Revanth Reddy Installs NTR Statue to Garner TDP Support in Telangana

In a strategic political move, Telangana Congress leader Revanth Reddy unveiled a statue of the late N. T. Rama Rao on May 28 in Ameerpet, commemorating the leader's birth anniversary. Analysts view this gesture as an attempt to rally the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) support base ahead of crucial local elections.

The TDP, which has faced diminished influence in Telangana since the state's formation in 2014, maintains a loyal following in regions like Hyderabad and Khammam. Despite abstaining from Assembly and Lok Sabha polls recently, their foundational cadre remains robust. Reddy's homage to NTR, a past rival of the Congress, underscores a renewed focus on attracting Andhra-native voters for the Congress in upcoming municipal elections.

Reddy, formerly with the TDP before joining Congress in 2017, emphasized NTR's cross-regional legacy and vowed that current welfare programs are inspired by NTR and Indira Gandhi's ideals. The Congress hopes this approach will bolster their prospects in fights for civic bodies in Hyderabad, where the electorate's allegiance is keenly contested.

TDP spokesperson Neelayapalem Vijay Kumar acknowledged the strategic significance of NTR's statue unveiling as a testament to the party's enduring grassroots strength. Upcoming elections, particularly in Hyderabad's newly reorganized municipal corporations, will be pivotal in determining whether these political maneuvers resonate with voters.

(With inputs from agencies.)