Simmering differences between Telugu Desam president, N. Chandrababu Naidu and his brother-in-law, Harikrishna came to the fore again on Tuesday with the latter’s son, Junior NTR making it clear that nobody invited him to the ongoing Mahanadu.
His not so subtle barb apparently aimed at the TDP leadership added a dash of colour and confusion to the otherwise staid proceedings at the venue of the Mahanadu at Gandipet.
Using the opportunity of paying homage to his grandfather, NTR, at his memorial on the banks of Hussainsagar on his 90 birth anniversary, he told mediapersons that he would not mind attending the big event even if it was late in the day provided he gets the invite.
Showering praise on NTR to the exclusion of others, he said in good measure that he had great respect for NTR, whether it was the party set up by him or the Mahanadu he had begun.
“My grandfather is such a great man. I wish to be born in his family for generations.” As it was his grandfather’s party he would wish it and the Mahanadu good luck and the party’s return to power. For the same reason he would remain with the TDP forever.
Party leaders’ take
Party leaders immediately got into damage control mode at the Mahanadu with spokesmen clarifying to mediapersons that an invitation had indeed gone to Junior NTR and his father Mr. Harikrishna, too and explained how the latter had attended the inaugural session on Monday.
With Mr. Harikrishna gracing the event on the inaugural day unlike previous Mahanadu when he appeared upset at the way Mr. Naidu’s son, Lokesh was projected, senior leaders in the party thought there would be no problem this time round. But NTR Jr’s comments clearly put a spanner, indicating that the differences were far from over.
In fact, Mr. Harikrishna too told a section of TV channels that his son was not invited. But he would not make it an issue as it was neither the forum nor the opportune time.
Due recognition
During an interaction with reporters on Saturday, Mr. Naidu, when asked whether he was pushing his son into party affairs, was clear in stating that only those who work for the party would get due recognition.
