other leaders participated in the Odarpu. Mr Jagan consoled the family of Mora Tirupati Reddy at Chinarikatla.

Meanwhile, the Odarpu is two days late as Mr Jagan is arriving six to seven hours late everywhere.

Heavy crowds attended the Odarpu in all villages and people forcibly took Mr Jagan to their villages. Women and children were seen on a largescale in the Odarpu and youngsters shouted slogans “Future CM Jagan,” in every meet; Mr Jagan evidently enjoyed this as he did not try to stop them.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Trade union's bandh peaceful in Prakasam

Trade union's bandh peaceful in Prakasam
M. Ilyas

Ongole, Sept. 7: All banks and government offices remain closed due to the bandh call by various trade unions on Tuesday in Prakasam district. The strike was called jointly by the Intuc, Aituc, HMS, Citu and other trade unions, protesting price rise, job losses, large scale disinvestment of public sector, rampant violation of labour laws, merger of banks, move for privatisation of banks, merger of rural banks with sponsoring banks, lack of protection of unorganised workers, etc.

A huge rally was conducted from the Addanki bus stand centre to Prakasam Bhavan. Leaders of various unions forcibly stopped employees from joining duty in the collectorate. They staged a dharna before the collectorate demanding regularisation of temporary workers in the public sector, constitutional act for the security of unorganised sector workers.

Leaders of various unions who addressed the gathering on the occasion levelled allegations against government for laxity in protecting the public sector. They demanded strengthening of government and public sector and job security for state employees.

Similar protests took place throughout the district and government offices, banks, industries, factories etc., remained closed. People were troubled due to the closure of banks and ATM centres. Buses and autorickshaws plied normally.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Rosaiah for uplift of weavers

Rosaiah for uplift of weavers

M. Ilyas

Ongole, Aug. 7: The Chief Minister, Mr Konijeti Rosaiah, assured that the state government is committed to uplift weavers’ community and they had introduced various welfare programmes like weavers loan waiver scheme, house-cum-workshed sche-me and other welfare programmes in this direction.

Addressing a public meet after laying foundation for Konijeti Rosaiah Harivillu scheme at Nayunipalli village near Chirala on Saturday, he recalled his association with Chirala weavers and clarified that he doesn’t come here to give speech but to meet his friends.

Mr Rosaiah announced that the colony would be completed by March 2011. Stating that the weavers are living in deplorable conditions, he stressed the for uplift of the weaver community.

Recalling his participation in social service activities with freedom fighter late Acharya N.G. Ranga, he once vowed to render services to the needy. He eulogised the house-cum-work shed scheme and said that it will provide better living conditions for weavers who used to work and live in tiny workplaces.

Referring various examples to cultivate various vegetables, he added that weavers badly needed a helping hand. Mr Rosaiah further assured that whether he is in power or not, he will serve the weaver community as much as possible.

The minister for mines, geology, textiles and handlooms, Mr Balineni Srinivasa Reddy, recalled that then chief minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, tried to start the workshed scheme in 2005, but court cases curbed the same. He praised Mr Rosaiah for his efforts in this regard. The minister announced that funds were released for loan waiver scheme hence the community soon would benefit largely.

The local MLA, Mr Amanchi Krishnamohan, recalling that today is world weaver’s day, expressed his happiness over the starting of weaver scheme.

The Prakasam district collector, Mr Kantilal Dande explained the details of the scheme. He asked the Chief Minister for the sanction of more funds towards providing infrastructure in the workshed colony and the latter gave his consent.

Later, the Chief Minister distributed cheques to various self help groups. Mr Rosaiah also inaugurated a water scheme at Ramayapalli and a pylon of development works by Chirala municipality.

MLAs comeup with issues

MLAs comeup with issues
M. Ilyas
Ongole, Aug. 8: Stressing the importance of agriculture and irrigation sectors, the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, directed Prakasam district officials to focus on these for the welfare of farmers.

He was addressing officials during a review meet at Chirala on Sunday. MLAs of the district listed out issues before the CM.

The Telugu Desam MLA of Markapuram, Mr Kandula Narayana Reddy, asked for starting a third platform for tobacco auctions at Podili. He also urged release of relief and rehabilitation packages for displaced persons of the Pula Subbaiah Veligonda project.

MLC, Mr P. Rama Rao, asked for increase in quota of Bengal gram seeds. Kandukur MLA, Mr M. Mahidhar Reddy, asked for action to curb blackmarketing of subsidy seeds. Yerragondapalem MLA, Mr A. Suresh, appealed for restoration of Veligonda tunnel works.

Parchur legislator, Dr D. Venkateswar Rao, asked for supply of irrigation water to tail end irrigation lands through the Sagar canal.

Darsi MLA, Dr B. Sivaprasad Reddy, appealed for supply of electric transformers to farmers. Kanigiri legislator, Dr M. Ugranarsimha Reddy, sought permission to re-appoint model/ideal farmers. He also appealed for compensation to sweet lemon farmers who lost their crops in the Laila cyclone.

Santanutalapadu MLA, Mr B.N. Vijaykumar, brought the issue of repair works of non-notified ponds.

Mr Rosaiah directed district officials to supply urea and fertilisers and restrain blackmarketing. He directed district authorities for the speedy distribution of compensations to victim farmers of the Laila cyclone.

Rosaiah asserts no threat to government

Rosaiah asserts no threat to government
M. Ilyas
Ongole, Aug. 8: Claiming that there was no threat to his government in the state, the Chief Minister, Mr K. Rosaiah, said that as a well wisher, Praja Rajyam president, Mr K. Chiranjeevi, came forward to support their government and clarified that they were ready to take support of anyone if needed.

He was addressing a press meet on Sunday at Chirala.

Responding to the issue of allocation of prime land worth Rs 200 crore at Mytrivanam in Hyderabad to Telugu Desam state administrative secretary, Mr G.N. Naidu, by the CM’s office after issuing a special GO, Mr Rosaiah said that he would to clarify about the issue on Monday after studying the file.

He said that no minister in his cabinet had called Telangana Rashtra Samithi’s leaders as anti-nationals.

He added that Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy’s Odarpu Yatra was not a government’s programme.

Referring to the ensuing local body elections, Mr Rosaiah said that these may be delayed as the issue of women’s reservations was not yet settled.

He announced the union government’s proposal to establish an India Reserve Battalion (armed reserve police) near Gundlakamma in Prakasam district.

Speaking about departmental review meets, the CM said that they did not expect immediate results from these, but these would bring clarity among officials towards completion of schemes or rendering services to public.

Mr Rosaiah said that officials should behave responsibly with public elected representatives about public issues.

Ongole MP, Mr Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, Nellore MP, Mr Mekapati Rajmohan Reddy, minister for endowments, Mr Gade Venkata Reddy, minister for mines, Mr Balineni Srinivas Reddy, Chirala legislator, Mr Amanchi Krishnamohan, and other Congress legislators of the district attended the programmes with the CM. Mr Rosaiah, after completion of the two-day Chirala tour went to Penugonda by helicopter.

Bachelor doctor serves poor

Bachelor doctor serves poor
M. Ilyas
ONGOLE, Aug. 11: At a time where MBBS doctors are reluctant to work in the rural areas, a government medical officer, Dr M. Venkaiah, working in the Ulavapadu primary health centre in Prakasam district is serving rural people for the last 20 years, while a bachelor.

Dr Venkaiah did his masters in surgery, introduced Buttonhole surgery in our state for the first time for tubectomy.

Sponsored by health and family welfare in 1997, Dr Venkaiah was trained in DPL surgery under the guidance Dr C.B.S. Sastry in Bombay general hospital.

Explaining the technique, Dr Venkaiah said that this was the only surgery that can be performed in two minutes and needed just a four-hour post operative care; this was invented by Dr Radhakrishna of Bengaluru. He said that this surgery was painless, created no scars and was without sutures.

He referred to rural women working in fields being happy with the new technique, as they can get on with their work in two-days after surgery. Stressing on the need for population control, Dr Venkaiah said that these surgeries helped to minimise population.

Referring to government spending Rs 10-15 lakh public money to produce a doctor, Dr Venkaiah said that it was strange that despite getting benefits, doctors were reluctant to serve rural populations. The thought of “giving back to society” drew him towards rural service, he added.

Referring to the Tamil Nadu government’s procedure of awarding a doctor’s degree only after completion of two year service in rural areas, he suggested this in our state.

Dr Venkaiah has performed 70,000 surgeries and trained 200 fellow doctors for Buttonhole surgeries; they have, in turn, completed nearly three lakh such operations, putting the state in the top position among southern states in family planning operations.

Dr Venkaiah received the best medical officer award 21 times from the union government. He created a record by performing 381 such surgeries in eight hours and was a guest faculty at Bangkok and Colombo universities.

The 43-year-old Dr Venkaiah is a bachelor and lives in Ulavapadu village. He said that he would soon start a trust to provide the latest medical treatment to rural populations and asked fellow doctors to come forward to serve the rural poor.
In 2009, he was recommended for Padma Sri award by then district collector, Mr K. Devanand, but he was not considered as his public service was little short of required 20 years.

Italy team to repair Veligonda tunnel

Italy team to repair tunnel
M.Ilyas
Ongole, Aug. 13: An expert team from Italy will inspect the first tunnel of the Pula Subbaiah Veligonda project to resolve the incessant seepage in the tunnel at Kotturu in the next week.
Tunnel digging works were stopped for the last 10 months due to natural water flow with mud and loose soil in the tunnel, and project authorities tried various ways to stop the leakage but their efforts proved futile.
Two tunnels were started to get water from Kollamvagu of Srisailam to fill the Veligonda project but the first tunnel works were stopped on 17 December 2009 due to the problem.
A team of engineers from Germany came but failed earlier.
Recently, the state government placed Veligonda in the first priority list under 39 Jalayagnam projects of the state. The government also paid Rs 363.38 crore for forest land for tunnel digging works. Besides leakage, pending bills have also been obstacles for the project.

Indian idol Sreeram

Indian idol Sreeram
M. Ilyas
Ongole, Aug. 16: Denizens of Addanki in Prakasam district are in a jubilant mood following the spectacular success of Mynampati Sriram Chandra in Indian Idol-5 contest on Sunday.

Sriram was born in Addanki and his grand father is popularly known as Sarma master in the town. His father Prasada Rao is an advocate by profession and he had settled in Hyderabad. Sarma master was instrumental in admitting Sriram in music class when he was seven-years-old.

The then legislator of Addanki, Mr Karanam Balaramakrishnamurthy, and staff of LIC have felicitated Sriram when he performed at Addanki a few years back.

Almost every one in Addanki was glued to TV sets on Sunday night and they distributed sweets to celebrate the success of the son of the soil late on Sunday night.

Telangana-Andhra unity

Telangana-Andhra unity
M.Ilyas
Ongole, Aug. 18: A newly-wed couple appeared before the Srikrishna Committee on Wednesday at Uppugundur of Nagulappadu mandal, seeking the members’ blessings. The bridegroom belongs to Ongole of Andhra and the bride is from Medak of Telangana.

Mr Kunchala Anjaiah, a resident of Vijayanagar, fell in love with Ms M. Varalakshmi of Venkatraopeta of Narsapuram mandal of Medak district while working at Hyderabad as a ma-son. Her parents opposed the marriage and the couple rushed to Ongole and got married with the help of Mahilabhyudaya Samiti.

The member of the Srikrishna committee, Dr Abusa-leh Shariff, who came for an interaction, blessed the couple. The joint collector, Mr P. Lakshminarasimham, the zilla parishad vice-chairman, Mr M. Venkataseshaiah and others also blessed the couple.

Dr Shariff said that the newly-wed couple had given them a solution for the ongoing bifurcation issue. He added that the couple represents a united and progressive Andhra Pradesh, and this was applauded by people.

Mr Venkataseshaiah, zilla parishad territorial constituency member of Pangalur, Mr K.V. Subba Rao, Genco Vyaterika Porata Sangham convener, Mr M. Veeraiah Chowdary and other leaders opposed bifurcation. They objected to the constitution of the Srikrishna Committee towards bifurcation, neglecting other states where there were also separate state demands.

The Dalit leaders, Messrs P. Vajrambabu, N. Bhaskar Rao, D. Srinivas Rao, Nageswaramma and Rambabu suggested bifurcation of the state to resolve the problem.

Dr Shariff said that committee would submit the opinions of people to the Union government by the end of December this year. Later Dr Shariff and other officials went to Diguvametta of Giddalur mandal and interacted with tribal Chenchu community families.

Installation of statues sans permission poses problems

Installation of statues sans permission poses problems
M. Ilyas
Ongole, Aug. 23: Installation of statues of former chief ministers without any permission in Pamuru town is becoming a headache for the authorities. Followers of Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy are busy putting up his statues in all parts of the district before the forthcoming Odarpu Yatra of the Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Congress leaders of the mandal identified a place opposite the R&B office in Pamuru. However TD leaders put up pillars to establish an NTR statue close to YSR’s overnight.

Sensing trouble, Pamuru SI M. Rajesh Kumar summoned both the TD and the Congress leaders and told them to obtain permission from the authorities concerned to set up the statues.

“We will not keep quiet if you occupy government land. You can go ahead with the work only after submitting the permission letter to us,” the SI told the local leaders in unequivocal terms.

According to information, the TD leaders are keen on setting up of an NTR statue on the same location and invite party leaders Harikrishna and Karanam Balaram for its inauguration.

Meanwhile, the TD district unit president, Mr Da-macharla Janardhan, questioned the rational behind establishing 250 YSR statues across the district without government permission.

Speaking to reporters at Markapur on Monday, he said that approval is a must from revenue, police and fire departments to erect statues adding that they would take the issue to the notice of the district collector. He warned that they would install NTR statues at the same places if Congress leaders violate the norms.

TD to counter YSR statue spree

TD to counter YSR statue spree
M.Ilyas
Aug. 26: Adding to the widespread controversy of the proposed Odarpu Yatra in Prakasam district, the Telugu Desam leaders are planning to agitate against the largescale installation spree of YSR statues without proper permissions in the district.

The TD district president, Mr Damacherla Janardhan, said that permissions were mandatory from the R&B, police, fire, irrigation, revenue, panchayats and other departments to install statues.

Alleging violation of norms in this regard, he said that their party was going to bring the issue to the notice of higher officials and if the authorities failed to curb the improper installation of statues, they would set up NTR statues besides YSR statues.

Meanwhile, an Odarpu Yatra coordination committee was formed on Thursday with Congress leaders, Messrs Battula Brahmananda Reddy, Nutalapati Tirumala Rao, Katta Sivaiah, Nukasani Balaji, P. Pulla Reddy, K.V. Prasad, K.V. Ramana Reddy, Y. Venkateswar Rao and Ongole municipal chairman, Dr Bapatla Hanumantha Rao.

The committee said that Mr Jagan would tour 1,395 km of 53 mandals of Prakasam district, unveil 450 YSR statues and console 40 families in the district. Meanwhile, nephew of YSR and Congress leader, Mr Y.V. Subba Reddy, released the Odarpu Yatra poster at Chirala

Focus on second-rung leaders

Focus on second-rung leaders
M. Ilyas

Ongole, Aug. 28: The route map was finalised for Odarpu Yatra in Prakasam district on Saturday, amidst lack of cooperation from majority of Congress MLAs.
Starting from Giddalur on September 3, the Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, will travel about 1,395 kms, covering 295 villages, to console 40 families who lost their kin due to the death of YSR.
It is learnt that the District Congress Committee president and MLC, Mr Pothula Rama Rao, Kondepi MLA, Mr G.V. Seshu, and Parchur legislator, Dr Daggubati Venkateswar Rao, had met the Pradesh Congress Committee chief, Mr D. Srinivas, on August 27 at Hyderabad, and asserted their obedience to the high command.
Thus far, other than minister for mines and geology, Mr Balineni Srinivas Reddy, and Darsi legislator, Dr Buchepalli Sivaprasad Reddy, no MLA is ready to participate in yatra.
Meanwhile, a coordination committee comprising nine members headed by Mr Battula Brahmananda Reddy, touring villages to garner support of Congress activists and second rung leaders.
Using it as an opportunity to make a mark in the ensuing local body elections, the second rung leaders are out to support the yatra.
The movement of these secondary cadre leaders into Jagan’s camp is irking the legislators, as they have to face competition from their followers in the next local body elections, if Jagan forms a separate party after being expelled from the Congress.

Congress cadre in dilemma

Congress cadre in dilemma
M.Ilyas
DC CORRESPONDENT
ONGOLE, Aug. 31: In the wake of the AICC’s announcement to organise its own Odarpu to commemorate YSR’s services on his first anniversary, September 2, the Congress leaders and activists in Prakasam district are again in a dilemma, in the backdrop of Jagan’s scheduled Odarpu Yatra starting from September 3.
Travelling to garner the support of people in the district are the coordination committee of Odarpu Yatra led by Mr Battula Brahmananda Reddy and YSR’s nephew Mr Y.V. Subba Reddy.
Bolstered by the district youth Congress president, Mr K. Venkataramana Reddy, joining them, the Jagan group is expecting huge gatherings.
Barring the minister for mines and geology, Mr B. Srinivas Reddy, and Darsi MLA, Mr B. Sivaprasad Reddy, who are in Jagan’s camp, all other Congress MLAs in the district are set to make the official programme a big success.
Speaking to this newspaper on phone, Ongole MP, Mr Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, welcomed the AICC’s decision and said that the AICC had not forgotten YSR’s services.
Prakasam District Congress Committee president and MLC, Mr P. Rama Rao, said that the commemoration will be in a grand manner on September 2.
Meanwhile, the AICC’s announcement is a blessing in disguise for Congress MLAs who are in a quandary of losing their second-rung leaders being attracted by Jagan’s camp.
Thanking the AICC president, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, Kanigiri MLA, Dr Mukku Ugranarsimha Reddy said that the party’s decision would keep their grassroot cadre intact.

Odarpu to go on, says Balineni

Ongole, Sept. 1: The minister for mines and geology, Mr Balineni Srinivas Reddy, confirmed that Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, will go ahead with the Odarpu yatra as per schedule in Prakasam district.

Two Odarpu programmes are going to hit the district. The AICC's Odarpu schedule is yet to be announced hence Congress leaders and activists are going to join Jagan’s Odarpu.

Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, Mr Srinivas Reddy said that the AICC’s decision to organise Odarpu was a fitting answer to some leaders who had tried to mislead the high command about the consequences after YSR’s death. He thanked Mrs Sonia Gandhi for the historical move.

The minister said that Mr Jagan would start the yatra from Giddalur on September 3 at 9.30 am.

He said that after participating in the yatra, he would leave for Hyderabad to attend a cabinet meeting. He revealed his plans to take part in the yatra for at least 10 to days.

Mentioning allegations of CPI state secretary, Mr K. Narayana, about his family holding granite lands in Chimakurti, he denied this and challenged that he would retire from politics if Mr Narayana proved it.

The minister said that they were not pressuring MLAs, MPs and other elected representatives to participate in Jagan’s yatra.

YSR remembered,minister in tears

YSR remembered,minister in tears
M.Ilyas
DC CORRESPONDENT
Sept. 2: The first death anniversary of YSR was celebrated officially on Thursday at the open auditorium of Prakasam Bhavan. Addressing the gathering, Minister for Mines, Geology, Handlooms and Textiles Mr Balineni Srinivas Reddy said that YSR had won a place in the hearts of people through his various welfare schemes.

Meanwhile, Congress leaders, MLAs and other elected representatives of Prakasam district are curious to know if Kadapa MP Mr Y. S. Jaganmohan Reddy will continue his Odarpu as usual or modify it according to party commands. Congress state in-charge Mr Veerappa Moily will meet Mr Jagan on this issue on Thursday at Idupulapaya after paying tributes to YSR.

The minister for mines, geology, handlooms and textiles, Mr Balineni Srinivas Reddy, who is a strong supporter of Mr Jagan and a relative of YSR, clarified that Mr Jagan would continue Odarpu as per schedule and further clarified that Mr Jagan was ready for any political sacrifice for Odar-pu. He also announced that he himself was ready to sacrifice his ministry for Mr Jagan.

Mr Srinivas Reddy, while addressing the gathering at the district Congress committee office was silent for some time and shed tears, recalling his last conversation of YSR about the Prakasam Ratchabanda programme of last year.

The Ongole MP, Mr Mag-unta Srinivasulu Reddy, called YSR a dynamic chief minister of the state who served people with innovative welfare programmes. Leaders and activists were seen discussing a possible high command response against Jagan for resuming Odarpu in Prakasam.

Only one YSR memorial programme was conducted by the party in Ongole but Jagan’s supporters conducted several programmes which attracted people due to free medical camps, free poor feeding and free clothes distribution. The Chirala MLA, Mr Amanchi Krishnamohan, and the union minister, Ms Panabaka Lakshmi, paid floral tributes to the image of YSR and eulogised the services of YSR on the occasion.

Defiant Jagan kicks off odarpu in prakasam

Defiant Jagan kicks off odarpu in prakasam
M.Ilyas
DC CORRESPONDENT

Ongole, Sept. 3: Amidst delay and distraction, Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, kicked off his third leg of Odarpu Yatra at Adimurtipalli village under Giddalur mandal in Prakasam district on Friday.

It was a heartbreaking welcome for Jagan at Giddalur as one of his supporter was electrocuted and four others received burns when they came in touch with a live wire near the dais.

Coming at least seven hours late, Mr Jagan wished the gatherings in the manner of his father.

He recalled his late father Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy’s welfare activities like loan waiver scheme. He remembered 108 services initiated by YSR when he saw a 108 ambulance shifting the electric shock victims to hospital from the meeting place.

Mr Jagan said that YSR is alive in the hearts of people and added that everybody’s heart is beating YSR YSR.

He said that it was his duty to console the families of those persons who committed suicide or died of shock after YSR’s death.

The minister for mines and geology, Mr Balineni Srinivas Reddy, vowed that he would be with Jagan till the end of yatra.

The Pradesh Congress Committee secretary, Mr P.V.V. Prasad, demanded suspension of union minister of state for human resources development, Mrs Daggubati Purandeswari, and her husband and Parchur MLA, Dr D. Venkateswara Rao, from the Congress due to their efforts to disturb the party.

The former zilla parishad chairman, Mr Mukku Kasi Reddy, also praised the services of YSR to Prakasam district.

Though there was a huge gathering at the public meet, Mr Jagan concluded his speech abruptly on the advice of his relative Mr Y.V. Subba Reddy.

The Mala Mahanadu state president and MLC, Mr Jupudi Prabhakar Rao, Darsi MLA, Dr Buchepalli Sivaprasad Reddy, MLC, Ms Pulla Padmavathi, Prak-asam zilla parishad chairperson, Ms Katam Arunamma, Cumbam former legislator, Mr Udumula Srinivas Reddy and other leaders accompanied Mr Jagan.

Earlier Mr Jagan unveiled YSR statue, cleansed it with milk and paid floral tributes.

dengue on rise in prakasam

M.Ilyas
DC CORRESPONDENT
Ongole, Sept. 4: People in Prakasam district are worried about increase in dengue fever cases.

“Health emergency” was declared in the adjacent Guntur district due to largescale dengue cases, and Prakasam is also headed in the same direction, as presently 42 people are suffering from dengue and another 179 are ailing with suspect dengue symptoms.

Singarayakonda is worst-hit with 15 dengue positive cases. Chirala rural Transco assistant engineer N. Subba Rao, 34, of Ramannapeta died of dengue fever after a week long illness on Friday. As many as 15 people succumbed to dengue in the district till now.

There has been a significant rise in dengue cases in the district for the last two years. Likewise, malaria cases were also on rise. Lack of hospital facilities is forcing people of western Prakasam to go to Guntur or Vijayawada, where as the people from western reason are going to Chennai for treatment. A few people are rushing to Rims hospital at Ongole for diagnosis.

Doctors are saying that people are coming for treatment in the chronic stage, because of which, they are asking them to go to Guntur, Vijayawada or Hyderabad, in view of their critical condition. They added that if patients contact doctors in the benign stage, there were lots of chances of treating the patients.

The municipal commissioner, Mr S. Ravindrababu, said that they were dropping oil balls in the drains, fogging, and spraying to curb mosquitoes.

jagan fumes at bid to isolate him in party

Ongole, Sept. 5: Raising the pitch of his speeches on the third day of his Odarpu Yatra on Sunday, Kadapa MP, Mr Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, alleged that some forces were trying to isolate him by restraining leaders from attending his Yatra.

After unveiling a YSR statue at Veligandla, he said: “My father did not leave me alone. He left me with crores of people.”

Amidst speculations of disciplinary action against ministers, Mr Balineni Srinivas Reddy and Mr Pilli Subhashchandra Bose, who are supporting Mr Jagan, the rasp in his voice was evident.

It is now a question of time how long he remains with the party, according to some political analysts.

Some senior leaders in the party feel that the high command may take action against the two ministers first before launching on to Jagan.

They also predicted that Jagan may, at any time, explode as he is gradually losing patience on this issue.

Responding to a Gudipatipalli villager Gona Devamma’s complaint about poor amenities, Mr Jagan said that he had appealed MLAs and MPs with folded hands to participate in the yatra to know the plight of people.

Advocating that state leadership be given to Mr Jagan to ensure the implementation of all welfare schemes initiated by the late YSR, the minister for mines, Mr Balineni Srinivas Reddy, said that he was not after his ministerial post and would not worry if he loses it.

He added that this post was due to his mentor, YSR. The minister said that it was because of YSR that the Congress retained power in the state.

Rajolu MLA, Mr Rapaka Varaprasad Rao, said that some ministers, MLAs and MPs were ready to join the Odarpu but fear of high command was restraining them. He admitted to getting a message to shun the Odarpu but joined it due to his affection of YSR and Jagan.

Kakinada MLA, Mr Dwarampudi Chandrasekhar Reddy met Mr Jagan and joined the yatra.

Mr Jagan inaugurated a YSR Smriti Vanam (memorial park) at Kanigiri besides unveiling a statue. He consoled families of R. Venkateswarlu at Gannavaram in Veligandla mandal and V. Chinnaiah at Vemulapadu of Hanumantunipadu mandal