Andhra Pradesh Politics have two era. One before Telugu Desam Party and the one after Telugu Desam. Until 1980's - it is hard for average Andhra voter to understand the difference between Congress Party, Politics and Government. All are one and same for the citizens. Andhra Pradesh was the Congress bastion (as today, under different circumstances). In 1977 when entire India went in one direction it is Andhra voter along with their another Southern cousins went with Congress. At those times, Congress is a huge, gigantic, formidable organisation. Indira was India. Gandhis are born to rule the world. They were more powerful than moguls and British.
Under those circumstances, the reel life hero, the king of Tollywood - Nandamuri Taraka Ramarao (NTR) launched the Telugu Desam Party. With in nine months, he and his party pipped the legendary Congress in the Assembly elections. Historically, it can be said that raise of Telugu's started. People in the north realised that there four Southern States - and they are all not madrasis.
NTR took many bold decisions - many good, some bad and few worst. What ever respect today, Telugu language enjoys in Hyderabad - all that credit goes to NTR. His success brought an alternative choice to Andhra voters. His welfare schemes were genuine and he tried his best to sustain them. During NTR's and largely, in the Telugu Desam Govt period, Pilgrims to Tirupathi Temple enjoyed best facilities. Corruption in the state was limited to a great extent. Backward communities have got an opportunity to establish their political identity. Subsequently, his Son-in-Law Chandra Babu Naidu rule moved Andhra towards major economic reforms. The introduction of online services benefited the citizens. Hyderabad became an happening place - largely due to efforts of the Telugu Desam Party. Babu brought a sense of accountability to the Government.
On the flip side, the emergence of the TDP, split hyper sensitive Andhra society further on caste basis. NTR's social welfare measuresa that proved a disaster for the Govt treasury have been largely rectified by Babu. But, these swings in the policies made the farmers and village economies to suffer worst. TDP from day one was against Government officials and staff. The measures like reduction of retirement age to 55, proved very harsh to middle class families. As a party it is largely identified as a power base of a community and like Congress, the dynastic rule is prevailed by an large.
There is no doubt that NT RamaRao did a great service to Telugus, by launching Telugu Desam Party. It is time to remember the man who sowed the seeds for the protecting the Telegu vari Athma Gowram.
Good luck to Telugu Desam Party!
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