Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid glowing tributes to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder and former chief minister N T Rama Rao on his birth anniversary on Thursday. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi described NTR as a legendary leader, outstanding actor, and a champion of Telugu people's self-respect.
"NTR's welfare-oriented governance and efforts for the empowerment of the poor earned him immense affection among the people. His contributions to public life and Indian politics remain unforgettable," Modi said, while also noting that NTR played a "transformative role" in national politics and inspired generations with his leadership and charisma.
TDP national president and Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, along with the party's national general secretary Nara Lokesh and senior leaders, paid floral tributes to NTR before the commencement of the final day's session of Mahanadu. TDP cadres and supporters across different states and several countries also celebrated NTR's birth anniversary with enthusiasm.
Demand for Bharat Ratna
Addressing the Mahanadu session, Naidu said conferring the Bharat Ratna on NTR has been a long-cherished aspiration of Telugu people across the world. The Mahanadu unanimously passed a resolution demanding that the Centre confer Bharat Ratna on NTR.
"He was a towering leader who brought revolutionary changes in Indian politics and became an eternal symbol of Telugu pride and self-respect. NTR's place in the hearts of Telugu people would remain permanent as long as the Telugu race exists," the chief minister said.
NTR's Legacy
Starting his career as a sub-registrar, NTR rose to unparalleled heights in cinema and politics and scripted history by becoming chief minister within nine months of launching the Telugu Desam Party. Recalling NTR's contributions, Naidu said no other leader can match NTR's discipline, fame, and commitment to Telugu self-respect. "His governance stood firmly with farmers, women, workers, and youth. NTR introduced property rights for women and opened political opportunities for the younger generation," he noted.
Referring to Lokesh's proposal at Mahanadu, Naidu said the party would take the lead in implementing 33 percent reservation for women.
