Most popular persons among TDP activists

I have conducted a small survey to find out the popular leaders in the Telugu Desam Party during Mahanadu. Party activists still have resounding faith in the Nandamuri family. Paritala Ravi is still revered as “Hero” by TDP activists cutting across all regions. Surprise finding of the survey is GMC Balayogi and Y. Madhava Reddy are more popular than some of the current Politbureau members. Paritala Sunitha, Roja, Mullapudi Renuka and Nannapaneni Rajakumari are popular women leaders.

Popularity among TDP activists:

1. N.T. Ramarao
2. N. Chandrababu Naidu
3. Paritala Ravi – He is more popular than Chandrababu Naidu in the youth.
4. N. Balakrishna
5. N. Harikrishna
6. Ramoji Rao
7. Nagam Janardhana Reddy - He is the rising star in the Party.
8. T. Devender Goud - He is liked by Telangana activists but disliked by Andhra and Rayalaseema activists.

Leaders like Karanam Balarama Krishna Murthy, Kodela Sivaprasada Rao, Yerram Naidu and Bhooma Nagireddy are popular only in select regions.

I request more comprehensive survey to find out the opinions of party activists regarding party leaders.

Highlights of Hindu Editor interview in Eenadu telugu daily

Eenadu, Andhra Pradesh news daily, today published interview with Hindu daily editor N.Ram. Excerpts of his views on Margadarsi Chits, Eenadu, Media and Andhra congress government.

• Andhra government is trying to attack the freedom of media.


• Eenadu is third largest read daily in India. So, attack on Eenadu is a national issue.


• Congress government is attacking the financial resources of Eenadu and ETV.
  
• I have talked to RBI sources. They said that there is nothing wrong with the Margadarsi chits.


• Governments never succeed in their attacks on the media. Ex. Emergency in 1977. Voters always rejected such governments.


• Eenadu wonderfully investigated and published the corruption in the congress government.
  
• Eenadu unearthed almost 30 scams.


• Ramoji Rao bravely said in his editorial as Eenadu is the main opposition .


• Hindu stands behind Eenadu in this episode. Government should learn to respect fourth estate i.e; media.


• Congress government is trying to divide and rule the media. Othe media institutions should not fell in this trap . They will face the same fate in the future.


• Margadarsi has good track record. No investor complained against Margadarsi.


• Eenadu stood behind The hindu daily when it faced the same threat in Tamilanadu.


• I believe in judiciary. Courts always do justice.


• Even Telugu Desam government faced the same problems during YSR's "PADAYATRA."


• Congress high command should not take this issue lightly. It should instruct its Andhra government with proper guidance.


• We will stand behind Eenadu and protect the freedom of Media.

Please comment on this interview.

Rediff Article on Telugu Desam

This is the Rediff.com article on Telugu Desam, its leadership and party history. This article was published before 2004 elections.

Highlights of the Article :

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao -- or simply "NTR" -- was keen to do something for the people. He resolved to dedicate his life to social work after he turned 60.

While filming "Sardar Paparayudu" in October 1981, he suddenly announced plans to float a political party.
Telugu Desam Party was formed in March 1982. NTR turned 60 on May 28, 1982.

NTR built his Telugu Desam Party with the support of Ramoji Rao, Eenadu daily Editor, the largest circulated newspaper in the state. Both stalwarts were members of NTR's Kamma community.

In January 1983, the TDP came to power with an stunning majority, winning 198 of the 294 assembly seats.
NTR was a hugely popular actor, especially owing to several mythological roles which gave him the status of a demi-god in the minds of people. Read more about Telugu Desam here.