4 naxals were killed in an encounter between the Police and Naxals at Paakibanda-Nerlachalam area in Cuddapah. The dead were believed to be belonging to Paapagni Dalam of the naxal group. Among those who were dead were 3 men and a women believed to be Barathakka. Reports say that the dead were involved in killing of TDP Leader Mr. Basireddy recently. DGP Mr Rervaram Ramulu 2 of the dead were in olive green uniform while the other 2 were in mufti. An AK 47, 303 rifles were recovered from the spot.

Mrs. Mahabooda Begum - a person involved in the recent child misappropriation case from a Hyderabad hospital was arrested by Charminar police this morning. She was put before Namapalli IInd Metropolitan Magistrate who has ordered for judicial custody. Mrs. Begum has an option of taking a bail on deposit of Rs. 5000/- which she did not take. She said that she was not alone involved in the case and that Hospital staff were also behind the task.

Minister Sri Vijaya Rama Rao said that over 140 countries were already implementing VAT and that support from all states is required for its effective implementation in the country. He spoke at a Seminar on 'Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms' organized by Indian Institute of Public Administration, AP Regional Branch. He said that a fixed scheme has to be brought out for collection of taxes.

Chief Minister Mr. N Chandrababu Naidu said that TDP Party will be continuing support to the NDA-led Government at the Center to bring a stable Government. He said that TDP agrees with NDA on most issues except on secularism issue on which, he says, there will be no compromise. He said that TDP despite having changes of taking its members to power was not keen on it. CM spoke with PTI today.

TDP Leader Sri Yerran Naidu and others visited the Srinivasa Pranganam in Tirupati that will be hoisting the Mahanadu program of the Telugu Desam Party. He said that all arrangements for the program were completed. A poster on the party featuring TDP President Mr. N Chandrababu Naidu was released.

A fire accident in Aaluchauka in Khammam has burnt over 150 houses and loss of Rs. 1 Crore worth property. The Regional Panchayat office and Post Office were also among those which are caught fire. Minister Sri T Nageswara Rao spoke with District Collector and asked to make necessary arrangements.

APSRTC said that nearly 5000 employees are ready to take VRS if Government gives a green signal. This will be costing over Rs. 200 Crores would be required - Chairperson B Sobha Nagareddy said in a press meet today. The scheme will be implemented in a couple of months time. Speaking on the performance of the Corporation, she said that the Road Transport Corporation is currently coming out from the loss track and said is destined towards profits. 2 Jaishe-Mohammad terrorists killed in Jammu.

CLP Leader Dr. Y S Rajasekhar Reddy stated that the new promises by CM were just another election gimmick. He commented that CM is good at fooling people with his strategies. YSR who walked for over 3 kms from his resting place at a local garden till the Airport said that his Praja Prasthana Paada Yatra will continue from tomorrow. Tomorrow's YSR walk will be for a short distance in East Godavari and the normal schedule will be followed from the day next. Dr YSR distributed clothes to the poor as a mark of death anniversary of his father Sri Raja Reddy.

Meanwhile, Congress Spokesman K Rosayya, today in Hyderabad said that Chief Ministers action in regard to water project is not correct. Giving a reference, he said that CM did not respond appropriately when Water projects were granted by the then Prime Minister Mr. Devagowda in favor of our neighboring states.

Kunrool District Congress Committee displayed their support to Dr. YSR's Prajaprasthanam by starting a Paada yaatra program in their district. The program is aimed at touring over 630 kms in various constituencies in the district and understanding the problems of the people. The program was flagged off by APCC President Sri M Satyanarayana Rao who said that the program will increase unity among the congress workers.

Events and happenings on 23 May in History

23 May 2001
Highlights: TDP says Neeru - Meeru is not a Party programme

23 May 2002
Highlights: CM meets Districts Collectors - asks them to be Managers rather than just Revenue Collectors

23 May 2003
Highlights: Barathakka believed to be among 4 naxals killed in encounter

23 May 2004
Highlights: Dissidence its media creation says YSR

23 May 2005
Highlights: Maoist threat to Government

23 May 2006
Highlights: Mobile post office scheme inaugurated

23 May 2007
Highlights: State Human Rights Commission issues notices on police firing incident