“To ensure the continuity of democracy, everyone should make use of their vote.”
🕖 Tomorrow, 13 May 2024- starting from 7:00 AM, the polling booths will open for the democratic exercise that shapes our nation’s future. Remember, your vote is your power to bring about change and shape the destiny of our society.
⏰ Polling will continue until 6:00 PM in the evening, providing ample time for you to cast your vote and make your voice heard.
🇮🇳 Let’s stand together in solidarity as responsible citizens and exercise our fundamental right to vote. Every ballot counts, every voice matters!
📢 Spread the word and encourage everyone you know to participate actively in this vital democratic process. Together, let’s strengthen the foundation of our democracy.
In a fervent address during the culmination of the election campaign in Telangana, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of fostering division and animosity within society. Gandhi asserted that Modi’s true intentions have been laid bare before the public, alleging that he relies solely on religious rhetoric rather than showcasing his performance to garner votes. “He seeks votes only in the name of religion. He only spreads hatred in the society for his political gains,” she declared.
Gandhi’s remarks came as she addressed the public gatherings in Tandur, Chevella constituency, and during a roadshow in Kamareddy, Zaheerabad constituency. She lambasted Modi for what she perceives as his failure to address critical issues such as infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and industrial growth. “If PM Modi had worked, laid roads, built schools, hospitals, and industries, he would have sought votes on the basis of these issues,” she asserted.
Highlighting what she described as a decade of neglect under Modi’s rule, Gandhi accused the Prime Minister of ignoring the plight of the poor, farmers, workers, women, and small traders. She criticized policies such as demonetization and GST, attributing them to exacerbating problems such as price-rise and unemployment while fostering an atmosphere of animosity.
Asserting the foundational principles of the nation, Gandhi emphasized that India was built upon love, non-violence, and truth, and called for unity among all citizens. She accused Modi of favoring a select few by allegedly granting them undue financial benefits at the expense of the country’s resources. “He waived off loans of 16 lakh crore of a few billionaires,” she claimed.
Gandhi appealed to the electorate to demand change, urging them to reject Modi’s government and embrace a leadership committed to honesty and democracy. She stressed the need for policies that prioritize employment generation, support for farmers, empowerment of women, and fair wages for workers.
With Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy by her side, Gandhi questioned the satisfaction levels with his government and called for a shift towards a more responsive administration.
Concluding her address, Gandhi outlined Congress’ electoral promises, including financial assistance for women, legal guarantees for minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, and employment schemes for the educated unemployed. She urged voters to make an informed decision and choose leaders who uphold truth and serve the interests of the people.
Watch // Revanth Reddy shows his sporty side as he kicks off a friendly game with college students amidst the election buzz in Telangana. #RelaxAndPlay
After weeks of actively participating in poll campaigns for Congress candidates, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy surprised many on Sunday as he joined college students for a game of football.
A video circulating on various social media platforms captures Mr. Reddy, a known football enthusiast, sporting a number 9 “INDIA” jersey, which many interpreted as a subtle dig at the Opposition bloc.
Engaging in a friendly match at Hyderabad Central University, the 54-year-old politician displayed his passion for the sport by energetically chasing the ball, executing tackles, and making decisive clearances.
Revanth Reddy assumed office as the Chief Minister of Telangana following the Congress’ triumph in the state Assembly elections held last December.
Considered to have a close association with former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, Mr. Reddy’s political journey has seen him involved with various parties, including the BJP’s student wing, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi under former chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao (then the Telangana Rashtra Samithi), and N Chandrababu Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party.
His prominence surged in 2021 when he was appointed as the president of Congress’ Telangana unit.
As Telangana gears up for polling on Monday to elect 17 Lok Sabha members in a single phase, anticipation runs high with over 3.31 crore voters expected to cast their ballots across 35,356 polling stations.
The electoral arena boasts more than 600 candidates, including Union Minister and Telangana BJP president G Kishan Reddy.
Vote counting is scheduled for June 4.
In the 2019 general elections, Telangana witnessed a 62 per cent voter turnout, resulting in the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (then the TRS) securing nine seats, the BJP clinching four, and the Congress securing three seats. Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM managed to secure one Lok Sabha seat.
Hyderabad :- In a scathing critique, Zafar Javeed, Senior Vice President of the Telangana Congress committee, has accused the Modi government of failing to deliver anything substantial to the public over the past decade. He stated that the BJP government has thrived on spreading hatred, causing significant damage to the nation’s unity while continuing its divisive politics.
With the completion of polling in the first three phases across the country, reports suggest a promising outcome for the Congress and INDIA Alliance this election season.
Javeed emphasized the urgent need to counter the politics of hatred and urged the public to vote for Congress on May 13th, highlighting it as an opportunity to reject divisive strategies and safeguard the country’s constitution.
Expressing concerns over rising inflation and unemployment, Javeed criticized the Modi government’s inability to control prices or provide employment opportunities, accusing it of exploiting communal sentiments for political gain.
Furthermore, Javeed reaffirmed confidence in Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, projecting the formation of a Congress government in the upcoming elections, particularly rallying support from the people of Telangana for the preservation of India’s diverse cultural heritage and the nation’s progress.
YS Vijayamma, despite being abroad during the election campaign, has publicly shown her support for Sharmila, the Congress candidate for the Kadapa Lok Sabha seat. In a recently released video, Vijayamma urged the voters of Kadapa to stand behind Sharmila and ensure her victory in the upcoming polls. The video, which surfaced on the final day of campaigning, highlights the emotional connection to the late YSR’s legacy and emphasizes Sharmila’s candidacy as a representative of YSR’s ideals. Vijayamma calls upon the electorate to entrust Sharmila with the responsibility to serve Kadapa and advocate for their interests in Parliament.
Hyderabad :- “Two days remain until the 4th phase of voting in the General Election 2024. With parliamentary elections nearing on May 13, 2024, Akai News India extends a crucial message to the public, emphasizing the importance of voting in the upcoming phase of the General Election 2024.”
In this democratic process, every individual’s vote plays a significant role in shaping the future of our nation. We urge each citizen, regardless of their background or beliefs, to exercise their right to vote conscientiously.
Your vote is not just a mere mark on a ballot paper; it is a powerful expression of your opinions, aspirations, and concerns for the advancement of society. It presents an opportunity for every citizen to actively participate in the democratic process and contribute towards building a better future for themselves and generations to come.
We encourage every household to engage in discussions about the upcoming elections, understand the critical issues at stake, and make well-informed decisions when casting their votes. Let us unite as responsible citizens to uphold the democratic values and principles that form the cornerstone of our nation.
Akai News India calls upon every individual to fulfill their civic duty by exercising their right to vote on May 13, 2024, and actively participate in shaping the destiny of our nation. Let us stand united in our commitment to democracy and ensure that every voice is heard.
As the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls loom on May 13, thousands of Hyderabad residents are embarking on journeys back to their native Andhra Pradesh for voting.
Transportation hubs witnessed bustling activity as families crowded buses and trains bound for their hometowns to partake in the electoral process.
The Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway witnessed increased traffic as cars, buses, and other vehicles queued up at toll plazas, ferrying voters to their ancestral villages and towns.
Departures began on Friday evening, with voters from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana making their way home for the extended voting weekend.
Approximately 12 lakh voters of Andhra Pradesh origin currently reside in Hyderabad, with many expected to travel over Saturday and Sunday to cast their ballots.
The influx mirrors the scale of travel typically seen during the Sankranti festival, highlighting the significance of this electoral event.
With elections scheduled for 175 Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh, and 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana, preparations for voter transportation have been underway.
Tech employees in Hyderabad are leaving early from work to spend time with family before voting, further contributing to the travel rush.
Railway and bus stations in Hyderabad and its outskirts witnessed heavy footfall, with Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS) and Jubilee Bus Station witnessing a surge in passengers.
While additional buses and special trains have been deployed, the demand still outstrips supply, leading to overcrowded transport services.
Private bus operators have capitalized on the situation, doubling or tripling fares on popular routes.
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) is operating around 2,000 additional buses to accommodate the surge in demand.
The South Central Railway has arranged special trains and additional coaches to manage the rush from Secunderabad and Kacheguda stations.
Political parties in Andhra Pradesh are actively encouraging voters residing in Hyderabad to return home, offering financial assistance for travel.
Amid concerns of duplicate voters, the Election Commission has taken measures to address the issue, including simultaneous polling in both states on the same day.
The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has issued a directive to its employees, urging them to refrain from wearing T-shirts and jeans to the office.
According to a senior TSRTC official, while there is no official mandate, TSRTC Managing Director VC Sajjanar has instructed all office staff to comply with a formal dress code.
The official stated, “Drivers and bus conductors are already wearing their prescribed uniforms. However, the sight of officials in informal attire within the TSRTC premises is deemed to undermine the organization’s dignity.”
While TSRTC drivers and conductors are attired in Khakee or blue uniforms, supervisors at bus stations don white uniforms. Nevertheless, there is no specified dress code for officials or employees working in TSRTC offices.
Last year, ahead of the Telangana Assembly polls, former Chief Minister and BRS supremo K Chandrashekar Rao announced the integration of TSRTC with the state government.
On August 6, the Telangana State Legislative Assembly passed the merger bill, thereby granting over 43,000 employees of the public transport body the status of government staff.
Renowned political economist Gautam Sen has sounded the alarm over the potential exodus of India’s wealthiest figures, including Ambani, Adani, and Tata, to tax havens like Dubai in a bid to sidestep proposed inheritance taxes. Sen, a former figure at the London School of Economics and UNDP, cautioned against implementing inheritance taxes, citing Sweden’s decision to abolish them due to wealthy individuals fleeing. He emphasized the adverse impact on economic growth and wealth retention, drawing parallels with Sweden’s experience.
Congress leader Sam Pitroda’s suggestion to mirror the US inheritance tax model faced scrutiny from Sen, who deemed it unsuitable for India. He highlighted the impracticality of redistributing wealth from a small taxpayer segment and the challenges associated with such a policy’s implementation.
Additionally, Sen expressed skepticism about the feasibility of surveying all households and businesses, pointing out India’s significant strides in improving living standards through infrastructure and welfare initiatives.
While acknowledging temporary wealth disparities in burgeoning sectors, Sen stressed the absolute improvement in living standards for the poorest sections of society. He cautioned against radical measures like inheritance tax, citing potential social and political upheaval and vulnerability to external threats.
Despite these concerns, Sen remained optimistic about India’s economic trajectory, citing rapid growth and infrastructure development under stable governance. He emphasized the importance of policy continuity to sustain economic progress and ensure India’s long-term prosperity.
The Leader of Opposition and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) President, K. Chandrashekhar Rao, launched a scathing attack on the Congress party during a campaign event on Thursday, accusing it of falsely claiming to have fulfilled its electoral promises to mislead voters in the Lok Sabha elections.
Highlighting the Congress government’s failure to deliver on its commitments in Telangana, KCR pointed to the stark disparity between the party’s rhetoric and the ground reality.
“While the Congress-led state government has failed to implement most of its poll promises, apart from offering free bus services for women, Rahul Gandhi, the party leader, is asserting that Rs. 2,500 has already been deposited in the bank accounts of women in Telangana, along with the first installment of Rythu Bharosa for farmers,” KCR remarked. He emphasized that not a single paisa had been deposited thus far, with no indication of it happening in the future either.
Addressing a campaign event in Karimnagar as part of his electoral tour, the BRS President criticized the Congress’ hollow promises lacking both means and intent for fulfillment.
He pointed out that the Congress had made numerous guarantees and assurances, along with over 420 promises, none of which had materialized. “There’s no assurance of this government surviving post-Lok Sabha polls,” he asserted.
KCR reiterated his commitment to practical governance, highlighting successful implementations such as the Rythu Bandhu scheme, which was not part of his election promises but was executed regardless. He also mentioned the Rythu Bima scheme and the government’s support for farmers even during challenging times.
Contrasting this with the Congress’ backtrack on crucial welfare measures, he cited instances where promised benefits were being curtailed. He questioned the Congress’ approach to identifying eligible farmers and the fate of those with smaller landholdings.
Encouraging voters to support BRS candidate B. Vinod Kumar in the Lok Sabha polls, KCR urged them to strengthen the party’s representation in Parliament to safeguard the interests of Telangana and its people.
