The undercurrents over the right to NTR’s legacy seem to be still raging in the family of late actor-turned politician and founder of Telugu Desam.
This was amply evident from the comments of NTR’s son and actor Nandamuri Balakrishna, who is making his political debut as TDP candidate for the Hindupur Assembly constituency, at an election rally in Srikakulam district on Tuesday.
Referring to his elder brother and former Rajya Sabha member Harikrishna, who had earlier quit Parliament to protest against bifurcation of the State, Balakrishna said the party would give due importance and create appropriate post for him. It is pertinent to note here that Harikrishna too had aspired for party ticket to contest from Hindupur from where late NTR got elected after floating Telugu Desam party. There is no denial of the fact that a silent feud raged between Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Nandamuri Harikrishna over the right to NTR’s political legacy.
The rivalry between Chandrababu Naidu and Harikrishna came into the open when the TDP President ignored the latter’s plea for party ticket to contest from Hindupur and instead Balakrishna was chosen as the party nominee. The “legend” could not question the step-motherly treatment meted out to his elder brother because his daughter was married to the TDP president’s son Nara Lokesh.
Balakrishmna, who was canvassing on behalf of the TDP nominees in Srikakulam district also referred to his elder sister and former Union minister Purandeshwari, who is contesting as a BJP nominee for the Rajampet Lok Sabha constituency and quipped that his itinerary did not include canvassing for her. He, however, said if the party decides he would campaign for the BJP in the constituency since TDP and BJP have entered into an electoral alliance.
As regards NTR Junior taking up campaigning on behalf of TDP, Balakrishna said it was his prerogative and quipped that “he had not extended any formal invitation to anyone to campaign on his behalf” and added that anyone who is interested in the interests of the party can take up campaigning. (NSS)
