News N Spice

Chiru about to reap mega rewards

2011-12-13T17:05:00.000+05:30

The news about Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Ajit Singh joining the UPA coalition has brought cheers to the actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi.
As Ajit Singh is all set to take oath as the union minister, it is expected that Chiranjeevi will also get a call soon to join the central cabinet.
The UPA leadership may have shown remarkable speed in wooing Ajit Singh into its fold because of the imminent elections in Uttar Pradesh, the development has come as a blessing in disguise for Chiranjeevi who has been waiting in the wings to get the reward.
Though the Congress leadership had promised him that he would be given a position befitting his status and image, it has been a painful wait for him, so much so that his erstwhile Praja Rajyam Party colleagues expressed their anguish over being ignored by the Congress.
Thanks to UP development, Chiranjeevi will be a collateral beneficiary. It is said that he would be given Minister of State with independent charge. Later, he would be nominated to the Rajya Sabha from Andhra Pradesh. In tune with the promise made by the Congress leadership, at least two erstwhile PRP legislators would be inducted into the Kiran Kumar Reddy cabinet.

Fancy figures put Producers' under IT scanner

2011-12-13T16:23:00.000+05:30

Tollywood has often been famous for its star frenzy and the kind of following the star heroes have. More than the following it is the star wars between fans which has become more of a concern. The latest and hottest issue in this category was the clash due to ‘Dookudu’.

While Mahesh Babu fans were riding high about ‘Dookudu’, Jr NTR fans gave their stand that ‘Oosaravelli’ was higher. In between came fans of Ramcharan Tej who said ‘Magadheera’ beats both. Of course, the prime reason for this has been the bloated figures given by the producers.

Now, it appears that the producers are paying the price. With IT authorities casting an eagle eye and the recent raids on producers of ‘Dookudu’ ‘Businessman’ and Mahesh Babu himself, the buzz is that the producers are intending to cut down on their blowing as that will give them some happiness.

Nag decides to get older

2011-12-13T16:10:00.000+05:30

It is a very common feature in the Indian cine circuit that we see heroes who are reaching senior citizen age still romancing heroines half their age. Of course, there is always the crowd pull factor but at one point, the pairing looks definitely odd. But here is one man who seems to be changing it all.

He is none other than Nagarjuna. Buzz is that Nag who is known for his suave and sophisticated looks and his reputation among women is all set to shed his glamour. Sources say Nag has decided to grow his beard and this is for his new movie ‘Shirdi Sai Baba’ so that he gives a natural look.

So far, it is heard that Nag was waiting for the completion of his other project ‘Damarukam’. Now, with Nag’s decision like this, many are hailing his move and say that this is one lesson to all big heroes who still crave for romantic and youthful roles. Wonder what the reactions of Nag’s lady admirers will be like.

Jagan continues to hunt Babu&Co.

2011-12-13T16:07:00.000+05:30

ABK Prasad

Jagan camp has been carpet-bombing courts against Chandrababu and co with courts as the battlefield. The latest weaponry in its ammo are two petitions separately in Supreme Court and High Court, both aimed at driving Naidu-Ramoji duo against the legal wall.
Y S Vijaya filed a petition in the apex court on Monday with an extraordinary plea to shift the case against the TDP chief to a court in any other state or to the Supreme Court. We have strong reservations about the fairness of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in dealing with this case, the petition argued.
The other petition is also a surprise development. ABK Prasad, a senior journalist, moved in the HC an ‘implead’ petition in Naidu’s ‘vacate’ petition hearing, arguing that he had intimate knowledge of illegal business practices adopted by Ramoji Rao. ABK, who was chairman of Official Language Commission during YSR regime, impleaded along with Vijaya Sai Reddy, Jagan’s auditor and accused in Jagan’s case.
Vijaya alleged in her petition to SC that Chandrababu and others in the case have been trying to create obstacles for a fair trail in the High Court and have been making efforts through ‘not before’ convention to influence the selection of the bench. It may be recalled that Sakhshi and Vijaya’s lawyers objected to a bench consisting of Justice Eswaraih hearing the case earlier.
Presently, the case is being heard by the bench consisting Justice Rohini and Justice Ashutosh Mohanta. Vijaya lawyer Sushil Kumar, in his arguments, has been saying that Justice Rohini had earlier issued orders that were favourable to Chandrababu in some cases.
It would be interesting to see how the apex court will react to this unprecedented move in the history of AP High Court. Vijaya’s petition clearly conveys that the AP High Court is far from competent in delivering justice.
ABK’s case is very curious. The maverick journalist worked very briefly – 1974-1975- in Eenadu. That was a long time ago and too brief a period to know about the businesses of Ramoji Rao in such detail as he claims to have knowledge of. His being drawn into the case is being seen as an attempt to bolster the credentials of Vijaya’s petition.
However, what prompted him to be Jagan’s partner in this case against Ramoji is inexplicable. Jagan has had the credit of drawing Ramoji’s son Suman and the media baron’s co-brother Appa Rao at different stages in the past in his battle against Eenadu.

Top Touch n Type phones for less than Rs 10k!

2011-12-12T23:23:00.001+05:30

Top 5 touch and type phones under Rs 10,000

LG Optimus Pro C660

LG recently added this touch and type phone to its line-up. It is a simple and practical device with a 2.8 inch multi-touch screen and Qwerty keypad. The keypad works well.

Pro C660 runs on Gingerbread (Android 2.3), coupled with an 800 MHz processor. It has 3G (at a limiting speed of 3.6 Mbps); it has WiFi with hotspot capabilities, and standard Android features like GPS. The device uses Bluetooth v3.0, which is fast.

There is a 3.15 megapixel camera at the back but none in front. The memory on this phone can be expanded to 32 GB with a MicroSD card and it also has 150 MB of internal storage. The 1500 mAh battery is good for more than a day of medium use. The best part of this phone is its price of Rs 10,000.

Fire XT311 (Rs 8,800)

Motorola Fire is very similar in design to the LG Optimus Pro, with the same screen size, form factor, and Android version. Fire is cheaper than Optimus Pro by more than Rs 1,000 because it has a less powerful processor.

The phone is better to look at, with a glossy finish, and has a new user interface, which Motorola calls Mode Switch, that separates work from play.

The 3G download speed is also better in Motorola Fire with speeds up to 7.2 Mbps. The camera is a 3 megapixel unit, andits 1420 mAh battery is weaker than that of the LG device.

The phone costs Rs 8,800.

Samsung Galaxy Pro B7510 (Rs 8,900)

Galaxy Pro is the oldest and arguably the best looking phone on the list. It has a full Qwerty keypad and 2.8 inch touchscreen, very similar to the two phones above. However, the screens' aspect ratio is different with more width than height.

The phone is powered by an 800 MHz processor and Android 2.2 operating system, with upgrades coming soon. It has a 3.15 megapixel camera with auto focus, a feature that is lacking in the LG and Motorola devices.

Galaxy Pro has 160 MB of internal memory and support for up to 32 GB. The 1350 mAh battery is small compared to the phones above. The device is priced at Rs 8,900.

Nokia X3-02 (Rs 7,600)

Nokia X3-02 touch and type looks really good, especially in white, which is surprising for a Nokia.

Like all Nokia phones, this device has impeccable build quality and good battery life.

X3-02 is the smallest and lightest device in this list because it has a multitap keypad, while the rest come with Qwerty keyboards, and a small 2.4 inch resistive touch unit. The phone runs on Symbian S40 comes with Ovi support for apps and services.

Nokia X3-02 has a music player with dedicated music key. You can flip through albums and enjoy high quality games, listen to the radio, use instant messaging and get the latest numbers from Ovi Music Store.

The phone's 5 megapixel auto focus camera is the best in this list.

The phone comes with 3G, WiFi and Bluetooth for connectivity. At Rs 7,600, though, it is slightly expensive, as with a little bit more you can get a smartphone with a bigger and better screen with many more features. But this is a good buy for Nokia fans for sure.

Motorola EX119 (Rs 5,600)

Motorola EX119 Brea is the cheapest phone on our list, and it has pretty good features.

This dual GSM has a 2.4 inch resistive touchscreen, full Qwerty keypad and separate number keys.

The phone runs on a Linux based OS, which is simple and very user friendly. It also has a 3 megapixel camera with fixed focus.

The device weighs 87 gram and is 9.9 mm thick with silver white finish. It looks quite stylish. Motorola EX119 is powered by a 910 mAh battery which supports talk time up to 6 hours and a standby time up to 680 hours.

The phone has 50 MB of internal memory which can be increased to 32 GB using a microSD card.

The device uses GPRS, EDGE, WiFi and Bluetooth.

At Rs 5,600, the phone offers very good value for money for a person looking at a simple phone that has basic functionalities in a stylish and budget friendly way.

Oops.. Shanker did it again!!

2011-12-12T22:46:00.000+05:30

Textiles and Handlooms Minister Dr P Shanker Rao is a maverick, who has been on a rampage for some time now. Shanker created sensation when his letter was treated as PIL by High Court and ordered CBI inquiry agianst Jagan Mohan Reddy. Of late, he has been making allegations against his own Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy as well as other ministerial colleagues openly.

A letter purported to have been written by Shanker Rao is now doing the rounds in the media. The letter is a complaint to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi against CM Kiran, who is described as ‘corrupt, and several other ministers in his cabinet. The sooner they are removed from their posts the better for the Congress Party, the letter advises.
While Shanker Rao vehemently denied that he had written and that his letterhead was stolen and his signature forged, the moot point who was the brains behind the letter since it certainly points to a vested interest. Here is copy of the letter allegedly written by Shanker Rao.

Mahesh is The Businessman

2011-12-12T22:42:00.000+05:30

Mahesh Babu’s forthcoming big flick Businessman will have a high decibel release in Telugu, Tamil and Malayalam simultaneously. To be released worldwide on January 11, the film has raised expectations to fever pitch, being a Puri Jagannadh-Mahesh combination after the Pokiri mega success.

Completed in record time of 74 days, Businessman will take Mahesh new heights –to peak level- in heroic image, according to the Director. The picturization of songs on Mahesh and Kajal have come out well and the audio in all three languages will be released on December 22, Puri reveals.
While Puri is credited with the story as well as screen-play besides wielding the baton, the film’s music was scored by Thaman, for whom this is second Mahesh movie after Dookudu.
Produced by Dr Venkat on RR Movie Makers banner, Businessman cast includes Prakash Raj, Shayaji Shinde, Raja Murad, Dharmavarupu etc.

Its Father, Son, Grandson for 'Rajanna'

2011-12-12T13:46:00.000+05:30

The film ‘Rajanna’ has been getting a lot of curiosity. The reason for that is the presence of Nagarjuna in the project and also the period backdrop during the Telangana agitation time. Now, another highlight is part of the film. This is about three generations working for the same film.

Apparently, Nag who is back into Twitter has given a tweet which goes -My favourite song in Rajanna is gijigadu/just can't stop humming it/Wish I could sing :(.

Now, this Gijjigadu…number was written by Siva Dutta, father of music director M M Keeravani. Incidentally, the music for ‘Rajanna’ is being composed by M M Keeravani. And finally, Keeravani’s son Kalabhairava has reportedly rendered the song. Not many know about this family link.

As such, Siva Datta is from Kovvur but he wrote with a strong Telangana feel keeping in view 1948 era. Siva Datta also happens to be a very well know poet of his time and even the great Vishwanadha Satyanarayana also appreciated him for his works. That way, three generations are making the most out of it.

Six More Films To Release In 2011

2011-12-12T12:35:00.000+05:30

Year 2011 is coming to an end. Now the balance of 6 films are about to hit the screens.
The year 2011 can be considered a better year than that of previous years as there were good number of successful movies on a whole. In fact, the historical big hit Dookudu also released this year.
With many good hopes Tollywood is stepping into New Year in another 20 days. But there is heavy traffic till then at the theatres.

The six films those are hitting screens in these 20 days are:

Journey (dubbed film)
Nuvvekkadunte Nenakkadunta
Kshetram
Rajanna
Nandeeswarudu
Veedinthe
Prayogam.

While the first 3 are scheduled for Dec 16th release, the rest are being planned in next two weeks. So, we have to see how many will sustain at box office in this heavy traffic.

US forces set fire to equipment before leaving Pakistan airbase

2011-12-12T12:29:00.000+05:30

US personnel set fire to all their redundant equipment before vacating Pakistan's Shamsi airbase that had been used to launch drone attacks, an official said.

The US completed evacuation of the airbase on Sunday and Frontier Corps personnel promptly took over.

A security official told the daily Dawn that US forces had left virtually nothing there and they set all their redundant and useless equipment on fire before leaving.

Pakistan had set a Dec 11 deadline for the US to vacate the airbase after NATO helicopter gunships targeted two border posts in Mohmand Agency Nov 26, killing two dozen soldiers and sparking outrage in the country.

The US has been using the Shamsi airbase for nearly a decade for military operations in Afghanistan and drone strikes in Pakistan's mountainous tribal regions.

US troops started vacating the base last week and had removed the control system used for drone attacks in the first phase.

Vysyas demand ban on Chintamani

2011-12-12T11:56:00.000+05:30

Chintamani play

Chintamani, the most popular play in the rural Andhra Pradesh for almost 9 decades now is under the threat of a ban. The play, written by Kallakuri Narayana Rao in 1921, has been lapped up by lovers of stage all these years.
But now, the Arya Vysya community is up in arms against the social satire for its alleged depiction of a caste in bad light.
A meeting of the Arya Vysya Association at Dwaraka Tirumala in West Godavari district today called upon the government to ban the staging of the play in view of its defamatory contents.
The Subbisetty character in the play has been the source of pun, innuendo and satire and audience loved the character, playing which many a stage artiste made a career out of. Subbisetty was a caricature of a typical village ‘shavukaru’ whose tight fist can only be opened by the wily Chintamani, the charming village concubine.
The play nowadays does not exactly follow the text of the author. Along with its cult status, the play has also acquired lot of ‘creative’ additions and interpolations over the years from contemporary society, referring even to the veteran politician K Rosaiah, who belongs to the community in question, in the dialogue.
While the ‘demeaning’ of Subbisetty character to tickle the funny bone of the audiences at the expense of the community has been going on for some time, the younger generation of Vysyas seem to be particularly offended at the brazen commentary targeting one caste.
Political representatives of the community from various parties like B Usha Rani, Congress MLA and Ambica Krishna, ex-MLA declared that they would approach the government for a ban.
But the stage artistes as well as writers decry such an attempt. Underlining the need to stick to the original or at best make changes to the character of Subbisetty to remove the stigma to a specific community, they say that the play should be allowed its dream run as long as people want to watch it.
But the moot question is whether the viewers would love Chintamani without its Subbisetty speaking in that garrulous voice and Chintamani and her sister taking potshots at the community at his expense.

Mallemala exposes Cine egos in his Kadha

2011-12-12T11:49:00.002+05:30

The controversial book of Mallemala

Mallemala’s autobiography Idee Naa Katha, which capsuled 50 years of his experiences in the Telugu film industry, was rare in that it exposed the shady side of the leading personalities of Tollywood. The book became so controversial even before it hit the market because of its inflammable contents.

It is to the credit of this earthy, no-nonsense man that he chose to write about things that even the most powerful in the industry would not touch with a barge pole. Indeed Mallemala died a man with his head held high, even if the book were in a way ‘proscribed’ by the industry lobby.

So what are the contents of the book that so disturbed and embarrassed the film folk? Here is a brief look.

How NTR came into politics

Mallemala also describes the event that triggered NTR’s unexpected foray into politics. Magunta Subbirami Reddy, the well-known industrialist, who later turned politician, built three cinema theaters in Nellore. Mallemala organized NTR for the inauguration of the theater complex on the Magunta’s request. N Janardhana Reddy, who was the Revenue Minister then, was also invited.

Protocol demands that Janardhana Reddy’s name should figure first on the invitation card. But realizing that NTR would get upset over this, Mallemala arranged to have 100 cards printed separately to please the hero’s ego. But that was not the end of the story.

When NTR arrived in Nellore and was refreshing himself in a room at a guest house, Janardhana Reddy arrived and made unsavoury remarks about his room being used by others, which made NTR feel bad. Later that evening, the chill continued with Janardhana Reddy trying to assert his superiority. An upset NTR did not even have his food.

Before leaving Nellore, NTR apparently remarked to Mallemala that Janardhana Reddy behaved the way he did only because of his political power. “We will also get into politics, and our inspiration should be Vivekananda,” NTR told him.

Srikrishna Vijayamu still

NTR vs Nagabhushanam

Mallemala had faced problems with NTR when the latter took strong objection to the character of Poundraka Vasudeva in Srikrishna Vijayam (1971). NTR did not like the idea of another Krishna in the film even if he were to be a fake. “Who is this fellow? I have acted in so many mythologicals. I haven’t heard of Poundraka Vasudeva,” an angry NTR asked him.

Mallemala explained that this character was mentioned in Bhagavatham, but NTR did not like that anybody else should be wearing the Krishna costumes complete with ‘Nemali Pinchamu’. An upset NTR said that in that case, he would have a ‘social’ costume, if Poundraka, being played by Nagabhushanam, is to have Krishna costumes.

An equally curt Mallemala said that he was okay with the idea but needed time to prepare his ‘social’ costume. NTR fumed at the sarcasm, but later fell in line with the theme and allowed Poundraka to have his part! During this conversation, Mallemala apparently told NTR that he might be a great actor but did not know everything about puranas.

Fall-out with NTR

Mallemala and NTR had good relations throughout despite the intermittent hiccups. Mallemala says that NTR would exploit his producers for his personal needs also. He claims in his book that NTR did not pay him money after booked rooms for guests for NTR’s daughter Bhuvaneswari’s marriage with Chandrababu Naidu. “That’s your contribution to the wedding,” is the answer Mallemala got when asked for refund.

In another instance, Mallemala tells us how NTR got plants for his 20 acre land that the hero bought in Hyderabad. After arranging for the plants, I had sent my brother for costs, but NTR did not pay, Mallemala says. “Your brother does not seem to know our friendship,” NTR told Mallemala’s brother.

Mallemala had a bitter experience when he was made to wait by NTR endlessly. His wife felt humiliated. “She made me promise that I will never make another film with NTR,” Mallemala said.

Jr NTR’s arrogance
Mallemala introduced Jr NTR as a child artiste with his Ramayanam, which gave recognition NTR’s grandson. Apparenlty, the dirctor of the film Gunasekhara was not willing to accommodate Jr NTR. “But I sensed the potential of the boy and insisted that he should be cast,” Mallemala recollects. However, after NTR grew up to be a leading hero, Mallemala experience the young actor’s inflated ego. MP Subbrami Reddy came to visit me, so I requested Jr NTR to wait for five minutes. But Jr NTR was rude and left in a huff saying that he would not wait for ‘some’ Subbirami Reddy. “I consider the boy still to be intelligent, but he has become so full of himself,” the veteran film maker wrote in his book.
Chiru Unhelpful
Allu Ramalingaiah was a close friend of Mallemala and hence the former was thinking of Chiranjeevi for his daughter, Mallemala seconded him. When one of his films bombed at the box office, Mallemala was advised by Allu to produce a film with Chiranjeevi. As promised Allu recommended him to his son-in-law. But Chiru refused to meet him or talk to him. Later, when the plans were afoot for Anji, the idea was to cast Venkatesh. But because of his proximity to Shyam Prasada Reddy, Mallemala’s son, Chiru snatched the film, Mallemala claims. The film eventually bombed at the box office, leaving Mallemala ina financial lurch.
Gunashekar Ungrateful
Mallemala introduced Gunashekhar as director with Ramayanam. But he had to face lot of issue with Gunashekhar during the making of the film. Even a lyric written by Mallemala himself was removed from the film, besides allowing the budget to overshoot.
Later when Mallemala wanted Gunasekhar to make a film for him to come out of financial straights, the latter refused to oblige. “You cannot afford me now,” Gunasekhar bluntly told him, when Mallemala, along with his wife, went to meet the director.
Jamuna vs Jayalalitha
M S Reddy describes how the leading lady of the day Jamuna crossed swords with Jayalalitha during the shooting of his film Srikrishna Vijayam. Jamuna, claiming senior, wanted to be recognized as such and entered into cat-fights with Jayalalitha on the sets. Once Jamuna even removed her make-up and walked away. Reddy apparently told her he was ready to replace her and she relented. She also demanded that her name should appear first on the titles, which Reddy refused to oblige. “I had to walk through razor’s edge all through the shooting of the film,” Reddy recalls in his memoirs.

Kishenji's Sino connection

2011-12-12T11:41:00.000+05:30

Kishenji was trying to establish a contact with the Chinese and succeeded in getting an assurance through the rebel outfits of the Northeast for future help.
The Maoists have been actively pursuing contact with Chinese through the rebel groups in the Northeast, and Kishenji alias Mollujula Koteswararao, who was killed recently, played a key role in this effort, latest issue of Tehelka has reported.
Kishneji was one of the two Maoist Central Committee (MCC) members who attended a meeting with People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the armed wing of Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF) of Manipur to form a strategic united front.
On 22 March 2010, Kishenji sent a letter to the PLA in which he floated the idea of forming a grand alliance to unite all rebel groups in which the Maoists would take the lead role.
The PLA was given a contract of procuring Chinese-made rocket-propelled grenades, automatic rifles and high-end wireless sets. Kishenji was trying to develop secret links with other rebel groups in the Northeast, including the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac-Muivah) or NSCN(IM).
The latter’s chief arms procurer Anthony Shimray, who is in police custody now, confessed that a huge cache of arms for the Maoists was purchased from a Chinese company.
The PLA leaders had travelled to China, where urged the Chinese to help the Maoists and an “assurance” from the Chinese was sent through the PLA.
“The Maoist-PLA nexus might have taken several blows due to the arrest of various PLA cadre and Kishenji’s death but the worry for New Delhi is perhaps the fact that the Maoists have access not only to Northeast rebel outfits but through them to the Chinese as well,” Telhelka says.

Jupudi feeling the heat

2011-12-12T11:19:00.000+05:30

The few leaders from Congress, who continue to be with Jagan Mohan Reddy’s YSR Congress Party, are feeling the heat. With the ruling party bent on punishing even the four MLCs loyal to Jagan, these leaders feel cornered. Jupudi Prabhakara Rao, nominated MLC, is one such staunch follower of Jagan who finds himself on tenterhooks.
The dalit leader of Mala Mahanadu was encouraged by the late YSR, who made him MLC by getting him nominated through the Governor. He has been with Jagan from day one, but sources close to him say that the former Central government employee is going through financial constraints.
Jagan, as is known by now, never bothered to take care of his needs, and the MLC’s only source of income is what he gets as salary and perks in his official position. That has been barely enough, since where ever he goes, the dalits throng him and even organizing small meeting with them has become an expensive affair, his followers say.
Now with the threat of disqualification looming large, Jupudi is getting nervous. He still hopes that as Governer’s nominee, he might escape the dragnet on technical grounds. But if his disqualification becomes inevitable, the dalit leader fears that he will be left in the lurch for a long time to come.
How to sustain for another two-and-a-half years politically with no income and without Jagan’s help – not forthcoming anyway – is now the troublesome question bothering Jupudi Prabhakara Rao.

Its no choice for Kiran

2011-12-12T11:15:00.000+05:30

The hopefuls for ministerial berths apart, Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy himself sorely wants a recast of his cabinet. But he is not in a position to go ahead with the party high command not very confident about his capabilities to tide over the resultant political uncertainty.
If Kiran were to have his way, he would prefer not to have Bocha Satyanarayana, the PCC chief who is also continuing as Minister for Transport, the Health Minister D L Ravindra Reddy, and of course Textiles Ministers Shankar Rao.
While Sattibabu has been openly projecting himself as a challenger to Kiran with an eye on the CM’s seat, Ravindra Reddy has been mincing no words against the Chief Miniser’s style of functioning. Bocha has been holding two posts against the party policy and that has only given him more political space to maneuver against the CM.
The irrepressible Shankar Rao has been causing lot of embarrassment to Kiran and most of his cabinet colleagues, who reportedly demanded the Contonment MLA’s removal from the government.
However, Kiran has not been granted green signal by the Congress Party leadership for a cabinet reshuffle at this juncture. The imminent by-polls in the state has also put paid to his plans, as the party leadership does not want to upset the applecart on the eve of by-elections.
Hence, whether Kiran likes it or not, he has to work with the present set of Ministers, who still harbor reservations against accepting the young Chief Minister as their undisputed leader.
It is in this backdrop that the Chiranjeevi’s group also cannot be accommodated in the ministry for the next few months. However, Chiru himself is likely to be absorbed in the central cabinet. His Tirupati seat will then be clubbed with other constituencies going for by-polls probably in March-April next year.

Yaana writes a book

2011-12-12T11:08:00.002+05:30

Yaana Gupta talks about her eating disorder in her new book How To Love Your Body.

My eating disorder
"See, most people think that I must have always been skinny, and that maintaining my figure must be very easy. When they ask me for my secrets and my tips, I know that they feel, somewhere deep inside, that despite anything I tell them they can never actually get into the shape I am in. Don't we all watch those good-looking people on TV and think, look how skinny that girl is! Or check out that guy's abs. Some people are just lucky to have a figure like that, aren't they?

Well I agree that some of us are born lucky. They have a faster metabolism and don't put on weight as easily as others. But I am not one of them. I love food and can gain weight pretty easily. Yet I have a career in the glamour industry, which means that I have to look good every single day. Let me tell you this is hard work. I have to constantly watch myself and I need to exercise regularly. Otherwise I'd be out of a job. I was aware of this from the very beginning of my career as even Renata used to tell us that we needed to start watching what we ate so we didn't gain any weight. To me it was simple maths: more food=less job.

So I started getting conscious about what I ate and how my body looked and inevitably compared myself with models on TV, from the time Dita got me into it by showing me magazines and introducing the fashion world to me. I would admire their bodies, and wish I could be skinnier even though I definitely didn't need to lose any weight then. I didn't know then that there is a big difference between being skinny and being fit. For me these were the top models of the world and, if I wanted to become one of them, I needed to look exactly as they did.

So instead of being a happy sixteen-year-old who lives a fun teenage life, worrying about boys and what to wear to a Friday night party, I started developing a fear of becoming fat. I began to monitor everything I ate (I conned myself into calling it 'being professional'). I would forbid myself from eating anything that looked sinful (even though for others that may be just a normal meal). For example if I ate a plate of pasta, I felt instantly fat. Or even just things like dumplings, which were part of every other traditional Czech meal, I was afraid to eat as I thought I could gain weight.

Soon I started considering almost all normal food fattening unless it was steamed or cooked in water. So while my friends had a normal meal for lunch after school, I ordered a salad with a low-fat dressing on the side and made sure I ate only half of it. Of course I stared at my friends' plates wishing I could eat their food instead, but whenever such a thought crossed my mind, I would just tell myself: 'Hey! You are the one who is a model here, who gets to travel and earn money while all your friends are penniless! So some sacrifice is okay for being the lucky one here, don't you think? So keep quiet and eat your salad!' By the time my friends were done eating I would still be hungry though. I was used to having my stomach half empty and in a way I liked feeling light as it made me feel skinny but the appetite was a problem. Luckily there was a solution to this problem, a way to kill the taste buds: a cigarette. Or even better, a cigarette and coffee.

Smoking at sixteen was not that abnormal really, many teenagers do it. I started having a cigarette with coffee after meals even though I didn't even like the taste in the beginning, but well, you get used to it. I never really thought it was a cool thing to do. No doubt it was stupid. But for me the cigarette was just something that I was allowed to have as it had no calories. It was something I could have when I couldn't have food. I wouldn't smoke that much, maybe two, three a day but it was like my comfort food. And it did the trick. Whenever I felt like eating something I shouldn't, I just had a smoke and the desire would vanish.

I could do without sweets really but I did crave the traditional Czech foods my friends would eat at the pub. One of my favourites was duck with dumplings and cabbage, a typical dish we ate growing up. But when I started modelling, what do you think happened to my beloved duck? It got blacklisted. As did many other foods. Any kind of fattening meat, bread, white rice, potatoes, all cheese, pizza (of course!), dumplings, fruit that was cooked, sugar (not even one teaspoon in tea), cream (oh keep on dreaming!), normal milk (low fat was allowed as long as it was just in coffee, not a full glass of course), oh yeah and pasta (any kind that is).

I don't think I need to mention that any kind of sweet was out of the question. So much so that I began to fear my own birthday because I knew I would want to eat the cake but I couldn't. The only sweet thing I was allowed was fruit (as long as it was fresh, because preserved fruit has sugar in it) and also a bit of dried fruits and honey at times. Fruit juices were also forbidden as they are too concentrated in sugars and calories.

So what did I actually eat you may ask, right? Well, I ate a lot, don't worry! A lot of vegetables, that is. Big salads with low-fat dressing, some tuna in it here and there (tuna in a can preserved in water and not oil, mind you) and egg whites, the yellow carefully taken out, or steamed vegetables and vegetable soups. I would also have brown rice or a piece of low-fat rice cracker with it or something like that. Anything that said low calorie and fat free on the cover was good so I'd often spend hours in the shop studying all the food labels. One thing is for sure, I would never ever have bread under any circumstances. Bread was the biggest evil of all (and I am obsessed with bread by the way).

The amazing thing is that while most people would totally freak out if they were given such a diet, I actually learned to enjoy eating veggies. And luckily my most favourite food since childhood is the apple. Not even the duck beats it. But of course I hated not being able to eat like normal people. I thought it was unfair and too big a sacrifice. But then again, I told myself that it was I who chose this, and I better accept it and stop complaining.

My friends and boyfriends all rather admired the way I ate--it looked healthy from the outside because it's not that I would not eat at all in front of them. I would just eat veggies and not the yummy-looking, sinful foods they would eat. They admired me for having such a strong will and saying no to temptation, yet, at the same time, none of them wanted to be in my place. And even though I looked skinny, I never looked bulimic skinny, so no one really considered me unhealthy. And at home, they just respected that I did this job and therefore had to eat the way I did, so no one would force me into eating anything particular.

I tried keeping my mind busy just so I didn't think of food. But at night I couldn't escape my longings. In my dreams I would be eating chocolate cakes, pizza with double cheese or my darling duck. Inevitably fear would overwhelm me, a fear that I was growing fat. I can't tell you what a relief it was to wake up.

A few months into modelling, the extreme of non-eating brought on the other extreme as well--overeating. After school, I would head home skipping the school canteen lunch (I thought it was too fattening), planning to cook some veggies with brown rice at home instead. But on the way, passing by a big supermarket, I would go inside and buy myself an apple or a pear. Sometimes a friend would come with me and pick up some junk food such as my favourite Prince biscuits. Of course they would share it with me and I couldn't say no. Now it wouldn't be a big deal if I just had one or two or even three biscuits. But once I started, I couldn't stop, because it felt like a unique opportunity that wouldn't happen again. Just like if you were to give a drink to an alcoholic who's been trying real hard to abstain. I just had to finish the entire packet! I would of course feel unhappy once I had finished the whole pack. Actually no, I began feeling unhappy as I ate it, the guilt and fear growing inside me with every biscuit I ate. It was more of a need and it didn't feel positive. Looking back I think I was just angry. Angry that I couldn't be like others and eat normally, angry that if I did eat I wasn't disciplined enough.

'It's okay,' I told myself upon finishing it. 'Tomorrow I'll start my diet again and eat only fruits the whole day, no other food! It will be like a fast and I'm sure that will help me lose what I have gained. But now since I have already sinned--which meant in my head that the day was already 'spoiled'--let me have something more to enjoy myself.' And then I'd go back to the supermarket and buy a few more things like a candy bar (or two different ones as I couldn't decide which one I wanted more and didn't want to end up feeling disappointed choosing the wrong one as this was a 'unique opportunity'), some pastry or a sandwich, simply anything with bread, and maybe even a piece of pizza. I'd start eating it right away, not even waiting to get home and I'd finish it all at breakneck speed. I'd feel really stuffed afterwards and the feeling of guilt would get worse by the minute. I'd promise myself I would never do this again, and I'd go on a proper diet from tomorrow.

The next day, I'd feel bloated and puffed up, especially on my face and around the belly. To me this was the fat I had gained, but in fact (as I learned later) it was water retention as the body tries to deal with the acidity from eating all that sugar and junk by retaining water to dilute it. And as I promised myself but probably also to punish myself--I did eat only fruits and vegetable salads the next day so I'd lose the extra half kilo. I didn't love myself for sure. And this was just the beginning of this cycle--extreme discipline (and as I was to discover later, unhealthily so), then bingeing. How long can you go on eating vegetables and fruits, tell me? How long can you keep saying no whenever someone offers you a piece of something sweet?

I had no idea then that I had an eating disorder. I didn't even know what an eating disorder was or that it was considered an actual problem. In the beginning, the 'symptoms' were not as extreme either. I'd binge only now and then (perhaps once in two weeks) and otherwise I'd stick to my extreme diet. I was naturally skinny at the time anyway so the fear of gaining weight wasn't as big initially, which meant the pressure wasn't as much. I was also very excited to be a model so the happiness kind of kept me above the water, as it was filling up my empty stomach."

What I eat
"Let me give you an example of what I eat during the day. Upon waking up I drink two glasses of warm water with some lemon in it. Then I have some green tea and usually munch on an apple, while I take a few supplements such as a probiotic and multivitamin. I exercise soon after, which is why I don't eat anything big right away; however, I do make sure I eat something. If I get delayed, as I often read in the morning and get carried away, and feel hungry before I exercise, I might have a bit of plain yoghurt (just a small cup) with some honey and half a teaspoon of hemp or flax oil. (I love the taste of yoghurt with hemp oil!) Alternatively I may eat another piece of apple or some other fruit and have a few almonds with it that I soaked the previous night.

Then I exercise, which generally takes me half an hour (if I do my bodyweight killer routine) or up to an hour (if I do my lazy routine that consists of cycling on my home-use bike, dancing, playing with the hula-hoop and some stretches).

After I'm done exercising I have breakfast (well, breakfast number two in a way) which is usually a bowl of porridge with a bit of Stevia or honey in it. I like it simple and plain like this but if I am travelling and staying in a hotel I might order brown bread toast and an egg-white omelette (made of two egg whites) and some steamed veggies. I often travel carrying a few things with me (brown rice, olive oil, almonds, green tea, honey) so if they bring the omelette prepared as I asked them (with as minimum oil as possible), I will also have a few almonds to get the good fat. I soak a few almonds every night and then eat them the next day.

When I next get hungry (which will be about three hours later or less), I have some baked or grilled fish with brown rice and some salad. For my next meal I may either have the same thing (I really enjoy it and I'm a lazy cook--I just throw everything into the steamer) or if I'm travelling maybe I'll have some dal and rice and veggies. The thing is, what I generally do is split the meal into two portions and have the second portion as my next meal. So if I am at home, I will just steam vegetables (zucchini, broccoli, carrot, mushroom, baby corn), make the rice in a rice cooker and steam the fish.

I love my steaming system. It takes no time and it's yummy."

How To Love Your Body by Yaana Gupta is published by Penguin. The paperback is available for Rs 199.

Thalaivar turns 62

2011-12-12T11:04:00.001+05:30

Superstar Rajinikanth is celebrating his 62nd birthday today and this time it's a day of thanksgiving for millions of his fans as they celebrate his near-total recovery from kidney-related ailment.

Scores of Thalaivar fans have lined up special pujas and charitable activities through the day.

In a change of plan, Rajinikanth has put on hold his much-awaited film Rana. Instead, the superstar will be seen first in Kochadaiyaan, a 3D movie.

"I am a crazy fan of the superstar, I wish him a happy, hale and healthy birthday. I pray to God that not just me but even my grandchildren would enjoy watching and admiring Superstar," said Chinmayi Sripada, a playback singer.

"Very happy birthday Rajini sir," said Suhasini Mani Ratnam along with a few actors.

Jagan Resumes Attack On Sonia!

2011-12-09T00:43:00.000+05:30

YSR Congress party president Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, who has been maintaining restraint on attacking the Congress party at the Centre for quite some time, resumed the attack again on Thursday.
Addressing a gathering as part of his Odarpu Yatra in Guntur district, Jagan said Congress president Sonia Gandhi was able to run the UPA government at the Centre only because of the efforts of his father Y S Rajasekhara Reddy in the state.
“If not for the hard work of YSR in 2004 and 2009, Sonia Gandhi would not have been in this position,” he said.
However, Jagan did not make stronger comments against Sonia, but according to political observers, he might step up attack on her in the coming days.
Apparently, Jagan is emboldened by the support of 18 MLAs and the outcome of the Bellary bypoll result. He is perhaps of the view that he would still emerge as victorious in the elections despite the CBI inquiry against him.
All these days, there was a talk that Jagan had stopped criticizing Sonia Gandhi as part of his compromise with the central leadership of the Congress party following the CBI inquiry.

Telangana Agitation Loses Sting

2011-12-09T00:41:00.000+05:30

The agitation for separate Telangana state appears to have lost its sting and the agitators seem to be disgusted with the attitude of the leaders.
That is the opinion one would get going by the agitation programmes announced by the Telangana political joint action committee after its steering committee meeting on Thursday.
According to the programme announced by TJAC chairman Prof M Kodandaram, the Telangana people would observe “Telangana self-respect day” on December 9 to recall the announcement of Telangana state formation by home minister P Chidambaram on the same day two years ago.
A Telangana flag would be hoisted at Gun Park in front of the assembly in the morning and there would be candle light programme from evening to midnight.
The Osmania University students would sit on one-day fast on the same day. On December 23, the people would observe Telangana betrayal day to protest the withdrawal of Telangana statement by Chidambaram.
If one were to call these programmes as intensifying the Telangana agitation, then one can say the agitaton has lost its sting. One can easily understand what impact to they have on the Centre’s decision making on the Telangana.

Prabhas body sculpting for Rajamouli movie

2011-12-09T00:24:00.000+05:30

Young Rebel Star Prabhas has one of the best physiques among Telugu heroes. He is taking extreme care for his next movie with ace director Rajamouli. Sources say that Prabhas will be seen with an extremely chiseled and muscular look and that will be the highlight of the movie.

A special trainer has been hired for the purpose. The recent lean look of Prabhas is also a part of this preparation. The plan is to completely get rid of the body fat and then pump it up with high protein diet and a special workout.
Prabhas is currently busy with ‘Rebel’ and ‘Vaaradhi’ while Rajamouli is busy with ‘Eega’. The Prabhas – Rajamouli movie would go onto the sets in 2012 and Shobhu Yarlagadda is the producer. A powerful characterization is expected for Prabhas in this movie.
Let us hope Prabhas and Rajamouli can recreate the magic of Chatrapati with this new project.

Car sales rise 7% in November

2011-12-09T00:00:00.000+05:30

Domestic car sales stood at 1,71,131 units in November, as against 1,59,939 units on a year-on-year basis.

Domestic passenger car sales witnessed a turnaround in November after four consecutive months of contraction, rising by 7 per cent on the back of a marginal revival in demand, coupled with a low base.

Domestic passenger car sales stood at 1,71,131 units in November, as against 1,59,939 units in the same month last year, data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) say.

"Domestic car sales have bounced back as the base in November last year was low. Also, we have seen some revival of demand in the last month," SIAM Senior Director Sugato Sen said.

However, sales in December are likely to be lower than in November, he said.

"The entry-level car segment, which is the biggest contributor to sales, has been hit most because of fuel hikes and rising interest rates. This is the most sensitive segment. However, demand in the upper-end segment is comparatively doing well," Sen said.

Car sales in India have been declining on a year-on-year basis since July, mainly due to the severe impact of labour issues on the country's largest car-manufacturer Maruti Suzuki India's (MSI) production.

Sales registered their steepest monthly decline in nearly 11 years in October this year, tanking by 23.77 per cent on account of a huge drop in MSI's output due to labour trouble, coupled with high interest rates and fuel prices.

MSI's domestic sales declined in November as well, dipping by 16.59 per cent to 73,078 units from 87,618 units in the same month last year, SIAM said.

However, the strong performance of other manufacturers made up for the slippage in MSI sales in November. Rival Hyundai Motor India posted a 10.72 per cent growth in sales to 34,878 units in November, 2011, from 31,501 units in the same period last year.

Tata Motors also reported a jump in sales to 23,540 units from 12,234 units in the same period last year, translating into a 92.41 per cent increase, SIAM added.

As per the figures released by SIAM, motorcycle sales in India grew by 22.67 per cent in November to 8,69,070 units from 7,08,476 units in the corresponding month last year.

Market leader Hero MotoCorp's domestic sales increased by 27.02 per cent to 4,85,381 units last month from 3,82,138 units in the same period last year.

In addition, Bajaj Auto saw a 18.24 per cent rise in sales to 2,28,407 units from 1,93,174 units in the same period last year, as per the latest SIAM data.

However, TVS Motor Company posted a 10.45 per cent fall in sales to 44,359 units last month from 49,534 units in the same month of 2010. Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India's (HMSI) sales went up by 40.94 per cent to 72,120 units during the month under review from 51,171 units in November, 2010.

SIAM said total scooter sales stood at 2,29,309 units in November, 2011, as against 1,65,610 units in the same month last year, a 38.46 per cent increase.

Market leader HMSI posted sales of 1,17,850 units, up 72.60 per cent from 68,278 units in the year-ago period, while TVS Motor Co saw a growth of 16.08 per cent in scooter sales to 41,132 units from 35,433 units in November, 2010.

In addition, Hero MotoCorp registered sales of 35,576 scooters, an increase of 30.95 per cent from 27,168 units in the corresponding month last fiscal.

Total two-wheeler sales grew by 25.27 per cent to 11,63,294 units last month from 9,28,660 units in November, 2010, as per the data.

Sales of commercial vehicles grew by 34.99 per cent to 66,264 units during the month under review from 49,087 units in the year-ago period, SIAM said.

Light commercial vehicle sales rose by 48.01 per cent during the month to 40,178 units from 27,145 units in November last year, it added.

Sales of medium and heavy commercial vehicles stood at 26,086 units in November, compared to 21,942 units in the same month last year, an 18.87 per cent increase.

Domestic three-wheeler sales grew by 5.85 per cent to 42,875 units during the month under review from 40,504 units in November, 2010.

Total sales of vehicles across categories registered an increase of 22.22 per cent to 14,89,714 units in November from 12,18,885 units in the same month last year, SIAM added.

Sehwag delivers a stunner

2011-12-08T23:53:00.000+05:30

On February 11 this year, Sehwag had sounded a warning to rival sides by stating his intent to bat out 50 overs – a feat he had never achieved before. That plan took a while in executing, though he came close in his first innings since making that statement when he slammed 175 in the World Cup opener in Dhaka, batting until the 48th over. Eleven innings and almost ten months later, including which he suffered injuries and missed several months of action, Sehwag picked a good time to produce the record achievement. His own form had been patchy and a series win was on the line, should India have lost.

Sehwag's success, as he has often stated, is due in large part to an uncluttered mind. This was evident today, as he shut out his own form and the pressure of captaincy to bludgeon an innings of sublime power, speed and determination. It was as if Sehwag had saved up all his energy for this one innings

He began in top gear and didn't slow down until he had crossed 200, no doubt fatigued by having batted so long. The first of his 25 boundaries – a total that equalled the record set by Tendulkar during his double – came off the second ball he faced; his first six, off the eighth ball. From there on matters were a blur as Sehwag sped to his fifty in 41 balls with his fourth six, and a 15th ODI century needed just 69 balls – making it his quickest three-figure knock ever. His previous fastest had been his maiden ODI century, scored off 70 balls against New Zealand in 2001.

Thereon, the runs ticked over. His 150 was passed in 112 balls, after which Sehwag was dropped by Darren Sammy on 170 in the deep. Without emoting, Sehwag returned to the stumps and sped into the 190s, and after raising 8,000 career runs with a flick to fine leg, smashed a short and wide delivery to the deep backward point ropes to move to 201. Unlike Tendulkar in Gwalior last year, Sehwag had plenty of time to reach the landmark and he appeared set to try to push for 250 until he was dismissed in the 47th over for 219. It was a sublime innings.

Martin Crowe, the former New Zealand captain, reckoned that batting must be instinctive; the ability to "see the ball early and play it late". That, in essence, is what Sehwag’s batting is all about. He moves only when the ball leaves the bowler's hand, thus giving little away. And when he does move, there is minimal fuss. This was evident in his stroke-play against the quick bowlers today.

Against Ravi Rampaul and Kemar Roach, his footwork was mostly decisive and when he wasn’t to the pitch – such as against Sammy and Andre Russell – he threw the bat at ball and with great power ensured the ball went over the infield. His minimal movement ensured Sehwag never got into awkward positions. Notice the boundaries hit off Marlon Samuels in the 34th and 36th overs: first, Sehwag made room to carve four past point, then he patted – yes, patted – a full toss past extra cover, and followed up next ball by opening the face of the bat and steering four more between backward point and cover-point. Sehwag doesn’t turn an aggressive stroke into a defensive prod. He waits a fraction longer and then converts a prod into a lofted drive or steers it wide of fielders.

As Sehwag said during the mid-innings break, he had never dreamed of scoring an ODI double-century. "I know people expected me to score a double-century, so thanks to them. And thanks to my family. I had said earlier that the top order was not contributing, and it was my job. I never changed my batting through this innings. I just told my self that I needed to bat through the batting Powerplay, and I would get the double-hundred. When Sammy dropped my chance, I knew God was with me. I am tired, yes; I am an old man now.

Now that Sehwag knows what it takes to bat 50 overs, and what his doing so can result it, it is a scary to imagine what he can produce. For him the challenge in ODIs has been to convert starts into sizeable knocks; he has 14 centuries and 37 fifties. Perhaps this epic innings will turn the tide. If it does, the man who has enthralled fans the world across for over a decade may give bowlers plenty of torment in the 50-over format. And that, in its own unique way, is a mesmerizing thought.

'India no longer a preferred destination for IT companies'

2011-12-08T23:33:00.000+05:30

Kolkata: Global software major Microsoft on Thursday said that for MNCs, India is no longer a preferred destination.

"It doesn't make sense any more. For MNCs India is no longer a preferred destination. We have lots of issues concerning our operation here," Microsoft India chairman Bhaskar Pramanik said when asked if the company is considering any R&D centre for West Bengal as it seeks to work closely with the state government.

He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Infocom 2011 conference.

Pramanik later clarified that he was speaking about technology and IT companies.

"I think a lot of that need to be resolved. We have to be cautious about any new investment in the state," he said.

Asked what the issues were, he declined to list the challenges or issues the technology MNCs were facing.

"I think you had better talk to Nasscom. It is the voice of the industry," he said. Nasscom regional (east) head Suparno Moitra declined to comment.

Asked to throw more light on "preferred destination", Pramanik said, "I think we look at everywhere in the world. I think the choices are many," he said.

Meanwhile, reacting to the Centre's decision to suspend FDI in multi-brand retail till a consensus is evolved, Pramanik said he felt disappointed with the government's decision. "FDI in all form is good - be it in retail or aviation," he said.

"We have a strong corporate sector, central and state governments. Checks and controls could be put in place to ensure net gain for the country in terms of employment, growth and earning rather than being negative," he said.

Income Tax raids Tollywood hero Mahesh Babu’s house

2011-12-08T23:18:00.000+05:30

Hyderabad: Income Tax officials on Thursday conducted a raid on Tollywood hero Prince Mahesh Babu’s house in Film Nagar. According to sources, IT slueths have searched and seized certain documents of financial transactions from Mahesh’s house. It is learnt that IT officials have found some descrepencies in the Advanced Tax returns filed by the star which necessiated a raid today.
Mahesh Babu being the highest paid actor in the Tollywood and has huge demand in the industry. His recent blockbuster Dookudu is reportedly grossed the highest collections the history of Tollywood. The film’s 50 days celebrations were held in Vijayawada on grand scale, where the producers of the film announced the new records the film has set in terms of collections.

Soon after this, IT officials have conducted a raid on the office of 14 Reels Entertainment, the production house of Dookudu, in the posh Jubilee Hills area of Hyderabad.

The Telangana blame game

2011-12-08T23:10:00.000+05:30

High on emotions, low on pragmatism

Two years have passed since the Union Home Minister had made that fateful announcement on Telangana on December 9, 2009. Since then political and social events have overtaken the Telugu society in such a profound manner that the state is still struggling with the intractable issue.
Separate state supporters understandably feel cheated that the Centre failed to keep up its commitment. They underline the fact that the statement was made in the floor of the Parliament. They see a conspiracy by vested interests of Andhra origin for the promise getting stuck in a bottomless pit.
But a dispassionate review of the events leading to the announcement and subsequent developments probably gives us an idea of what led the UPA government to renege on its assurance. The December 9 statement is of course crystal clear:
“The process of forming the state of Telangana will be initiated. An appropriate resolution will be moved In the state assembly.”
When Chidambaram made this rather straightforward statement, he was clearly under the impression that there was a general political consensus among all parties. The reason for this belief was the minutes of the all-party-meet sent to him earlier.
Technically speaking, however, there was no unanimity on the issue of division of state since ruling Congress, MIM and Lok Satta did not give their clear opinion on the issue, while CPM actually opposed the division. But what seems to have weighed in the mind of the Centre was TDP’s ready acceptance to the proposal.
But when TDP went back on its stand, and other parties, including Congress and PRP, coming together against the announcement in Andhra region, all hell broke loose. It was then that the Centre seems to have understood the complexity of the ground situation. The December 23 statement was self-explanatory on this count:
“However, after the statement, the situation in Andhra Pradesh has altered. A large number of political parties are divided on the issue.”
Since then, the T advocates have been blaming the Centre in general and Chidambaram in particular for the change in stand. They continue to refer to December 9 statement in isolation. However, the Home Minister himself clarified on the apparent contradiction:
“When you refer to my statement on December 9, 2009, you should kindly also refer to the December 23, 2009 statement.”
It might be true that Andhra and Rayalaseema politicians came in the way of division of the state immediately after 2009 statement. But since then, a whole lot of factors played a role in the Centre not going ahead with the formation of separate Telangana.
They include the difficulty in forging a consensus, finding a basis for further division of linguistic states, apprehensions over the political fall-out for the Congress in the state and the fear of opening of a Pandora’s Box with such a decision.
However, the hardcore Telangana activists continue to harp on the ‘betrayal’ of the Centre and the ‘conspiracy’ of Seemandhra capitalists’. Such caricaturing of the situation might help political mobilization for the cause and even help TRS keep the T-pot boiling till next elections, but such a construction of the developments is twice-removed from reality.
As Chidambaram repeatedly said on the issue, the agenda for now could only be to “deliberate on the mechanism and lay down a road map for the consultations.” That can take place only when charged atmosphere cools down and political parties play down emotional content and focus on pragmatic solutions to the issue.
Once bitten hard, the UPA government is twice shy.