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Jubilee Hills by-election: Kamma community extends support to Congress

Hyderabad, Oct 28:
In a major boost to the ruling Congress party ahead of the upcoming Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election, members of the Kamma community have announced their full support to the party.

Leaders from the community, which holds a strong social and economic presence in areas like Ameerpet, Kukatpally, and Serilingampally, met Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Tuesday and conveyed their support, while also placing a few demands before the government.

During the meeting, the community leaders urged the CM to install a statue of legendary actor and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao at Maitri Vanam in Ameerpet. They also appealed to the government to provide due representation to the community in nominated posts.

According to a press release from the Chief Minister’s Office, the Kamma community assured that the Congress candidate Naveen Yadav would win the Jubilee Hills by-election with a huge majority.

The by-election, necessitated by the demise of former BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath, is expected to be a high-stakes contest for the ruling Congress, which failed to win any seat in the Greater Hyderabad area in the 2023 Assembly elections.

While the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has fielded Maganti Gopinath’s wife as its candidate, the BJP has once again given its ticket to Lankala Deepak Reddy, who had contested unsuccessfully in 2023. Political analysts expect a triangular fight between the Congress, BRS, and BJP this time.

In the 2023 Assembly polls, Gopinath secured 80,549 votes, followed by Congress’ Mohd. Azharuddin with 64,212 votes, and BJP’s Deepak Reddy with over 25,000 votes. AIMIM’s candidate Rasheed Farazuddin finished fourth with 7,848 votes.

The bypoll outcome is seen as a litmus test for the Congress government, as it aims to strengthen its urban base in Hyderabad ahead of future elections.

Training held for poll officers ahead of Jubilee Hills by-election

Hyderabad, Oct 29
In preparation for the upcoming Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election, the Hyderabad District Election Officer (DEO) and GHMC Commissioner R V Karnan emphasised the crucial role of Presiding Officers (POs) and Assistant Presiding Officers (APOs) in ensuring a free, fair and transparent polling process.

Addressing officials at a training session held at G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science, Shaikpet, Karnan said all polling staff must have a clear understanding of their duties and responsibilities and should discharge them with complete neutrality and integrity.

Nearly 500 officials attended the session conducted in two batches. The training included hands-on demonstrations on the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)—Ballot Units (BUs), Control Units (CUs), and VVPAT systems.

The DEO instructed that each polling station would be equipped with four BUs, one CU and one VVPAT, given that 59 candidates, including NOTA, are contesting in the by-poll. He urged officers to thoroughly study the Presiding Officer’s Handbook issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and prepare checklists for polling-day activities, including verification of materials, voter lists and machines.

Election Police Observer Om Prakash Tripathi and Expenditure Observer Sanjeev Kumar Lal inspected the training and advised officials to adhere strictly to ECI guidelines to maintain transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

Hyderabad Police Chief Condemns Drunk Driving as ‘Terrorism’ After Deadly Bus Fire in Kurnool

HYDERABAD / KURNOOL — In the wake of a devastating bus fire in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, which claimed at least 20 lives, V.C. Sajjanar, Commissioner of Police in Hyderabad, has issued a sharp condemnation of drunk driving, calling those who drive under the influence “terrorists”.

The incident involved a private sleeper bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru, which collided with a motorcycle on the highway in the early hours of Friday. The bike, ridden by a man under the influence of alcohol, was reportedly dragged by the bus before his vehicle’s fuel tank ignited, setting off the fire that engulfed the bus and killed the passengers. 

In a post on the social media platform X, Mr Sajjanar said: “Drunk drivers are terrorists. Period. Drunk drivers are terrorists and their actions are nothing short of acts of terror on our roads.” He described the Kurnool tragedy not as a mere accident but as “a criminal act of negligence that annihilated entire families within seconds.”

He emphasised that under his jurisdiction there will be no leniency or exception for those caught driving while intoxicated. “Every single person caught driving under the influence will face the full force of law. There will be no mercy for those who endanger innocent lives,” he said.

Investigators have since confirmed that the motorcyclist was driving while drunk and had earlier refuelled his bike just minutes before the crash. The bike’s headlight was found to be non-functional and the rider lost control before the fatal collision.

The bus driver has been arrested in connection with the incident and further investigations are underway into the sequence of events that triggered the blaze

This tragedy has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of laws against driving under the influence and stricter penalties for those who risk public safety on the roads.

Source:Times of India India Times

Murrah Bulls from Haryana to Steal the Spotlight at Hyderabad’s Sadar Sammelan

Hyderabad, Telangana | October 17, 2025 — The vibrant streets of Hyderabad are gearing up for one of the most awaited post-Diwali celebrations — the Sadar Sammelan, also known as Dunnapothula Panduga. This year, the spotlight will shine brightly on a special attraction: Murrah bulls from Haryana, famed for their strength, size, and majestic presence.

These elite bulls, bred in Haryana and known for their remarkable physique and high milk yield, have arrived in Telangana to participate in the grand cattle parade. Every year, this event brings together farmers, cattle breeders, and animal lovers to celebrate the importance of livestock in rural life.

The Sadar Sammelan, traditionally held a day after Diwali, showcases beautifully decorated bulls adorned with colorful ornaments, paint, and garlands. The festival highlights the deep cultural bond between farmers and their cattle — symbolizing prosperity, pride, and gratitude for the animals that sustain agricultural livelihoods.

This year, the Murrah bulls have already become the talk of the town. Their participation is expected to attract thousands of spectators eager to witness the majestic creatures parade through Hyderabad’s bustling streets.

Organizers say the event is not just about spectacle — it’s also a platform to promote the preservation and appreciation of indigenous and high-quality cattle breeds.

With rhythmic drumbeats, folk performances, and festive cheers filling the air, the Sadar Sammelan 2025 promises to be a colorful tribute to rural heritage and the enduring relationship between humans and their livestock.

Source : The News Minute

Jubilee Hills Byepoll Date Announced, Election Code Comes into Force in Hyderabad- 11-November-2025

Hyderabad | October 7, 2025 — The Model Code of Conduct came into effect in Hyderabad district on October 6, following the announcement of the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election, which will be held on November 11.

The bye-election was necessitated by the death of sitting MLA Maganti Gopinath of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in June this year. The BRS has nominated his wife, Maganti Sunitha, as its candidate. The Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are yet to announce their nominees.

Telangana Chief Electoral Officer C. Sudharshan Reddy stated that all necessary arrangements are being made to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election. The Election Commission has also directed all parties and candidates to disclose any criminal antecedents through newspapers, television, and digital platforms.

The official election notification will be issued on October 13.

  • Last date for filing nominations: October 21
  • Scrutiny of nominations: October 22
  • Withdrawal of candidature: October 24
  • Polling date: November 11
  • Counting of votes: November 14
  • Election process completion: November 16

Hyderabad District Returning Officer R.V. Karnan, who also serves as GHMC Commissioner, announced that new voters may register within 10 days of the notification. He confirmed that the Model Code of Conduct is now in effect across Hyderabad district.

Voting will be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems across all polling stations. Adequate numbers of EVMs have been tested and deployed to ensure smooth polling operations.

Voters can present their EPIC (Voter ID) or any other approved identification document such as Aadhaar, Driving Licence, Passport, PAN Card, or Pension ID. The CEO urged all citizens to verify their names on the electoral rolls and participate actively in the democratic process.

As per the final electoral roll published last week, the Jubilee Hills constituency has 3,99,000 voters — including 2,07,382 males, 1,91,593 females, and 25 third-gender voters. This marks a 3.49% increase from the 3,85,287 voters registered during the 2023 Assembly elections.

Polling will be held across 407 polling stations spread across 139 locations in the constituency.

In the 2023 Assembly elections, BRS candidate Maganti Gopinath scored a hat-trick victory, defeating former Indian cricket captain and Congress candidate Mohammed Azharuddin by 16,337 votes. Gopinath secured 80,549 votes, while Azharuddin polled 64,212. BJP’s L. Deepak Reddy finished third with 25,866 votes, and AIMIM’s candidate came fourth with 7,848 votes.

L&T Exits Hyderabad Metro; Telangana Government Assumes Full Control

Hyderabad, September 26, 2025: In a major shift, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has divested its stake in Phase 1 of the Hyderabad Metro project, clearing the way for the Telangana government to take full control of operations and planning. 

With L&T’s exit, the state administration is now positioned to steer the project unilaterally, manage debt and equity settlements, and fast-track expansion plans under Phase 2, which envisages an additional 163 km of metro lines. 

What Changed & What’s Next

  • L&T’s divestment: The move signals L&T’s withdrawal from the original public-private partnership model for Metro operations in Hyderabad.
  • Government control: Telangana will now oversee all functions (operations, maintenance, expansion) previously managed under the PPP framework.
  • Phase 2 acceleration: With the government at the helm, authorities intend to push forward with the next expansion phase covering 163 km, potentially reducing delays caused by coordination or financial bottlenecks.
  • Debt & equity settlement: A key task ahead is reconciling the financial obligations from the initial contracts and ensuring smooth transition of assets and liabilities.

Implications & Challenges

  1. Greater control, but greater responsibility
     While the government will enjoy full decision-making power, it also bears the full burden of cost, risk, and execution challenges that come with large urban transit projects.
  2. Speed vs. capacity
     Fast-tracking expansion is positive for city mobility, but the government must ensure it has the technical, managerial, and financial capacity to sustain high standards in safety, service, and maintenance.
  3. Stakeholder coordination
     Transitioning from a PPP model to a fully government-run system means reworking contracts, staffing, equipment maintenance, and integration with existing systems.
  4. Public expectations
     Commuters and city planners will be watching closely: delays, operational glitches, or service quality dips could invite criticism and erode public trust.

Outlook

With L&T’s exit, Telangana has a unique opportunity to reshape Hyderabad’s metro future under its own vision and timetable. If it manages the financial transition and execution well, the city could see faster expansion and more integrated urban mobility. But missteps in execution or oversight could weigh heavily.

Would you like me to also write a short “citizen impact” version — how this affects daily commuters — or pull in expert voices (real or hypothetical) to enrich the blog?

Source:Deccan Herald

Hyderabad Police Launch New Drive to Protect Women in Public Transport

Hyderabad: In a significant step towards ensuring women’s safety, the Telangana Police Women Safety Wing has launched a Safe Mobility Initiative in collaboration with multiple transport agencies to curb harassment in public and private transport across Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda.

The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC), Hyderabad Metro Rail, Transport Department, and Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). It covers buses, metro trains, autos, and private transport vehicles.

How Women Can Report Harassment

The new drive makes it easier for women to seek immediate help in case of harassment.

  • Inform bus conductors or auto drivers – they will act as first responders.
  • Use the Metro alert system to report incidents.
  • Call Dial 100 or 112 directly for immediate assistance.

Conductors and drivers have been trained to alert emergency services right away, triggering a quick response by police patrol teams and She Teams.

Strong Coordination Between Agencies

Each participating organisation will appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with the Women Safety Wing. The wing will monitor every complaint, investigation, and outcome to ensure accountability.

TGSRTC conductors will undergo special training to handle complaints and assist women in distress. Police patrolling units will respond promptly, and offenders will be handed over to She Teams for further action.

Officials noted that harassment in crowded public spaces often goes unreported because offenders are strangers and victims feel that lodging complaints will not bring results. This initiative seeks to break that pattern by enabling faster reporting, quicker police intervention, and stricter action against offenders.

The goal is to not only protect women but also shift public attitudes and discourage harassment that has often been normalised in public spaces.

Source :Siasat

VC Sajjanar Appointed as New Hyderabad Police Commissioner

Hyderabad, September 27: Senior IPS officer VC Sajjanar, widely known as an “encounter specialist,” has been appointed as the new Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad. A 1996-batch IPS officer, Sajjanar succeeds CV Anand, who has now been posted as Chief Secretary for the Telangana Home Department.

Sajjanar is best known for his tenure as Cyberabad Police Commissioner, where he hit national headlines for the 2019 Disha gang-rape and murder case. The brutal incident involved the gang-rape and killing of a 27-year-old veterinarian in Hyderabad’s Shadnagar area. The victim’s charred body was discovered on November 28, 2019, sparking nationwide outrage and protests.

Under Sajjanar’s leadership, the police shot dead all four accused on December 6, 2019, near Chatanpally — close to the spot where the victim’s body was found. Police claimed the accused attempted to snatch weapons and escape during a crime scene reconstruction, prompting officers to open fire. The incident divided public opinion: many celebrated it as swift justice, while human rights groups criticized it as an extrajudicial execution.

In 2022, a Supreme Court-appointed inquiry commission concluded that the police narrative was not credible and termed the incident a “fake encounter,” recommending that the policemen involved face trial for murder.

Before this appointment, Sajjanar was serving as the Managing Director of Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC).

Major IPS Transfers in Telangana

Sajjanar’s appointment comes amid a major reshuffle of IPS officers in the state:

  • Battula Shivadhar Reddy has been appointed as the new Director General of Police (DGP).
  • Ravi Gupta, Special Chief Secretary, Home, has been transferred as Executive Vice-Chairman and Director General, Centre for Good Governance.
  • Shikha Goel will be the new Director General, Vigilance & Enforcement and Ex-Officio Principal Secretary to the Government, General Administration Department, in addition to her current role as Director, TG Cyber Security Bureau.
  • Swati Lakra, Additional Director General of Police, Organisation & Home Guards, is given full additional charge of Director General, Special Protection Force.
  • Charu Sinha, ADGP, CID, is given full additional charge as Director General, Anti-Corruption Bureau, replacing Vijay Kumar, who is now posted as ADGP, Intelligence.
  • Dr. Anil Kumar, ADGP (Personnel), is transferred and posted as ADGP (Operations), Greyhounds & OCTOPUS.
  • Y. Nagi Reddy, Director General, Telangana Disaster Response and Fire Services, is posted as MD, TGSRTC.
  • Vikram Singh Mann, Additional Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Hyderabad, will be the new Director General, Telangana Disaster Response & Fire Services.

This reshuffle marks a significant reorganization of Telangana’s police leadership as the state government looks to strengthen law enforcement and administrative efficiency

Source:The News Minute

BJP Reshuffles Telangana State Committee Under Ramchander Rao, Brings in Fresh Faces

In a bid to infuse new energy and young leadership, the Telangana BJP unveiled its reconstituted State committee on Monday, under the leadership of State president N. Ramchander Rao. The reshuffle reflects the party’s effort to strike a balance between experience and youthful dynamism as it gears up for future political battles in the state.

✨ Key Appointments in the New Committee

🟢 Vice Presidents

Eight leaders have been appointed as Vice Presidents:

  • Banda Karthika Reddy (former GHMC Mayor)
  • Bura Narsaiah Goud (former MP)
  • Kasam Venkateswarlu Yadav
  • Bhandari Shanthi Kumar
  • M. Jayasree
  • Kolli Madhavi
  • Jaruplavath Gopi (Kalyan Naik)
  • Raghunath Rao

🟢 General Secretaries

The three General Secretaries include:

  • N. Goutham Rao
  • T. Veerender Goud
  • Sri Vemula Ashok

🟢 Other Key Positions

  • Chief Spokesperson: N.V. Subhash
  • Treasurer: Devki Vasudev
  • Joint Treasurer: Vijay Surana Jain

🟢 Secretaries

  • O. Srinivas Reddy
  • Koppu Bhasha
  • Bharat Prashad
  • Bandaru Vijayalakshmi
  • Sravanthi Reddy
  • Karanam Parinitha
  • Baddam Mahipal Reddy
  • Tutupalli Ravi Kumar

🌐 Morcha Presidents Announced

The party also revealed the leadership for its various Morchas (wings):

  • Mahila Morcha (Women’s Wing): Mekala Shilpa Reddy
  • Yuva Morcha (Youth Wing): Ganesh Kunde
  • Kisan Morcha (Farmers’ Wing): Baswapuram Laxminarasaiah
  • SC Morcha: Kanthi Kiran
  • ST Morcha: Nenavath Ravi Naik
  • OBC Morcha: Gandamalla Anand Goud
  • Minority Morcha: Sardar Jagmohan Singh

🔎 A Strategic Step Forward

By inducting seasoned politicians like Bura Narsaiah Goud and Banda Karthika Reddy alongside younger leaders, the BJP seems to be positioning itself as a broad-based, inclusive force in Telangana politics. Analysts suggest this move could strengthen the party’s organizational structure and widen its reach across different communities.

The reshuffle is being seen as a preparatory step as the party looks ahead to upcoming electoral battles in the state

GST Council Approves 2-Slab Structure: What Gets Cheaper, What Gets Costlier

In a landmark decision, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has approved a major reform in India’s indirect tax system. The existing four-slab structure of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% has now been replaced by a simplified two-slab system of 5% and 18%, along with a special 40% slab for select luxury and sin goods.

The decision was taken at the 56th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, after a marathon 10.5-hour discussion. The reform will come into effect from September 22, 2025, coinciding with the start of Navaratri.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the move, calling it a “historic step” that will benefit farmers, MSMEs, traders, and the middle class, while giving a strong push to India’s economy.

What Gets Cheaper

The biggest winners of this rationalisation are consumers and small businesses. Here’s a look at the major items that will now cost less:

✅ Insurance & Healthcare

  • Life and health insurance policies are now GST-free (reduced from 18%).

✅ Food & Dairy

  • Exempt from GST: Ultra high temperature (UHT) milk, paneer, paratha, roti, pizza bread, khakra, and chena.
  • 5% GST (instead of 12–18%): Butter, ghee, condensed milk, cheese, dry fruits, jams, jellies, confectionery, ice cream, pastry, biscuits, corn flakes, and cereals.

✅ Agriculture & Fertilisers

  • Fertiliser inputs such as sulphuric acid, nitric acid, ammonia, biopesticides, and micronutrients are now at 5%.
  • Agricultural equipment like tractors, threshers, and soil-preparation machinery will also be taxed at 5%.

✅ Automobiles

  • Small cars (petrol <1200cc, diesel <1500cc) and motorcycles up to 350cc: GST reduced to 18% from 28%.
  • Small hybrid cars also benefit.
  • Electric vehicles (EVs) continue at 5%.

✅ Everyday Essentials

  • Reduced to 5%: Shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, talcum powder, face powder, soaps, hair oil, tooth powder, feeding bottles, utensils, bicycles, umbrellas, and bamboo furniture.

✅ Construction & Industry

  • Cement: Now at 18% (down from 28%).
  • Auto components: Reduced to 18%.

What Gets Costlier

While many essentials have become cheaper, some categories will now see a hike under the new structure:

  • Luxury goods and sin products such as premium cars, tobacco, pan masala, and aerated drinks will be taxed under the special 40% slab.
  • Certain high-end consumer durables may shift from lower rates to the 18% bracket, though detailed notifications will specify the list.

Why This Matters

  • Simplified compliance: Businesses will no longer struggle with four different GST rates.
  • Lower costs for consumers: Everyday goods, food items, and essential services will get cheaper.
  • Boost for agriculture & MSMEs: Reduced rates on inputs and machinery will help farmers and small businesses.
  • Infrastructure push: Cheaper cement and auto components will aid housing and manufacturing.

Final Word

This GST reform is being hailed as one of the biggest overhauls since the system was first rolled out in 2017. By cutting down the complexity of multiple slabs and lowering rates on essentials, the government aims to make compliance easier while ensuring consumers directly feel the benefits in their pockets.

As the new rates come into force from September 22, 2025, households, farmers, and small traders are set to enjoy significant savings — even as luxury and sin goods attract higher taxes.