Chandrababu Naidu accuses BJP of misusing Governor's office
Vijayawada, June 15: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Friday targeted BJP for using the office of the Governor for the political benefits.
"The trend of using the governor's office for Political benefits of the ruling party at the centre, goes against the spirit of the Constitution," he tweeted.
The remarks by Naidu, also the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) President, assume significance as it came on the eve of Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan's meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.
The Governor is expected to brief Modi about the latest political developments in Andhra Pradesh in the wake of ongoing fight for special status by the opposition YSR Congress and also the protests organised recently by the ruling TDP.
Narasimhan, who is Governor of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, had returned to Hyderabad without meeting Modi and Rajnath Singh in April following similar remarks by Naidu.
The TDP chief had then expressed his disapproval over the Governor's style of functioning, alleging that Narasimhan was playing a key role in uniting all opposition parties against the TDP.
Interestingly, BJP's newly-appointed state chief Kanna Lakshminarayana is also in New Delhi to meet Modi. They are likely to discuss the strategy to be adopted by the party in the state.
TDP leaders believe that the BJP is trying to join hands with YSR Congress and Pawan Kalyan's Jana Sena to take on TDP.
The TDP pulled out of the central government and BJP-led NDA in March over the issue of special status to the state. Naidu has since been targeting BJP and Modi for going back on their promise to accord special status.
On several occasions, Naidu alleged that the BJP was hatching a "big conspiracy" against the TDP government and advised his party leaders to be ready to face any situation.
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Karnataka gram panchayats achieve record 89 pc tax collection in 2025-26: Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has achieved a significant milestone in grassroots governance, with 5,943 gram panchayats across the state recording higher tax collection and revenue realisation in 2025-26 compared to the previous financial year, Minister Priyank Kharge said on Thursday.
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj reported total tax collections of Rs 1,382.57 crore in 2025-26, marking an increase of Rs 110.04 crore over Rs 1,272.54 crore collected in 2024-25, the minister’s office said in a statement.
This represents a record 89 per cent realisation of the current demand, the highest in recent years, it added.
The Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj said, “Our focus over the past few years has been on improving systems, ensuring accountability, and empowering local bodies to enhance their own revenue capabilities.”
“It is encouraging to see that every rupee collected is being reinvested into village infrastructure, public services, and local development. This is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural growth,” he added.
Karnataka had previously secured the top position at the national level in tax collection and revenue mobilisation, and the continued upward trend highlights the impact of efficient administration, strict enforcement of regulations, and strengthened tax collection mechanisms.
In 2024-25, gram panchayats had, for the first time in the department’s history, collected Rs 1,272.54 crore, achieving 80 per cent of the current demand.
Building on this momentum, the state further improved performance in 2025–26, reaching a record 89 per cent collection efficiency, the statement said.
This achievement has been driven by extensive awareness campaigns, targeted tax collection drives, and the sustained efforts of officials at all levels—from gram panchayat bill collectors to senior administrators, the minister said, congratulating all staff and officers for their contribution.
Highlighting district-level performance, Priyank noted that Raichur district recorded an exceptional 129 per cent tax collection, while 11 districts across the state achieved over 100 per cent collection, demonstrating strong local-level execution and compliance.
Over the past three years, Karnataka has witnessed a steady upward trend in tax collection. The increased revenue is being channelled into public works, improved civic services, and local development initiatives, contributing to the overall progress of rural communities, he added.
