YSR Cong leads in AP bypolls; Cong, TDP fighting in 2 seats

June 15, 2012

Hyderabad, June 15: YSR Congress Party candidates maintained leads in about 15 Assembly seats, while Congress and TDP were giving a tough fight in two seats as the counting progressed today in the bypolls held in Andhra Pradesh for 18 Assembly segments and one Lok Sabha constituency.

A close contest was on between the candidates of YSRCP and Congress in Narsapuram in West Godavari district and Ramachandrapuram in East Godavari district, where lead positions were changing frequently.

TDP nominee was ahead in Ongole in Prakasam district.

As the counting of votes moved into the third and fourth rounds, YSRCP nominees were leading in three constituencies of Rayachoti, Kodur and Rajampet.

YSRCP candidate was leading in Kodur by 4,849 votes after the completion of third round, the party candidate was ahead by 18,555 votes after fifth round in Rayachoti. In Rajampet, YSRCP is leading by 12,211 votes after fourth round.

In Payakaraopet, YSRCP was leading by 8,867 votes after sixth round.

In Narasannapet, YSRCP was leading by 1,995 votes after seventh round.In Polavaram, YSRCP was ahead by about 10,000 votes after fifth round. The YSRCP was leading by 1,150 votes in Narsapuram.

In Anantapur, YSRCP was leading by 10,000 votes after sixth round and by 13723 votes in Rayadurg after sixth round.

In Allagadda and Yemmiganur seats in Kurnool district too, YSRCP nominees were ahead of their rivals. The Jaganmohan Reddy-led party was also ahead in Prathipadu and Macherla in Guntur district.

In Nellore Lok Sabha constituency, YSRCP candidate was leading as per initial trends.

In Parkal Assembly segment, the lone seat in Telangana, TRS continued to maintain its lead.

Bypolls to 16 of the 18 Assembly constituencies were necessitated as sitting Congress MLAs were disqualified by the Assembly Speaker for switching loyalty to YSR Congress chief Jaganmohan Reddy and voting against the Congress government during a no-trust vote in December.

Also, actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi resigned as MLA following his election to Rajya Sabha that caused bypoll in another seat.

The sitting Congress MP quit in support of Jagan which necessitated by-election for Lok Sabha constituency in Nellore.

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Tech-enabled Haj 2026: India to equip all pilgrims with smart wristbands

News Network

December 2,2025

A major upgrade in safety and monitoring is planned for Haj 2026, with every Indian pilgrim set to receive a Haj Suvidha smart wristband linked to the official Haj Suvidha mobile app. The initiative aims to support pilgrims—especially senior citizens—who may struggle with smartphones during the 45-day journey.

What the Smart Wristband Will Do

Officials said the device will come with:
•   Location tracking
•   Pedometer
•   SOS emergency button
•   Qibla compass
•   Prayer timings
•   Basic health monitoring

SP Tiwari, secretary of the UP State Haj Committee, said the goal is to make the pilgrimage safer and more comfortable.

“Most Hajis are elderly and not comfortable with mobile apps,” he said. “The smartwatch will help locate pilgrims who forget their way or cannot communicate their location.”

The wristbands will be monitored by the Consulate General of India in Saudi Arabia, similar to mobile tracking via the Haj Suvidha App.

Free Distribution and Training

•   Smart wristbands will be given free of cost.
•   Training for pilgrims will be conducted between January and February 2026.
•   Sample units will reach state Haj committees soon.
•   Final devices will be distributed as pilgrims begin their journey.

New Rules for Accommodation

Two major decisions have also been finalised for Haj 2026:
1. Separate rooms for men and women – including married couples. They may stay on the same floor but must occupy different rooms, following stricter Saudi guidelines.
2. Cooking banned – gas cylinders will not be allowed; all meals will be provided through official catering services arranged by the Haj Committee of India.

These decisions were finalised during a meeting of the Haj Committee of India and state representatives in Mumbai.

Haj Suvidha App Launched Earlier

The government launched the Haj Suvidha App in 2024, offering:

•   Training modules
•   Accommodation and flight details
•   Baggage information
•   SOS and translation tools
•   Grievance redressal

Haj 2026 Quota and Key States

•   India’s total Haj quota for 2026: 1,75,025 pilgrims
•   70% (1,25,000) allotted to the Haj Committee of India
•   30% (around 50,000) reserved for Haj Group Organisers

Uttar Pradesh has the largest allocation (around 30,000 seats), though approximately 18,000 pilgrims are expected to go this year. States with high pilgrim numbers include Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Dates of Haj 2026

The pilgrimage is scheduled to take place from 24 May to 29 May, 2026 (tentative).
Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for Muslims who meet the required conditions.

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