Cinema-goers have bad news after bad news this month. First, Shadow movie has disappointed all the weekend busy boys with a poor performance and now the government takes turn to shove it in the face of the audience by taking a decision to hike the charges of the theaters.

According to the recent decision, the ticket fares will increase by at least Rs 10 and may be as high as Rs 20 in the days to come. At the same time, it also decided to group theaters by five different classes and implement the movie fare hike one after the other.

It urged the theater owners to make the necessary developments to the theaters so as to serve the people better. The price hike will not include any price hike in the government taxes levied for running the theater but only on the movie ticket charges, ergo, all the excess money from the hike would find their way into the pockets of the owners.

In the town and district theatres the prices were adjusted already in different classes of tickets moderately and the same will slowly be seen in movie theaters in the cities too.

(AW- Anil)

Om Namo Venkateshaya Namah.

Good morning dear devotees of Lord Sri Venkateshwara Swamy. Today being Saturday, the weekend and one of the holy days of Tirumala deity, heavy rush has been reported on seven hills. In fact, as many as 20 queue compartments at Tirumala are filled with devotees. Here are the timings taken today to seek blessings of Tirumala Balaji.

• To take darshan through sarvadarshanam (free darshan), it's taking 10 hours

• To those who take Rs. 300 ticket (pratyeka pravesha darshanam), it's taking four hours

• And people who are taking pedestrian path to Tirumala, it's taking three hours for entering the sanctum sanctorum

That's all for today friends. For more Tirumala Tirupati updates, visit Andhra Wishesh regularly.

(AW Phani)

Legendary politician, NT Ramarao's statue is going to be unveiled on parliament premises on May 7 amidst the rare gathering including NTR's family members. The statue would be unveiled by Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar at 10.30 am. Erection of NTR statue got a nod way back in 2000 by the then Lok Sabha speaker GMC Balayogi. However, the demand eventually got pushed into pipeline after the demise of the then speaker. Since then many fans of NTR have been apparently awaiting to see NTR's statue on parliament.

NTR's daughter and central minister Purandareshwari finally took the interest although TDP leaders reportedly claimed that setting up of statue was first demanded by Telugu Desam Party. Whatever it is, Purandareshwari got the sample image of the statue and forwarded the same to the speaker last December, which was approved by Meira Kumar. And in May the nine-feet statue of NTR would be unveiled making all Telugus raise their heads high in pride!

(AW Phani)

TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu has alleged that nearly half of the cabinet ministers are accused in several cases and cabinet meetings would soon be held in jails. Babu, who was inVishakapatnam, as a part of his padayatra Vastunna Meekosam, has lashed out at Congress rule. Commenting on Amma Hastham scheme introduced by Kiran sarkar, Chandrababu Naidu has alleged that Amma Hastham (mother's hand) has become mondi hastham (meaning iron hand).

Also, he has found fault with chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and said that chief minister was allegedly safeguarding the accused ministers stressing that home minister Sabitha Indra Reddy was accused number four in Jaganmohan Reddy's illegal assets case. He has even lashed out at Jaganmohan Reddy and said that since Jagan did crime, he was not granted jail. Without any shame, he (Jagan) was still resorting to politics in prison, added Chandrababu Naidu.

Today, Chandrababu Naidu's Vastunna Meekosam is going to be wrapped up in Vishakapatnam. The steel city has already got ready to host the mega TDP event. Follow Andhra Wishesh on Twitter and Facebook to know more updates.

(AW Phani)

At a point of time when people though Seetha katha came to a happy conclusion, the accused villain in this story has come before media reminding that end titles are yet to scroll. Wonder which Seetha katha we are talking about? Well, it's our Tollywood actress Anjali and her missing episode. Yes, the episode apparently curtained after missing Anjali appeared before the media and stated that she was taking a break from the busy schedule and was not missing actually.

Issues apparently looked like they were settled. But now, the one who introduced Anjali to Tamil film industry Kalanjiyam (whom Anjali accused of torture), alleged that Anjali married a producer in the missing period. Also, he complained against her that she was not attending the remaining part of the shooting of his film where she plays female lead. Let us keep our fingers crossed to know if these allegations have some merit or just baseless.

(AW Phani)

TRS chief K Chandrashekara Rao, who has been elected as the party president yet another time today, has demanded the Centre to table a bill on Telangana in the forth coming parliament sessions. Addressing the media on TRS formation day today at Armur of Nizamabad, KCR has reiterated that he would not stop until Telangana state is carved out.

Also, KCR has said that Telangana movement would not be ceased until and unless a separate state is carved out. Stressing on the future course of action, KCR mentioned that besides taking the movement ahead, he was also trying to make the party an alternative political party to support the movement.

Started over a decade ago, TRS party's aim was statehood for Telangana. The party joined hands with Congress in 2004 after Congress then apparently promised Telangana state. Later, TRS went ahead and joined hands with TDP and played key role in grand alliance. As grand alliance didn't come to power, TRS didn't join hands with any party. In 2009, its chief KCR underwent fast unto death that resulted in Telangana movement with Osmania University students hitting roads in support of statehood. The centre finally, on December 9 midnight, declared Telangana state would be formed and the process for the same would be initiated. However, it was later pushed into pipeline and there's no process initiated so far.

(AW Phani)

The maximum use of Nara Lokesh's photos in banners set up by TDP in Vishakpatnam to promote the concluding ceremony of Vastunna Meekosam walkathon seems to be rubbing salts in the wounds of Harikrishna and his son young NTR. The sources have already mentioned that young NTR refrained from party activities apparently over the maximum limelight Nara Lokesh enjoyed. And now, it seems to be the only reason over the absence of Harikrishna and NTR to today's concluding ceremony. Worst part, as per observers, being no photos of Harikrishna and NTR in the banners.

While Balakrishna and Tarakaratna already reached the venue, Harikrishna remained himself off the picture citing bad health. And young NTR apparently stayed away for obvious reasons! Although it was never mentioned officially anywhere that Harikrishna and NTR choose not to attend over low importance given to them, talk of the town states the duo were upset to the core. Whatever it is, NTR refraining from concluding ceremony would certainly be a blow to the party as young NTR is hysteric fan of legendary NTR, who formed Telugu Desam Party!

(AW Phani)

The beach area in Vishakapatnam has been decorated beautifully as it's going to host TDP's mega event, Vastunna Meekosam padayatra's concluding ceremony. TDP leader and Tollywood actor Balakrishna has already reached Vishakapatnam to take part in the concluding ceremony. Actor Tarakaratna and others have accompanied Balakrishna. Also, several TDP leaders are flocking to Vishakapatnam for taking part in padayatra.

To ensure that TDP activists face no convenience, as many as 11 special trains have been shuttling between Vishakapatnam and different stations in the state. TDP supremo Chandrababu is expected to unveil NTR's statue at around 3 pm today after which Vastunna Meekosam's concluding ceremony will kick off.

It has to be mentioned here that Chandrababu Naidu started Vastunna Meekosam padayatra on October 2, 2012 and covered all the districts on foot. His padayatra created a new chapter in the history of Andhra Pradesh politics.

(AW Phani)

A special vehicle is imported from US for Chandra Babu's ride in the rally at Visakhapatnam before attending a big public meeting arranged at the Engineering College grounds in Andhra University campus. It was obtained by Chintalapati Srinivasaraju, Vizag District Secretary of Telugu Desam Party spending Rs.8 lakhs.

The vehicle in question is a bike to ride and also doubles as a car when it is needed that way. It runs on petrol with an engine of 500 cc.

The vehicle is to be used to cover important places on the way after inaugurating a Vijaya Stupam of Telugu Desam party to mark a historic padayatra completed by the party chief Chandra Babu Naidu.

AW-SriJa

Sripati Rajeswar, ex Minister in the Cabinet of N T Rama Rao when he was Cheif Minister of Andhra Pradesh died due to kidney problems. He had been undergoing medical treatment for his ailments for some time. He was 73.

His body was shifted to his Sanatnagar house where it will be kept till tomorrow for the last darshan.

Sripati Rajeswar was elected for the Assembly for three terms and he held ministry also for two terms.

Sripati was having close relation with NTR much before Telugu Desam Party was started by NTR. He was a great fan of NTR and he founded NTR Fans Association 60 years ago and had been working as a President of it. He had two sons and a daughter.

Many Cine and political personalities condoled his death including Chandrababu Naidu who came from Visakhapatnam after ending his padayatra yesterday.

AW-SriJa

Om Namo Venkateshaya!

Good morning dear devotees of Lord Sri Venkateshwara Swamy. Heavy rush has been reported in Tirumala. Notably, rush in Tirumala has been there for the past three days. As many as 31 queue compartments are filled with devotees. The sources said that since summer holidays are on, people are thronging temple to seek blessings. The rush might be more or less the same till the first week of June, added sources.

If we look at the timings taken to seek blessings of Lord Tirumala Balaji,

• It is taking as much as 16 hours to seek blessings of the deity through sarva darshanam queue (free darshan)

• For special entry darshan (Rs.300 queue line), it's taking six hours

• And those who take pedestrian path to Tirumala, it's taking five hours to enter sanctum sanctorum

That's all for today friends. Take proper care of yourself and keep water in handy if you are taking pedestrian route to Tirumala. May Lord bless you all!

(AW Phani)

Chiranjeevi, the mega star in Tollywood, is not just a man looked upon by the masses in Andhra Pradesh but across South India especially in the state of Karnataka. Any film of Chiranjeevi has to be released in Karnataka! It looks like Congress high command has come to know about this mega image in Karnataka for it asks Chiranjeevi to plunge into action on behalf of Congress as a part of election campaign.

Assembly elections in Karnataka are round the corner and ruling BJP is doing its best to retaining the power. Narendra Modi came into action. To counter a personality like him, Chiranjeevi seemed to be the right one for Congress party. And therefore, Chiranjeevi too plunged into action in Karnataka.

Chiranjeevi is spearheading the election campaign in Chickballapur, Kolar, Tumkur and Gauribidanoor.  Actress Ramya too joined Chiranjeevi in the campaign and response from the public last night was something overwhelming. Although stole pelting was reported in Gauribidanoor as fans got disappointed for not having glimpse of the mega star, looking at the huge response, it looks like Chiranjeevi can do wonders for Congress in Karnataka!

(AW Phani)

The Supreme Court of India has deferred the hearing of Jaganmohan Reddy's bail plea to May 6. The court, after it heard the arguments of Jagan's counsel, that the investigation was delayed and Jagan was kept behind bars, the apex court sought a response from the Central Bureau of Investigation over the same. It was also reported that Jagan's counsel brought to light about the statements of the ministers who allegedly said Jagan would be granted bail if YSRC was merged with Congress.

While seeking CBI's response over Jagan counsel's arguments, apex court even questioned the CBI as to why Jaganmohan Reddy should be granted bail. It may be recalled that Jagan was arrested in May last year in connection with illegal assets case. Since then he had been applying bail and CBI was reportedly arguing that Jagan would influence the witnesses in the case if granted bail.

(AW Phani)

BJP senior leader LK Advani, who was traveling from Delhi to Bangalore to take part in the election campaign in Karnataka, has landed in Hyderabad accidentally. The flight on which Mr Advani was aboard had run short of fuel after it reached Hyderabad. Therefore, the pilot made emergency landing in Begumpet airport of the city. The BJP leaders in the city reportedly met Advani at the airport. Advani is expected to leave for Bangalore tomorrow after a night's halt in the city, sources said.

It may be noted that assembly elections are round the corner in Karnataka. Already main leaders from different parties are taking part in election campaigns. As a part of the same, Advani too was supposed to arrive in Bangalore and address the party workers. BJP, which is the ruling part in Karnataka, is apparently trying its best to retain the power!

(AW Phani)

Are YSRC leaders and followers hysteric fans of Tollywood actors? One would definitely get convinced with a yes after they look at the way actors are given due space on the party flexis. When young NTR appeared in YSRC flexis, it sparkled a new debate in the state as it was looked from a political angle since NTR supported TDP in 2009 elections. But after people saw victory Venkatesh's photo on YSRC banners, they presumably came to a conclusion that whosoever putting up those banners were only obsesses with film actors.

It is known that Shadow movie was released two days ago. On the release day of the movie, a few flexis appeared in coastal parts of Andhra Pradesh with YSRC emblem. It shows Jaganmohan Reddy and party activits in the centre while Venkatesh at the corner with Shadow title. Notably, Venkatesh was one person who always stayed away from politics and he said the same many times too. So, it looked like YSRC fans wanted to encourage Venkatesh. But, it's confusing as in whether they wanted to support Venkatesh or make use of Venkatesh's image is a million dollar question. Venkatesh's fans are, however, upset with this act!

(AW Phani)

Om Namo Venkateshaya!

Good morning dear devotees of Tirumala Balaji. Welcome to Tirumala Tirupati updates. The rush in Tirumala is still the same. Heavy rush has been reported on seven hills this morning too. As many as 31 queue compartments are filled with devotees. In fact, people are patiently waiting in queue halls not caring the summer heat. So, these are the timings taken to seek blessings of Lord Sri Venkateshwara Swamy today.

• It's taking as many as 15 hours to seek blessings of the deity through sarva darshanam (free darshan)

• For special entry darshan (Rs. 300 ticket), it's taking five hours

• And those who are taking pedestrian path to Tirumala, it's taking four hours to enter sanctum sanctorum

That's all for today friends. Catch you all tomorrow with more Tirumala Tirupati updates.

(AW Phani)

After Chiranjeevi, now chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy is also plunging into election campaign action. Yes, our chief minister Kiran will take part in poll campaign in and around Bengaluru today and tomorrow. Notably, Kiran Kumar taking part in election campaign cannot be compared to the election campaign by Chiranjeevi, said observers.

They were of the opinion that people recognize Chiranjeevi since he was a megastar and that's the reason why it would help the party if he takes part in campaign. But if Kiran takes part in election campaign, it might be beneficial to the party to some extent but not completely, added observers. Imagine if Karnataka chief minister comes to Andhra Pradesh and campaigns for BJP? How will it be, questioned the observers. They even mentioned it would have been better had Kiran Kumar taken care of state activities.

(AW Phani)

The Central Bureau of Investigation has made its arguments in the Supreme Court this morning in connection with Jaganmohan Reddy's illegal assets case. It is known that the court has questioned CBI as to why it should not grant bail to Jaganmohan Reddy. Reportedly, regarding the same, the CBI has today presented its arguments in the apex court.

The counsel of CBI told the Supreme Court of India that it would take at least another six months for the country's premier agency to complete the investigation into illegal assets case. Further, he has also informed the court that CBI would file the final chargesheet in the case only after the completion of investigation.

Jaganmohan Reddy, meanwhile, continues to be in Chanchalguda jail under judicial custody.

(AW Phani)

PCC chief Botsa Satyanarayana has said that the family members of YS Rajashekara Reddy should owe an explanation to the people over the corruption allegations that were being levelled against the late chief minister YSR.   Comparing YSRC to some political party BNR in Karnataka, Botsa Satyanarayana has said that YSR Congress party would face the same situation that BNR party faced long back.

Speaking about the comments of Kotla Surya Prakash Reddy, Botsa Satyanarayana has said that whatever Kotla said was his personal and not the statements of Congress party.  Also, he has said that government has nodded to set up coal mining company in Bayyaram itself.

It may be noted that YSR, who was Congress man and former chief minister, faced many allegations after his demise. And Congress, which once hailed this man, now holds his family responsible for the allegations against him.

(AW Phani)

On Tuesday, after a petition against Kiran Kumar Reddy and the state government run by him, the AP high court has sent notices to the Chief Minister and the state government seeking an explanation for the rejection of the rejection letter of Dharmana Prasada Rao, a member of the state cabinet who was chargesheeted by the CBI in the Vanpic case.

OM Debora the petitioner was keen to expose the unlawful stance of the state government and Kiran Kumar Reddy by allowing a tainted Dharmana to continue in the state government without accepting his resignation letter.

Both the state and the CM received notices from the division bench, justice G Rohini and justice P Naveen Kumar, which made it mandatory that they file their counters. Further hearing of the case was pushed to June 5.

This is a major development since the CM will not only give in writing why he hasn't accepted the resignation of Dharmana but he has to have the answers to a few other critical questions. It is necessary for him to answer why the state had not filed its counter in the CBI cases ever since the high court began hearing the Jagan assets cases. Further, it also needs to explain the 26 GOs that were issued by the YSR regime.

Supreme court had given notices to 6 ministers and 8 other bureaucrats in connection with the 26 GOs.

In another case, one of the petitioners asked that the high court monitor the development of the Jagan CBI case but the court dismissed the plea stating that the petitioner couldn't give any extraordinary reasons as to why the case should be monitored.

(AW- Anil)