TDP to launch membership drive to attain national party status

The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Saturday decided to expand its reach in neighbouring states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and also in Andaman and Nicobar Islands in order to establish it as a national party.

The decision was taken in a party's Polit Bureau meeting chaired by TDP president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, in which it decided to launch membership drives in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which have a sizable population of people of Telugu origin.

"Membership drive will start in the neighbouring states this month. It will be held in Bangalore and Chennai on May 10 from 10 AM and 4 PM onwards, respectively. In Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it will take place on May 14," senior TDP leader Payyavula Keshav told reporters after the meeting.

A three-member committee, headed by senior party leader and State finance minster Y Ramakrishnudu, will undertake a study on efforts and strategies required to make TDP as a national party.

TDP supporters have already been conducting activities in the neighbouring states.

Coordinator for TDP's workers' welfare fund, Lokesh, son of Naidu, said the party has provided insurance benefit to over 500 activists who lost their lives in last few years.

Lokesh's work as the coordinator was also acknowledged by the Polit Bureau during the meeting.

He said he will present an action plan on steps to be taken for welfare activities of workers.

Meanwhile, TDP's annual convention 'Mahanadu' would be held in Hyderabad for three days at its traditional venue- Gandipet this year, added Lokesh.

The 30-year-old party, founded by legendary actor N T Rama Rao in 1982, is a part of the NDA government at Centre and is the major opposition party in Telangana.