AP Chief Minister slams TRS for opposing

AP Chief Minister slams TRS for opposing mass-contact plan

Reddy said political parties should refrain from politicising a "noble programme" like Rachabanda. It was launched for the common people, especially the poor, women and downtrodden to ensure that the fruits of welfare schemes launched by the State Government reach them, he said. "We have launched the programme to help the poor, the weaker sections, women and the common people who could not get the benefits of many welfare programmes." The CM said his Government, under the programme, was spending Rs 2,500 crore to benefit 1.25 crore people and it was receiving "tremendous" response from the people. The Rachabanda programme was held at 1,470 places throughout the state today - the 15th day: Andhra-602 places, Rayalaseema-271 and Telangana-597. There were reports of minor disruptions at 96 places in Telangana. Rachabanda programme has already covered 21,114 villages/gram panchayats in the state. Till today the Rachabanda programme had been held in 22,584 places. The Chief Minister will participate in Rachabanda in Karimnagar and Warangal districts tomorrow, an official release said.

Two arrested for chain snatching, motor vehicle theft

New Delhi, Feb 9 (PTI) Two youths were arrested in the national capital for their alleged involvement in over 20 cases of motor vehicle theft and chain snatching, police said today.Paramjeet (31) and Fayem (23) were apprehended from Peetampura yesterday when they were about to commit a chain snatching."Paramjeet turned a chain snatcher after failing to make a living doing odd jobs. He did not have a motorcycle and he joined an autolifters' gang. He spent the money on his three girlfriends," a senior police official said.He was working in companies. Sadik, another associate of Paramjeet, is still absconding.

Junaid is a good prospect and bowls with pace

Junaid is a good prospect and bowls with pace: Alam

Karachi, Feb 9 (PTI) Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam today rued the absence of Sohail Tanvir in the World Cup squad but felt the left-arm pacer's replacement, Junaid Khan, could be used as a surprise package on the sub-continental wickets. "It is a blow to lose an experienced bowler so close to the World Cup but Junaid is a good prospect and bowls with pace. He could be useful on the tracks in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh," Alam said. "One could not rule out the surprise element that Junaid would bring to the World Cup squad," he said. Alam also pointed out that the 21-year-old pacer is no stranger to international cricket, having played for Pakistan 'A' and under-19 teams. Junaid hails from Matra in the Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province, and has taken 167 wickets from 35 first class matches for Abbotabad. The Pakistan team management was forced to review its World Cup plans after Tanvir was dropped from the squad due to fitness issues. "We don't want half-fit players in the side and Tanvir has struggled with his knee problem even in New Zealand," Alam told reporters in Lahore. He said that the team management had asked the medical panel of the board to look at Tanvir's fitness, and the panel felt he was not 100 per cent fit for the World Cup. Junaid, meanwhile, said he was ecstatic to get a chance to play for Pakistan in a big event like World Cup. "Imran Khan has always been my inspiration and idol and if I get a chance to play a match, I will try to impress everyone and work hard," Junaid said. The PCB had earlier said in a statement that Junaid will replace Tanvir who was yet to recover from a knee injury. "The medical panel opined that though the recovery from a knee operation was good, during the (New Zealand) tour it was observed that quick movements and pickup with weight particularly on the operated knee is hindering his mobility and requires him to take a few extra steps to balance himself before throwing," the PCB statement read. In the absence of Tanvir, Pakistan's pace attack would now comprise of Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq.