MUNI THE BOSS

The end of agitation by employees following successful negotiations between representatives of Joint Action Committee and Finance Minister A Ramnarayan Reddy, the TDP President N Chandrababu’s war on black money and slush funds stashed away in foreign banks, the continued slanging match between Congress and Jagan camp and the Confederation of Indian Industry’s interaction with political parties on Telangana turmoil were among the other major headlines of the day.

“Andhra Jyothy”, in its front page report, pointed out how “Racchabanda” will prove to be a “agni pariksha” for Kiran in the face of stiff opposition from a section of party leaders and Telangana protagonists. Already, the trouble has started with Telangana ministers and legislators facing the ire of the people in the region and coming under direct attacks, the report pointed out.

The storm gathering around “Racchabanda”, the Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy’s first political outing, was given front page treatment by all major publications. The threat of disruptions by Telangana activists to the ambitious programme of the government and TRS Chief K Chandrasekhar Rao’s warning of a “lightning strike” was highlighted by “Eenadu” while the ongoing war of words between Congress and TRS leaders over “Racchabanda” was prominently covered by “Andhra Bhoomi”.

Being launched from Rajam in Srikakulam district, the mass contact programme will dole out benefits to 1.25 crore people worth Rs 2,500 crore covering ration cards, pensions, houses, Arogya Sri, employee guarantee scheme and “Paavala Vaddi”. The 20-day long programme is the first occasion for the Chief Minister to reach out to people and get to know their problems first hand, “Eenadu” said. While downplaying the government’s programme, “Sakshi” highlighted KCR’s belligerent call to boycott “Racchabanda”. It also prominently carried a report on CM’s bête noir and MLA from Chittoor district Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy daring him to resign and seek fresh mandate.
“Andhra Jyothy” and “Eenadu” highlighted, in their front pages, Naidu’s letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take urgent measures to unearth black money and bring back the slush funds stashed away in Swiss banks.

According to “Andhra Bhoomi”, the ground has been cleared for Jagan Mohan Reddy’s new political party. Quoting Election Commission sources, it said the clearance is likely to come in the first week of February. Soon after, Jagan is likely to announce the name and policies of his party at a public meeting at Idupulapaya. The launch would be done would be done before the Election Commission’s notification for by-elections to Kadapa Lok Sabha and Pulivendula Assembly seats.

In a counter-attack on CM, “Sakshi” highlighted Jagan camp’s spokesman Ambati Rambabu’s statement that it is the Congress which should be indebted to YSR and not the other way round.
“Andhra Jyothy”, in its front page report, pointed out how “Racchabanda” will prove to be a “agni pariksha” for Kiran in the face of stiff opposition from a section of party leaders and Telangana protagonists. Already, the trouble has started with Telangana ministers and legislators facing the ire of the people in the region and coming under direct attacks, the report pointed out.

Being launched from Rajam in Srikakulam district, the mass contact programme will dole out benefits to 1.25 crore people worth Rs 2,500 crore covering ration cards, pensions, houses, Arogya Sri, employee guarantee scheme and “Paavala Vaddi”. The 20-day long programme is the first occasion for the Chief Minister to reach out to people and get to know their problems first hand, “Eenadu” said. While downplaying the government’s programme, “Sakshi” highlighted KCR’s belligerent call to boycott “Racchabanda”. It also prominently carried a report on CM’s bête noir and MLA from Chittoor district Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy daring him to resign and seek fresh mandate.

According to “Eenadu”, the political leaders from Telangana region told industrialists that they were not in a position to give any assurances on safety, security and law and order. In their interaction with CII representatives, they made it clear that they do not have any magic wand to clear all their fears and apprehensions. The industrialists, on their part, appealed to politicians to rein in blackmailers and extortionists.

“Andhra Jyothy” and “Eenadu” highlighted, in their front pages, Naidu’s letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take urgent measures to unearth black money and bring back the slush funds stashed away in Swiss banks.