Follow us on: @TheDailyPioneer facebook.com/dailypioneer Established 1864 RNI No. APENG/2018/764698 Published From *Late City Vol. 3 Issue 147 NATION 5 MONEY 6 VIJAYAWADA DELHI LUCKNOW *Air Surcharge Extra if Applicable BHOPAL RAIPUR CHANDIGARH POLITICAL STORM ERUPTS AFTER 5 KILLED NEEDS TO GROW FASTER TO MAKE BHUBANESWAR DURING BENGAL POLL, INCLUDING... UP FOR CONTRACTION DURING COVID-19 RANCHI DEHRADUN HYDERABAD

VIJAYAWADA, SUNDAY APRIL 11, 2021; PAGES 10+16 `5 ALL-CIVILIAN SPACEFLIGHT CREW READY WITH TICKETS... 10

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RULING BJP, ALLY SUFFER SHOCK DEFEAT AMIT SHAH RESPONSIBLE, SAYS MAMATA PUNJAB, RAJASTHAN JOIN MAHA IN CENTRE HAS MISMANAGED COVID, IN TRIPURA TRIBAL COUNCIL POLLS BANERJEE ON BENGAL POLL VIOLENCE RED-FLAGGING LOW VAX STOCKS SUPPLY OF VACCINE, CHARGES SONIA he BJP on Saturday suffered a massive defeat in tribal est Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on unjab and Rajasthan have warned the centre of fast-depleting ongress president Sonia Gandhi accused the Centre on council polls in Tripura, where the party rules in alliance Saturday blamed Union Home Minister Amit Shah for coronavirus vaccine stocks, even as a deadly second wave of Saturday of "mismanaging" the Covid situation and Twith the IPFT (Indigenous Peoples Front of Tripura). The Wthe violence in Sitalkuchi in West Bengal's Cooch Pinfections - over 1.45 lakh were reported in 24 hours this Ccreating a vaccine shortage in the country by export- crucial Tripura Autonomous District Council polls were swept by Behar district where voting had to be called off after clashes morning - threatens to overrun the country and its already-creaking ing it, as she called for cancelling all public gatherings and a new outfit - TIPRA (The Indigenous left four people dead. "Amit Shah is compl- medical infrastructure. Punjab Chief Minister poll rallies in view of the rising number Progressive Regional Alliance) - that won 18 etely responsible for today's incident and Amarinder Singh said his state had only five of cases. Addressing a virtual meeting of 28 seats. The BJP and its ally won just he himself is the conspirator. I don't days of vaccines left - three if it reached its with the CMs of the States ruled by nine, with the other seat going to an blame central forces because they work target of two lakh shots per day - and called the Congress or its allies, she said independent. The Left Front, which won under Home Minister's order. We will on the centre to rush the next batch. the priority should be to test, track the earlier election, and the Congress demand his resignation," she said, Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot wrote to Prime and vaccinate. She reviewed the failed to win any seats. TIPRA is headed calling the deaths "murder by central Minister Narendra Modi and warned of an efforts by states ruled by the Cong- by Tripura royal Pradyot Manikya Deb forces". Mamata will visit the area on even worse condition, with vaccine stocks ress to tackle the second wave of Burman, who resigned as chief of the Sunday while the TMC plans black-badge set to run out in 48 hours or less, and urged Covid after India saw a record Congress' state unit in September. protests across the state. the Centre to send 30 lakh doses immediately. 1,45,384 cases and 794 deaths. Jagan is ‘Super Boss' over AIS Bengal polls: 4 killed as CISF opens fire officers as PAR rules tweaked PNS n KOLKATA snatch their rifles, following which the central forces opened fire. In the first major outbreak of vio- Further details are awaited," a SNV SUDHIR in states like Haryana, lence during West Bengal police official said. n VIJAYAWADA Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Assembly elections, five persons The EC has sought a detailed West Bengal and Bihar where PARs were killed, including four in a fir- report on the incident. In a move that allows Chief of AIS officers finally go to the ing by CISF personnel, while five According to official sources, the Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy to respective Chief Ministers for final candidates were attacked during preliminary report submitted by wield power over All India Service stamp. the fourth phase of polling in 44 the EC's special police observer Curbs on ‘Vakeel Saab' (AIS) officers working in Andhra Under rule 5 of the “All India seats on Saturday. Vivek Dubey said a huge mob of may boomerang on Pradesh, the State government on Services (Performance Appraisal Four people were killed as cen- around 350-400 people had YSRCP in Tirupati Saturday tweaked certain service Report) Rules, 2007” a Performance tral forces opened fire allegedly gheraoed the central forces, follow- rules related to the annual Perfor- Appraisal Report assessing the per- after coming under attack from ing which they fired in "self- mance Appraisal Reports (PARs). formance, character, conduct and locals, who "attempted to snatch defence". These confidential PARs are con- qualities of every member of the their rifles", in West Bengal's The incident led to violence in sidered very important in the car- service shall be written for each Cooch Behar district, police said. the area where bombs were hurled, eer of AIS officers like IAS, IPS and financial year or as may be speci- The Election Commission prompting central forces to baton- 2 IFS. As per the amendments, the fied by the government. ordered stopping the voting exer- charge to bring the situation under Chief Minister would be the final The Jaganmohan Reddy govern- cise at polling station number 126 control. authority over accepting these ment had reviewed the existing of the Sitalkuchi constituency In another incident, an 18-year- PARs. channel for writing of annual PARs where the incident happened when old voter, Ananda Barman, was Hitherto, these confidential ment heads in the case of mid-level officers are based on these annual and decided to revise the rules in polling was underway. gunned down outside booth num- reports were finally accepted by the and junior officers remained the confidential appraisal reports which order to ensure uniformity and "According to preliminary ber 85 at Pathantuli, also in Chief Secretary. However, the same. will now be at the Chief Minister’s control of the executive over the reports, four persons were killed as Sitalkuchi, after clashes broke out reviewing authority of these annu- The amendments, in a way, clip discretion. administration for effective public CISF personnel opened fire after between activists of the ruling al PARs has been vested with the clipping the powers of the Chief Incidentally, is service delivery. coming under attack in a village. TMC and the BJP. Chief Secretary and reporting Secretary. Transfers, postings and not the first state to tweak annual A scuffle took place, and locals Meanwhile, a political storm authority – their respective depart- even central deputations of the AIS PARs rules. The practice is followed 2 gheraoed them and attempted to erupted over the incident. ABV alleges forgery, seeks CBI Class X exam duration extended PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM the duration of the examination for Language, 2nd Language, 3rd Lan- all subjects. guage, Mathematics and Social probe against senior IPS officers To reduce strain on students tak- Earlier, the government had Studies. ing the Class X exam in June this decided to limit the SSC Class X It will be 2 hours and 45 minutes IMF, World Bank PNS n VIJAYAWADA gery and tampering of certain Chief Secretary Nilam Sawhney, year, the Director of School exams to six papers instead of 11, for Physical Science and Biological urged to ensure documents by senior IPS officials alleging that they had issued ille- Education has asked the education considering the closure of classes Science, 1 hour 45 minutes for 1st Suspended senior IPS officer and and also action against them. gal and arbitrary orders by mis- department to increase the dura- due to Covid-19 pandemic. Language Paper-II (Composite timely delivery former state intelligence chief AB Venkateswara Rao, also called guiding the disciplinary authority tion of the examinations. The deci- The SSC examinations will be Course), 3 hours and 15 minutes of vax Venkateswara Rao on Saturday ABV, urged the Chief Secretary to and the government due to their sion aims at making students com- conducted from 9.30 am. for OSSC Main Language Subjects wrote to Chief Secretary take action against the most pow- negligence and dereliction of duty. fortable while taking the exams. According to the new timing, the (Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian) Paper- Adityanath Das, urging him to erful bureaucrat in the CMO, 2 Considering the request, the duration of the examination will be 1 and Paper- 2 and 2 hours for SSC 6 order a CBI probe into alleged for- Praveen Prakash and also former school department has increased 3 hour and 15 minutes for 1st Vocational course. TODAY Covid spike forces Jagan to call off Tirupati tour ALMANAC PNS n VIJAYAWADA Month & Paksham: CM writes to Modi Magha & Shukla Paksha In the wake of a spike in Covid- Panchangam 19 cases, Chief Minister YS to provide 25 lakh Tithi : Amavasya: Full Night Jaganmohan Reddy has can- celled his Tirupati by-poll cam- doses of vaccine Nakshatram: Uttara Bhadrapada: 08:57 am paign scheduled for April 14. Time to Avoid: (Bad time to start With this, focus has now PNS n VIJAYAWADA any important work) shifted towards the roadshows HC backs Govt Rahukalam: 04:55 pm – 06:27 pm Twitter account to be addressed by TDP supre- Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan mo N Chandrababu Naidu, his Reddy has written to Prime Yamagandam: 12:17 pm – 01:49 pm over curb on hacked, Mekapati son Nara Lokesh and also the Minister Narendra Modi to Varjyam: 10:13 pm – 11:59 pm scheduled campaign by BJP supply 25 lakh Covid-19 vac- Vakeel Saab Gulika: 03:22 pm - 04:55 pm alerts followers national president JP Nadda cine doses. Good Time: (to start any important work) and Jana Sena chief Pawan Pointing out that there is an PNS n VIJAYAWADA ticket price Amritakalam: NIL Kalyan on April 14. urgent need of another 25 lakh With Jagan having stayed doses for the state, Jagan said Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:52 am – 12:41 pm Minister for IT, Industries and away from campaigning for that if this is made available PNS n VIJAYAWADA Commerce, Mekapati Goutham the just-concluded urban and before April 11, "'Tika Utsav' Reddy, on Saturday said his rural local body polls, all eyes can be celebrated under your The Andhra Pradesh High Court VIJAYAWADA Twitter account has been compro- were on his Tirupati campaign able leadership in the state in a on Saturday refused to accept the mised and unrelated messages where he was scheduled to grand manner". argument put forth by the distrib- WEATHER were being posted from it. address a massive public meet- In his letter dated April 9, utors of the Pawan Kalyan starrer Forecast: Sunny He tweeted on Saturday that his ing. Arrangements were also in Jagan said that "Your kind call ‘Vakeel Saab’ on the ticket price Temp: 40/27 official Twitter account full swing as it was supposed to for 'Tika Utsav' from April 11 hike. Humidity: 50% @Mekapati Goutham has been be the first such political pub- to April 14 is a much-needed A division bench of the High Sunrise: 06:08 am compromised by some unscrupu- lic meeting that Jagan would step to give the required push Court amended the order issued Sunset: 06:29 pm lous elements and they are post- address after taking over as to different sections of the by the single bench restricting the Current Weather Conditions ing unrelated and offensive mate- Chief Minister. society to come forward for ticket hike and allowed it till Updated April 4 , 2021 5:00 PM rial. In a letter addressing the vot- vaccination. We have planned Saturday only. Subsequently from 2 ers of Tirupati Lok Sabha con- to take this opportunity and Sunday, the ticket price shall be as stituency, Jagan on Saturday participate on a large scale. The per the state government norms OBTUSE ANGLE said he cancelled his tour as Utsav shall be taken up in one and no hike shall be allowed. Covid-19 cases were on the rise. village and one ward under the However, for tickets sold online, The infection has been jurisdiction of every Primary the price hike shall be till Sunday. spreading rapidly and accord- A nurse administers Covid-19 vaccine while speaking over the phone in Vizianagaram’s Health Centre (PHC)". It may be noted that the High ing to the recent health bulletin, Parvathipuram. With the picture going viral on social media, the district health officials 2 Court had earlier stayed the AP reported 2,765 new cases in served a show-cause notice on the nurse. orders of the Government the last 24 hours with a positiv- restricting special shows and tick- ity rate of 8.67 percent which is et price hikes for the movie. higher than the national rate, In an unprecedented move, a which is 5.87 percent. midnight GO on ticket prices was Tirupati Parliament con- Take vaccine jab, get biryani free issued by the Government. The stituency, spread across next day, the High Court allowed Chittoor and districts, PNS n KAKINADA the number of people getting Doing their bit, some hotels, the theatres to continue the sale recorded a big spike in the past infected daily. restaurants and bars are offering of tickets with hiked prices for the few days. Of the 2,765 positive Even as vaccination against Efforts are being made by doc- schemes like ‘beer and biryani free’ weekend and said that the next cases, 496 cases were registered Coronavirus is on at full swing tors, leaders and influencers to to those who have got themselves hearing would be on Monday. in Chittoor and 292 cases in across the country, there are still convince such people to get vac- vaccinated. The Government then filed a Nellore districts. some who are reluctant to take the cinated and help in arresting the House Motion petition challeng- 2 jab despite the dramatic spike in spread of the virus. 2 ing the High Court’s decision VIJAYAWADA | SUNDAY | APRIL 11, 2021 vijayawada 02 Govt tweaks ... Jagan has sent assassins after Continued from Page 1 Curbs on ‘Vakeel Saab' “This is nothing but making the Chief Minister the ulti- me, alleges rebel MP Raju mate boss not just in exec- utive but also in the state may boomerang on YSRCP PNS n VIJAYAWADA him was discussed. after that. It's a wonder that administration,” said a The rebel MP had written the CBI court granted bail to senior Government officer. After complaining to Prime to the Prime Minister on Jagan and the same court is He added: “We never MARTHI SUBRAHMANYAM Jana Sena are not able to digest Minister Narendra Modi that April 7, claiming that his life asking for a bail order. Also, know if he will make any n TIRUPATI the restriction. At many places, he faced a risk of death from was in danger from Jagan the CBI lawyer's objection to changes to these annual they came out on the streets to Chief Minister YS and reminded that he was it raises another suspicion," PARs that come to him for Reversing their earlier stand, raise their voice against the Jaganmohan Reddy, YSRCP given security in Delhi on Raju said. the finalisation based on the Balijas appear to have decided government's "vindictive" atti- rebel MP Raghuram Krishnan April 9. He claimed to know who inputs he gets from differ- to vote for the BJP, because of tude. Raju has now sought to do He had also asked the the CBI officials spoke to and ent sources. Now, without what they believe is a 'raw deal' Till Friday, Balijas had not more damage to the YSRCP Central agencies not to delay who they were in contact the Chief Minister’s nod, no to Pawan Kalyan's latest film been in favour of voting for the chief. taking action as he claimed to with. "I know their every transfer of IAS officers can 'Vakeel Saab'. BJP since a Kapu was backing Stating that Jagan would be be aware of people working move. I also know who Jagan be made nor can their pro- This change of heart is being the party. responsible if anything hap- for Jagan. He said he had spoke to today. Instead of motions be decided.” attributed to the state govern- Balijanadu convener and pens to him, Raju said that a already provided details of going mad, it would be better Effectively, postings, ment acting tough with 'Vakeel TTD Board former member team from Kadapa reached those he faced a risk from. for him to prepare for court on placements, central deputa- Saab' and refusing to allow its OV Ramana confirmed the U- Hyderabad in an Innova car During his video call on Friday," Raju said. tion and seniority of AIS producers to hike the ticket turn by Balijas, saying that this on Saturday to assassinate Saturday, Raju said that the The rebel MP also alleged officers would be decided price and number of benefit would not have been the case him and that he was aware Prime Minister and Home that a YSRCP MP was in only by the Chief Minister. shows. Since Pawan Kalyan is a fit shows, the producers had the government not placed where this gang of assassins Minister knew all about Jagan contact with CBI officials who “Until now, Chief Minister’s Balijas, who outnumber Kapu and he is backing the BJP obtained a court order in their curbs on Vakeel Saab benefit was holed up. and hence they had agreed to had registered a bank fraud nod was needed unofficial- Kapus, feel that the latter have in the by-poll, the Balijas had favour. shows. In a video call from his res- extend a security cover for case against him and offering ly for such postings, trans- been cornering benefits they decided to vote against the BJP. However, the administra- However, he emphasised idence in Hyderabad, Raju him. something to them (the inves- fers and central deputation. have a right to. It was this per- Now, they are openly advo- tion ruled that hiking of tick- that he would still remain took the opportunity to level "I am seriously warning tigators). "I have informed With the new amended ception that had made them cating members of the com- et price would not be allowed, committed to his statement more allegations against the Jagan to refrain from carrying the CBI higher officials about rules that power now sole- resolve to cast their vote for munity to vote for the BJP. angering the Kapus in AP, that the BJP would not win Chief Minister of Andhra out his "insane" designs and this," Raju said. ly rests with the Chief NOTA if no Jana Sena candi- Objecting to the govern- where politics are linked with because of the electoral cam- Pradesh. criminal thoughts," the rebel He also condemned the Minister,” said the senior date was fielded in Tirupati by- ment's refusal to hike the tick- caste. paign taken up by Pawan He alleged that Jagan had MP said. restrictions on Pawan Kalyan's officer. poll. et price and number of bene- The Kapus who sail with the Kalyan. held a videoconference with He said that Jagan's bail movie 'Vakeel Saab'. "Are there Sivakumar Reddy, Govardhan would be revoked and he separate rules for a Reddy and Reddy, and M should wait till Friday. "Once Kapu actors? In any case, CM writes to Modi and he (Raju) has come to his bail is revoked, I will def- what is the caste of film ABV alleges forgery, seeks Covid spike know that the plan to attack initely go to the High Court artistes?" he asked. forces Jagan to to provide 25 lakh CBI probe against senior... call off Tirupati doses of vaccine Take vaccine jab... Fresh Covid Continued from Page 1 cases cross Continued from Page 1 tour Continued from Page 1 to April 14. Continued from Page 1 Jagan wrote: "My state has a The free biryani offer would He also compared his case with system of volunteers where a These eateries see such offers be available at the company's 3K mark in AP the famous espionage case of Of the 11 fatalities due to dedicated volunteer takes as win-win; not only they are Vizianagaram and Kakinada scientist Nambi Narayanan. Covid, four were from care of the needs of 50 fam- promoting their business, they branches, according to the after 5 months ABV has been facing Chittoor and Nellore dis- ilies. Volunteers would be are also doing some social ser- announcement made on social PNS n VIJAYAWADA charges of intent to procure tricts, Jagan said in the let- roped in to mobilise eligible vice. Recently, a company media. certain equipment flouting ter. persons. We cover 1,145 vil- from Andhra Pradesh has However, conditions The daily load of fresh Covid- norms and rules. Upon a "As the public meeting lages and 259 wards every come up with an offer ‘Biryani apply—the biryani is offered 19 cases in Andhra Pradesh Supreme Court order, the state will attract huge crowds, day. If four days, 4,580 vil- Free’ for those who have been free only if the receipt shows increased beyond 3,000 after government had appointed a keeping in view the health lages and 1,036 urban wards vaccinated. that the vaccine has been a five-month gap as the state Commission of Inquiry (CoI) and well being of the peo- shall be covered to ensure all As part of the vaccination taken. Also, the offer stands for logged 3,309 in 24 hours en- to probe into the charges ple and the danger from the persons above 45 are vacci- drive, the company – ‘Hello the first 100 people. ding 9 am on Saturday, tak- framed against him and the increasing cases, as a nated." Kitchen' has announced that it While not all hopefuls may ing the overall positives to inquiry was completed recent- documents filed by the prose- chariot at Antarvedi was responsible Chief Minister The Chief Minister con- would provide free biryani to get the free biryani, the eatery 9,21,906. The state saw 12 ly. cution and certain other doc- entrusted to the CBI. Since the and leader, the scheduled tinued: "We have drawn out those who have been vaccinat- has got what it wanted – some deaths, the highest day count "The ACB registered a case uments already on record by officers involved are senior April 14 meeting stands an action plan to cover six ed any time between April 11 positive publicity. in more than five months, on March 18 and conducted virtue of their having been filed officers holding important cancelled," the Chief lakh people including four while 1,053 patients recov- searches of my residences in by the State in Central posts, I request the Minister said and appealed lakh in rural and two lakh in ered from the infection. Vijayawada and Hyderabad Administrative Tribunal, High Government to consider to the voters to give a man- urban areas per day totalling The total recoveries now the next morning. They seized Court of Andhra Pradesh and whether their continuance in date with increased margin 24 lakh people in four days touched 8,95,949 and toll one laptop and one desktop Supreme Court of India, he the same posts would be an and help party candidate of the Tika Utsav. Currently, 7,291, a health department containing the notes and ques- came to notice the forgery, impediment to a fair and time- Dr Gurumoorthy victori- my state has only two lakh bulletin said. The number of tionnaires I prepared for the fraud, witness tampering and ly investigation. I submit that ous. doses and another two lakh active cases rose to 18,666. Inquiry. evidence tampering that was I am ready with all the evi- The Chief Minister had doses are expected to be Chittoor district registered They also seized some doc- indulged by certain police offi- dence pertaining to the above earlier written to every received today. the largest number of 740 uments which I kept ready for cers and police organisations contentions," he said. family in the constituency There is an urgent need new Covid-19 cases and three filing with the Inquiring involved in conducting various "My case has several similar- explaining how they were for another 25 lakh doses deaths in 24 hours. The tem- Authority as defence docu- enquiries and inquiries. ities with the Nambi being benefited by the wel- which if made available ple town of Tirupati alone ments. In spite of all this, He said the officers involved Narayanan case that occurred fare schemes being imple- before April 11, the Tika accounted for 319 fresh cases, while placing the develop- in these crimes include the in 1994," he added. mented by the government Utsav can be grandly cel- triggering panic as election- ments on record with the DGP(HoPF), ADG CID, DG, ABV had also enclosed the and urged them to vote for ebrated under your able eering for the Lok Sabha by- Inquiring Authority, I partic- ACB and officers of the documents that he said were the fan symbol. leadership". election is now on. ipated in the inquiry which Intelligence Department and forged and the documents that was held continuously from several others. were created and were tam- March 22 till April 4," ABV "I request that the matter be pered. "I'm also enclosing a SUPREME VISIT said in his letter to the CS. entrusted to the CBI for thor- simple analysis of the planted He added that during the ough investigation on the same evidence to show how blatant- inquiry, going through the lines as the case of burning of ly it was planted," he said. TS reports about 3K Twitter account 2 house burglars held, booty Covid cases PNS n HYDERABAD ity rate stands at 0.54 percent hacked, Mekapati... worth Rs 26L recovered as compared to the national New infection numbers rose average of 1.31 percent. Continued from Page 1 .PNS n HYDERABAD Roshan, Chetan, both res- to 2,909 from 2,478 cases on Meanwhile, the number idents of Jawahar Nagar. Friday. The fresh cases have of active cases rose to 17,791 While requesting readers and The Malkajgiri CCS The complainant Veera further pushed the state's from Friday's tally of 15,472. followers to ignore the mis- police apprehended two Reddy along with his wife cumulative tally to 3,24,091. These numbers include chievous messages posted on house burglars and recov- locked their house and During the last 24 hours, 11,495 persons who are in his account and tendering ered 48.5 tulas gold orna- went to Nacharam on 16 six deaths were reported from home/institutional quaran- apologies for the inconve- ments, 53.4 silver orna- March and returned to the state, taking the death toll tine. The last 24 hours also nience, Goutham Reddy stat- ments and Rs 1.55 lakh home same day only to to 1,752. According to the saw 584 people recover from ed that a complaint was being cash all worth Rs 26 lakh find that door lock was health bulletin issued by the the pandemic, taking the lodged with the police. on Thursday. The accused broken and house was Director of Public Health cumulative recoveries to Chief Justice of India designate N V Ramana along with his wife offer prayers at Tiruchanur on Saturday. The IT minister is active were identified as looted. and Family Welfare, the fatal- 3,04,548. Justice Ramana was received by temple deputy EO Jhansi Rani and temple Peshkar Prabhakar Reddy at the main entrance. on Twitter and would post major development in his departments using this social media account. Many netizens were shocked to know that even Will Jagan place curbs on Chiru’s film Acharya too? the IT minister's twitter account was hacked into. PNS n VIJAYAWADA In this backdrop, the ly, Chiranjeevi thanked The film industry big- there would be no surprise YSRCP government denied Jagan for having waived the wigs have been attending all if he placed curbs on Will Chief Minister YS permission to screen bene- dues from various theatres. activities arranged by MP Chiranjeevi’s films because VIJAYAWADA Jaganmohan Reddy apply the fit shows of Vakeel Saab and During the lockdown, led Santosh. KCR has been giv- of the current criticism. BULLION RATES same yardstick to Megastar sell the film tickets at a by Chiranjeevi, some big- ing top priority to Several Kapu MLAs and Chiranjeevi’s film Acharya that higher price. The producers wigs of Tollywood industry Chiranjeevi family right leaders of YSRCP say that GOLD is slated to be released in May of the film moved the AP including Nagarjuna, some from the beginning. KCR because of curbs on Vakeel ` 47, 350 (10 gm) as the ones he had applied to High Court to get an order actors and producers called facilitates increasing ticket Saab they are not able to Vakeel Saab. in their favour. However, on Jagan. fare and conducting benefit pacify the irate youth ` 110 The AP Government has Joint Collectors threatened As far as film industry shows. brigades of Kapus especial- SILVER denied permission to screen to cancel theatre licenses if matters are concerned, right On polling day for the ly in East and West Godvri, ` 71, 600(1kg) benefit shows and hike the they were found to be sell- from the beginning Telangana Legislative Krishna and Guntur dis- ` 500 ticket prices, and this has ing tickets at prices higher Nagarjuna and Chiranjeevi Council, Pawan Kalyan tricts. led to allegations that this than that fixed by the gov- have been maintaining cor- declared his support to TRS They say that the Kapus was done since Pawan ernment. dial relations with the CM. MLC candidate Vani . in these districts are treat- CHICKEN Kalyan is at loggerheads YSRCP’s “vindictive” atti- In fact, the Telugu states Therefore, there were no ing them as their arch rivals. RATES `/KG with Jagan politically. tude towards Pawan have been taking positive curbs placed on his Vakeel Unable to digest the govern- What is in store for Kalyan’s film was con- Sunil Deodhar went to the succeeded in generating a steps with regard to Saab in Telangana. Similarly, mental restrictions on Dressed/With Skin `210 Acharya has stirred up a lot demned by all political out- film theatre screening lot of expectations among Chiranjeevi’s films. there will be no curbs on Pawan Kalyan’s film, the Without Skin `239 of interest among political fits. In fact, TDP supremo N Vakeel Saab in Tirupati on the audience. Most importantly, the Chiranjeevi’s films in Kapu youth have been Broiler at Farm `145 circles. Chandrababu Naidu has Saturday and raised a hue The fact is that Jagan has government of Telangana Andhra. exerting pressure on MLAs It is pertinent to note accused the YSRCP gov- and cry over the curbs on no rivalry with Chiranjeevi. has close ties with film A YSRCP MLA said that and leaders of the commu- that Chiranjeevi has been ernment of deriving sadis- the film. Moreover, Chiranjeevi heroes and producers. Jagan is angry with Pawan nityh, they said. EGG praising Jaganmohan tic pleasure by placing curbs YSRCP rebel MP Raghu has close ties with Jagan The bigwigs of the film Kalyan but not with his They have no alternative RATES `/100 Reddy’s policies from the on Vakeel Saab taking Ramakrishnam Raju has right from the beginning. industry have good con- elder brother Chiranjeevi. except following the diktat beginning, while Pawan advantage of his power. raised the point whether Earlier, his family went to tacts with Telangana Chief Hence, there will be no of the party. But at the same VIJAYAWADA 421 Kalyan is among the Chief The BJP government at the YSRCP government Vijayawada in a special Minister K Chandrasekhar problems from the govern- time they are not in a posi- HYDERABAD 393 Minister’s harshest critics. the Centre has condemned would place the same flight to have lunch with the Rao, Minister KT ment for Acharya. tion to sever ties with Kapus In fact, Pawan Kalyan has the restrictions placed on restrictions on Chiranjeevi’s CM. Later, Chiranjeevi sup- Rao, Minister Talasani But, it is not easy to fath- in their constituencies, they VISAKHAPATNAM 505 even termed some of the the film. film? Acharya is set to hit ported the three-capital for- Srinivas Yadav and MP what is going across the said adding that they are in RETAIL PRICE `4. 21 YSRCP MLAs as “goons”. BJP AP unit in-charge screens on May 13 and has mula of Jagan. More recent- Santosh. mind of Jagan. Therefore, a dilemma. (IN HYDERABAD)

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Printed and published by B Krishna Prasad for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd., Printed at Sree Seshasai Enterprises, D.No. New 3-88, Old 3-22, Chandra Theatre, Gosala, Penamaluru Mandal, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh - 521 151, Resident Editor: B Krishna Prasad, AIR SURCHARGE of Rs 2.00. VIJAYAWADA | SUNDAY | APRIL 11, 2021 vijayawada 03 Paddy cultivation up by 124% in Rabi ‘Authoritarian’ Jagan destroying AP farmers take up paddy cultivation in 21.75 lakh acres Constitutional values: Naidu PNS n VIJAYAWADA C PRADEEP KUMAR n VIJAYAWADA More farmers TDP chief Chandrababu opted for paddy Naidu on Saturday alleged that During the current Rabi sea- Chief Minister Jaganmohan son, paddy is cultivated in cultivation Reddy was destroying the about 21.75 lakh acres across during Rabi as Constitutional values. 13 districts in the state. The Stating that Justice Alladi total acreage is 124 per cent the water Kuppuswamy of Puduru vil- more than the normal cultiva- supply improved lage in Sullurupeta, participat- tion and about 10 per cent due to excess ed in the drafting of the Indian more than previous year’s cul- Constitution of India with tivation. The farmers are rainfall and the Ambedkar, he said that each expecting a good yield and are uninterrupted and everyone, right from likely to harvest their crops by Prime Minister to village-level the end of April. They are mak- power being leader should abide by the made in the Biotech Park in being held under the supervi- ing all arrangements for har- supplied to the Constitution. Visakhapatnam which I found- sion of Central Election vesting their crops. Naidu participated in a road ed. Why is Jagan hiding in Commission.” The farmers showed interest agriculture show in Sullurupeta for the Tadepalli residence since he Talking about Jagan’s rule, he in cultivating paddy across the sector during third day as part of campaign said corona can be cured by said that Jagan Reddy is ruling state with 21.75 lakh acres day time for for Tirupati by-election. using bleaching powder and with political vendetta. that was more the seasonal A rally starting from Bapuji Paracetamol?” “Stopping the screening of normal cultivation of 17.59 nine hours, says Street passed through the Criticizing Jagan’s welfare Pawan Kalyan’s new movie is lakh acres with 124 percent seasonal cultivation of 0.72 paddy cultivation during the ture sector during day time for MVS Nagireddy Panduranga Swamy Temple, scheme, TDP Supremo said: the best example of Jagan’s mis- access. lakh acres with 242 per cent Rabi season due to excess rain- nine hours. NVR Theatre, GNT Road, ‘The amount which is giving rule. Jagan’s own party MP tops the list increase, while Guntur fall during the rainy season and He further said that farm- RTC Bus Stand and conclud- under Ammavodi scheme is Raghuram Krishna Raju also in highest paddy cultivation accounts for 204 per cent increased groundwater table. ers in the state cultivate days ago. ed at Bus Stand Centre. being taken off by Nana buddi has no protection under the with acreage of 5.36 lakh acres, increase in paddy cultivation All the reservoirs are full to the paddy, bajra, maize, ragi, The demand for agricul- Meanwhile, he also visited (Dad’s liquor bottle). Jagan Jagan regime,” he added. while Visakhapatnam accounts with acreage of 0.91 lakh acres brim and there is ample water korra, samma, red gram, ture labour is more due to Panduranga Swamy Temple Reddy opened liquor shops “Vivekananda Reddy is like for the least with 1.19 lakh against the normal acreage of for cultivation. bengal gram, black gram and rise in mercury levels and during the rally. during pandemic corona and Lakshmana to the former Chief acres 0.44 lakh acres. AP state Agriculture Mission green gram. Paddy cultiva- increase in Covid positive “This is the place where insulted teachers by assigning Minister late YS Rajasekhar West Godavari with 4.54 The farmers in Srikakulam vice-president MVS Nagireddy tion is taken up in a large area cases. If mechanised har- Alladi Kuupuswamy dreamed them duties near the shops.” Reddy. Why Jagan is not show- lakh acres and East Godavari also cultivated paddy in 0.27 said that more farmers opted in the state during the Rabi vesting is opted, there should of a democratic state, but their Referring police miscon- ing interest to catch the killers with 4.08 lakh acres, follow lakh acres against the normal for paddy cultivation during season more than that of be a huge extent of harvest- dreams have been spoiled by duct during the local body of his uncle. Sakshi first tele- Nellore district in highest cultivation of 0.11 lakh acres Rabi as the water supply normal season cultivation. ing that will be done in a few Jagan with his misrule accord- elections, he said: “The police casted that Vivekananda Reddy paddy cultivation. with 237 per cent hike. improved due to excess rainfall A farmer from Vuyyuru hours which is cost effective. ing to Rajareddy Rajyangam,’ are unable to commit irregu- died of a heart attack. Later, it Farmers in Krishna district Agriculture marketing secre- received in the rainy season town, M Jeevan Rao, said that Moreover, the grass cannot he bemoaned. larities in the Tirupati by- claimed that he was axed to cultivated paddy in 1.75 lakh tary Y Madhusudhan Reddy and the uninterrupted power the yield is good and that the be used as fodder for cattle, Naidu said: “I am happy that election as they committed in death. Jagan is protecting the acres which was far above the said that farmers have taken up being supplied to the agricul- harvesting has started a few he added. the Covid vaccine is being local bodies as the by-poll is killers of his uncle,” he said. Christians hail SC order on Reshuffle AP Waqf Board to protect its Tirupati municipal RI religious conversions invaluable properties, demands Jamat lands in ACB net PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM Forum said that the constitu- tional values of India were PNS n VIJAYAWADA government in the year 1958 PNS n VIJAYAWADA Christian leaders in Andhra upheld by the apex court and Altaf Ali Raza Baba deplored that some conducted a survey of Waqf Pradesh have welcomed the that attempts of such funda- The Muslim minority leaders people belonging to other faiths of non- lands and established Waqf The Anti Corruption judgment of the Supreme mentalists to polarise the of AP State Ahle Sunnat Wal Board in the year 1962 for the Bureau officials on Court that adults are free to country must be dealt with Jamat (Sunni) on Saturday Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamat entered into protection of holy lands. Saturday arrested SM Rafi, choose their faith, terming firmly. demanded that the people Waqf Board and were involved in illegal Altaf Ali Raza Baba said a Revenue Inspector work- the petition of Bharatiya Janata “There was never a case of belonging to the Jamat be that there are no rights to ing in Tirupati Municipal Party leader and lawyer allurement or forced conver- appointed to the nominated activities including selling of Waqf lands. anybody to sell or purchase Corporation, Chittoor dis- Aswhini Upadhyay seeking sion in Christianity and it was posts in Waqf Board and Waqf lands and that these trict for accepting bribe. strict central law to check reli- only a figment of imagination sought protection of Waqf lands should be donated Acting on the complaint gious conversion as ‘harmful’ by vested groups to show properties. than Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamat Waqf Board belongs to Sunni only for Muslim religious filed by one T Narasimha The Supreme Court on Christians in bad light,” he Addressing a press meet to the nominated posts of Muslims, while a few belong and charitable purposes. Reddy, hailing from Friday observed that adults are thundered, adding that they here on Saturday, Ahle Sunnat Waqf Board and appealed to to Shia Muslims. He deplored that some Sripuram colony in free to choose their faith. were against such acts of con- Wal Jamat leader and Sufi Chief Minister YS He mentioned that Sunni people belonging to other Tirupati, A bench headed by Justice him of a monetary penalty if version. mentor Altaf Ali Raza Baba Jaganmohan Reddy to appoint and Shia kings donated thou- faiths of non-Ahle Sunnat The ACB officials laid a Rohinton F Nariman he chose to press the petition. The forum also demanded and other leaders lamented Jamat's people to Waqf Board. sands of acres of lands in the Wal Jamat entered into trap and caught the SM expressed strong displeasure at Reacting to the judgment of that the anti-conversion bills in over the encroachment of Sufi mentor Altaf Ali Raza name of Allah for Dargahs, Waqf Board and were Rafi red-handed while the petition filed by Bharatiya the Supreme Court, Oliver the eight states and these Waqf lands. They objected to Baba said that according to Peer Panjas, Deevidis and involved in illegal activities accepting a bribe of Rs Janata Party leader and lawyer Rayi, Chairman of the Andhra Religious bills must be termed the appointment of persons the Gazette of Waqf Board, other places of worship. He including selling of Waqf 9,000 from the com- Aswhini Upadhyay, warning Pradesh Christian Leaders unconstitutional. belonging to other faiths other 1962, majority of the assets of further mentioned that the lands. plainant, near Municipal office at Sai Ganesh Textiles & Readymades, Tilak Road, Tirupati. In the complaint, Traffic diversions on April Pre-monsoon rainfall Narasimha Reddy stated that SM Rafi has demand- ed a bribe of Rs 9,000 for forwarding to the higher 12 for CM’s programme brings down authorities his application seeking title transfer in PNS n VIJAYAWADA municipal records.

Vijayawada police issued traffic temperatures in AP diversions in Vijayawada in view of Chief Minister YS PNS n VISAKHAPATNAM ers. The pre-monsoon season Police seize Jaganmohan Reddy’s pro- that spans from March to gramme on April 12. Andhra Pradesh, which was May, is bringing relief with the over Rs 3.05 VIT-AP inks pact The Chief Minister would recording maximum temper- convection activities that cause participate in awards presenta- ature in the country in the thunderstorms. crore cash in AP tion programme to volunteers at beginning of April, sees the According to IMD’s five day Poranki on the outskirts of mercury falling for the last forecast, light to moderate rain PNS n KURNOOL with CSIR-IICT Vijayawada. Hence, the police seven days, thanks to the or thunder showers are very imposed traffic diversions. thunderstorm accompanied likely to occur at isolated Police seized more than Rs PNS n VIJAYAWADA ducting Faculty Development Vijayawada police commis- with light rains in the evening places over north coastal AP. It 3.05 crore in cash while it is Programmes (FDPs), sioner Battina Srinivasulu said Heavy vehicles coming from Machilipatnam time.The maximum tempera- also issued lightning warnings being transported in a pri- The School of Advanced National, International that traffic restrictions have and Gudivada to Vijayawada would be ture which had gone up to 46 at isolated places over the vate bus on the outskirts of Sciences, VIT-AP University, Conferences / Seminars / been imposed in the city on degree Celsius, reduced to 41 coastal region. The rainfall in the city on Saturday. and CSIR-IICT signed a MoU Symposiums / Workshops etc. Monday in view of presentation diverted from Kankipadu to Punadipadu, degree Celsius on Friday. the state is 24 per cent more Acting on a tip off, the at IICT, Hyderabad, on Dr S Chandrasekhar, of Mitra awards to volun- Uppulur and Kesarapalli to Vijayawada. However, humidity has shot than the normal from June last police conducted checking Saturday. Director CSIR-IICT, said that teers on April 12 from 10 am to APSRTC buses towards Gudivada and up due to the evening show- year to April 10, 2021. of vehicles. They found that On the occasion, Dr SV signing an MoU will encour- 12 noon at Poranki. a person, BA Kota Reddy, vice-chancellor, age more young men and The City police commission- Machilipatnam would be diverted from Benz Chandrasekhar, was carry- VIT, said that the collaboration women to take part in research er said that all heavy vehicles circle to Ramavarappadu Ring, Enikepadu, ing two trolley bags contain- will help faculty and students as we guide/ jointly guide the coming from Machilipatnam ing Rs 3,05,35,500 cash to get an opportunity to con- M Sc and Ph D students for and Gudivada to Vijayawada Kesarapalli, Uppalur and Kankipadu. without any relevant docu- duct research in advanced their project / dissertation / would be diverted from ments. thrust areas in science and internship/ CO-OP/ Senior Kankipadu to Punadipadu, On questioning, technology. This collaboration Design Project and others. Uppulur and Kesarapalli to cle would be allowed towards provided on the western side of Chandrasekhar told the can bring forth project propos- This pact will assist us to Vijayawada. He said that Poranki from 10 am to 12.30 Murali Resorts at Poranki. He police that he was taking the als in areas of mutual interest conduct societal relevant sci- APSRTC buses towards noon from Nidamanuru and stated that parking for officials money from Hyderabad to of faculty and students can be entific programmes jointly. Gudivada and Machilipatnam Enikepadu and only vehicles is set up at the East side of Bangalore and the cash submitted to various agencies Dr CLV Sivakumar, would be diverted from Benz having permission for the pro- Murali Resorts and parking belonged to a private col- / industries for funding. Registrar, VIT-AP University, circle to Ramavarappadu Ring, gramme would be allowed to go facility for volunteers’ vehicles lege. The expertise and technical Dr NV Satyanarayana Chief Enikepadu, Kesarapalli, Uppalur to Poranki. and buses will be provided in Police registered a case support that the collaboration Scientist, IICT, attended the and Kankipadu. He said that parking facility the Chaitanya and Narayana under Section 102 CrPC brings would lead into con- meeting. Srinivasulu said that no vehi- for MPs, MLAs and ministers is Colleges playgrounds. and arrested him. TDP lodges Covid threat looms over Naidu’s campaign Man, daughter found dead plaint against PNS n TIRUPATI infected with Coronavirus They had darshan of Lord Jagan for The TDP campaign in support Venkateswara at , of party nominee Panabaka along with Chandrababu in suspicious conditions ‘insulting ’ for Tirupati by-poll Naidu, on Thursday. Anita PNS n VIJAYAWADA ing from Kidney related disease has been in full swing for the and Sandhya Rani were tested for quite some time. Ravi suf- PNS n VIJAYAWADA past one. positive for the deadly virus the In a tragic incident, a man and fered severe mental stress after TDP politburo member Varla TDP chief and leader of the very next day. his daughter committed suicide knowing about his wife's illness Ramaiah, along with other Opposition Chandrababu Even other leaders who by hanging themselves in and the death of his grandmoth- TDP leaders, lodged a com- Naidu participated in door-to- came in contact with Anita and Srinagar Colony in Vijayawada er recently. Unable to cope with plaint in Mangalagiri police door campaign and public Sandhya Rani are preparing to on Saturday. the financial problems, he must station on Saturday Chief meetings both in the Nellore undergo tests. The deceased were identified have taken the extreme step, Minister YS Jaganmohan and Chittoor districts on Meanwhile, confusion pre- as J Ravi, 40, and his 10-year-old according to the neighbours. Reddy and adviser to govern- Saturday. All the key leaders vails among cadre over TDP daughter Geeta Sahasra. They of the deceased were tied and The neighbours in the colony ment (public affairs) and and senior cadre of the party public meeting slated for on left a suicide note stating that mouth plastered raising suspi- noticed that the duo committed YSRCP general secretary were present along with their Ravikumar, TDP women pres- ing the campaign and heading April 14 in Tirupati due to rise they were taking the extreme cion over the death whether it suicide by hanging themselves Sajjala Reddy. party chief in the campaign. ident Vangalapudi Anita and straight to Hyderabad from in Covid positive cases. step upset with the illness of was a suicide or a murder. and informed the local police. Ramaiah said that Dr Meanwhile, the corona has MLC Sandhya Rani have been Tirupati. The Chief Minister YS Bharani, Ravi’s wife, and further Ravi was working as a soft- On receiving the information, Gurumurthy is the YSRCP created tension among TDP tested positive for the deadly Similarly, TDP chief Jaganmohan Reddy too has appealed to donate the organs to ware engineer and left the job Satyanarayanapuram police nominee for Tirupati by- cadre as some party MLAs test- virus. Chandrababu appears to be cancelled his Tirupati public his wife. during lockdown. He came to reached the spot and examined election and he belongs to the ed positive for Coronavirus. TDP leaders, who are infect- worried as Vangalapudi Anita meeting in view of rising Covid Surprisingly, hands and legs know that Bharani was suffer- the dead bodies. community. Addanki MLA Gottipati ed with Coronavirus, are leav- and MLC Sandhya Rani were cases. VIJAYAWADA | SUNDAY | APRIL 11, 2021 vijayawada 04 Vontimitta gears up for Srirama Navami Fate of Congress, TDP PNS n KADAPA Jitti, TTD Chief Engineer Ramesh Reddy and TTD engi- The Sri Ramanavami neering officials, district officials Brahmotsavam would begin in and others were present. Vontimitta village in Kadapa Later, at a meeting held with similar in Telugu States District from April 21. Tirumala officials at the Pilgrim Amenities Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Center, District Collector C SNCN ACHARYULU merged into TRS Legislature Executive Officer Jawahar Harikiran said that in the wake n HYDERABAD Party. CLP leader Mallu Bhatti Reddy along with the District of the rapid spread of the Covid Vikramarka was recognised as Collector Harikiran inspected second wave, steps were being When the redoubtable NT the leader of the Opposition the arrangements at the taken to make the Rama Rao launched the Telugu but has lost the position after Kalyanotsavam venue in Kalyanotsavam a glorious affair Desam Party in 1982 to take on 12 Congress Members jumped Vontimitta on Saturday. They in compliance with the Covid the Congress in Andhra ship to the TRS. visited Lord Sri Kodandarama regulations. He said Chief Pradesh, it is doubtful that he TDP supremo N Swami temple and performed Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy would have foreseen how sim- Chandrababu Naidu too is special pujas. The temple priests Temple administration, in coor- Proddatur, Rajampet, and could not attend ilar the fates of the two parties likely to lose the position in AP offered them celestial blessings dination with the state govern- Rayachoti, he added. Kodandaramaswamy would be in the then undivid- as more and more TDP MLAs amid chanting of hymns by ment, was taking precautionary Hence, he appealed to the Kalyanotsavam in 2019 due to ed state. Pradesh in both the 2014 and the Telangana Assembly. The appear to be on the verge of Vedic pundits. measures for the Kalyanotsavam devotees to cooperate with the Covid regulations and lock- For the first time in their 2019 elections and did not win party has no representation in deserting the ship. The TDP Talking to media persons, this year in accordance with the government and TTD to suc- down. respective histories, both the a single seat. In the Legislative the Legislative Council too. had won 23 seats in the 2019 TTD EO Jawahar Reddy said provisions of the Covid proto- cessfully organize the Swamivari Jaganmohan Reddy was Congress and TDP are floun- Council too, the Congress has One might say that the sit- Assembly polls and till now, that the Vontimitta Sri col. Arrangements were also Kalyanam in a healthy environ- attending the temple for the first dering and struggling to sur- no representation, for the first uation is worse for the four of its MLAs have dis- Kodandarama Swamy made for the devotees to main- ment. time after he was sworn in as vive their bleakest period yet. time in its history. Congress than the TDP since, tanced themselves and are Kalyanotsavam was organized tain a physical distance of six District SP KKN Anburajan, Chief Minister. During the In fact, the situation is so dire Interestingly in Telangana, in 2018, the party won 19 seats indirectly behaving like YSRCP for the last five years. The feet. JC M Gautami, P Brahmotsavams, the district that while the TDP has no rep- the TDP is facing a similar sit- in Telangana but has at present members. Brahmotsavams, which would Only about 5,000 devotees Dharmachandra Reddy, administration would coordi- resentation in the Telangana uation. In the 2018 Assembly only five members in the If one goes by the happen- begin on April 21 this year with were being allowed to attend the Rajampet legislators, TTD nate with the TTD officials Legislative Assembly and elections, the party won two Assembly. While TPCC pres- ings on the ground, resur- Sri Ramanavami, would con- celestial wedding. Entry passes members Meda Mallikarjuna regarding sanitation, traffic reg- Council, the Congress has seats. Recently, the two MLAs ident N Uttam Kumar Reddy gence by either party in the clude with Swamivari for kalyanotsavam would be Reddy, Kadapa and Rajampet ulation, electricity and drinking none in both the Houses in AP. merged in the ruling TRS resigned as MLA after winning near future in these two states Kalyanotsavam on April 26. issued to the devotees individ- sub-collectors Prithviraj and water and take steps to ensure After bifurcation, Congress Legislature Party. With this, the the Lok Sabha seat, the remain- does not appear to be a possi- In the wake of the Covid out- ually through the special coun- Ketan Garg, TTD JEO Sada that the devotees do not face any fielded candidates in Andhra TDP lost its representation in ing Congress MLAs have bility. break, the Tirumala Tirupati ters to be set up at Kadapa, Bhargavi, TTD CVSV Gopith difficulties, he added. ‘Lokesh’s challenge made ‘One rupee teacher’ wins hearts of villagers MARTHI SUBRAHMANYAM their children in school. With n AVANIGADDA confidence in the teacher, the CM Jagan to take ‘U’ turn’ mothers came forward to enrol A government teacher their children in the school. 2,760 people PNS n NELLORE launched a crusade to admit as Now the six have become many students as possible in about 45 pupils. She spends Krishna District the school where she is work- about 30 per cent of her salary fined for not Gannavaram constituency ing. Teacher J Padmavathi on the future of the students. TDP in-charge and legislator approached the parents and In addition to depositing wearing mask Bachchula Arjunudu has promised to deposit Re 1 per money in savings accounts, the alleged that the state the day into their bank account if children are provided with in Prakasam chief minister has taken ‘U’ they sent their kids to school. books and pens when needed. turn from the challenge As promised, she started Thus, educating the students PNS n ONGOLE thrown by Telugu Desam depositing Re 1 daily and the as well as giving lessons on Party national general secre- strength of the school got small savings has paved a The Prakasam District police tary Nara Lokesh. While con- increased manyfold. golden path for their higher have conducted a special ducting a door-to-door cam- role in the murder case of YS local body elections. Padmavathi's success story future. drive against those who paign at Podalakuru in Vivekananda Reddy on April Arjunudu was accompanied became popular and she is The parents and fellow teach- neglect to wear masks as Sarvepalli constituency of 14. To avoid the swearing, by TDP president Jasthi affectionately called 'One way for the education of poor Recurring Deposit (RD) ers are appreciating the idea of part of the control of the Nellore district on Sunday Jagan has cancelled his cam- Venkateshwara Rao, chief sec- rupee teacher' by the villagers. students and their golden account in the name of the drawing students to the school. coronavirus outbreak and a for the victory of TDP can- paign in Tirupati on April 14, retary Bodipati Ravi, Padmavati, who is working in future. child and at the rate of Rs. 30 Aiming to serve the poor as total of 2,760 cases were reg- didate Panabaka Lakshmi in Arjunudu added. Nimmakuri Madhu, Dandu Bandalai Cheruvu As she came up with a good was expected to be deposited much as possible, Padmavati istered against those who did the Tirupati Lok Sabha by- The MLA said all the peo- Subrahmanyaram and Telugu Government School in idea to increase the number of in a month per child. said she would like to continue not wear masks across the election, Arjunudu lashed ple of the state wanted a change youth from Gannavaram. Avanigadda mandal of students in the school, The parents were informed to serve the elderly people after district and a compound fine out at Jagan saying that he in the state administration as Earlier, Arjunudu met Krishna district, is paving the Padmavathi opened a about it and asked to enrol her retirement. of Rs.2,60,230 was imposed. was afraid of Nara Lokesh’s commodity prices were sky- Sarvepalli constituency in- The police under the aus- challenge that he should rocketing in the state, police charge, former minister pices of the District SP swear in front of the temple anarchy reached its peak and Somireddy Chandramohan Siddharth Kaushal organized of Sri Venkateswara Swamy people had vexed with how the Reddy and discussed the cam- Pvt hospitals awareness programmes and in Tirumala that he has no government acted in the recent paign. All set for Tika Utsav in E Godavari launched special drives throughout the district on asked to take up PNS n KAKINADA Saturday to motivate the peo- ple in view of the second wave YCP leader terms Covid treatment The official machinery was fix- of the coronavirus. As part of ing targets to ward volunteers as the Covid control measures, Chandrababu PNS n ONGOLE part of the Tika Utsav in East the SP conducted a special Godavari district. An order has drive at Mangamuru Junction as mad Babu The notified private hospitals been issued to take steps to vac- in Ongole against those who PNS n NELLORE were ordered to make full- cinate 100 volunteers, who were negligent in wearing fledged preparations to ensure crossed the age of 45 years of masks and made people Terming TDP leader N Covid treatment keeping in age, per day. aware of the corona pan- Chandrababu Naidu as a ‘mad view the increasing cases of Since the corona erupted a demic. Similarly, police offi- Babu’, YSR Congress party dis- the corona, District Collector second time, the district author- cers fined those who drove trict president and Sarvepalli Pola Bhaskar has said. ities were planning to take up vehicles without wearing MLA Kakani Govardhan Reddy Speaking at a special meet- mass vaccination. As many as Hence, the vaccination drive cases in the district. masks. The SP handed over has said that his public meeting ing with the officials con- 6,349 health care workers had was launched with a target of Under this context, a special flowers to the masked held at Podalakuru under the cerned and managements of been given the first dose and the 6,54,126. The drive has been ambulance has been set up in motorists and thanked them leadership of ‘Bakka Reddy’ was Nadda, PK to share dais in private hospitals here on second dose for 7994 since conducted in advance, especial- each division for Covid cases for following Covid norms. an utter flop as there was a thin Saturday, the Collector sug- January 16. As many as 23,948 ly in villages where cases were and has reopened Covid special On this occasion, the SP him- crowd. : Nadendla Manohar gested the private hospitals frontline workers were deployed being registered in the hotspots. units at Kakinada GGH, self provided masks to the Addressing an election rally should make arrangements to for the first dose, while 22,377 Currently, a total of 873 active District Hospital motorists who drove vehicles on Saturday, Govardhan Reddy PNS n TIRUPATI trict as it would be suitable for treat the Covid patients. workers for the second dose. The cases were reported in the dis- and Amalapuram KIMS without wearing a mask. said both ‘Pitchi Babu’ and the people of these four con- Reviewing the Covid situa- government has taken steps to trict. A 50-meter containment Hospital, the Collector said. The SP said special drives ‘Bakka Reddy’ have failed to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stituencies. tion in the district, Bhaskar ensure that all the key players in zone was being implemented in A total of 738 beds and 156 were being conducted in all explain to people what they did national president JP Nadda He called upon the said it was time for the health Covid control were vaccinated. areas where there were positive ICU beds were made available police station limits across the for people as the Chief Minister and Janasena president Pawan Janasena soldiers to participate officials to provide basic Arrangements have been cases identified. These zones in the district for the treatment district against those who and Minister. He held election Kalyan will address a public in huge numbers and make amenities in the hospitals to made for the distribution of the were formed in 117 places. of Covid patients. The vaccina- don't wear masks, cases rallies for the victory of party meeting at Naidurupeta in the public meeting a grand deal with the situation. vaccine under the supervision While positive cases were reg- tion Utsav would be orga- would be registered and fines candidate Dr Gurumurthy in Nellore district on April12 as success as it was attended by District task force commit- of the Medical Officer on istered in 42 mandals of the dis- nized from April 11 to 14 as would be imposed. Surayapalem, Viruvooru, part of the Tirupati the presidents of both the tee chairman TS Chetan said Mondays, Wednesdays, trict, most of the cases were per the directions of the Ongole DSP KVVNV Mahammadapuram, Parliamentary by-poll cam- parties. Manohar, who was in they were asked to engage Thursdays and Saturdays in reported in Kakinada and Central Government. As part Prasad, Traffic DSP Ongole N Prabhagiripatnam, Ulavarapalli paign, Nadendla Manohar, Naidupet to oversee the meet- field-level health workers to four village secretariats under Rajahmundry urban and rural of this, arrangements have Surendra, SB-1 Inspector V and Ammavaripalem villages chairman of Janasena Party ing arrangements, addressed increase corona tests and each PHC along with 236 vac- zones. been made to make it manda- Suryanarayana, Command Sarvepalli Constituency. He said Political Affairs Committee the media on Saturday. On ensure home isolation for cination centres operating in the District Collector Muralidhar tory for everyone above the age Control Inspector R welfare programmes introduced has said. this occasion, he said that corona positive cases. district under the third phase of Reddy directed the authorities of 45 to be vaccinated. Earlier, Rambabu, Ongole Taluka CI by the Chief Minister in the state He said that a public meet- anarchy continues in the state. The private hospitals were vaccination. There were to intensify the ongoing vacci- two types of vaccines were Rama Krishna Reddy, Ongole would help YSR Congress party ing would be organized at The economic condition of the given directions to provide 4,48,648 people above the age of nation program along with test- available in the district, One Town CI Ch candidate Gurumurthy to win Naidupeta covering Sarvepalli, state has gone to the abyss. He immediate treatment to those 60 and 2,05,478 people aged ing, contact tracing and isola- Covishield and Covaxin. As of Sitaramaiah, town SIs and the elections with a thumping , Sullurupeta and criticized the use of loans by in need of treatment for between 45 and 60 with co- tion measures because of the ris- now, Covaxin would be used other staff participated in majority. in Nellore dis- showing alcohol sales. Covid. morbid diseases in the district. ing number of Covid positive for the special drive. the drive against corona. Chintaluru Nookambika Jathara begins today Red sanders seized, six held BV SAMBASIVA RAO records, the goddess appeared ple for the month-long PNS n KADAPA n KAKINADA to a devotee in the dream and mahotsav from April 11 to placed her idol in a cradle made May 11 to plant trees. The The Kadapa police have arrest- The stage is set for the annual of banana fibre. She wanted to Ammavari Tirtha mahotsavam ed six persons in connection month-long Jathara of build a temple where the idol has been celebrated in a grand with the smuggling of red Goddess Nookambika also would fall when it was swing. manner over an area of seven sanders and seized 20 logs called at The temple was built where the acres. Tirtham has held on the from them. Chintaluru village in Alamoor idol had fallen with the finan- new moon day. Briefing the media about the mandal of Kothapeta Assembly cial assistance from the then Tributes will be paid to incident here on Saturday, constituency in East Godavari Maharaja of . Modugapula Garaga at the Kadapa District district, which was beginning Ever since then, daily ritu- home of Poornachandra Superintendent of Police KKN on Sunday. Devotees from als were being performed for Prabhakara Rao of Chintaluri Amburajan said that six per- both Godavari district throng Ammavaru. Chintaluru in the village. The first day will sons including two forest pro- the temple for worshipping the became the initial name of the be celebrated at Chintaluru tection watchers were taken Goddess as they believe that village Karanam. Then Venkata Neelachalam's resi- into custody while smuggling the Goddess Nookalamma will onwards, Ammavaru had been dence. Temple administrator the red sanders. bless the childless couple, good called the adapaduchu (sister) AGB Ramalinga Bhaskar said The SP said that the accused yield of crops and bring peace of Chintaluru family. It was that several cultural events were caught at Botu Middapalli and prosperity. The Tirtha said that until 1962, the cradle would be organized. However, bridge in Pullampeta mandal festival will be held tradition- milk tree extended to the in the wake of the corona of Kadapa district on Saturday ally and it is the largest mass north. In the afternoon of lockdown last year, the fair was morning and the red sander festival in the State which Phalguna Suddha Vidiya , the completely stopped. logs weighing about 599 kg, a attracts around 5 lakh devotees devotees will take out posses- He said that from now on, car and an auto were seized during the month-long fest. sion with the butta garaga in sterilization, bleaching, spraying from them. The the surrounding villages for fif- and cleaning the surroundings Two scythes were also has a history of more than a teen days in the name of village and queue lines would be carried recovered from their posses- century and the Goddess was service. On the night of the full out in the temple as well as in the sion. When the police person- born in Chintaluru village. As moon day, the new flower precincts of the temple. He nel tried to apprehend the managed to overpower them Harikrishna, Giribabu and per the local legend, the bouquet will be decorated with appealed to the devotees to wear smugglers, they tried to attack and arrested them. Ravi. Goddess herself ordered the moduga flowers. a mask, keep a physical distance them with scythes, sticks and The accused were identified The SP appreciated all the construction of the temple. Devotees from both the and return immediately after hurled stones. as Prabhakar, Viswanatha police personnel who exhibit- According to the Revenue states offer prayers at the tem- worshipping the Goddess. However, the police team Reddy, Subrahmanyam, ed courage. VIJAYAWADA | SUNDAY | APRIL 11, 2021 nation 05 Political storm erupts after 5 killed during EC fiat to political parties on Coronavirus guidelines Bengal poll, including 4 in CISF firing PNS n NEW DELHI Amid rising coronavirus PNS n KOLKATA/COOCH BEHAR (Election Commission) are say- cases, the Election ing the firing was in self- defence. Commission has flagged A political firestorm raged on They should feel ashamed." instances of star campaigners Saturday after five persons were "This is a lie....The central and political leaders cam- killed, including four in firing by forces opened fire on people paigning without masks, and CISF personnel, while five can- standing in the line for voting, warned it will not hesitate to didates were attacked during the killing 4 in Sitalkuchi. I had been ban rallies if COVID guide- fourth phase of polling in 44 apprehending the forces would lines issued by it last year are seats in West Bengal. act in such a manner for long. As breached. An estimated 76.16 per cent the BJP knows it has lost the peo- In a letter to leaders of all of 1.15 crore voters exercised ple's mandate, they are conspir- recognised political parties their franchise till 5 pm, an offi- ing to kill people," she said at a on Friday, the poll panel said, cial said. rally in North 24 Parganas dis- "It is widely known that in the Four people were killed as trict. recent weeks, COVID cases "By doing so, the political sion and the central govern- central forces opened fire The Chief Minister said a CID are being reported in larger parties and candidates are ment on the use of masks dur- allegedly after coming under probe will be instituted into the numbers. However, instances exposing themselves as well as ing poll campaigns. attack from locals, who "attempt- incident. of election meetings/cam- the public attending such elec- While the three-phase elec- ed to snatch their rifles", in West polls. Minister Mamata Banerjee of Siliguri. Meanwhile, a TMC candidate paigns have come to the tion meetings to the grave tion in Assam and the single- Bengal's Cooch Behar district, Till now, 1,000 companies instigating people against the The Chief Minister, who and four BJP nominees were notice of the commission, danger of the infection," the phase polls in Tamil Nadu, police said. were earmarked for holding the central forces, sensing defeat. rushed to North Bengal and will attacked in various constituen- where norms of social distanc- letter said. Kerala and Puducherry are West Bengal BJP president elections in the state which has "What happened in Cooch meet the bereaved families, cies across the state. ing, wearing of masks have In cases of breach, the over, the fourth leg of the Dilip Ghosh had come under 294 assembly seats. Behar is unfortunate and sad. I demanded the resignation of At Dinhata in North Bengal, been flouted in disregard to Election Commission (EC) eight-phase West Bengal attack in Sitalkuchi area earlier Condoling the deaths in extend my condolences to the Home Minister Amit Shah and TMC candidate Udayan Guha the commission's guidelines." said it will "not hesitate in assembly election is being this week. Cooch Behar, Prime Minister bereaved families and urge the a reply from him on firing by the was attacked by alleged BJP The letter pointed out banning public meetings, ral- held on Saturday. Amid the incidents of vio- Narendra Modi requested the Election Commission to take central forces which led to the activists. instances of star campaigners lies of defaulting candidates, The poll panel said it has lence, the EC has directed the Election Commission to take stern action against those death of people "standing in the He received injuries when a and political leaders or candi- star campaigners or political taken "serious view of the lax- Union Home Ministry to deploy stern action against those respon- responsible. Mamata Didi and queue to vote". scuffle broke out with the saffron dates not observing COVID- leaders without any further ity" in following norms, par- 71 additional companies of sible for the incident and blamed her TMC goons have become jit- Asserting that she had appre- camp over allegations that it was 19 protocols, "including non- reference". ticularly not wearing masks Central Armed Police forces the ruling TMC for perpetrating tery because of groundswell of hended such an incident all not allowing the TMCs polling wearing of masks themselves On Thursday, the Delhi and not maintaining social (CAPFs) in the state for conduct- violence during the polls. support for BJP," Modi told an along, Banerjee said, "After agents inside booths, a charge at stage or while campaign- High Court had sought distancing by political leaders ing the remaining four phases of He also accused Chief election rally in North Bengal's killing so many people, they denied by the BJP. ing". responses from the commis- on the dais or stage.

No question of post-poll Punjab has INDIA CORNER tie-up with Mamata: Cong vax for India has finalised air bubble PNS n KOLKATA just 5 days PNS n CHANDIGARH pact with Sri Lanka: Ministry West Bengal Congress chief India has established a Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Punjab's COVID-19 vac- bilateral air bubble ruled out the possibility of cine stock will last anoth- arrangement with Sri Lanka extending support to the er five days, Chief Minister for operation of special Mamata Banerjee-led TMC Amarinder Singh said on international passenger 2 Russians held or seeking her support in case Saturday as he urged the flights between the two the high-octane assembly elec- Centre to share the sched- countries, the Civil Aviation tions throw up a fractured ule of supply of the vac- Ministry said on Saturday. mandate. cines. With this, India now has for performing Accusing the chief minister The state has been inoc- such pacts with 28 of trying to communalise the ulating 85,000-90,000 ben- countries, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Canada, France, Germany, elections, Chowdhury said that eficiaries in a day, and at Iraq, Japan, the Maldives, Nigeria, Qatar, the UAE, the UK and the the TMC and the BJP might When asked whether the her letter seeking the support this rate, Punjab's current USA.Under an air bubble pact between two countries, special stunts at sea link join hands if both the parties Congress and Left's refusal to of all the opposition parties. stock of 5.7 lakh vaccine international passenger flights can be operated by their airlines into PNS n MUMBAI Maksimstarted climbing the fall short of the requisite num- extend support to the TMC "Mamata Banerjee had doses will run out in five each other's territories under restrictive conditions. "India has puller of the sea link by bers to form the government. will help the BJP, the two-time deliberately destroyed the days, he said. finalized an air bubble agreement with Sri Lanka, making it the 6th Two Russian nationals were holding the high-strength "BJP and communal politics state Congress chief said, "In Congress in West Bengal in the Pinning hopes on fresh such arrangement in SAARC region and the 28th in total," the Civil arrested for allegedly per- galvanised steel pipes, he have found a foothold in West such a scenario, you will see last 10 years despite the grand batches of vaccines from Aviation Ministry said on Twitter. "All the eligible passengers will be forming stunts at the Bandra- said. Bengal because of Mamata the TMC and the BJP joining old party helping her come to the Centre, Singh stressed able to travel between the 2 countries in the near future," it noted. Worli Sea Link here, police His colleague remained on Banerjee. There is no question hands to form the govern- power. Now see the irony, she that if Punjab was able to said on Saturday. the bridge to click Maksim's of supporting the TMC in a ment." has become so nervous that meet its target of adminis- The incident took place on pictures and videos, he post-poll scenario if it falls "Just like old wine tastes bet- she surrendered before the tering two lakh shots a day, Wednesday evening and the said."Some onlookers short of a majority. ter, old friends are also trust- same Congress, which she then its current supplies Lockdownn in Maha: Streets, Russian nationals were iden- informed the sea link's man- "Similarly, there are zero worthy. The TMC and the tried to finish off politically," he will last only three days. tified as Maksim agement staff about their chances of the Congress- Left- BJP, who were earlier alliance said. The TMC had joined In an official statement markets wear deserted look Shcherbakov (24) and Vasili stunts, following which the ISF Sanjukta Morcha or United partners, will join hands. They hands with the Congress to here, he said he wrote to Kolesenikov (30), an official police were alerted," the offi- Front alliance seeking her sup- are like two sides of a coin," he oust the Left Front from power the prime minister and the he weekend said. cial added. Police rushed to port to form the government. said. in 2011. However, the alliance Union health minister to Tlockdown The duo had reached the the spot and apprehended There is no possibility of any Chowdhury, however, fell apart after coming to give confirmed supply imposed sea link in a taxi from the duo, Anil Koli, senior post-poll tie-up with the mocked Banerjee for "surren- power. "The Congress leader- schedules for the next across Bandra. After walking for inspector of Worli police sta- TMC," Chowdhury told PTI in dering" before Congress pres- ship is well aware of the polit- quarter. Maharashtra to some distance on the bridge, tion, said. an interview. ident Sonia Gandhi through ical character of the TMC. bring under control the COVID-19 surge, has elicited a positive reponse from people Modi condoles so far with the Controversy over Prashant EC orders repolling streets and markets deaths in Cooch in most parts of the in four Assam booths state, including Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur, wearing a Behar, blames deserted look, officials said on Saturday. However, at some locations Kishore’s clubhouse chat leak PNS n GUWATHI number 149 at Indira M V in the state, including some market areas in Mumbai, people were TMC for violence School, after an electronic voting seen flouting social distancing and other norms by gathering at one PNS n KOLKATA pendently verify, Kishor is PNS n SILIGURI The Election Commission of machine (EVM) was found in a place in largenumbers. The first weekend lockdown in the state heard, saying "Modi is huge- India on Saturday ordered car belonging to the wife of a BJP began at 8 pm on Friday and it will continue till 7 am on Monday. A controversy erupted on ly popular in Bengal, and Condoling the death repolling in four polling booths candidate. Saturday amid the polling for there is no doubt about it. He offive people in Cooch of Assam. A magisterial probe was 44 assembly seats in West is equally popular like Behar, Prime Minister Repolling will be held at the ordered by Karimganj district Bengal, with the BJP releasing Mamata Banerjee". Narendra Modi Saturday polling stations in Ratabari, Sonai Deputy Commissioner and an audio clip where Trinamool "Modi is hugely popular in requested the Election and Haflong constituencies on Returning Officer to enquire as to Desist from exploiting Covid Congress' election strategist Bengal, and there is no doubt Commission to take April 20, the ECI said in a letter why a polling team in Assam car- Prashant Kishor is purported- about it. There is a cult around stern action against those addressed to the Chief Electoral ried a polled EVM in a vehicle situation: HC to IMA members ly heard saying Prime Minister him across the country. responsible and blamed Officer, Assam. owned by the wife of BJP candi- Narendra Modi is "as popular release the full record of the There is anti-incumbency the ruling TMC for per- "The Commission declares date and sitting MLA Krishnendu he Madhya Pradesh High as" Chief Minister Mamata chat on Clubhouse, a social against TMC, polarisation is a petrating violence during void, the votes cast at these Paul. TCourt has asked the mem- Banerjee in the state. media platform, and claimed reality, SC votes is (are) a fac- the polls. polling stations on April 1," it said. In an auxiliary polling sta- bers of the Indian Medical Sharing excerpts of Kishor's that the saffron camp would tor plus BJP's election He also accused Chief All the three constituencies tion at 107(A)-Khothlir LP Association (IMA) and MP chat with some journalists, not get more than 100 assem- machinery, says Mamata Minister Mamata went to polls in the second phase School under Haflong assem- Nursing Home Association to BJP's IT cell chief Amit bly seats in the ongoing elec- Banerjee's strategist in an Banerjee of instigating of Assam assembly elections on bly constituency, 171 votes desist from "exploiting" the Malviya claimed that "TMC's tions. open chat," Malviya said on people against the central April 1. The ECI order said, were cast even though 90 peo- coronavirus situation by over- election was just thrown away!" In the purported audio clip, Twitter after releasing the forces. repolling will be held at Ratabari ple were eligible to exercise charging the affected persons Kishor dared the BJP to which the PTI could not inde- audio clips. (SC) contituency's polling station their franchise. in the wake of the second wave of the pandemic. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq and Justice Sanjay Dwivedi said this in its order passed on Wednesday. "In the time of the current crisis faced by the country following the second wave of COVID-19, their (associations') Night curfew in Ryots block KMP Expressway in Haryana members should desist from exploiting the situation by overcharging the affected persons," the court said. It directed the secretary of state PNS n CHANDIGARH issued a traffic advisory, ask- public health and family welfare department to give wide publicity to ing travellers to avoid the the rates fixed by the government for RT-PCR test, rapid antigen test K’taka from Apr 10 Intensifying their stir against KMP Expressway for com- and chest CT/HRCT scan of COVID-19 suspects/patients, deputy advo- the Centre's three contentious muting. cate general Swapnil Ganguly said. PNS n BENGALURU agriculture laws, farmers on Haryana Additional Saturday blocked the Director General of Police The 11-day 'corona curfew' Kundli–Manesar–Palwal (Law and Order) Navdeep will come into effect in some expressway in Haryana. Singh Virk on Friday had said Formulate vaccine allotment districts of Karnataka, includ- They, however, said emer- elaborate arrangements had ing the state capital, from gency vehicles such as ambu- been put in place to maintain criteria, Tope tells Centre Saturday night to contain the lances will be allowed to ply. peace and order and prevent spread of coronavirus and The call for a 24-hour block- any kind of violence. aharashtra Health Minister only essential services, patients ade was given by the Samyukta Proper traffic diversions MRajesh Tope has urged the and passengers would be compliance of the rules at Kisan Morcha, an umbrella had been planned in Sonipat, Centre to formulate criteria for allowed to ply. night. body of farmer unions spear- while slamming the central KMP Expressway blockade Jhajjar, Panipat, Rohtak, allotment of COVID-19 vac The state government had In Bengaluru, Police heading the agitation. government for not repealing and cited that they were Palwal, Faridabad, Gurgaon cines by taking into considera- announced night curfew Commissioner Kamal Pant The blockade started at 8 the farm laws. unaware of the farmers' call for and Nuh, Virk said. tion factors like population and between 10 pm and 5 am told reporters that vehicles am and will last 24 hours till Farmers in Sonipat and the protest. Passengers coming from the number of active coronavirus every day from April 10 to 20 providing essential services, Sunday morning. Jhajjar districts parked their Farmers, however, said they Chandigarh/Ambala side on casesof a particular state. He alleged that many states, which are in Bengaluru, Mysuru, patients and their relatives The 136-km Kundli- tractor-trailers and other vehi- had given their call for block- the National Highway-44 may smaller than Maharashtra in terms of population and the number of Mangaluru, Kalaburagi, Bidar, will be allowed to travel at Manesar-Palwal (KMP) cles in the middle of the ade beforehand. Because go towards Ghaziabad and patients, have received more doses.Talking to reporters, Tope said Tumakuru, Udupi-Manipal night. expressway is also known as stretch. of the road blockade, long Noida via Karnal to Shamli that out of thelatest dispatch of 3.5 crore doses by the Centre, cities. Besides, home delivery, e- the Western Peripheral In Nuh, some protesters queues of vehicles, especially and from Panipat to Sanauli. Maharashtra received 7 lakh and the Centre added another 10 lakh This apart, the curfew will commerce and the transporta- Expressway. were detained near the commercial four-wheelers, Vehicles going towards "after much persuasion". "The criteria should be decided in terms of be in place in other prominent tion of essential goods such as Farmers, including women, Rewasan toll plaza by the were seen. Gurgaon and Jaipur can take the size of the population and the number of active cases," he said, towns and district headquar- vegetables and food com- carried flags of their organisa- Haryana Police after they tried Farmer leader Harinder the National Highway-71A adding that many smaller states with less population and number of ters, the government said. modities for sale in the morn- tions and raised slogans to block the road. Singh Lakhowal said the from Panipat and travel via active cases had got more doses than Maharashtra. He said that The police have made elab- ing will be allowed in the against the government. They Several commuters faced blockade will remain for 24 Gohana, Rohtak, Jhajjar and Maharashtra, with a population of over 12 crore, accounts for 60 per orate arrangements to ensure- night. squatted on the expressway inconvenience because of the hours.The Haryana Police had Rewari. cent of the total number of active cases in the country. VIJAYAWADA | SUNDAY | APRIL 11, 2021 money 06 India needs to grow faster to make IMF, World Bank urged to ensure timely delivery of vax up for contraction during COVID-19 PNS n WASHINGTON Asserting that the effects of the PNS n WASHINGTON again, if we compare it to the COVID-19 pandemic will be path of what it would have felt for years, a joint minister- India, which is projected to been without the pandemic ial committee of the grow at an impressive rate of then we are getting too many International Monetary Fund 12.5 per cent this year, needs to larger gaps there,” she said. and the World Bank has urged grow at a much faster pace to Noting that the Indian gov- the two global financial bodies make up for the unprecedent- ernment took several steps to to ensure timely delivery of safe ed contraction of eight per cent address the COVID-19 crisis, and effective vaccines across all that it clocked during the Brooks said, “We have seen countries. COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, policy responses, which have "Timely delivery of safe and according to a senior IMF been coordinated and in sev- effective vaccines across all official. eral areas. We have seen that countries is critical to ending rounds near- and medium- to support manufacturing The International Monetary the fiscal support, the mone- the pandemic, especially as term prospects, it said. capacity for vaccines and the Fund Deputy Chief Economist, tary easing as well as the liquid- new variants emerge. According to Johns Hopkins pandemic-related medical sup- Petya Koeva Brooks, in an ity and regulatory measures Developing countries need to University, the coronavirus has plies in developing countries. interview to PTI on Friday also that were taken." strengthen their readiness for so far infected 134,545,099 "The pandemic has trig- made a strong case for an What makes sense is to vaccination campaigns and people and claimed 2,914,590 gered far-reaching conse- additional economic stimulus maintain the focus on having develop coordinated strategies lives globally. quences, and we must strength- to address the impact of the that coordinated policy to reach vulnerable popula- "We call for sustained, differ- en global preparedness for pandemic on the country's response because this is what's tions," the Development entiated, and targeted financial future pandemics, and at the economy. "When it comes to this year," she said. compares what the level of out- we have this real rebound, going to prevent the long- Committee said in a commu- and technical support for an same time make progress in India there was a major col- That said, there are some put would have been hadn't there's still scope in the com- term damage to the economy. nique after the Spring Meetings adequate policy response, building robust health systems lapse of output last fiscal year recent emergencies of the new there not been a crisis in 2024, ing years to see higher growth Providing that support to small of the IMF and the World Bank strong coordination across with universal coverage," it and the number as you men- variants in the localised lock- which is the measure which we which would reduce and hope- and medium-sized firms as here on Friday. bilateral and multilateral organ- said. tioned is eight. downs that are seen as one of are using. Then at and compare fully, eliminate that scarring, well as vulnerable houses The panel noted that the isations, and further support to As poorer countries face the "So, we are very glad to see the threats to this recovery, where our current growth tra- which we are currently expect- would be particularly impor- COVID-19 pandemic has the private sector. crisis with increased resource the strong rebound this year Brooks noted. jectory is for India that gap is ing,” the top IMF official said tant, she said. caused an unprecedented pub- We urge the World Bank constraints, limited fiscal space, with projected growth of 12.5 “On the recovery itself, when much larger,” Brooks said. in response to a question. Brooks said the IMF very lic health, economic and social Group (WBG) and the and rising public debt levels, for fiscal year 21-22 and we are it comes to level in terms of the The gap, she said, which is "If we were to just think much welcomes the measures crisis, threatening the lives and International Monetary Fund more of them, including small seeing also high frequency level of output, we are expect- eight per cent of GDP is signif- about the level of output that that were announced by India livelihoods of millions. (IMF), in line with their respec- states, are vulnerable to finan- indicators including PMI ing that level to return to the icantly larger than what it is for it was prior to being a pandem- during its budget. It is partic- The economic shock is tive mandates, to work closely cial stress, it said, noting that (Purchasing Managers' Index), pre-crisis one from 2019 to this the world as a whole. ic then that catch happens this ularly supportive of maintain- increasing poverty, worsening together and with other part- the rapid initial response under and trade and more mobility fiscal year. That is what we have "For the world as a whole it's year, which is not surprising ing the accommodative fiscal inequalities and reversing ners to contain the impacts of the Debt Service Suspension indicators which give us a in our projections. about three (per cent), which also given the very high level stance and also emphasising development gains. As the the pandemic," the commu- Initiative (DSSI) has provided sense that there is continued "However, if you look at a is another way of saying that of the underlying high level of expenditures on health and global economy begins a grad- nique said. The committee much-needed liquidity for IDA recovery in the first quarter of concept of scarring, which just even though in the near term growth which India has. But infrastructure. ual recovery, uncertainty sur- called for redoubling the efforts countries.

Alibaba fined USD 2.8 billion Petrol pumps MONEY MATTERS on competition charge in China closed in PE investments rocket 43 per PNS n BEIJING Rajasthan cent in Q1, up by USD 2 billion PNS n JAIPUR Alibaba Group, the world's s the effects of COVID-19 continue biggest e-commerce company, People faced difficulty Ato unfold, the corporate world has was fined 18.3 billion yuan acro3ss the state due to a witnessed unique trends in Private (USD 2.8 billion) by Chinese one-day strike called by Equity, Mergers and Acquisitions and regulators on Saturday for Rajasthan Petroleum ECM space in Q1 of 2021. As per anti-competitive tactics, as the Dealers Association of VCCEdge research, Q1 of 2021 ruling Communist Party tight- fuel stations on Saturday recorded an incline with 376 deals ens control over fast-growing with the demand of a worth $6.6 billion when compared tech industries. rollback in VAT on fuel in with the 350 deals recorded in Q1 Party leaders worry about the the state. 2020. While the number saw an dominance of China's biggest Around 7,000 petrol incline, the deals' value also increased by 43% from $4.6 billion to $6.6 internet companies including pumps remained closed billion. However, Q1 2021 also witnessed the lowest number of deals Alibaba at a time when the use its platforms and hinder- Alibaba and its billionaire in the state due to the and deal value in the mergers and acquisitions' space in the last five industry is expanding into ing the “free circulation” of founder, Jack Ma, following a strike. years on a Y-o-Y basis. The quarter recorded 184 deals worth $5.20 finance, health services and goods, the State November decision by regula- However, fuel pumps billion, a decline of 10% and 65% respectively as compared to Q1 2020. Shriram Properties files other sensitive areas. The party Administration for Market tors to suspend the stock mar- that are company owned Domestic M&A dominated the show by garnering 118 deals worth says anti-monopoly enforce- Regulation announced. It said ket debut of Ant Group, a and company operated $3.09 billion. ECM deal activities saw an upward trend in the first quarter ment, especially in tech indus- the fine was equal to 4 per cent finance platform spun off from were open for the public. of 2021 as the quarter witnessed 26 deals for $4.61 billion, as against 18 tries, is a priority this year. of its total 2019 sales of the e-commerce giant. It Association president deals worth $4.85 billion in Q1 2020. The major contributor for ECM draft papers with Sebi Alibaba was fined for “abusing 455.712 billion yuan (USD would have been the world's Suneet Bagai said diesel deal activities were Initial public offering at 15 deals ($2.34 billion), its dominant position” to limit 69.5 billion). biggest initial public stock and petrol sales remained followed by qualified institutional placement at 10 deals ($1.86 billion) . PNS n NEW DELHI Shriram Properties propos- competition by retailers that The move is a new setback for offering last year. closed on the day. On the other hand, exits experienced a slowdown both in terms of deal es to utilise the net proceeds activity and deal value for the fifth year in a row on a Y-o-Y basis. This Bengaluru-based Shriram from the fresh issue towards quarter witnessed a decline of 30% and 28% in deal activity and deal Properties has filed a draft repayment and/ or pre-pay- value respectively, when compared to same period last year. document with market regu- ment of debt and general cor- Ranchi-based lator Sebi to raise up to Rs 800 porate purposes. Orange production in second crore through an initial pub- Sources had earlier said that lic offer (IPO). the company expects to get start-up Puresh According to sources, Sebi nod next month and Ambuja Cement to expand Shriram Properties filed the thereafter it will hit the capi- Daily raises Rs spell drops 60 pc in Rajasthan draft red herring prospectus tal market with the proposed capacity to reach 50 MTPA (DRHP) on Friday. IPO. 1.2 cr seed fund PNS n KOTA (RAJASTHAN) As per DRHP, the company The company has a major he 38th Annual General Meeting proposes to raise up to Rs 800 presence in South India. It has n MUMBAI Adverse climatic conditions Tof Ambuja Cements Ltd. was crore through IPO. Out of the completed various real estate and insufficient rainfall last conducted virtually today. Mr. Martin total IPO size, it plans to raise projects and many projects are Jharkhand-based dairy start- year in the Jhalawar district Kriegner, Non-Executive Director of Rs 250 crore through fresh under construction. up Puresh Daily on Saturday have adversely affected orange the Company, chaired the meeting. issue of equity shares and Rs Despite the COVID-19 said it has raised Rs 1.2 crore production, which has dropped The Chairman mentioned that 550 crore through offer for pandemic, the Indian real seed funds from Dhianu by about 60 per cent this year Ambuja Cement is strongly sale. estate sector has witnessed Das of Alfa ventures and in the second spell of flowering. progressing to become the ‘Most Shriram Properties has two successful public issues of Agility Venture Partners Over the years, oranges from Innovative, Sustainable and proposed partial exits to its the Real Estate Investment that will be utilised for busi- Jhalawar have come to be Competitive Building Solutions four existing investors -- TPG Trust (REIT). ness development, technol- recognised better in taste than Company in India'. Ambuja Cement Capital, Tata Capital, Walton Mindspace Business Parks ogy and brand building. the variety of orange grown in has a robust road map to become the best in the industry with strategic Street Capital and Starwood REIT, owned by K Raheja, "We're charged with the Maharashtra's Nagpur, famous adverse climatic conditions last produced causing huge loss to priorities structured under key levers of Growth, Competitiveness, Capital -- which hold around was listed in August last year investors' confidence, as they for production of oranges. year in the district restricted the the cultivators, he said. Innovation & Digitalisation, and Sustainability. Growth: Ambuja Cement 58 per cent stake in the com- after raising Rs 4,500 crore, oversubscribed our start- Orange is produced in over orange production to only 40 The flowering on orange has ambitious growth plans to increase capacities and capture market pany. while global investment firm up during this seed round. 40,000 hectare of land in Dug, per cent, noting 60 per cent tree takes place thrice in a year growth in India. Its upcoming facility in MarwarMundwa, Rajasthan will In offer for sale, each of the Brookfield's REIT public issue With these funds, we will Bhawanimandi and Pedawa drop. — in April, August, December, enhance clinker capacity by 3 MTPA and help improve cement sales by selling shareholders will be worth Rs 3,800 crore got list- expand our product base to Jhalrapatan areas of the Last year, the orange cultiva- which the farmers usually 5 MTPA, contributing to long-term strategy of capacity expansion. This entitled to their respective ed in February this year. at least 10 more tier-II cities, Jhalawar district, fetching yield tion was estimated to have memorise as 4/8/12. However, Greenfield integrated plant, at a total investment of Rs. 2350 crores, will portion of the proceeds from India's largest realty firm to 20,000 subscribers and in lakhs of metric tons from the yielded 3,28,000-3,30,000 the farmers in Jhalawar prefer commence operations by Q3 2021. Ambuja is evaluating brownfield the offer for sale in proportion Macrotech Developers, erst- partner with different entre- second spell of flowering of tonnes of the fruit in its second to the production of the fruit expansions in Bhatapara and Maratha plants. It is also looking at of the shares offered by them. while Lodha Developers, is preneurs," Puresh Daily fruit, P K Gupta, joint director spell of flowering that takes of second spell of flowing that significant debottlenecking opportunities across all plants. The growth The company will not raising up to Rs 2,500 crore founder Manish Piyush said of horticulture department, place in July-August. But, this they locally call 'Mrig Bahar' plans will be executed in mid-term for Ambuja to reach 50 MTPA receive any proceeds from the through IPO, which closed on in a statement. Jhalawar, said. year, only 1,31,000 tonnes of and the fruit 'Narangi', Gupta cement capacity. Competitiveness: Ambuja's Operating EBITDA grew by offer for sale. Friday. He, however, added that the the fruit in the second spell was said. 23% to Rs. 2,647 crores and Net Profit grew by 17% to Rs. 1,790 crores in 2020. Operating EBITDA and Net Profit margin for the year stood at 23.7% and 16% respectively, reporting a growth of 480 basis HarperCollins India presents NOISE 76K applying for points and 260 basis points, over 2019. 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The book not only provides the political account of Vajpayee and Advani, it also delicately steers through all the major events of the Indian politics, mainly right-wing, writes MOHAMMAD IRSHAD A rare Jugalbandi he book, Jugalbandi: The BJP Vajpayee with support of Advani was before Modi by Vinay Sitapati busy crafting a space for himself by polit- presents a fascinating account ical burying leaders like Balraj Madhok to trace the journey of the two — founded ABVP in 1948 — ML Sodhi, tallest and major drivers of the Nanaji Deshmukh, and others. T‘India Right-wing’ as they remained at First chapter of the book puts light the helm and navigated through the test- on events that caused the emergence of ing times beginning from Rashtriya RSS (1925) and Hindu Mahasabha and Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to managing prepares a background which helped and executing the affairs of the Bhartiya Advani and Vajpayee joined politics with Jan Sangh (1951) and Bhartiya Janta a resolve to unite the of all sects. Party (BJP). Book offers a larger ambit to Sitapati, theoretically spurns a widely study the rise of ‘LK Advani and AB believed argument followed after the Vajpayee’ and analytical chronology of all murder of Mahatma Gandhi by the organisations cemented on the idea Nathuram Godse, that Godse was a to unite Hindus that is Hindu direct beneficiary/borrower of RSS’ reli- Mahasabha, RSS (1925), Bhartiya Jan gious-political ideas — on the contrary, Sangh (1951), VHP (1964), BJP (1980) he argues far from supporting political and Bajrang Dal (1984) and Sawdeshi violence, RSS had wanted nothing to do Jagran Manch (1991). with politics during this period (p. 33). Sitapati, an academic’s shadow falls He maintained considering Godse’s dif- over the book. He is aptly thoughtful in ferences with RSS, Godse went on to first decade of post-independent India, When the right-wing could not Book points out their similarities metaphorically chosen title; Jugalbandi repeatedly criticise him throughout the Jugalbandi of Nehru and Patel build on obtain desired outcome, they tacitly and dissimilarities; as new on-going — demonstrates the relationship between mid-1940s. Book detests the fact that democratic-secular values, which thrive decided to follow the essence of jugalbandi is more hostile towards the Vajpayee and Advani — means the RSS was remotely involved in the murder on adequate scope to diverse viewpoints, — described as absolute opposition though adhere to age old melody of the ragas in Indian classical of the Mahatma Gandhi. This could be a still remains as a major glue to unite the knowledge in Advaita vedantic philoso- conviction of public display of internal music concerts by two musicians playing matter of great further academic dispute. country. phy — known to us as neti neti (not this, unity (p 299). New jugalbandi’s expand- different instruments, however perfectly Through the journey of both the In Sitapati’s argument there is a fun- not this), similarly, without projecting a ed social base from upper castes, to trib- in tune with the other. Neither of the leaders — nurtured by the RSS — during damental flaw, he only takes into account clear vision of its hierarchical and com- als, middle castes and even dalits (p artistes does survive under the shadow of the formative years of the modern Indian Vaypayee’s verbal conflict with RSS on munal philosophy to gather support 300), mastered the strategy to hide their the other, instead mutually compliment state, book exposes the hypocrisy and various subjects but it largely ignores his from all non-Hindus to establish and failures by directly channelising the to mesmerise through that music recital. inconsistency in their ideology to accom- assessment on the basis of the power and politically empower RSS and BJP. Neti Hindu anger towards the Muslims on all Sitapati had pitchfully utilised all the plish political goals, whether it was their positions including prime ministership, neti, basically, here means it advocates the matters, to conveniently safeguard available resources, to tease out the argu- shift from adopting ‘Gandhian Socialism’ happily cherishing on the RSS’ support in nothing but accepts everything as long the ideology and galvanising the support ment to his book and left a mark of solid to drift towards capitalism as a core eco- his political life, more than benefit taken as it suits them to expand organisation, for the larger good of . It aims scholarship. It took him three straight nomic principle and approach towards by Advani, therefore Sitapati’s argument to secure the throne of Delhi, which at Hindutvisation of Dalits, Advasis and years to complete book. the minorities especially Muslims and fails on merit, as Vajpayee markedly Indian right-wing always imagined ever OBC, this trait is a unique and distinct Book not only provides the political Christians. Jinnah grandson, Nusli compromised on his principles in public since its inception, to declare India as attribute of the Modi-Shah jugalbandi. It account of Vajpayee and Advani, it also Wadia, was the first one wealthiest busi- life to peddle the idea, Right wing funda- ‘Hindu Rashtra.’ Had Deendayal is authoritative, less democratic in its delicately steers through all the major ness person to fund the party; Bhartiya mentally stands for. Upadhyay and Balraj Madhok survived functioning as only the few are allowed gleaning events of the India politics Jan Sangh (BJS) and BJP find no hesita- Book suggests Vaypayee’s politics was strategies employed against them, we to speak the truth to power. The mainly right-wing, who have marked a tion in accepting the donation from him. formulated during the Pt. Jawaharlal would have read their Jugalbandi. Vapayee-Advani relationship was more substantial presence on the political map Advani perhaps paved his debt back to Nehru’s golden era perhaps that ampli- JUGALBANDI: THE BJP Book seems lost in its argument as it ideological than the Modi-Shah’s rela- of this country. Markedly, ranging from Nusli’s grandfather, Jinnah, — founder of fied his never ending discontent with the attempts to strike a balance when two tionship. But still to conclude their rela- their struggle — to register mass accept- Pakistan — during his visit to Pakistan RSS in contrast his public political BEFORE MODI contentious historical subjects require tionship, could be a little unfair as long ability, electorally — prevailing in the and hailing him as ‘secular’, ‘Great Man’ actions largely contradict Nehruvian the definite response of the author. It as the artistes of new jugalbandi (Modi- early years of the post-independent India and Apostle of ‘Hindu-Muslim Unity.’ In vision except on countable occasions. For Vinay Sitapati could be an intentional move, since the Shah) have not gone off stage after the to the rise of bahujan politics, Khalistan my reading, this ‘political jugalbandi’ was instance, after the Babri Masjid demoli- Penguin, `799 book is devoid of mere subjective con- delivering performance. movement in Punjab globalisation and to deceptively trick non-Hindus to gar- tion, Vajpayee is famously known to be victions and prejudices as the author This book engages the reader and is Babri Masjid demolition movement. ner the political acceptability to further quite disturbed; however, he followed the approaches them purely, while using written sedately. Sitapati has interwoven Conspicuous shift had taken place in marginalise them masking their much party route and surprisingly demonstrat- considerable references. all the major events and figures essen- 1980, the author says: “After decades in admired fascist ambition under the garb ed himself as secular leader to later siege to Ayodya to mobilise mass support in Despite other things, it is the Hindu tially required to make it an intriguing which Advani was subordinate to of so called secularism followed by the power in Delhi. This morally does favour of the Ram Mandir, could not nationalism and call for the organisa- read to students of right-wing politics Vajpayee, by 1980 their relationship had Vajpayee to spear the right-wing. not carry any weight as Vajpayee never secure the seat of prime minister and fin- tional unity that kept them together. and post-colonial Indian Politics in gen- become more equal. While Advani had Jugalbandi of the Advani and distanced himself officially to fight back ished in his self-nurtured party with They were devout to their ideology. At eral. always needed Vajpayee, he was now Vajpayee took shape on the foundation of the unjust, inhuman and degrading humiliation and forced to live life in the end book, attempts to see through The reviewer is Assistant Professor, needed. They were now a classical jugal- organisational Hindu unity and theocrat- ideas. It, however, will remain a perennial political seclusion of never fading quar- the new developing jugalbandi between Department of Philosophy, Indraprastha bandi.” (p 108-109) Before 1980, ic principles, meanwhile if we take to irony that the person who drove the rath ters of the Lutyens Delhi. Modi-Shah. College for Women, DU

ear partner, this is for you. Menopause can be a NEW Dbig deal, and maybe your partner is having a hard-enough time to have given you this ARRIVALS book. This is unlikely to be easy. FOR YOUR PARTNER Sorry. This is not a slight blip in WRITTEN ON THE the road; you are effectively on a Your Second Phase: Reclaiming Work & Relationships During & After Menopause by Kate Usher is a WIND journey together that will take some time to get to the end — survival guide for women to cope with menopause at work, home and play. An edited excerpt: Anuradha Kumar-Jain estimates range from 4 to 14 Rupa, `295 years. There will be challenges and setbacks but, at the end of it, Set in pre-Partition Lahore, you and your partner have the from the turn of the century potential to be astounding. But to the time of Independence, this is the you will both need to work story of two women, both strong and together and have a clear under- willing to challenge the limits of the standing of what you want from acceptable, but in their own way and under very different circumstances. Harjeet, this second phase of your lives belonging to a landlord family of Punjab, is together. married to Gautam, from an equally The fact that she has given prominent Khatri family of Lahore. Deeply you this book is an indication dissatisfied with her life, harjeet enters into that she loves you and wants a passionate affair with Haider, a Muslim. your support. She is also saying The book explores their relationship that she is in need of some against the backdrop of the growing words to successfully communi- Hindu-Muslim divide, and the politically cate with you what this is like. turbulent times they are living in. Author Anuradha Kumar Jain offers a powerful THE ICEBERG EFFECT YOUR SECOND PHASE accounts of desire,love,society and Menopause is like an ice- politics, and takes a probing look at the berg, in that the majority of Kate Usher struggles and aspiration of a nation and its what is going on is beneath the SAGE, `550 people. surface. You might think you are getting the rough end of the deal. While I sympathize with what the other person is saying #ME TOO you, I can assure you, you are whilst giving them your full Karan Puri not. attention. Invincible Publisher, `199 Your partner’s hormones are Once you have actively lis- slowly but surely receding to The book is a miniature of tened, ask questions and share their steady post-Menopausal pletely the case. things you both can learn from. which was pregnancy. No, human life as it comprises be non-judgmental, with no fear how you feel about it. Please state. They play such a pivotal You are a team of two that Discuss between you what real-life sentiments. Readers Menopause is an endurance of consequences. You are adults note, this about listening, shar- role in her sense of who she is, can feel this book close to no doubt has had to face adver- worked and what didn’t and race, and it goes on for years. and now is the time to behave ing and reconnecting, not their life as they continue floating between and how she is in the world that sity before. How did you manage identify what you can use here. With this in mind, it’s important like it. about point scoring or arguing. emotions like dreams, passion, love, as they diminish, they cause it? What was the dynamic to make yourself aware of what If you find that you are havoc with her sense of self and between you? Is this the same or WHAT IS THIS THING THAT’S your partner might be experi- FIRESIDE CHAT descending into this, you may betrayal etc. just like in real life. The book HAPPENING TO HER ... AND ME? talks about speaking up for oneself her day-to-day behaviour. Their different? If it’s the same, due to encing and think about what Where do the two of you need to walk away and come irrespective of their age, gender, profession, increasing absence delivers a its unpredictability or that one Earlier in this book, you will support she might need. get uninterrupted time to chat back later. You are both adults and financial background, etc. #MeToo whole host of symptoms as well. of you needs additional consid- find a section on symptoms Please note, this does not face-to-face? Whether over and equal partners — you are comes as an eye-opener for the people who You are likely at the sharp eration and support, you already where we discuss the variability give her a licence to be revolting breakfast, dinner or some not a winner or a loser, a think it is okay to be hurt when it is not. In end of her symptoms, vicarious- have a model of how to work in women’s experience of to you without any form of other time, whenever it is, leader or a follower, in charge India, where individuals and institutions ly experiencing them with her. together. If it’s different, what Menopause by duration, type comeback. If her behaviour choose a day when you know or subservient. You are a team give tremendous amounts of significance to Most women require reassur- kind of different is it? If it’s dif- and their severity. Please read makes her more difficult to han- neither of you will be preoccu- of two equal parts. respect and social image, living with ance that their partners are still ferent because it was you who through it, as awareness is a dle than a bag of poisonous pied or focused on something Excerpted with permission hampered self-esteem is incorrect. The committed to them and the rela- needed support and now it’s her, considerable part of successfully snakes, you have a right to say else. Be clear that this is a con- from Your Second Phase: book highlights that every human is eligible tionship. It’s easy to believe that then there is an element of quid supporting your partner. so. This is about creating a psy- versation about understanding Reclaiming Work and for personal space. Anybody violating the you’re all right and that this is pro quo. How did she manage it, First, Menopause is not a chologically safe place for both what is happening and what it Relationships During and After pre-defined boundary is dis-respecting and her problem. To some degree it what did she do that was so sprint, which is essentially what of you to air your grievances feels like for her. Make sure Menopause by Kate Usher, pub- harming that individual space of yours is, but it would be unfair of you effective and also, what was inef- the monthly period experience without a shouting match or you are actively listening - a lished by SAGE Publications which is nothing but a serious crime. to believe that this was com- fective and why? These are all was, or even an 800m run, sulky silences. This space should method of intently listening to India. sunday magazine VIJAYAWADA, April 11, 2021

I'm afraid of everything. But maybe when you're afraid of everything, it sort of seems like you're scared of nothing — Natalie Portman FROM THE INSIDE A rare Jugalbandi Just play A book that provides the political account Augmented Reality toys are the new entrants of Vajpayee & Advani, and steers through in the market justifying extra play time on the major events of right-wing politics 7 9 ground of contributing to child learning.

Street artist and co-founder St+art India, Hanif Kureshi, Bombay Sapphire’s Stir Creativity, Serendipity Arts Foundation and the Corporation of the City of Panaji join hands to paint Goa’s dry waste sorting stations and turn them into works of art. NAVNEET MENDIRATTA speaks to the artist ou just cannot miss the beautiful brand has collaborated with designers, artists, likened to vandalism, Street Art is more positive- requisite permissions, even the people start own- mural painted in colours of Goa as architects, and individuals from outside the cre- ly thought out and refined. So, yes, you could say ing street art. That’s when the real change takes you drive past the busy road in Dona ative industry to create artworks that reawaken that I sought an expression that is more positive place.” Paula, Panjim, Goa. It’s an unusual creative potential. and would provoke people to think,” he shares. This is also not the first time that Kureshi canvas. Painted in bright hues, mostly “Each mural has a story. It’s interesting when From getting German street artist, Hendrick has lent his creativity to a cause. Kureshi has Yblue, this work of public art is painted on Goa’s you work on the street, you find that there are so ECB to paint the 150 ft mural of Mahatma recently partnered with Art For Change, a virtu- dry waste sorting stations, making for an attrac- many stories that are waiting to be told. As for Gandhi at the Police Headquarters in New al art challenge and exhibition, as one of the jury tive selfie point. this, I am kind of familiar with Panjim’s land- Delhi, as part of the St+Art Delhi street art festi- members. The initiative aims to change the nar- Called Goa Glitch, this mural is a joint ini- scape and whenever a new structure comes up, val in January 2014 to commemorate the mar- rative by turning the focus away from the victim tiative of Bombay Sapphire’s Stir Creativity, we look at it as a possible canvas,” he shares. tyrdom of the Father of the Nation, to putting and putting the spotlight on the perpetrator. Serendipity Arts Foundation, the Corporation of This, or shall we say, these canvasses have been together Street Art festival in Shahpur Jat and Organised by Gordon Thomas Honeywell-GA & the City of Panaji (CCP) and St+art India co- particularly interesting. “Not many are aware Hauz Khas in Delhi, the entire process evoked Ogilvy India in partnership with UN Women founder Hanif Kureshi. The idea being to tap that these new structures are actually dry waste the idea on gentrification in the city. “The aware- India, Girl Up (UN Foundation), reputed acade- into the imaginative spirit of those passing by. sorting stations. This is where CCP segregates ness regarding the street art grew as we moved mic institutions like National Institute of Fashion The mural features geometric visuals in beautiful the waste of dry kind such as paper, plastic, towards Lodhi Colony and worked with the gov- Technology, Delhi (NIFT) and Symbiosis hues of the Bombay Sapphire blue, representing sharp objects, glass, steel and metal. These sheds ernment properties. However, working at a cen- Institute of Business Management, Pune (SIMB), the spirit of adventure and the openness of Goa, play a very important role in the whole recycling tral location like Lodhi Colony, we realised that this initiative seeks to unleash the power of cre- and bringing to life the endless coastlines, and scheme of things. Our idea was to bring atten- there is no room for gentrification there. We ativity to transform the way our society deals the expansive blue skies of the city. tion to the process and promote recycling. We NOT MANY ARE AWARE have been doing similar work in Chennai and with survivors of rape & sexual violence, shifting “The mural is about exploiting the colours of wanted to give it a new life and make it not look Mumbai,” he shares. the accountability from the survivor to the per- Goa, like a glitch,” says Kureshi in a candid con- like a dustbin. And we thought what better than THAT THESE NEW While Kureshi shares that the response and petrator. versation post the unveiling of the mural. “I art to get the conversation started,” he says, STRUCTURES ARE reception to street art has grown in the past “Art for Change is a project all about vio- visualised it as glitching of the colours of Goan speaking of the collaboration. ACTUALLY DRY WASTE decade, the element of planning in the urban- lence against women, which includes domestic skies — in summer, monsoon, winter; Considering Dona Paula is one of the SORTING STATIONS. THIS IS scape continues to elude in the country. “There’s abuse. It is about inviting ideas about how we morning, afternoon and noon… busiest public areas in Goa, the mural no urban planning element to street art as of can change the situation so the project moves Different shades of blue that could also highlights the artist’s message on the WHERE CCP SEGREGATES now. And that’s why, I feel, it becomes more people to act instead of being mute spectators,” be interpreted as colours of water, importance of sustainability and recy- THE WASTE OF DRY KIND important for art to cover up for all that is not he says. more specifically the ocean. It’s like the cling very effectively. In India, Goa is SUCH AS PAPER, PLASTIC, planned,” he avers. Delhi’s Lodhi Colony perhaps Besides Delhi, Kureshi has been working a glitch of both skies and the ocean and one of the cities that recycles 80% of SHARP OBJECTS, GLASS, is a case in point but then there is a catch. lot in Chennai. “We did a district called Kannagi that’s why Goa Glitch,” he says. their waste with a strong model created “Maybe at some point, Lodhi Colony will be Art District. I find cities in south India to be Kureshi has been working with for waste management and sustainability. STEEL AND METAL. THESE demolished and there would be high rises much more welcoming than the cities in north Serendipity Arts for the last four years or In addition to stirring creativity among the SHEDS PLAY A VERY instead. But I still feel the art that found place India. The art culture is there and people under- since it started. In the first edition, community, the collaboration builds aware- IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE there would leave a lasting impact. I think about stand and respect the art as well as the artist,” he Kureshi participated as an artist ness for environmental sustainability WHOLE RECYCLING the children growing up in Lodhi Colony and shares. and then from the next and encourages people to be their imagination and what they would like Similarly, Kureshi-led St+art has worked on edition onwards he more conscious of their SCHEME OF THINGS. OUR think about art and perhaps, choosing art as a creating Mahim Art district in Mumbai; worked as a curator, actions, he shares. Besides IDEA WAS TO BRING career option,” he says. Ukkadam Art District in Coimbatore and where he brought in this shed, Kureshi is collabo- ATTENTION TO THE On the subject of Street Art versus vandal- Maqtha Art District in Hyderabad. “Different St+art India and put rating to paint at least three PROCESS AND PROMOTE ism, Kureshi has a take: “There is a thin line cities have different styles. So in Maqtha, which together street art more in a year. between vandalism and street art. Personally, is predominantly a Muslim district, we try not to editions in Panjim. An alumni of Baroda RECYCLING when I set out to do graffiti, I could have gone paint portraits. The focus is to be more abstract Bombay School of Art, Kureshi on to become a rebel. More so in principle, as in that space, trying to be more sensitive to the Sapphire’s Stir started painting on there is a school that produces rebels and is surrounds. It is also about encouraging people to Creativity plat- streets in 2008. He began more of a breeding ground where you adopt a own the art and the space,” he shares. form aims to with Graffiti and gradually bottom down approach. Street art, on the other Ask him about the dream city to paint, revive and moved on to the world of hand, takes a top down approach where you get Kureshi says: “We are okay with the metros that enable creative street art which he says, he on the ground with more voices on the street to we are painting. There really is no dream city as self-expression finds “more free”. “The inspire more people to express themselves. You such in our mind. The idea, however, is to go to amongst the difference between Graffiti can be vocal about issues with the same amount cities where people are excited and reach out to audience. For and Street Art, you could of rights which any other company has in terms the grassroots of India. For that is where the real over three say, is the sense of style. of putting in money and making an ad and artist would love to leave their mark. decades, the While Graffiti can be putting on the face. If carried out properly, with VIJAYAWADA | SUNDAY | APRIL 11, 2021 special 09 JUST PLAY Augmented Reality toys are the new entrants in the market justifying extra play time on ground of contributing to child learning. MUSBA HASHMI speaks with experts to tell you more

ll work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, only a few would have believed in it. However, the current education world has turned more into a play- groundA for the kids, where they frolic with toys while learning on the way. The lat- est entrant to enhance the learning process is the much-talked about AR tech- nology, which is revolutionising the way education is perceived. Dolls and guns are slowly be relegat- ed to the kids' cupboards. Gone are the days when kids used to run away at the mere mention of study time. Now, parents are engaging children with meaningful play hours where they get educated with- out them even realising it. Educational toys is the biggest category in the toy industry and is also the fastest growing among all other categories. Here comes the new kid on the bloc — AR toys. With the arrival of smart AR-toys, the world has become your child's oyster. They can make playtime productive, learn through stories, and travel the world without actually leav- ing home. With the increasing number of kids, parents, and educators alike who use AR-toys regularly, one thing's clear. AR- powered learning toys are the next big thing in education, and by the looks of it, they're here to stay. The pandemic has also led the major- ity of parents (62%) to see that devices and technology can be used as educational tools, as per the Morning Consult, a mar- ket research company. “The reasons for the rise of AR toys are manifold. Children in their formative years are bubbling with energy and enthusiasm. Sadly, their short attention span is no secret. They lose interest in games as quickly as they gain it. While traditional games might be excit- ing for a few days, they might not be able to hold the children’s attention for long,” says Vivek Goyal, Co-Founder & CEO PlayShifu. It is no mean feat that PlayShifu toys are currently bringing joy to children across 35 countries. When engaging the kids at home, it’s essential to introduce them to toys that yield a different experience each time. Predictable games often lose their sheen quickly, leaving the children disinterest- ed. Going gaga over the latest fad, and the fact that these toys have helped in enhancing her daughter's concentration, Gurugram’s Kusum, mother of four-year- old Nia, says, “The normal toys got bor- ing after a while as most of them need- ed my assistance too and some of them were closed-end toys. Most striking change has been in her concentration span since these toys are interactive, inter- esting, and lead to questions and explo- ration.” A lot more parents are picking up educational toys, now more than ever. They are investing in products that offer learning opportunities for their children. But, these investments are fruitful only when the children themselves find the toy exciting enough. “Our primary focus is to achieve that balance and create phy- gital experiences that are both fun and educational. Our games thrive on creative storytelling, animated characters and innovative interactions that make learn- ing a delight. There’s no greater joy than to see a child learning while playing — and not being able to tell the difference,” adds Goyal. informs Goyal. progress. This report can be monitored for kids. Various research also says that However, experts warns that AR HOW THESE TOYS WORK AR makes it possible to explore mul- and tracked from time-to-time. creative thinking in the brain develops games can have a harmful impact on kids' The link between the real (or physi- UNLIKE VIDEO GAMES tiple avenues of learning and present var- majorly during the early ages of the kids’ eyesight. There is a threat of drifting away cal) and the digital (or virtual) world, aug- ious pieces of information in a visual, A GROWING INDUSTRY lives. Kids draw, tell stories, sing, dance, from reality as they might not get in-per- mented reality is an interactive experience AND APPS, AR TOYS HELP easy-to-understand manner. Where a Tech-enabled toys are on the rise and write without any specific training son interaction as much. These toys can that blends both worlds. In gaming, AR MOTOR SKILL regular map tells you about countries and worldwide. In the US alone, tech-enabled because a child’s brain is free to learn and be addictive for kids, and they can create bridges the gap between the physical toy DEVELOPMENT WITH capitals, an AR-powered globe takes toy segment grew by 36 per cent when the imagine things rather than being logical confusion in young minds. and the smartphone or tablet. For learning to a whole new level. It not only overall toy industry was almost stagnant. about it. “Unlike video games and apps, AR instance, some games need you to use TACTILE PLAY. HOWEVER, teaches geography, but also introduces This segment in India is growing even “It’s still not the same as that of self toys aid in motor skill development with your smartphone to scan a real-world OVER DEPENDENCE CAN you to various cultures, cuisines, monu- more. In the coming years, we see this learning but is probably the next best tactile play. However, being too dependent object to move ahead in the story. If the AFFECT THE ments, and animals-all at the touch of a growth trend continuing. thing and definitely better than passive- on AR toys can affect the development of real-world object is a flashcard of a tiger, DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL button. By marrying tactical play and dig- There are a handful of companies ly watching TV screens and tablets and social skills in young children. the smartphone presents interactive ital storytelling, AR toys bring together working in this industry. “Consumers in mobiles. Augmented reality toys improve Disproportionate exposure to screens image, video or a 3D figure of the animal SKILLS IN CHILDREN. the best of both worlds. Various digital this segment do not buy the tech for the the child’s imagination power as they get can affect their concentration levels and on the screen. In some games, the goal PROLONGED EXPOSURE elements like audio, video, images, and wow factor, but for the lasting impact and to draw, paint, write and tell stories the can make them withdrawn,” says Prakriti might be to find hidden objects by scan- TO A SCREEN MAY 3D content, merge with physical compo- use case. Sooner or later, every compa- way they want. Moreover, these toys are Poddar, Global Head for Mental Health ning your actual surroundings with your nents of the toy, thereby making learn- ny in this industry will create meaning- kid-friendly and safe to operate as they at Round Glass, Managing Trustee Poddar smartphone. IMPACT THEIR ing a unique and inclusive process. The ful experiences that have a more signif- don’t have any live wires or sharp ends,” Foundation. “The prospect of bringing an object CONCENTRATION LEVELS AR technology also helps the child inter- icant objective, built on a base of AR/VR says Dr Rohit Arora, Head of Neonatology Assessing the impact of screen time to life is fascinating and exciting. If the AND MAKE THEM act with the world around them and cre- technology,” says Goyal. & Pediatric, Miracles Mediclinic, on the emotional health of children, the topic at hand is how animals live in their ates two-way interactivity, where the Gurugram. He says that for an early age World Health Organisation recommends natural habitat, AR can teach it through WITHDRAW child feels like they have control over what BANE OR BOON tech-savvy kids, AR toys provide some- no screen time for babies under two and 3D models. Younger children can listen — PRAKRITI PODDAR, they're learning. Since kids are fond of play-based thing extra to boost their brain develop- no more than one hour of screen time a to the sounds the animal makes and Moreover, AR creates a system of learning and augmented reality toys help ment. “Interactive AR toys can help them day for those aged two to four. “Excessive understand its eating habits, all through GLOBAL HEAD FOR MENTAL instant feedback that motivates the child to enhance life-skills in children. These understand information at their comfort screen time can reduce the child’s capa- stories and simple games. Meanwhile, HEALTH, ROUND GLASS to learn more and be more accurate. Most AR toys and games help improve their level and retain it for long. These toys are bility to rely on themselves, especially in older children can learn about the food AR toys provide a progress report or digital aptitude as well as their cognitive engaging, experimental and immersive times of crisis or strain, and reduce con- chain and complex ecosystems, through graph, which is a personalised evaluation skills. They have been at the forefront of from a child’s perspective,” adds Dr centration, focus, and the feeling of interactive and informative games,” of your child's learning curve and combining education and entertainment Arora. empathy,” she adds. WONDER KITS FOR YOUR TINY TOTS rom teaching art to coding, brands are for learning art, science along with coding. classroom. Its coding kit is its signature and is an innovative product for kids aged six machinery, feed in their desired mechanisms Fready to walk an extra mile and teach Consisting of hardware components, the kid product and is ideal for kids from Class III to and above. The platform showcases the in- and play the challenges. children in the most engaging way possible. needs to fit the parts to create a functional Class VIII who wish to step into the coding app puzzle library, standard-based lessons The AR toys are set to become a game Windows 10 tablet that comes with a arena at an early age. The Steam+ kit extends along with robotic challenges. Their OSMO changer in the industry, if not more. Here are MicroSD card slot and detachable keyboard. curriculum-aligned material while engaging application, Wonder for Dash & Dot Robots The brand offers electronic toys that are a few options that one can choose from: Once completed, the kid can share their the kids in an analytical thinking process. It extends learning about robotics in a fun way. compatible with iPad or Amazon Fire tablets. projects with the Kano community on Kano offers activities, innovations for maker It is a coding tool that enables the kid to play The kit consists of numbers, shapes, coding KANO World online. spaces, libraries, camps, clubs, etc. and explore robotics all by themselves and instructions, puzzles, drawing, business Appropriate for kids aged six and older, the offers 300 plus challenges that teach kids aptitude and likewise learning features that Kano PC kit is no less than a personal laptop LITTLEBITS WONDER WORKSHOP about robotics programming and building. allows the kid to explore various fields and for kids. The DIY tablet is the ideal destination It provides you the experience of an e- The platform aims to build future innovators With the help of this kids can create their own learn independently. kaleid scope backpage VIJAYAWADA | SUNDAY | APRIL 11, 2021

NextNext stop,stop, SpaceSpace ALL-CIVILIANALL-CIVILIAN SPACEFLIGHTSPACEFLIGHT CREWCREW READYREADY WITHWITH TICKETS,TICKETS, TRAININGTRAINING

PNS n WASHINGTON try because of the "numbers much as $10,000 if special of people that want to get up care or medical monitoring Several hundred people have in space," King said. is needed. already booked their tickets "We can't take two years to The single biggest barrier and begun training for a train these people," he said. to "spaceflight for all" spectacular voyage: a few "We've got to get this down remains the price tag. minutes, or perhaps days, in to a matter of days to get Some 600 people have the weightlessness of space. these people up. booked flights on Virgin The mainly wealthy first- "These people aren't Galactic, the company time space travellers are get- crews, just strictly passen- owned by British billionaire ting ready to take part in one gers," he noted. Richard Branson, and thou- of several private missions "For a passenger, there sands more are on a waiting which are preparing to isn't a lot of work for you to list. The cost per flight? 6.0-magnitude earthquake strikes launch. do other than just relax, $200,000 to $250,000. The era of space tourism endure the G forces of Virgin Galactic hopes to is on the horizon 60 years launch or reentry. take its first private astronaut off Indonesia coast: US agency after Soviet cosmonaut Yuri "And then once you're on a suborbital flight in early Gagarin became the first orbital, enjoy the view out 2022, with eventual plans for 6.0-magnitude earth- person in space. the window." 400 trips a year. quake struck off the coast Two companies, Virgin King said the pass rate for Blue Origin, owned by Aof Indonesia's Java island Galactic and Blue Origin, are the training course has been Amazon's Jeff Bezos, has not Saturday, the United States building spacecraft capable "99.9 percent." yet published prices or a cal- Geological Survey said, but no He had $20 of sending private clients on The cost ranges from sev- endar. tsunami warning was issued. suborbital flights to the edge eral thousand dollars to as The quake hit at a depth of 82 of space lasting several min- kilometres (50 miles), about 45 utes. kilometres southwest of Malang Billion, then Glenn King is the director city in East Java. There were no of spaceflight training at the immediate reports of casualties, National Aerospace Training but the temblor shook Malang, a lost it all in and Research Center, a pri- city of several million people. vate company based in "It was pretty strong and went Pennsylvania which has for a long time," resident Ida already trained nearly 400 Magfiroh told AFP. two days future Virgin Galactic pas- "Everything was swaying." sengers for their trips. Indonesia experiences frequent "The oldest person I seismic and volcanic activity due efore he lost it all-all $20 then, in two short days, it was gone. trained was 88 years old," to its position on the Pacific "Ring billion-Bill Hwang was the The sudden implosion of King told AFP. of Fire", where tectonic plates col- Bgreatest trader you'd never Hwang's Archegos Capital The training program lasts lide. In 2018, a 7.5-magnitude heard of. Starting in 2013, he par- Management in late March is one two days -- a morning of quake and a subsequent tsunami layed more than $200 million left of the most spectacular failures in classroom instruction and in Palu on Sulawesi island left over from his shuttered hedge fund modern financial history: No indi- tests in a centrifuge. more than 4,300 people dead or into a mind-boggling fortune by vidual has lost so much money so This involves putting the missing. betting on stocks. Had he folded his quickly. At its peak, Hwang's trainee in a single-seat cock- hand in early March and cashed in, wealth briefly eclipsed $30 billion. pit at the end of a 25-foot- Hwang, 57, would have stood out It's also a peculiar one. Unlike the long (eight-meter-long) arm among the world's billionaires. Wall Street stars and Nobel laure- and spinning them around There are richer men and women, ates who ran Long-Term Capital to simulate gravitational of course, but their money is most- Management, which famously force, or G force. ly tied up in businesses, real estate, blew up in 1998, Hwang was large- A medical team is on complex investments, sports teams, ly unknown outside a small circle: hand at all times. and artwork. Hwang's $20 billion fellow churchgoers and former NASA's training for shut- net worth was almost as liquid as a hedge fund colleagues, as well as a tle crew members lasted two government stimulus check. And handful of bankers. years but the duration has been drastically reduced by the commercial space indus-

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat tests positive for Covid, Elon Musk shares video of monkey hospitalised ashtriya playing games with its mind Swayamsevak Sangh Rchief Mohan Bhagwat has tested posi- lon Musk’s latest tweet nected, the monkey is able tive for coronavirus, the showing a monkey to continue playing the organisation tweeted on its Eplaying a game using game using its mind. official handle. his mind has triggered a Musk’s start-up is devel- Bhagwat, 70, has been plethora of reactions on oping a fully-implanted, showing commons symp- social media. wireless, count brain- toms of coronavirus infec- Taking to the microblog- machine interface (BMI) tion, the Rashtriya ging website, the Tesla CEO that would enable people Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) retweeted a post by with paralysis to directly use tweeted. "He is currently Neuralink along with a cap- their neural activity to oper- having common symptoms Madhya Pradesh Minister tion that read, “Monkey ate various devices with of COVID-19 and has plays Pong with his mind.” ease. The monkey in the been admitted to He explained, “A monkey is video was implanted with a Kingsway Hospital in literally playing a video Neuralink weeks before the Nagpur, is undergoing performs ‘’ at airport game telepathically using a experiment was conducted. general check-up and cau- brain chip!!” In the experiment, the tion," the RSS tweeted. Originally shared by monkey is not only playing Prashant Kishor to ward off Covid Neuralink, the 3.27-minute the game with its mind, but Clubhouse chat on Bengal clip features Pager, a nine- is also able to adapt to it elections goes viral As 44 he worrying face mask in public, year-old Macaque using a when the difficulty level is seats in West Bengal went surge in coron- critics say. During joystick to play a game on increased. The clip con- to polls Saturday, Tavirus cases assembly session when the computer screen. cludes with the monkey Trinamool Congress chief seems to have forced she was asked why she However, moments later being rewarded with a Mamata Banerjee’s poll politicians to seek is not wearing a mask, when the joystick is discon- banana. strategist Prashant Kishor divine intervention to Ms Thakur had told found himself in contro- ward off the threat NDTV that she doesn't versy after statements he posed by the deadly need to wear a mask as purportedly made during a disease. For instance, she performs 'havan' public chat on Clubhouse, Usha Thakur, the (ritual burning) every a social media platform, Minister for Tourism day and recites the went viral. Reacting to the and Culture in Madhya Chalisa. leaked audio clips, where Pradesh, was seen lead- Ms Thakur has pre- he can be heard saying that ing a prayer meet - viously claimed that the Trinamool’s internal though without a face 'havan' of a cow dung survey shows BJP will be mask - in Indore. clapping and singing cake can keep a house elected in Bengal this year, The minister was before the - was sanitised for 12 hours. Kishor said, “I am glad BJP seen performing 'puja' joined by Airport Last year, a video of is taking my chat more before the statue of Director Aryama Union Minister seriously than words of Devi Ahilya Bai Sanyas and other staff Ramdas Athawale their own leaders! They Holkar at the Indore members at the cere- chanting ''Go corona, should show courage and airport. The MLA mony. go corona'' at a prayer share the full chat instead from Indore's Mhow Ms Thakur has often meet had gone viral on of getting excited with seat - who was seen been seen without a social media. selective use of parts of it.