Amid the elaborate preparations and hectic political activities across Andhra Pradesh in the run-up to the local body elections, 69 villages falling within the limits of the Amaravati region will have to wait for some more years to participate in the polls as the government is working on a separate governance framework for the mega capital city.

Located in Tadikonda, Pedakurapadu, Guntur East and Guntur West Assembly constituencies, the 69 villages fall within the limits of the proposed Amaravati Outer Ring Road. Of these, farmers from 29 villages have parted with their agricultural land during the first phase of the Land Pooling Scheme (LPS-1), while the exercise is underway in seven villages under the LPS-2. The remaining 33 villages have also been kept out of the upcoming elections.

Apart from the 29 habitations covered under LPS-1, another 40 panchayats are not participating in the elections this time. The habitations covered under LPS-1 also did not go for elections in the previous term too.

In Tadikonda mandal of Tadikonda Assembly constituency, panchayats of Mothadaka, Bandarupalli, Bezathpuram, Garikapadu, Pamulapadu, Mukkamala, Kantheru, Ravela, Ponnekallu, Damarapalli, Tadikonda, Phanidharam, Lacchanna Gudipudi, Lam and Nidumukkala. Varagani, Mandapadu, Visadala, Perecherla and Gundlapalem in Medikonduru mandal are excluded from polls.

In Amaravati mandal, which falls under Pedakurapadu Assembly constituency, the panchayats of Vykuntapuram, Karlapudi, Lemalle, Pedamadduru, Endrayi, Chavapadu, Nemalikallu, Mandepudi, Unguturu, Dharanikota, Lingapuram, Muttayapalem, Narukullapadu and Enikepadu are not going to polls.

Balusupadu, Khambhampadu and Patibandla in Pedakurapadu mandal are also among the panchayats not going to polls. Jonnalagadda in Guntur East Assembly constituency and Chinna Palakaluru in Guntur West Assembly constituency are excluded as well.

Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister Ponguru Narayana said elections in villages where land pooling is under way have been kept pending for the time being, considering issues related to the process.

He said that the government was prioritising the development of farmers’ returnable plots, roads and other infrastructure, iconic towers, the Assembly, Andhra Pradesh High Court and government buildings according to stipulated targets.

MA&UD Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar said that the government was studying the governance model of leading global capital cities to finalise the most suitable model for Amaravati.

“The aim is to identify the most suitable model for Amaravati, which can be implemented after construction of the capital city is completed. The government intends to develop Amaravati as a world-class capital with a governance framework reflecting that ambition,” he said.

The NDA’s Mayoral candidate Vangaveeti Radha Krishna filed his nomination papers at the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) office amid huge fanfare on Sunday.

Hundreds of supporters who gathered at the house Mr. Radha Krishna, a Jana Sena Party(JSP) leader, took out a rally from the statue of his father late Vangaveeti Mohan Ranga till the VMC office.

Addressing the media on the VMC office premises after filing his nomination papers, Mr. Radha Krishna said he would focus on addressing the issues of contamination of drinking water and waterlogging and work for the overall development of the city.

TDP NTR district president Gadde Anuradha accompanied Mr. Mr. Radha Krishna. “Mr. Radha Krishna has a good strike rate and he knows the soul of Vijayawada,” she said.

Stating that the NDA is setting an example of unity, coordination, and mutual support by fielding the JSP candidate, Ms. Anuradha urged people to vote for Mr. Radha Krishna.

Meanwhile, YSRCP Mayoral candidate and former Mayor Rayana Bhagyalakshmi filed nominations for the post. According to information from the VMC, 20 candidates filed nominations for the Mayoral post on Sunday, takin the toal in the fray to 24.

For the post of ward members, 707 candidates filed their nominations on Sunday. In total, 968 candidates have filed nominations for the posts in the Vijayawada municipal elections so far. Of these, 319 candidates are from the TDP, 264 from YSRCP, 162 from JSP and 60 from BJP. INC candidates are 28, while CPI candidates are 31 and CPI (M) are 10.

Chintakayala Padmavathi, wife of AP Legislative Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu, filed her nomination for the post of chairperson of Narsipatnam municipality in Anakapalli district on Friday, amid a show of strength by Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders and supporters.

The nomination process began with Ms. Padmavathi offering prayers at a temple. She later proceeded to the nomination centre in a rally accompanied by Rajya Sabha member Chintakayala Vijay, Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu and several other party leaders and supporters.

Speaking to the media after filing her nomination, Ms. Padmavathi said people were familiar with her work as a councillor and expressed confidence in her ability to further the development of the town. She is now contesting for the chairperson’s post in the civic body, which comprises 40 wards.

Criticising the previous YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) government, she alleged that basic civic amenities had been neglected during its tenure, leaving several areas without adequate infrastructure.

She said development activities had gained momentum after the TDP-led government came to power, with works being taken up to improve roads, street lighting, drainage and other essential civic infrastructure.

Appealing to voters to support her, Ms. Padmavathi said providing basic amenities and accelerating development would be her top priorities if she was elected chairperson.

Engineering and management graduates have diverse career opportunities across traditional industries, emerging technologies, research and business leadership, said Dr. Mitrabarun Ghosh, Assistant Professor at Paari School of Business, SRM University-A.P.

He was delivering a career guidance session titled “Career Directions: Engineering & Management” for final-year B.Tech students at Tirumala Engineering College, Narasaraopet, on Wednesday. The seminar on “Careers in Management & Sciences” was organised by The Hindu Future India Club in association with Paari School of Business, SRM A.P., in collaboration with Tirumala Engineering College. R. Satyanarayana, Secretary and Correspondent of Tirumala Engineering College, Dr. Y.V. Narayana, Principal, and V.V.S. Pradeep of SRM University were present at the programme.

Dr. Ghosh explained the opportunities available through technical careers and management education, emphasising that neither path was inherently superior and that students should choose according to their interests, skills and long-term aspirations.

While engineering offers opportunities in technology, research, design and innovation, management opens avenues in leadership, strategy, marketing, finance and business operations. Combining engineering experience with an MBA can help graduates pursue careers in product management, consulting and leadership roles, he said.

He highlighted employment opportunities in information technology, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, semiconductors, manufacturing and global capability centres. Government career options through GATE, UPSC Engineering Services, ISRO, DRDO, Indian Railways and public sector undertakings were also discussed.

The speaker drew attention to emerging sectors, including electric vehicles, green energy, space technology, defence startups and chip design. Alternative career options such as technical writing, patent analysis, research, public policy and entrepreneurship were also explained.

Dr. Ghosh guided students on higher education opportunities in India and abroad through examinations such as GATE, CAT, GRE and GMAT. He advised them to consider institutional rankings, accreditation, placement records, faculty expertise, industry connections and return on investment while selecting colleges.

He encouraged students to identify a primary career path and a backup option, prepare strategically for competitive examinations, and strengthen their profiles through projects, internships and certifications.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Tuesday sought the release of more water from Andhra Pradesh to Chennai for drinking purposes, while the A.P. government gave no assurance in this regard, citing that it would consider the request depending on the water availability in the Krishna River and requirements of the State.

Mr. Vijay met Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the latter’s camp office in Vijayawada on Tuesday and discussed inter-State water issues, including the proposed Godavari-Cauvery river linkage and the supply of drinking water to Chennai.

Mr. Naidu said the Andhra Pradesh government was sympathetic to Chennai’s drinking water needs, despite a decline in Krishna River water availability due to the El Niño effect this year and the resulting water scarcity.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a meeting at Undavalli near Vijayawada on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

He informed Mr. Vijay that Andhra Pradesh had already released 4.08 TMC of water to Chennai. 

“The Andhra Pradesh government will consider releasing additional water for Chennai, depending on the availability and requirements of the State,” Mr. Naidu told his Tamil Nadu counterpart. 

Mr.  Vijay, who arrived in the State to participate in the Vijayawada Utsav, was accorded a warm welcome by Mr. Naidu and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh. Both the Chief Ministers held discussions with officials on several issues of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Mr.  Naidu explained the importance of linking the Godavari and Cauvery rivers, describing the interlinking of rivers as a permanent solution to drought.

Mr. Vijay, meanwhile, requested Andhra Pradesh to release additional drinking water for Chennai through the Telugu Ganga project to meet the requirements of the city.

Under the inter-State agreement signed in 1983, 15 TMC of the Krishna water is to be delivered annually at the Tamil Nadu border to cater to Chennai’s drinking water needs.

However, inadequate flood flows into the Krishna River at Srisailam and low storage in key reservoirs have complicated the prospects of meeting the demand in full.

The Andhra Pradesh government is understood to be examining the possibility of releasing a proportionate quantity from the available reserves at the Somasila and Kandaleru projects. A partial release of up to 5 TMC is likely to be a possible compromise, though a final government decision may be disclosed later. 

“The Andhra Pradesh government cannot release the full quantity of water, given the water availability in the reservoirs. However, a proportionate release from the available storage at the Kandaleru and Somasila projects is likely to be considered,” sources said.

The Tuesday’s meeting brought back memories of January 12, 2017, when then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam met Mr. Naidu and sought the release of the Krishna water for Chennai, which was facing an acute drinking water shortage.

Mr. Panneerselvam had written to Naidu on January 7, urging the immediate release of the agreed quantity from Kandaleru reservoir. During their meeting, he had explained the severity of the crisis and sought additional supplies.

Mr. Naidu had agreed in principle to a partial release, with the final quantity linked to water availability and Andhra Pradesh’s own requirements. Reports at the time said the two sides discussed a release of around 2.5 TMC.

Mr. Vijay’s visit marked his maiden trip to Andhra Pradesh after assuming office.

Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR-ISRO) Deputy Director P. Gopi Krishna has advocated that Space Cells be set up in educational institutions, involving students to design and develop mini-satellites. Such initiatives will help students develop an interest in space science, he said.

Addressing a gathering of students and academicians during the inaugural session of the World Space Week celebrations here on Thursday, Mr. Gopi Krishna stated that the private partners and startups were being encouraged to play their role in the space missions.

Mr. Gopi Krishna said that the ISRO had evolved to launch satellites weighing up to six tonnes.

SDSC-SHAR Scientist Leela Srinivas said that the space week would help promote space missions and improve scientific temper among students.

Rajamahendravaram Sub-Collector Subham Nokwal advised the students to draw inspiration from the space missions of the ISRO which began its journey six decades ago.

Former ISRO Scientists Tatayyababu and Suryanarayana and Rajamahendravaram Government Arts College Principal R. Ramachandra Rao and Tirumala Educational Institutions Chairman Tirumala Rao participated in the programme.

Trips International School and Future Kids International School students performed various classical and folk dances. The winners of the painting competition on space science have been invited to visit the SDSC in Sriharikota.

Government whip and Kadapa MLA Reddeppagari Madhavi Reddy announced on Thursday that civic issues raised by citizens at various fora will be addressed on a priority basis by forming a special monitoring cell at her office.

As part of the ‘Pedala Sevalo 2.0’ programme, the MLA, accompanied by her spouse and TDP Zonal Coordinator Reddeppagari Srinivasa Reddy, distributed social security pensions on Thursday to the beneficiaries in Modameedhapalli locality, falling under the first division of Kadapa Municipal Corporation (KMC).

Reaching out to the public, the duo asked them whether they were receiving all the welfare schemes they were entitled to.

When the citizens lined up to submit their representations, the MLA announced that the public issues raised by them about civic maintenance, sewage, street lights, roads and other amenities would be addressed on a priority basis.

At the state-run primary school, she sought details from the teacher on the maintenance of facilities like drinking water, toilets and classrooms.

Speaking to the media later, Mr. Srinivasa Reddy said the ‘Pedala Sevalo 2.0’ envisaged by the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu provided a direct forum for the citizens to interact with the public representatives.

A celebration of India’s handloom heritage is currently underway in Vijayawada, with the “Silk Weaves Expo – Festive and Wedding Edition 2026” drawing handloom enthusiasts and festive shoppers to the A-Plus Convention Center at Benz Circle.

The six-day exhibition, being held from September 8 to 13, is open to visitors from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. It features an extensive collection of sarees, kurtis, dress materials, fashion jewellery and accessories.

The expo brings together handwoven creations from several parts of the country. Visitors can browse Uppada, Bhagalpuri, Banarasi and Tussar silks, along with Kantha, Dhakai Jamdani, Muslin, Baluchari, Tangail, linen and other varieties.

Double-weave ikat, gitcha silk and cotton offerings provide relatively affordable options, while designer silk sarees cater to those looking for elaborate festive and wedding wear.

The exhibition also features Lucknow chikankari, Rajasthani Dabu prints, Gujarat Patola and a range of dress materials and running fabrics. Colourful saree borders, embellished blouse pieces and other accessories add to the shopping experience.

With discounts offered across several product categories, the expo provides visitors an opportunity to explore the richness and variety of Indian textiles under one roof. “This Ganesh Chaturthi special edition will conclude on September 13. We want people to make the best of this opportunity,” said the organisers.

The Andhra Pradesh government has issued orders for administrative division and restructuring of Zilla Parishads following the formation of new districts.

As per the new directives, the Zilla Parishad offices will now function from their respective new district headquarters in Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts.

The restructuring process addresses administrative bottlenecks that arose after new districts were carved out in April 2022. At that time, Zilla Parishad elections had concluded under the unified setup, and administrative hurdles initially prevented the division of elected bodies to match the new geographical boundaries.

Consequently, elected panels continued functioning on a unified district basis, attended jointly by Collectors and officials from Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Alluri Sitharama Raju districts.

With the current term of the local body governing councils scheduled to expire on September 24, the government accelerated the division. The existing staff members are being reallocated across the three newly created district administrations, based on population density and the relative count of mandals.

According to the allocation framework, Anakapalli district—comprising 24 mandals—will receive 60% of the existing personnel. Alluri Sitharama Raju district, encompassing 11 mandals, has been allocated 30% of the workforce, while Visakhapatnam, which now retains four rural mandals, accounts for the remaining 10%.

The district authorities noted that independent institutional spaces are critical for streamlining rural development schemes and ensuring localised governance.

“Preparations are being done to set up full-fledged administrative machinery at the respective headquarters before the incumbent board’s tenure officially expires later this month,” a senior official told The Hindu on Tuesday.