The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) urban unit celebrated the party formation day in a grand manner.
TDP urban president K. Nagul Meera, TDP Vijayawada Parliamentary constituency in-charge Kesineni Srinivas (Nani) and others garlanded the statue of TDP founder president N.T. Rama Rao at NTR Circle here on Friday.
On the occasion, Mr. Nani said that NTR founded the party at a time when the people were facing hardship under atrocious rule of Congress.
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The party faced many ups and downs during last 32 years and won the hearts of millions of people. Though it was a regional party, the TDP played a pivotal role in national politics. It was partner in alliance governments and guiding light for the governments at centre. The cadre were the biggest support to the party, he said, adding the TDP would romp home in 2014 elections.
Mr. Meera said that TDP president N. Chandrababu Naidu promised to earmark 100 seats to BCs in the party’s BC declaration. The dalit could become speaker of parliament only because of the TDP. The party also provided 33 per cent reservation to women in local bodies, and took many revolutionary decisions, he said.
Telugu Desam Party formation day was celebrated at its district office here under the aegis of party urban president B. Srinivas Yadav, District Cooperative Central Bank Chairman M. Venkata Subbaiah and District Cooperative Marketing Society Chairman I. Sambasiva Rao.
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On the occasion, Mr. Srinivas Yadav said N.T. Rama Rao had enhanced the pride of Telugu people and improved the living conditions of poor people by implementing various schemes like distributing a kilogram of rice for just Rs. 2 under the PDS.
He steered the TDP to power within just six months of its formation, which is a feat not accomplished by any other party. More importantly, his foray into politics halted the surge of Congress which did little for the masses.
Mr. Venkata Subbaiah said the benefits of welfare schemes had reached the targeted sections during the TDP regime, unlike in the present dispensation which has become synonymous with corruption and scandals.
Party leaders Y. Durga Rao, former MLA S.M. Ziauddin, and others participated. Earlier, leaders hoisted the party flag and paid floral tributes to NTR.