NTR’S political legacy is again at centrestage in Andhra

AMARAVATI: With Andhra Pradesh heading for simultaneous elections to state Assembly and Lok Sabha, the political legacy of late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) is taking the centerstage.

When it comes to political dynasties in the country, few can match the charisma and the melodrama associated with the personality of NTR, as the actor-turned-politician was popularly known.

Even 28 years ater his death, the legacy of the founder of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister dominates the political scene in one way or the other.

Two of the parties in the fray are helmed by his family members.

While his son-in-law N. Chandrababu Naidu continues to head TDP for nearly three decades, his daughter Daggubati Purandeswari is leading the state unit of BJP, a party NTR ideologically differed with.

Interestingly, despite sailing in two boats, Naidu and Purandeswari are sharing public plaforms as the two parties have revived their ties and together with Pawan Kalyan-led Jana Sena Party formed a tripartite alliance to take on ruling YSR Congress Party.

While 73-year-old Naidu is apparently fighting the last elections of his career, the poll outcome is crucial for the future of TDP and Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh, who had an unsuccessful electoral debut in 2019.

Purandeswari, who was named BJP’S state unit President last year, is contesting for Lok Sabha from Rajahmundry, hoping a reversal of political fortune ater the disastrous performance in 2019 when she had finished a distant fourth in Visakhapatnam Lok Sabha constituency.

NTR’S son and popular actor N. Balakrishna is another key member of NTR family hogging the limelight.

He is seeking re-election for a third consecutive term from Hindupur, a constituency which his legendary father represented thrice.

Balakrishna is brother-in-law of Chandrababu Naidu and also father-in-law of Lokesh, who will be once again trying his luck from Mangalagiri Assembly constituency.