TDP amends party constitution for national status

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Wednesday amended its constitution, taking the first step towards attaining national party status.

With the party having presence in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and looking to expand to other states, it amended the constitution to provide for a national framework.

A resolution to this effect was passed unanimously on the first day of the three-day 'Mahanadu' or annual conclave at Gandipet on the outskirts of Hyderabad.

The 34-year-old party dropped the word 'Telugu Nadu' and replaced it with India.

The amendments made in tune with the requirements also provided for a central committee and state presidents instead of one president.

The resolution was tabled after TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu addressed the conclave.

Naidu said this 'Mahanadu' was historic as it was the first after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.

The TDP is in power in Andhra Pradesh and is in opposition in Telangana.

Naidu said the party was planning to expand to other states.

"We are not only there in two states but can have presence in many as states as possible. We need to work out details," he said.

The TDP chief said that with its credibility, the party can attain national status and play its role at the national level.

He said that in the last 34 years, the TDP despite being a regional party played a key role in national politics.

It was part of four out of five non-Congress governments at the Centre.

According to TDP sources, the party was trying to spread its wings to neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka where a sizable number of Telugus reside.

The party already has a unit running in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.