Latest news with #Dattatreya
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Woman dies after falling ill while waiting in queue
Bidar: A woman aged 50 died at a hospital after falling ill while waiting in a queue for darshan of Lord Dattatreya at Ganagapur in Kalaburagi district, during the Guru Purnima celebrations. The deceased woman was identified as Kalavathi, 53, a resident of Basavakalyan in Bidar district. In a statement to TOI, Kalaburagi SP Adduru Srinivasalu confirmed that the elderly woman's death was due to health concerns and not due to any stampede. She fell ill and was rushed to the hospital, where she died. The SP clarified that there was no crowding or jostling that led to the death. The lady, who was touring with her family for several days, fell ill while waiting in the queue and was immediately transported to the hospital, where she was declared dead.
Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Congress's Revanth Reddy has praise for this old RSS hand: Who is ‘Ajatashatru' Bandaru Dattatreya
At an event held last Sunday in Hyderabad to launch Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya's autobiography, 'Prajala kathe, naa atma katha' (The story of people is my life story), Telangana Chief Minister and Congress leader A Revanth Reddy called Dattatreya an 'Ajatashatru' (one who has no enemies), saying he has been a leader who commands bipartisan respect much like former Prime Minister late Atal Bihar Vajpayee did. Similar sentiments were expressed on the occasion by several dignitaries and leaders cutting across party lines, including ex-President Ram Nath Kovind, former Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu and Andhra Pradesh CM and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, with Kovind describing Dattatreya as a 'rare leader' who has been a 'friend to all'. The 77-year-old Other Backward Class (OBC) leader, Dattatreya, who hails from Hyderabad, started his public life in 1965 when he joined the RSS, the BJP's ideological fountainhead. He was appointed as an RSS pracharak in 1968. He continued to hold various positions within the Sangh and its affiliated outfits till 1979, when he was Seva Bharati's pramukh, before joining the BJP. 'Dattatreya had been one of the BJP leaders since its inception. In 1980, he was posted as the BJP secretary in undivided Andhra Pradesh,' one of his close aides told The Indian Express. In Hyderabad, Dattatreya was known as a BJP leader who used to attend even the smallest of public functions. 'It was not easy to work as a BJP leader then and get the support of people who belonged to various parties back in the 1980s. He undertook this connect with people like a personal mission and succeeded in it to the surprise of many,' a Congress leader said. Dattatreya held different positions in the Andhra Pradesh BJP, including its general secretary from 1981 to 1989. In 1991, he was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time from the Secunderabad constituency (in Telangana now). He was re-elected to the Lok Sabha four times from Secunderabad from 1991 to 2014, even though he also suffered losses a few times. 'It was not easy to win over such a long period in Secunderabad as a BJP candidate then. It showed the public trust he enjoyed over the years,' Dattatreya's aide said. The BJP first named Dattatreya as the Andhra Pradesh party unit president in 1996. He again served as the state party chief from 2006 to 2009. Besides, he also played various roles in the party at the central level – from being the party's national secretary to its national executive member and national vice president. He also served as the Union minister of state (MoS) in the governments led by both Vajpayee and Narendra Modi. In the Modi ministry 1.0, he was the MoS (independent charge) of labour and employment from November 2014 to September 2017. During this period he worked closely with various labour unions in the country for the welfare and uplift of workers in both organised and unorganised sectors, his aide said. In his autobiography, Dattatreya states, 'One of the significant strides made during my tenure (as MoS, labour) in 2015 was the substantial increase in minimum wages across both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.' In 2014, he also served as the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on welfare of the backward classes. A political observer close to Dattatreya told The Indian Express that his elevation in the BJP ranks could be attributed to his proximity to the RSS. 'His rise in the BJP was completely driven by his deep-rooted connection to the RSS. Without the RSS' backing Dattatreya would not have made it to the Union MoS's position'. In his long political innings, Dattatreya has however also faced several controversies. He was booked as one of the prime accused in a case of abetment of suicide of University of Hyderabad (UoH)'s PhD scholar Rohith Vemula. Months before Vemula's death by suicide in January 2016, Dattatreya was accused of having written a letter to then Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani to seek action against some UoH students including Vemula for their alleged 'casteist, extremist and anti-national' activities. Vemula, who identified as a Dalit, had written a suicide note in which he said, 'My birth is my fatal accident', which found resonance across the country as a searing indictment of the country's caste reality. The Hyderabad police however filed a closure report in the case in 2024, claiming that Vemula was not a Dalit and that 'external pressures' did not lead to his suicide. It gave a clean chit to Dattatreya and other accused. Vemula's suicide sparked nationwide protests against the discrimination of Dalit students in educational institutions. Dattatreya had denied any wrongdoing in the matter. 'The BJP did not remove him from his MoS position during this entire episode,' noted a student leader from the UoH. In the Modi government 2.0, Dattatreya was sent to Himachal Pradesh as the Governor. In 2021, he was named the Haryana Governor, a post that he still holds.
Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Congress's Revanth Reddy has praise for this old RSS hand: Who is ‘Ajatshatru' Bandaru Dattatreya
At an event held last Sunday in Hyderabad to launch Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya's autobiography, 'Prajala kathe, naa atma katha' (The story of people is my life story), Telangana Chief Minister and Congress leader A Revanth Reddy called Dattatreya an 'Ajatashatru' (one who has no enemies), saying he has been a leader who commands bipartisan respect much like former Prime Minister late Atal Bihar Vajpayee did. Similar sentiments were expressed on the occasion by several dignitaries and leaders cutting across party lines, including ex-President Ram Nath Kovind, former Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu and Andhra Pradesh CM and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, with Kovind describing Dattatreya as a 'rare leader' who has been a 'friend to all'. The 77-year-old Other Backward Class (OBC) leader, Dattatreya, who hails from Hyderabad, started his public life in 1965 when he joined the RSS, the BJP's ideological fountainhead. He was appointed as an RSS pracharak in 1968. He continued to hold various positions within the Sangh and its affiliated outfits till 1979, when he was Seva Bharati's pramukh, before joining the BJP. 'Dattatreya had been one of the BJP leaders since its inception. In 1980, he was posted as the BJP secretary in undivided Andhra Pradesh,' one of his close aides told The Indian Express. In Hyderabad, Dattatreya was known as a BJP leader who used to attend even the smallest of public functions. 'It was not easy to work as a BJP leader then and get the support of people who belonged to various parties back in the 1980s. He undertook this connect with people like a personal mission and succeeded in it to the surprise of many,' a Congress leader said. Dattatreya held different positions in the Andhra Pradesh BJP, including its general secretary from 1981 to 1989. In 1991, he was elected to the Lok Sabha for the first time from the Secunderabad constituency (in Telangana now). He was re-elected to the Lok Sabha four times from Secunderabad from 1991 to 2014, even though he also suffered losses a few times. 'It was not easy to win over such a long period in Secunderabad as a BJP candidate then. It showed the public trust he enjoyed over the years,' Dattatreya's aide said. The BJP first named Dattatreya as the Andhra Pradesh party unit president in 1996. He again served as the state party chief from 2006 to 2009. Besides, he also played various roles in the party at the central level – from being the party's national secretary to its national executive member and national vice president. He also served as the Union minister of state (MoS) in the governments led by both Vajpayee and Narendra Modi. In the Modi ministry 1.0, he was the MoS (independent charge) of labour and employment from November 2014 to September 2017. During this period he worked closely with various labour unions in the country for the welfare and uplift of workers in both organised and unorganised sectors, his aide said. In his autobiography, Dattatreya states, 'One of the significant strides made during my tenure (as MoS, labour) in 2015 was the substantial increase in minimum wages across both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.' In 2014, he also served as the chairperson of the parliamentary committee on welfare of the backward classes. A political observer close to Dattatreya told The Indian Express that his elevation in the BJP ranks could be attributed to his proximity to the RSS. 'His rise in the BJP was completely driven by his deep-rooted connection to the RSS. Without the RSS' backing Dattatreya would not have made it to the Union MoS's position'. In his long political innings, Dattatreya has however also faced several controversies. He was booked as one of the prime accused in a case of abetment of suicide of University of Hyderabad (UoH)'s PhD scholar Rohith Vemula. Months before Vemula's death by suicide in January 2016, Dattatreya was accused of having written a letter to then Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani to seek action against some UoH students including Vemula for their alleged 'casteist, extremist and anti-national' activities. Vemula, who identified as a Dalit, had written a suicide note in which he said, 'My birth is my fatal accident', which found resonance across the country as a searing indictment of the country's caste reality. The Hyderabad police however filed a closure report in the case in 2024, claiming that Vemula was not a Dalit and that 'external pressures' did not lead to his suicide. It gave a clean chit to Dattatreya and other accused. Vemula's suicide sparked nationwide protests against the discrimination of Dalit students in educational institutions. Dattatreya had denied any wrongdoing in the matter. 'The BJP did not remove him from his MoS position during this entire episode,' noted a student leader from the UoH. In the Modi government 2.0, Dattatreya was sent to Himachal Pradesh as the Governor. In 2021, he was named the Haryana Governor, a post that he still holds.
New Indian Express
09-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
All my endeavour is to make Telugu community No. 1 in the world: Chandrababu Naidu
VIJAYAWADA: 'Though the regions may be different, Telugus are one. My aim is to make the Telugu community number one in the world,' asserted Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. He attended the book release event of 'Prajala Kathe Naa Atmakatha' (The People's Story is My Autobiography) authored by Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya in Hyderabad on Sunday. He highlighted that the architect of India's economic reforms, PV Narasimha Rao, was born in Telangana. 'Hearing the name 'Shilpakala Vedika' brings back old memories. When we thought about how to elevate the Telugu community, we began with the development of Hyderabad through the Hi-Tech City. With the then Prime Minister AB Vajpayee's support, we launched Hi-Tech City, and prioritised IT,' he said. On one side is Hi-Tech City, on the other IT companies, and in the middle, we established Shilpakala Vedika and Shilparamam. When former American President Bill Clinton visited, we conceptualised Cyberabad alongside Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The real joy in politics is when our good deeds yield results for the people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken the responsibility of taking the country forward. We should take the responsibility to make the Telugu community Number 1,' he said. Showering praises on Dattatreya, Naidu said he is the embodiment of a gentleman - he has no enemies. In the Telugu States, when we speak of someone with no enemies, it is Dattanna. His rise from a grassroots worker to a national leader is exemplary, Naidu said. 'Dattatreya represents Hindutva in name, but his religion is Indianism. His aim is public welfare, his path is secularism, and he upholds religious harmony,' Naidu said. 'Every year, Dattatreya organises the Alai-Balai event, bringing together leaders from all political parties onto one platform. He has made it a symbol of unity. In the Telugu States, if someone stands for ideal political life, it is Bandaru Dattatreya,' he hailed.
Hans India
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Ex-prez Kovind lauds Dattatreya, calls him ‘universally admired'
Hyderabad: Former President Ram Nath Kovind lauded Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya as a truly multidimensional figure, remarking on the rare quality of being universally admired. These sentiments were shared at a well-attended event at Silpakala Vedika, where Mr Kovind formally launched the Telugu edition of Governor Dattatreya's autobiography, titled 'Prajala Kathe Naa Atmakatha' (The Story of the People of Telangana is My Autobiography). The significant gathering included former Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, alongside Governors Indrasena Reddy of Tripura, Kambampati Haribabu of Odisha, and Syed Abdul Nazeer of Andhra Pradesh. Kovind recounted Dattatreya's life journey, highlighting his consistent efforts to connect with and uplift individuals from disadvantaged and underprivileged backgrounds. He particularly noted Dattatreya's resilience during challenging periods, including the Emergency, where he reportedly boosted the morale of fellow detainees. The former President also underscored Dattatreya's impactful tenure as Union Minister for Labour and Employment, where his reforms concerning minimum wages, pensions, and welfare programmes benefited thousands. Kovind observed that the sheer number of well-wishers present at the autobiography launch felt more like a birthday celebration for the Governor. Former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu spoke of the extraordinary sight of such esteemed personalities assembled on one stage to honour a genuinely good man with a 'golden heart.' He stressed that Dattatreya's unwavering dedication to public service and his ability to maintain a grounded life serve as a powerful inspiration for future generations. Naidu likened Dattatreya's conduct to a water droplet on a lotus leaf, signifying his consistent integrity regardless of his position. Expressing concern over politicians frequently changing parties, he commended Dattatreya's steadfast commitment to his ideology and his focus on purposeful politics, always prioritising nationalism and the well-being of society. The Governors of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tripura, and Telangana all acknowledged Dattatreya's approachable nature, simplicity, and friendly demeanour, qualities that have endeared him to many. People affectionately refer to him as 'Dattanna' (brother), a testament to the strong bonds he has forged while addressing their concerns. They highlighted his dedication to empowering rural communities and fostering social harmony and national unity. The Governors of Tripura and Odisha shared personal anecdotes of their interactions with Mr Dattatreya, emphasising that his life story remains a source of inspiration for younger generations. Former Supreme Court Chief Justice N V Ramana underscored Dattatreya's emphasis on human relationships. Union Ministers G Kishan Reddy, Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satyakumar Yadav, Telangana Road and Buildings Minister Komati Reddy Venkat Reddy, and BJP MP Dr K Laxman also reflected on their associations with Dattatreya. They recalled his impactful work as an RSS Pracharak during the Divineema Cyclone disaster response, his role in establishing the Deen Dayal Housing Colony for those displaced, and the sanctioning of a 300-bed ESI hospital in Visakhapatnam. His initiatives, such as the Valmiki Ambedkar Awas Yojana houses in Musheerabad and Visakhapatnam, further exemplify his profound commitment to serving the poor and needy.
