The presence of Brahmani, daughter-in-law of Telugu Desam president N. Chandrababu Naidu at the launch of a veterinary camp at Gajwel in Medak district on Friday, triggered speculation of her entry into politics ahead of the general elections.
Accompanied by her husband Nara Lokesh and mother-in-law, Nara Bhuvaneswari, Ms. Brahmani, who made her debut public appearance, became a centre of attraction for Masjidpally village (Mulugu mandal) at the inauguration of the camp. Though she was expected to address farmers, she only briefly interacted with them along with Mr. Lokesh. Sources said this was the first time that Ms. Brahmani had participated in a public function after becoming the director of the family-owned Heritage Foods in April this year.
Her participation sparked speculation in the party circles that she could lend a much needed fresh look to the party’s campaign in the coming elections, along with Mr. Lokesh.
Addressing farmers, Mr. Lokesh said activities under “Heritage Farmers’ Welfare Trust” would begin from the New Year. The fund would be created by deducting 10 paise for each litre of milk produced by farmers and sold to the company, which would then release a matching grant. The fund would be used for extending medical insurance to farmers to the tune of Rs. 50,000 and life insurance coverage of Rs. 1 lakh each. The education of farmers’ children would also be supported under the scheme. He denied that his father, Mr. Naidu, had spoken against farmers or said that agriculture was ‘waste’. “Some people have intentionally run a vicious campaign against my father. He only wants me to come to the rescue of farmers and Heritage Foods was started with that aim,” he said, recalling how the company was offering a better price to farmers supplying milk. Besides the presence of Ms. Brahmani, the choice of a village in Medak district of Telangana region for announcement of funds, has raised many an eyebrow.
