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                <title>NDA Announces State-wide Protests, Slams Congress Over Women's Reservation Bill</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Vijayawada, April 20:</strong> The Andhra Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress party and its allies for opposing the Women's Reservation Bill, announcing a series of NDA protest programmes across the State later this month.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Addressing a press conference at the BJP State office in Vijayawada, party State general secretary Nagotu Ramesh Naidu accused Congress and its allies — the Trinamool Congress, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Samajwadi Party — of collectively blocking legislation that sought to ensure equal political representation for women. "They are celebrating this obstruction as though</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1749/0189-20143"><img src="https://www.journalistfile.com/media/400/2026-04/whatsapp-image-2026-04-20-at-11.21.08-am(1).jpeg" alt=""></a><br /><p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Vijayawada, April 20:</strong> The Andhra Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Congress party and its allies for opposing the Women's Reservation Bill, announcing a series of NDA protest programmes across the State later this month.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Addressing a press conference at the BJP State office in Vijayawada, party State general secretary Nagotu Ramesh Naidu accused Congress and its allies — the Trinamool Congress, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Samajwadi Party — of collectively blocking legislation that sought to ensure equal political representation for women. "They are celebrating this obstruction as though it were a great victory," he said.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Mr. Naidu recalled that the Congress-led UPA government had, during the tenure of Rajiv Gandhi, enacted special legislation in the Shah Bano case overriding a Supreme Court ruling. He further noted that while Sonia Gandhi had successfully steered the Women's Reservation Bill through the Rajya Sabha, the party failed to bring it to a vote in the Lok Sabha. He accused the Congress of using Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to play what he termed a "Shikandi role" in obstructing the bill.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Asserting that delimitation must not be carried out on the basis of population ratios alone, Mr. Naidu said the BJP remained committed to reintroducing the Women's Reservation Bill and securing its passage. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working towards making women equal partners in the nation's development, and no obstacle will deter that goal," he said.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The party announced a series of protest events across Andhra Pradesh. On April 24, a demonstration will be held in Vijayawada with BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav, Minister Kandula Durgesh and TDP State president Palla Srinivasarao as chief guests. A parallel protest will be organised in Rajamahendravari under the leadership of MP Daggubati Purandeswari on the same day.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">On April 25, Union Minister of State Bhupatiraju Srinivas Varma will participate in protests at Tirupati, while a separate programme is scheduled in Kurnool.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">BJP NTR District president Adduri Sriram was also present at the press conference.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>Andhra Pradesh</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1749/0189-20143</link>
                <guid>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1749/0189-20143</guid>
                <pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:44:03 +0530</pubDate>
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                                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Journalist File Desk]]></dc:creator>
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                <title>Congress and Allies Have Betrayed Indian Women, Says Amit Shah</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>NEW DELHI, April 18:</strong> Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the Opposition on Friday, expressing outrage over the defeat of key legislation related to women's reservations in the Lok Sabha and accusing the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and Samajwadi Party of collectively undermining women's empowerment.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Taking to the social media platform X, Mr. Shah said it was shameful that the Opposition parties were celebrating the defeat of a Bill that would have strengthened women's political representation. "This is not the first time Congress and its allies have done this. They have consistently adopted the</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1748/0189-20142"><img src="https://www.journalistfile.com/media/400/2026-04/screenshot-2026-04-18-062532.png" alt=""></a><br /><p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>NEW DELHI, April 18:</strong> Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the Opposition on Friday, expressing outrage over the defeat of key legislation related to women's reservations in the Lok Sabha and accusing the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and Samajwadi Party of collectively undermining women's empowerment.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Taking to the social media platform X, Mr. Shah said it was shameful that the Opposition parties were celebrating the defeat of a Bill that would have strengthened women's political representation. "This is not the first time Congress and its allies have done this. They have consistently adopted the same stance on critical issues concerning national development and women's empowerment," he said.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Home Minister asserted that the Congress had no genuine interest in national development, women's rights, or empowerment, and that all the parties that had voted against the Bill had together betrayed Indian women who had been fighting for their rights for decades.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Mr. Shah warned that the Opposition would face a decisive political response from the women of India in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. "The women of this country will give a fitting answer to the parties that opposed the Women's Reservation Bill," he said, adding that no political force could afford to take women's aspirations lightly.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, which sought to fast-track the implementation of the one-third reservation for women in legislative bodies, was defeated in the Lok Sabha on Thursday after the ruling National Democratic Alliance failed to secure the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment. Of the 528 members who participated in the division vote, 298 supported the Bill while 230 voted against it, leaving the government 54 votes short of the required 352.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>National</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1748/0189-20142</link>
                <guid>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1748/0189-20142</guid>
                <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:48:54 +0530</pubDate>
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                                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Journalist File Desk]]></dc:creator>
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                <title>Women's Reservation Amendment Bill Falls Short in Lok Sabha, Opposition Blocks Two-Thirds Majority</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>NEW DELHI, April 18:</strong> The Central government's ambitious attempt to fast-track the implementation of women's reservations in legislative bodies suffered a significant setback on Thursday when the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Of the 528 members who participated in the division voting, 298 voted in favour of the Bill while 230 voted against it. The Bill required 352 votes for passage, and with the ruling National Democratic Alliance failing to bridge a gap of 54 votes, Speaker Om Birla officially declared the Bill defeated.</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1747/0189-20141"><img src="https://www.journalistfile.com/media/400/2026-04/screenshot-2026-04-18-054141.png" alt=""></a><br /><p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>NEW DELHI, April 18:</strong> The Central government's ambitious attempt to fast-track the implementation of women's reservations in legislative bodies suffered a significant setback on Thursday when the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill was defeated in the Lok Sabha, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for a constitutional amendment.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Of the 528 members who participated in the division voting, 298 voted in favour of the Bill while 230 voted against it. The Bill required 352 votes for passage, and with the ruling National Democratic Alliance failing to bridge a gap of 54 votes, Speaker Om Birla officially declared the Bill defeated.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Following the defeat, the Central government also withdrew two related pieces of legislation — proposals pertaining to amendments to Union Territory laws and delimitation. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju made the announcement in the House.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">BJP members, incensed by the outcome, staged a dharna outside Parliament in protest.</p>
<hr class="border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5" />
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Early implementation of women's quota was the objective</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill had been introduced with the specific aim of reducing the long wait for the women's reservation law to come into force. Parliament had already passed the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act — the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam — in 2023 with unanimous support. However, that legislation contains a provision linking its implementation to the completion of a fresh census and subsequent delimitation exercise, effectively pushing enforcement to 2029 or later.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">To circumvent this delay, the Central government proposed expanding the Lok Sabha's strength from the current 543 seats to 850, and carving out a dedicated women's quota within this expanded House without disturbing existing SC, ST, and general category seats.</p>
<hr class="border-border-200 border-t-0.5 my-3 mx-1.5" />
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Three days of special sessions, 21 hours of debate</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Bills had been introduced in the House on April 16 following three days of special sessions convened specifically for the purpose. Deliberations stretched over 21 hours, with sharp exchanges between the treasury and opposition benches. A particularly heated confrontation took place between Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Opposition, particularly parties representing southern States, raised strong objections, contending that the delimitation exercise as proposed carried the risk of reducing parliamentary representation for States in the south. They argued that delimitation should be undertaken only after a caste census, maintaining that social justice could not be achieved otherwise.</p>
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<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Amit Shah assures 50 per cent seat increase for all States</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Responding to concerns about regional imbalance, Mr. Shah gave categorical assurances on the floor of the House that seats in every State would be increased by at least 50 per cent and that no State would be disadvantaged. He urged members not to divide the country along north-south lines, asserting that all States enjoyed equal rights under the Constitution.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">In a significant gesture, Mr. Shah offered to formally amend the Bill on the spot if members felt the 50 per cent guarantee was not explicitly stated. "Give me one hour and I will incorporate it as an official amendment," he declared.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Had the Bill cleared the Lok Sabha, it would have proceeded to the Rajya Sabha for consideration. With its defeat at the first stage, the government's bid to advance the timeline for women's reservations has, for now, come to a halt. The Centre is yet to indicate its next course of action.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>National</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1747/0189-20141</link>
                <guid>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1747/0189-20141</guid>
                <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:46:03 +0530</pubDate>
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                                    <dc:creator><![CDATA[Journalist File Desk]]></dc:creator>
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                <title>Defeat of Constitutional Amendment Bill a Blot on Indian Democracy, Says BJP Spokesman</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>AMARAVATI, April 18:</strong> The defeat of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha amounted to a stain on Indian democracy, Andhra Pradesh BJP chief spokesman Valluru Jayaprakash Narayan said on Friday, accusing the Congress-led INDIA bloc of committing a grave injustice against the women of this country by blocking legislation that would have expedited the implementation of women's reservations in legislative bodies.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">In a strongly worded statement, Mr. Narayan described April 17 as a day of humiliation for every mother, sister, and daughter in India. He alleged that while Congress spoke at length about women's empowerment, its actions</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1746/0189-20140"><img src="https://www.journalistfile.com/media/400/2026-04/screenshot-2026-02-14-201836.png" alt=""></a><br /><p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>AMARAVATI, April 18:</strong> The defeat of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha amounted to a stain on Indian democracy, Andhra Pradesh BJP chief spokesman Valluru Jayaprakash Narayan said on Friday, accusing the Congress-led INDIA bloc of committing a grave injustice against the women of this country by blocking legislation that would have expedited the implementation of women's reservations in legislative bodies.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">In a strongly worded statement, Mr. Narayan described April 17 as a day of humiliation for every mother, sister, and daughter in India. He alleged that while Congress spoke at length about women's empowerment, its actions in Parliament told an entirely different story.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">"Congress has spewed poison on the question of women's reservations. Snatching away women's rights is a political sin. It is shameful that Congress is celebrating having defeated the women of this nation," he said.</p>
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<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Dynasty politics at the root of opposition, alleges BJP</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Mr. Narayan alleged that the Congress party had consistently pursued anti-women policies, and that all parties that had obstructed the Women's Reservation Bill were those accustomed to dynastic rule. He contended that these parties could not tolerate the prospect of ordinary women securing a place in legislative assemblies.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Holding Congress president Rahul Gandhi and leaders of the INDIA bloc directly responsible, he accused them of having betrayed women by promising reservations while in power and failing to deliver. "They are traitors to the women of this country," he said.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The BJP spokesman observed that despite being rejected by the electorate on multiple occasions, the Congress had shown no signs of course correction. He predicted that the women of India would deliver a fitting political response to the Congress alliance in the days ahead.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Calling for electoral accountability, Mr. Narayan urged voters in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to defeat the Congress, DMK, and TMC alliances in the upcoming elections as an assertion of women's self-respect and dignity.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">"Women's power will make itself heard," he said.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>Andhra Pradesh</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1746/0189-20140</link>
                <guid>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1746/0189-20140</guid>
                <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:42:02 +0530</pubDate>
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                <title>Congress Blocking Women's Bill a Dark Day for Democracy, Says Minister Satya Kumar Yadav</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>AMARAVATI, April 18:</strong> Describing the Opposition's stance as a black day for Indian democracy, BJP national leader and State Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party for voting against the Women's Reservation Bill and the Delimitation legislation in Parliament, asserting that both moves reflected a deliberate attempt to deny justice to women and marginalised communities.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">"Opposing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative bodies is nothing short of obstructing the future of this nation," Mr. Yadav said in a statement issued late Friday evening. "This is a dark day for democracy."</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1745/0189-20139"><img src="https://www.journalistfile.com/media/400/2026-04/screenshot-2025-09-07-203846.png" alt=""></a><br /><p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>AMARAVATI, April 18:</strong> Describing the Opposition's stance as a black day for Indian democracy, BJP national leader and State Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party for voting against the Women's Reservation Bill and the Delimitation legislation in Parliament, asserting that both moves reflected a deliberate attempt to deny justice to women and marginalised communities.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">"Opposing 33 per cent reservation for women in legislative bodies is nothing short of obstructing the future of this nation," Mr. Yadav said in a statement issued late Friday evening. "This is a dark day for democracy."</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Minister did not spare the Congress on its track record, pointing out that the party had neither advanced the Women's Reservation Bill when in power nor supported it in Opposition. "This is the Congress and company brand of women's empowerment — block it in government, block it in Opposition," he said sharply.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Mr. Yadav argued that opposing the Bill amounted to denying women from ordinary families their rightful place in politics. "It is a direct assault on the rights of sisters and daughters of this country. The women of India and the people of this nation will not forgive the Opposition for this," he said.</p>
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<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Delimitation will reduce southern seats if based on 2023 figures, says Minister</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Turning to the Delimitation issue, Mr. Yadav contended that opposing the Bills was tantamount to blocking the political advancement of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Drawing comparisons with established democracies, he noted that representation ratios abroad were far lower — one Lok Sabha member for every one lakh voters in London, 1.1 lakh in France and Germany, 1.2 lakh in Canada, 1.7 lakh in Australia, 2.7 lakh in Japan, and 7.7 lakh in the United States. In India, by contrast, a single Lok Sabha member represents as many as 27 lakh constituents, he pointed out.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Mr. Yadav acknowledged that conducting delimitation on the basis of 2023 population figures would result in a reduction of existing seats in southern States, with the exercise due in 2026. He maintained, however, that the Central government had taken appropriate steps in this regard, and that the Opposition's attempts to obstruct the process were both unwise and indefensible.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">"It is deeply unfortunate that the very parties claiming to champion federal principles are standing in the way of a constitutionally mandated exercise," he said.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>Andhra Pradesh</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1745/0189-20139</link>
                <guid>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1745/0189-20139</guid>
                <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:37:25 +0530</pubDate>
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                <title>Delimitation Bill Will Not Erode Southern States' Voice in Parliament, Asserts Purandeswari</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">NEW DELHI, APRIL 16: Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha member and BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari on Wednesday lent her unequivocal support to the Delimitation Bill 2026 and the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill introduced in the Lower House, while allaying concerns over the potential marginalisation of southern states in a reconstituted Parliament.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Speaking during the debate on the two bills, Ms. Purandeswari sought to address the apprehension — widely expressed by Opposition members and southern political formations — that a fresh delimitation exercise would result in a net reduction of Lok Sabha seats for states that have performed better on demographic indicators.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>No</strong></span></p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1736/0189-20131"><img src="https://www.journalistfile.com/media/400/2026-04/screenshot-2026-04-17-064719.png" alt=""></a><br /><p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">NEW DELHI, APRIL 16: Rajamahendravaram Lok Sabha member and BJP MP Daggubati Purandeswari on Wednesday lent her unequivocal support to the Delimitation Bill 2026 and the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill introduced in the Lower House, while allaying concerns over the potential marginalisation of southern states in a reconstituted Parliament.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Speaking during the debate on the two bills, Ms. Purandeswari sought to address the apprehension — widely expressed by Opposition members and southern political formations — that a fresh delimitation exercise would result in a net reduction of Lok Sabha seats for states that have performed better on demographic indicators.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>No state will lose existing seats, she asserts</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Outlining the contours of the Centre's proposal, she said the government's plan to increase the total number of Lok Sabha seats by 50 per cent would ensure that no state loses its current tally of seats. Basing the exercise on the 2011 Census data, she argued, would preserve the existing political balance while accommodating expanded representation commensurate with overall population growth.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">"The voice of the southern states will remain as strong as ever in Parliament," she said, adding that the delimitation process would be participatory in nature, with public hearings providing citizens and state governments an opportunity to place their views on record before any final determination is made.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Congress indicted for "deliberate delay" on women's reservation</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Turning to the women's reservation provisions embedded in the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill, Ms. Purandeswari trained her guns on the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government, holding it responsible for what she described as decades of unconscionable delay on a matter of fundamental political justice.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">She recalled that the Women's Reservation Bill had been pending since 1996 and that while the Rajya Sabha had passed it in 2010, the UPA government had declined to bring it before the Lok Sabha — a failure she characterised as a deliberate act of political omission. "When Prime Minister Modi is now implementing this on a war footing, it ill behoves the Opposition to obstruct it on frivolous political grounds," she said.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Women as decision-makers, not merely participants</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Ms. Purandeswari argued that the reservation of seats for women in legislative bodies would effect a qualitative transformation in the nature of women's participation in public life — elevating them from stakeholders to decision-makers in the truest sense. She invoked the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar, contending that the bill was in consonance with his vision of ensuring political justice for historically underrepresented sections of society.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Concluding her address, she said it was a matter of deep personal pride to be a participant in what she called a historic moment in India's constitutional history.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>Andhra Pradesh</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1736/0189-20131</link>
                <guid>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1736/0189-20131</guid>
                <pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:48:03 +0530</pubDate>
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                <title>Democracy Gets Stronger With Women's Bill, Says Union Minister Srinivas Varma</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>NEW DELHI, April 16:</strong> Union Minister of State for Steel Srinivas Varma on Thursday said that the Women's Reservation Constitutional Amendment Bill, taken up for debate in Parliament, had generated enormous anticipation among women across the country. He observed that women in both rural and urban areas were visibly glued to their television sets, eagerly watching the proceedings of the debate as they unfolded in real time.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Speaking on the occasion, the Minister emphasised that ensuring adequate representation for women in politics — particularly in decision-making positions — was essential for the holistic development of the nation. He expressed the</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1734/0189-20129"><img src="https://www.journalistfile.com/media/400/2026-04/screenshot-2026-04-16-181605.png" alt=""></a><br /><p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>NEW DELHI, April 16:</strong> Union Minister of State for Steel Srinivas Varma on Thursday said that the Women's Reservation Constitutional Amendment Bill, taken up for debate in Parliament, had generated enormous anticipation among women across the country. He observed that women in both rural and urban areas were visibly glued to their television sets, eagerly watching the proceedings of the debate as they unfolded in real time.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Speaking on the occasion, the Minister emphasised that ensuring adequate representation for women in politics — particularly in decision-making positions — was essential for the holistic development of the nation. He expressed the view that greater participation of women in governance would accelerate positive changes in the social and economic spheres at a much faster pace.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Pointing to the tangible results of reservations extended to women in local bodies across the country, Srinivas Varma argued that a similar transformation was now needed at the level of State Legislatures and Parliament. The impact of women's participation in local governance had already been felt nationwide, he said, and it was time to replicate that success at higher levels of democratic representation.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Expressing confidence that the Women's Reservation Constitutional Amendment Bill would be passed, the Minister described its enactment as a pivotal milestone in the political history of India. The Bill would significantly enhance the political representation of women and further strengthen democracy in the country, he added.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Calling upon all political parties to set aside their differences and extend wholehearted support to the Bill, Srinivas Varma said that collective cooperation was indispensable for legislation that advances women's empowerment. In the larger national interest, all sections of society and political opinion must work together to ensure the Bill's passage, he urged.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>Andhra Pradesh</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1734/0189-20129</link>
                <guid>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1734/0189-20129</guid>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:22:08 +0530</pubDate>
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                <title>BJP's Madhav Hails Women's Bill as New Chapter in Indian Democracy</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>AMARAVATI, April 16:</strong> Andhra Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party State president P.V.N. Madhav on Thursday expressed jubilation over the introduction of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill — encompassing both the Women's Reservation and Delimitation provisions — in Parliament, describing it as a historic milestone in India's democratic journey and a decisive step towards women's empowerment.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Speaking on the occasion, Madhav noted that the issue of women's reservation had been under discussion in the country's political discourse for nearly 30 years since 1996, and that despite successive governments coming to power, a firm decision to give effect to the Bill had remained</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1733/0189-20128"><img src="https://www.journalistfile.com/media/400/2026-04/screenshot-2026-04-12-222106.png" alt=""></a><br /><p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>AMARAVATI, April 16:</strong> Andhra Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party State president P.V.N. Madhav on Thursday expressed jubilation over the introduction of the 131st Constitutional Amendment Bill — encompassing both the Women's Reservation and Delimitation provisions — in Parliament, describing it as a historic milestone in India's democratic journey and a decisive step towards women's empowerment.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Speaking on the occasion, Madhav noted that the issue of women's reservation had been under discussion in the country's political discourse for nearly 30 years since 1996, and that despite successive governments coming to power, a firm decision to give effect to the Bill had remained elusive for decades.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">He praised the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking a landmark step forward through the Nari Shakti Adhiniyam to ensure political representation for women. The introduction of the Women's Reservation Bill, he said, was a crucial decision aimed at further strengthening the role of women in the nation's governance.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Madhav explained that the Central government had introduced these amendments with the aim of ensuring 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies by the time of the 2029 General Elections, while simultaneously accelerating the delimitation process. Based on the 2011 Census data, the quota is to be implemented with 33 per cent reservations applicable to SC and ST communities as well, with the total number of Lok Sabha seats set to be expanded to as many as 850, he added.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Bill would open the door for adequate representation of women not only in Parliament but also in State Legislatures, Madhav observed. He emphasised that this was not merely a political decision but a significant milestone in the pursuit of social justice.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Expressing optimism about the transformative potential of greater women's participation, Madhav said that increased representation of women would accelerate the nation's development and strengthen women's leadership from the grassroots to the national level.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The BJP State president concluded by saying that the decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in women's empowerment in the history of Indian democracy.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>Andhra Pradesh</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1733/0189-20128</link>
                <guid>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1733/0189-20128</guid>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:07:58 +0530</pubDate>
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                <title>AP Alliance Lauds Modi, Backs Women's Reservation and Delimitation Bills</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>AMARAVATI, April 15:</strong> A significant meeting of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partner parties was held at the residence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu here on Wednesday, where the alliance partners resolved to extend unified support to the Women's Reservation Bill and the Delimitation Bill currently being taken up in Parliament, hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what they described as landmark legislative initiatives.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav, and TDP State president Palla Srinivasarao, among other senior leaders. The discussions, which lasted nearly two and a half</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1725/0189-20120"><img src="https://www.journalistfile.com/media/400/2026-04/whatsapp-image-2026-04-15-at-10.13.46-pm.jpeg" alt=""></a><br /><p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>AMARAVATI, April 15:</strong> A significant meeting of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partner parties was held at the residence of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu here on Wednesday, where the alliance partners resolved to extend unified support to the Women's Reservation Bill and the Delimitation Bill currently being taken up in Parliament, hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what they described as landmark legislative initiatives.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav, and TDP State president Palla Srinivasarao, among other senior leaders. The discussions, which lasted nearly two and a half hours, centred on the latest developments unfolding in New Delhi, particularly concerning constituency delimitation and the Women's Reservation Bill.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The leaders decided that all MLAs and MLCs of the alliance parties would gather at a common venue in Amaravati on April 17 to watch the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill live. It was also resolved to extend invitations to all political parties in the State, including the YSR Congress Party, as well as prominent women leaders, to participate in the event.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">A programme expressing support for the Bill is to be organised immediately upon its passage in the Lok Sabha.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Addressing concerns over delimitation, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that he had sought and received clarification from the Central leadership, particularly Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, regarding apprehensions that southern States would not receive a proportionate increase in parliamentary seats. The Centre had categorically assured that seat allocation would follow the pro-rata method and that southern States would suffer no disadvantage, he said.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Chief Minister Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav expressed satisfaction over the clarifications received. The leaders condemned what they described as a disinformation campaign surrounding the seat-sharing formula and resolved to politically welcome both Bills.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">It was further decided to organise extensive programmes at the district and constituency levels in support of the Women's Reservation Bill, and to ensure that women across the State express their gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the historic legislation. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directed that live streaming of the Bill's introduction in Parliament be arranged across all constituencies in the State.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>Andhra Pradesh</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1725/0189-20120</link>
                <guid>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1725/0189-20120</guid>
                <pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:39:32 +0530</pubDate>
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                <title>Modi Writes to Floor Leaders, Calls for Unity on Women's Reservation Amendments</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Special Parliament session from April 16 to take up Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam amendments; BJP issues three-line whip</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to the floor leaders of both Houses of Parliament on Sunday, calling upon members across party lines to unite in support of amendment bills linked to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, and declared that the women's reservation quota would come into effect from the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The Central government has extended the ongoing Budget Session by three days, with a special sitting of both Houses scheduled from April 16 to 18</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1709/0189-20103"><img src="https://www.journalistfile.com/media/400/2026-04/imagespm.jpg" alt=""></a><br /><p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Special Parliament session from April 16 to take up Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam amendments; BJP issues three-line whip</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to the floor leaders of both Houses of Parliament on Sunday, calling upon members across party lines to unite in support of amendment bills linked to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, and declared that the women's reservation quota would come into effect from the 2029 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The Central government has extended the ongoing Budget Session by three days, with a special sitting of both Houses scheduled from April 16 to 18 for the purpose.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">In his letter, Mr. Modi said the time had come to implement the women's reservation law in its true spirit, and that his government had decided to fast-track the legislation after extensive consultations. He urged all Members of Parliament to participate in what he described as a historic debate beginning April 16. "If the Women's Reservation Act comes into effect from 2029, India's democratic institutions will gain new strength, public trust in them will deepen, and participation and representation in governance will increase," he wrote.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Prime Minister recalled that reservation for women in legislatures had remained a matter of discussion for several decades, but his government had enacted the law as early as 2023. He described the day of the Bill's passage as an inspiring milestone in India's parliamentary history, witnessed by the entire world. He called upon MPs of all parties to come together in the special session and usher in historic change.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Three-Line Whip Issued</strong></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The BJP issued a three-line whip to its members in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on Sunday, directing them to be present without fail for the duration of the three-day special session and not to avail any leave during the period. The party asked its MPs to strictly comply with the whip and extend full cooperation in ensuring the passage of the amendment bills.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Two Key Amendments Proposed</strong></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The government is learnt to be considering two significant amendments during the special session. The first relates to the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, which currently stipulates that women's reservations can be implemented only after a fresh census and delimitation exercise — a condition that would have pushed implementation to 2034. The proposed amendment seeks to delink the law from the requirement of a fresh census, enabling reservations to be implemented on the basis of the 2011 census data from the 2029 elections onwards.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The second proposed amendment pertains to the delimitation law. Rather than carving out 33 per cent of existing seats for women — which would reduce the number of seats available to male legislators — the government is understood to be considering an expansion of the total number of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies. Reports indicate that the number of Lok Sabha constituencies could be increased from the present 543 to 816, which would result in 273 seats being reserved for women from 2029. A proportionate increase in seats in State Assemblies is also being considered on the same basis.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>National</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1709/0189-20103</link>
                <guid>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1709/0189-20103</guid>
                <pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 22:25:04 +0530</pubDate>
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                <title>Modi’s Leadership Key to Renewed Focus on Andhra Pradesh: Ramakrishna</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Amaravati, April 2, 2026:</strong> BJP state media panellist and Ahikod constituency election incharge Taduvai Ramakrishna on Wednesday welcomed the Central Government's introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha to accord statutory recognition to Amaravati as the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, describing it as a defining milestone in the state's development trajectory.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">In a statement released on the occasion, Mr. Ramakrishna said the TDP-BJP-Janasena coalition government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, was advancing steadily towards its goal of a <em>Vikasit Andhra Pradesh</em>, and that the legislative recognition of Amaravati would serve as a gateway</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1652/0189-20051"><img src="https://www.journalistfile.com/media/400/2026-04/whatsapp-image-2026-04-02-at-9.59.27-pm.jpeg" alt=""></a><br /><p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Amaravati, April 2, 2026:</strong> BJP state media panellist and Ahikod constituency election incharge Taduvai Ramakrishna on Wednesday welcomed the Central Government's introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha to accord statutory recognition to Amaravati as the permanent capital of Andhra Pradesh, describing it as a defining milestone in the state's development trajectory.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">In a statement released on the occasion, Mr. Ramakrishna said the TDP-BJP-Janasena coalition government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, was advancing steadily towards its goal of a <em>Vikasit Andhra Pradesh</em>, and that the legislative recognition of Amaravati would serve as a gateway to accelerated growth for the state.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Modi's Role Underscored</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Mr. Ramakrishna credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for bringing focused Central attention to Andhra Pradesh's development needs — through attracting investments to the state and according priority to Andhra Pradesh in successive Union Budgets. He also noted that Minister Nara Lokesh's ongoing initiatives were contributing meaningfully to the state's economic progress. "The people of Andhra Pradesh repose deep trust in Prime Minister Modi, and that trust is being reciprocated through concrete action," he said.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Amaravati as an Economic Catalyst</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Elaborating on the significance of the capital bill, Mr. Ramakrishna argued that the development of Amaravati would act as a catalyst for industrial investment, job creation, and comprehensive economic growth across the state. A legally secured and actively developed capital city, he said, would send a strong signal to domestic and international investors about Andhra Pradesh's stability and long-term potential.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Mr. Ramakrishna trained sharp criticism on the previous YSRCP administration, alleging that it had pursued authoritarian tendencies and had deliberately obstructed the state's development during its five-year tenure. He said the people of Andhra Pradesh had recognised and decisively rejected those policies at the ballot box.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Going a step further, he called upon YSRCP leaders who genuinely wished for Andhra Pradesh's development to immediately leave the party, asserting that a growing perception had taken hold among the public that the party's leadership was working against the state's interests rather than for them.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"> </p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>Andhra Pradesh</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1652/0189-20051</link>
                <guid>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1652/0189-20051</guid>
                <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:16:15 +0530</pubDate>
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                <title>Parliament Slams the Door on Jagan's Three-Capital Gamble</title>
                                    <description><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Amaravati, April 1, 2026:</strong> Health and Medical Minister Satya Kumar Yadav launched a sharp broadside against former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday, accusing him of political inconsistency and deliberate obstructionism in the wake of the Central Government's introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha to grant statutory recognition to Amaravati as the official capital of Andhra Pradesh.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Speaking at a press conference in Amaravati, Mr. Yadav said Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy's public claim at his Tadepalli residence that he was not opposed to Amaravati as the capital stood exposed within hours, when YSRCP members staged a</p>...]]></description>
                
                                    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1648/0189-20047"><img src="https://www.journalistfile.com/media/400/2026-04/screenshot-2025-04-18-194025.png" alt=""></a><br /><p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Amaravati, April 1, 2026:</strong> Health and Medical Minister Satya Kumar Yadav launched a sharp broadside against former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday, accusing him of political inconsistency and deliberate obstructionism in the wake of the Central Government's introduction of a bill in the Lok Sabha to grant statutory recognition to Amaravati as the official capital of Andhra Pradesh.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Speaking at a press conference in Amaravati, Mr. Yadav said Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy's public claim at his Tadepalli residence that he was not opposed to Amaravati as the capital stood exposed within hours, when YSRCP members staged a walkout in the Lok Sabha during the passage of the bill. "The question and the answer are both Jagan's own," the minister said pointedly, adding that the former Chief Minister's remarks that a future government could pass a contrary resolution had, in fact, revealed the very reason why parliamentary legislation was necessary to ensure permanence.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Gratitude to Centre</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Minister Yadav expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for expeditiously introducing the bill in Parliament, shortly after the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution in favour of according statutory status to Amaravati. He also thanked the several political parties that extended support to the legislation in the Lok Sabha.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>'Jagan's Duplicity Exposed'</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Mr. Yadav alleged that Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy had displayed a pattern of duplicity from the outset on the capital question. He recalled that the former Chief Minister had, on the floor of the state legislature, himself suggested that Amaravati should be developed across at least 33,000 acres. Yet, once in power, he had pursued a three-capital formula — a move the minister described as a deliberate act of sabotage — while simultaneously diverting thousands of acres of valuable land in Visakhapatnam to benami interests and spending ₹500 crore of public money on a personal residence for his family in the port city. "While Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu sees in Amaravati the dreams of the people, the former Chief Minister sees only imagined corruption where none exists," Mr. Yadav said.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Contrasting Visions</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The minister drew a sharp contrast between the two administrations. He noted that in the aftermath of bifurcation in 2014, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had laid the groundwork for a world-class capital at Amaravati to fulfil the aspirations of a people who had lost their capital through the division of the state. The subsequent five-year tenure of Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy, he alleged, had seen deliberate neglect and near-destruction of the capital project, facts that the people of Andhra Pradesh were fully aware of when they voted the YSRCP out of power.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>'Answer Questions in the Assembly, Not at Press Meets'</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Taking aim at Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy's decision to hold a press conference at his Tadepalli residence to raise questions about the Amaravati project, Minister Yadav questioned why the former Chief Minister and his party's 11 legislators were consistently absent from the sessions of the state legislature. "The questions he raises at press conferences would carry far greater weight and democratic legitimacy if raised on the floor of the Assembly, on behalf of the constituents who elected him," he said, adding that press conference rhetoric without legislative participation lacked credibility and commitment.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="color:rgb(186,55,42);"><strong>Rayalaseema's Grievance</strong></span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Mr. Yadav also turned his attention to what he termed the "unforgivable betrayal" of Rayalaseema under the previous government. He alleged that Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy had promised Kurnool the status of a judicial capital, only to scale that down to a mere High Court bench, and had ultimately failed to even formally submit a proposal to that effect. Not a single major project had been established in Rayalaseema during the YSRCP's five-year tenure, he alleged, and crucial irrigation projects in the region had been left to languish through deliberate neglect. In contrast, he said, the present coalition government had drawn up comprehensive plans for the equitable development of all three regions of the state — Andhra, Rayalaseema, and North Andhra — and was actively implementing them.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The minister concluded by asserting that no amount of conspiracy or misinformation from Mr. Jagan Mohan Reddy would impede the emergence of a grand capital at Amaravati under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu's leadership.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                
                                                            <category>Andhra Pradesh</category>
                                    

                <link>https://www.journalistfile.com/article/1648/0189-20047</link>
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                <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:07:39 +0530</pubDate>
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