Political Awareness Among Telugus Began with NTR: Balakrishna

Actor and politician Nandamuri Balakrishna paid tributes to his father, the late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), on the occasion of his death anniversary. Balakrishna, along with family members, including Ramakrishna and Nandamuri Suhasini, participated in a tribute ceremony held at the NTR Ghat in Hyderabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Balakrishna described NTR as unparalleled both as an actor and a leader. He highlighted that NTR established the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to serve the underprivileged and attributed the rise of political awareness among Telugus to his father’s vision and leadership.

Balakrishna further noted that NTR introduced several reforms aimed at bringing governance closer to the people. He stated that Telugu politics were transformed into "before NTR and after NTR" eras, underscoring the late leader’s influence.

He remarked that many schemes introduced by NTR are still being implemented by contemporary governments. According to Balakrishna, NTR is revered as a godlike figure by various communities. He also credited NTR for addressing the water crisis in Madras (now Chennai) and for his unique ability to empower party workers by grooming them into leaders.