TDP celebrates formation day with tributes to NTR

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Sunday celebrated its 34th formation day by paying rich tributes to its founder leader N.T. Rama Rao.

TDP president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu led the celebrations by unfurling the party flag at NTR Trust Bhavan, the party headquarters here.

This is the first TDP formation day after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to carve out a Telangana state.

Senior TDP leaders from both states participated in the celebrations. TDP units in all districts also observed the day.

Naidu cut a cake and paid floral tributes to NTR, as the TDP founder was popularly known. Describing NTR as the "greatest leader", Naidu said he brought respect and honour to politics.

The TDP chief said though the state was divided, Telugu people remained united. He said the TDP would continue to fight for the well being of people of both the Telugu states.

It was on this day in 1982 that NTR, a famous Telugu actor, formed the TDP on the slogan of Telugu self-respect. He created a record of sorts by coming to power within nine months of forming the party.

NTR died in January 1996, a few months after his son-in-law Chandrababu Naidu led a revolt against him to become the chief minister. Since then Naidu has been the party chief.

In elections last year, the TDP took power in Andhra Pradesh. It is also a partner in the ruling National Democratic Alliance at the centre. The TDP is in the opposition in Telangana.