From IPS Officer to Parliamentarian: The Journey of TDP's Krishna Prasad Tenneti
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MP Krishna Prasad Tenneti from Bapatla recently found himself in the spotlight during Lok Sabha proceedings when another parliamentarian referred to him informally as "yaar". This incident brought attention to the first-time MP, whose background is quite distinguished and multifaceted.
A Distinguished Career in Law Enforcement
Krishna Prasad Tenneti, aged 65, is a 1986-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who has served with distinction in various capacities. His most notable position was as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Telangana, where he oversaw law enforcement operations across the state. Born in Razole, East Godavari district, to teacher parents, Tenneti hails from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community and has built an impressive educational and professional portfolio.
Educational Qualifications and Ongoing Pursuits
Tenneti holds an engineering degree from the prestigious National Institute of Technology, Warangal, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Osmania University. Demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning, he is currently pursuing a PhD in sustainable urban mobility, reflecting his interest in modern urban challenges and solutions.
Transition to Politics and Electoral Success
Seen as a staunch supporter of TDP supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Tenneti made his political entry after a long career in the police force. Interestingly, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in July 2023 but was fielded by the TDP from the Bapatla Lok Sabha constituency in the 2024 general elections. In a significant electoral victory, he defeated Nandigam Suresh Babu of the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) by a substantial margin of 2.08 lakh votes, marking his successful transition to parliamentary politics.
Contributions to Public Service and Social Causes
Beyond his police and political careers, Tenneti has been actively involved in various public service initiatives. He served as the chairperson of the Telangana Road Safety Authority and held the position of Additional Director General of Railways and Road Safety. Currently, he serves on the board of governors of the National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, contributing to educational governance.
Through his NGO, the Krishna Prasad Foundation, he has made substantial contributions to social welfare. During the Covid-19 pandemic, his foundation worked closely with the American India Foundation to mobilize critical medical equipment. The NGO played a crucial role in procuring and donating essential items such as oxygen cylinders, ventilators, concentrators, and monitors to medical facilities across the region.
In a notable social initiative last year, Tenneti adopted Yerravalli village in Vikarabad district, Telangana, where he donated bicycles to girl students to help them pursue higher education, demonstrating his commitment to educational empowerment.
Parliamentary Work and Advocacy
As a first-time MP, Tenneti has been active in raising important issues in Parliament, where he serves as a member of the panel of chairpersons. He has vocally criticized IndiGo airlines after mass flight cancellations left thousands of passengers stranded nationwide, and he monitored the airline's decision to refund approximately Rs 610 crore to affected passengers.
In his constituency, he has made special mentions regarding the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in Bapatla and has advocated for expediting the establishment of educational institutions, including Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, highlighting his focus on infrastructure and education development.
Political Reactions and Broader Context
The recent parliamentary disruptions have drawn reactions from TDP officials. TDP national spokesperson Deepak Reddy commented that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is disrespecting parliamentary procedures, suggesting deliberate attempts to undermine institutional efficiency. Reddy further criticized what he described as an "anti-India attitude" in certain political behaviors, though these remarks represent broader political tensions rather than direct commentary on Tenneti's specific incident.
Krishna Prasad Tenneti's journey from a respected IPS officer to a proactive parliamentarian illustrates a unique blend of administrative experience and political engagement, making him a notable figure in contemporary Indian politics.
