Back when the National Congress used to have a monopoly in the combined Andhra Pradesh, a Super Star had ventured into the political spectrum and crushed the party, and went on to become the Chief Minister of the state. He had made it clear that Congress is his enemy and he followed the same till the last.
The Superstar is none other than Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao who locked horns with the Congress party and formed the government. Today marks the 40th formation day of the party. NTR still holds the record of forming the government within nine months of starting a party.
Back in 1982, he had floated the party which was started with the slogan of Telugu Vari Atma Gauravam, which translates to the self-respect of Telugu People. The party had attacked the policy of the Congress to change the Chief Ministers regularly and the electron campaign had worked well for the party in the polls.
After coming to power, NTR had focused on implementing schemes that benefit the poor. His idea to provide rice for Rs 2 per kilo had benefited the poor people in a big way and this had cemented him in the hearts of poor people.
Telugu Desam Party had focused on developing leaders from the BC community. Many leaders from the Telugu states were once nurtured by the Telugu Desam Party. NTR made sure that he would not compromise on the law and order issues.
Paving a way for others, NTR had given an equal share to his daughters in his property along with his sons. He had implemented the same from his house and later brought an act for the same, which was followed by many states later.
After the 1983 thundering win, NTR suffered a big shock with Nadendla Bhaskara Rao taking up the CM Post when NTR went abroad for his heart surgery. Without any second thought, he had campaigned once again in his Chaitanya Ratham vehicle.
The public in the state who were hurt looking at NTR in such a position had voted for the party and Telugu Desam Party had won the second term elections with an even bigger majority. Under his leadership, TDP had scripted history by becoming the first regional party to become the main opposition in Lok Sabha.
