Latest news with #PusapatiAshokGajapathiRaju
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Prez appoints new Hry, Goa Governors and Ladakh LG
New Delhi/Chandigarh: President Droupadi Murmu on Monday appointed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister Kavinder Gupta as the lieutenant governor of Ladakh, besides naming Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh and Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju as the new Governors of Haryana and Goa, respectively. Prez appoints new Hry, Goa Governors and Ladakh LG In a press communique, the Rashtrapati Bhavan said that the President has also accepted the resignation of Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (retd) as the lieutenant governor of Union territory of Ladakh and appointed Gupta as his successor. All appointments would take effect from the dates they assume charge of their respective offices, the release added. Gupta, 65, is also a three-term former mayor of Jammu. On April 30, 2018, he was appointed as the deputy chief minister in the PDP-BJP coalition government in the erstwhile state of J&K. He, however, quit the post 51 days later on June 19 as the BJP pulled out from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led alliance, bringing an end to the Mehbooba Mufti-led government. In 2019, the erstwhile state of J&K was bifurcated into two Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. While the former has an elected legislature, the UT of Ladakh is administered directly by the Union government through a lieutenant governor, without a legislature, under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. On March 19, 2015, Gupta was elected as the speaker of the J&K legislative assembly, becoming only the first BJP leader to hold the post at the time. In the 2014 assembly elections, Gupta had defeated Raman Bhalla of the Congress in the Gandhinagar constituency in J&K. Gupta has been associated with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) as well as the BJP's ideological fount, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in the past. Gupta will take over as the LG of Ladakh from BD Mishra, a former brigadier of the Indian Army and a former commander of the Counter Hijack Force of the National Security Guard (NSG), also known as the Black Cat Commandos. After an illustrious career spanning over 33 years, Mishra retired from the army on July 31, 1995, and took over as the governor of Arunachal Pradesh on October 3, 2017. Mishra was only the second LG of Ladakh after Radha Krishnan Mathur, who served for three years, from October 31, 2019 to February 11, 2023. Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, the new governor of Goa, is a former Union minister and a senior leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a key ally of the BJP in the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). He served as the civil aviation minister for four years during the first term of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government. He resigned from the Union Cabinet after the TDP, headed by N Chandrababu Naidu, walked out of NDA over the party's demand of special status for Andhra Pradesh. The Naidu-led party returned to the NDA fold in the run-up to the simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and the Andhra Pradesh assembly early last year. Raju's elevation to the gubernatorial post underlines the BJP's willingness to share key postings with its NDA allies. Raju also has a rich experience in legislative politics as a seven-term MLA and one-term Lok Sabha MP. Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh, the new governor of Haryana, is a former BJP West Bengal unit president. A respected academic and political thinker, Ghosh had contested the Lok Sabha elections, albeit unsuccessfully, from the eastern state. A section of the BJP West Bengal unit sees the elevation of its old guard as a plan to allow more space for the young leadership in the state, which will head to the assembly polls next year.
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Never ran after power, positions, says Ashok
Vizianagaram: Senior TDP leader leader and newly-appointed Governor of Goa, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, expressed his gratitude and shared his thoughts following the official announcement of his appointment. Speaking to the media, Ashok Gajapathi Raju said, 'I consider it a privilege that my name was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. I have never chased positions for personal gain. Once entrusted with a role, I believe in discharging my duties with full responsibility'. Reflecting on his decades-long political journey, he said, 'I have been in active politics for nearly 40 years and have held several key positions during that time. However, the post of Governor is a constitutional one, and I will now step away from direct political activity'. He affirmed that he would carry out his new responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution, adding, 'While I will no longer be involved in direct politics, I will still offer my suggestions and guidance to the party when needed.' Ashok Gajapathi Raju also said that he had spoken with the Chief Minister of Goa and the current Governor, as part of the transition process. He said his commitment to uphold the legacy and reputation of the Telugu people through his service as Governor.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju appointed Governor of Goa
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday (July 14, 2025) appointed former Union Civil Aviation Minister Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju as the Governor for Goa, according to a press release from the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju is the younger son of the last Maharaja of Vizianagaram, Maharaja Pusapati Vijayarama Gajapathi Raju. He has held several offices in the past, including being an MLA in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly, holding Cabinet posts in Andhra Pradesh as Minister for Excise, Commercial Taxes, Finance, Revenue and Legislative Affairs, and and MP in the Lok Sabha. Mr. Raju will replace P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, who assumed office in July 2021 Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday (July 14, 2025) welcomed his appointment, saying that the government will work closely with him for the state's development. 'A seasoned statesman with vast administrative and parliamentary experience, his guidance will be invaluable as we continue our journey towards Viksit Goa 2037,' CM Sawant said in a post on X. 'We look forward to working closely with Hon'ble Governor Raju Ji to further the development and welfare of every Goan,' he added. Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh was also appointed as Governor of Haryana, and Kavinder Gupta was appointed as Lieutenant Governor for Ladakh, the release added. The release also stated that the above appointments will take effect from the dates they will assume charge of their respective offices. (with inputs from PTI)
Hans India
6 days ago
- Climate
- Hans India
Sea of devotees have hassle-free ‘Giri Pradakshina'
Visakhapatnam: The grand annual festival of Lord Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha of Simhachalam Devasthanam 'Giri Pradakshina' commenced in Visakhapatnam in the early hours of Wednesday. Devotees arrived at Tholipavancha from 5 am and started their trek by breaking a coconut at the foothill of Simhachalam. According to the muhurtham, the Devasthanam commenced the Giri Pradakshina at 2 pm by pulling the 'pushparatham' of the presiding deity the Tholipavancha. The pushparatham was flagged off by the hereditary trustee of the temple, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju and MLAs Ganta Srinivasa Rao and PGVR Naidu. For the convenience of devotees, vehicles are being restricted from Gopalapatnam petrol bunk junction to Ghosala junction till Thursday evening. The devotees who commenced their trek had to reach the Ghosala. From there, they had to reach the Tholipavancha by trekking. Similarly, heavy vehicles were not allowed in the city limits. Every year, the city witnesses mild showers and the weather used to be pleasant for the trekkers. However, this time, the temperature soared till afternoon on the Giri Pradakshina day. As a result, those who were on a trek without footwear faced inconvenience. As part of the annual festival, queue lines, shamiyanas and tents used to be facilitated near the Tholipavancha so that devotees could commence their trek, breaking a coconut comfortably. However, with the tents getting collapsed while erecting, the temple officials removed them. With this, the devotees experienced inconvenience due to unfavourable weather conditions. Following diversions, a number of junctions, including BRTS road, Vepagunta, Hanumanthawaka, Gopalapatnam, Pendurthi, witnessed heavy traffic congestions. For the first time, the district officials utilised an Artificial Intelligence-based facial recognition technology system to record an accurate number of devotees taking part in the Giri Pradakshina. Special arrangement was made to record the event near Simhachalam and the AI kept recording each second. Serving the devotees in various ways all along the trek, several NGO representatives pitched in setting up stalls and reaching out to the devotees, providing them, medicines, water, refreshments, etc. Volunteers of Sri Sathya SaiSeva organisations, including Simhachalam Samithi, Madhavadh Samithi, did yeoman's service to the devotees circumambulating 32-km-long trek. As part of the service activity, the volunteers offered foot massages to the devotees using herbal oil. Providing relief to the devotees, their service was well appreciated by the pilgrims. In addition to the foot massage, the volunteers served tiffins and refreshments to the devotees at various locations. With complete coordination of endowments, district administration, police, GVMC officials, the festival was organised in a hassle-free manner.
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Lakhs take part in Simhachalam Giri Pradakshina
Visakhapatnam: Lakhs of devotees participated in the Giri Pradakshina of Simhachalam Temple, braving a 32 km journey around the Simhachalam hill on foot, mostly barefoot. The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) authorities used artificial intelligence-based facial recognition to count the number of devotees, which crossed two lakhs by late night. The annual festival of Lord Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy started after 2 pm, but devotees began their spiritual walk much before the god's chariot started its journey. The hereditary trustee, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, started the Giri Pradakshina chariot along with Bheemili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Visakha West MLA Ganababu, and MPs M Sribharat, Kalisetti Appala Naidu. Around 125 kilos of Srigandham were offered to Lord Narasimha Swamy. For those unable to complete the 32 km Giri Pradakshina, the temple authorities provided Alaya Pradakshina at 3 am. The devotees, including the elderly, children, and women in large numbers, were seen taking part in the Pradakshina, chanting "Govinda" and filling the air with spiritual fervor. Many voluntary organizations extended their services by providing Anna Prasadam and snacks to thousands of devotees along the 32 km stretch. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Launch: 2/3/4 BHK Luxury in Panvel L&T Panvel Enquire Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola The Sri Satya Sai Seva organisation provided massages to relieve leg pains and offered milk, prasadam, and snacks to the devotees. The authorities made extensive arrangements, including 40 counters with 100 iron girders, 400 temporary toilets, and 120 permanent toilets. Lighting was provided in 32 dark places on the route with 750 lights. Medical camps, ambulances, and super-specialty medical teams were stationed along the stretch. Drinking water points, public address systems, control rooms, and other facilities were also arranged. However, traffic restrictions caused discomfort to commuters in the city, with many internal roads close to the Giri Pradakshina route closed. People in MVP Colony, Venkojipalem, HB Colony, and Seetammadhara area expressed anger due to the road closures.
