They swore by the TDP for nearly four decades since its formation in 1982. They never expected posts nor had “plans to make hay while the sun shines.”
B. Rama Devi, a resident of canal bund in Poranki near here, was watching the life sketches of founder president N.T. Rama Rao with admiration. Ask her what did she got from the party? Giving a perplexed look, the 62-year-old says, “I cannot say. I have been associated with the party since NT Rama Rao time. The bond continues.”
Her husband, 66-year-old Nageswara Rao, adds, “I used to go to villages to sell cloth and saris on my bicycle. It was for our livelihood. I feel it is a pride to participate in party activities.” Mr. Rao receives weaver pension from the State government.
Anumolu Satyanarayana, 76, resident of Lingayapalem in Guntur district, recalls that he was against the Congress from the beginning. He was with the Krishikar Lok Party of Acharya NG Ranga. The TDP arrived on the political scene in 1982 to fight against the Congress and as a vehicle of Telugu pride. “I am proud to say that I am associated with the party since then.”
His life changed suddenly with the State government deciding to construct the capital city Amaravati. He served as village sarpanch and is now district vice president of the TDP. Asked what he got from the party, he shot back, “We don’t allow the idea of looking at the party as revenue spinner. We imbibed that discipline from NTR.”
Sivannarayana, 63, an agriculture labourer from Nandigama in Krishna district, says working for the TDP is his passion and love.
Another agriculture labourer, 60-year-old Pydi Sanyasi, of Burugupeta of Vizianagaram district, says all the 9 voters in his family prefer the TDP. “I eke out livelihood as agriculture labourer. It is mere affection towards NTR and Chandrababu Naidu that binds us with the TDP.”
