Revanth Reddy hails NTR as a leader outside of politics

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy (not pictured) unveils a statue of former chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh NT Rama Rao at Maitrivanam Junction in Hyderabad on Thursday as part of his 103rd birth anniversary celebrations. | Photo credit: G RAMAKRISHNA

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy described that the welfare programs in Telangana were inspired by the visions and seeds laid by the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and the late Chief Minister of the Combined State of Andhra Pradesh NT Rama Rao.

He said that anyone seeking inspiration from Indian history should remember three great national icons, Dr. BR Ambedkar, Indiru Gandhi and NT Rama Rao who brought significant change in people’s lives through their politics.

Unveiling the statue of NT Rama Rao at Maitrivanam in Ameerpet, Mr Reddy described Telugu Desam Party founder NT Rama Rao as “a great leader of whom the nation would always be proud”.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy unveils a statue of former chief minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh NT Rama Rao at Maitrivanam Junction in Hyderabad on Thursday. | Photo credit: G RAMAKRISHNA

The Chief Minister said that Dr. Ambedkar secured voting rights for the poor through the constitution, while former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi introduced land reforms that empowered the underprivileged. On the other hand, Mr NT Rama Rao gave political power to the downtrodden, abolished the ‘Patel Patwari’ system in the united Andhra Pradesh and also empowered women by making them equal partners in the share of property.

Reacting to the criticism of the Congress Chief Minister who unveiled the statue of NT Rama Rao, he said the legend belongs to the entire nation and transcends caste, religion and regional divides. “It’s not just about unveiling a statue, it’s about honoring an inspiration that transcends politics,” he said.

The Chief Minister recalled that Mr NT Rama Rao introduced and encouraged several prominent leaders from Telangana including Tummala Nageswara Rao, Mandava Venkateswara Rao, Kadiyam Srihari and Motkupalli Narasimhulu. He also noted that former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao also got his political life from NT Rama Rao.

Mr Reddy said the inspiration behind the state government’s subsidized fine rice scheme lies in the historic NTR scheme of ₹ 2 per kg rice. He added that several social measures for women and the weaker sections were also inspired by the legendary leader. “The inspiration of Indiramma and NTR is visible in every decision taken by our government,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that the government is working to empower one million women economically and make farmers prosperous. He also recalled that NTR had effectively introduced reservations for women in local bodies on the initiative of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

The Chief Minister also recalled how the government plans to establish a 30,000-acre ‘City of Future Bharat’ and attract global companies, inspired by the combined Chief Minister AP N Chandrababu Naidu and Congress governments to create new cities in Hyderabad.

Published – 28 May 2026 21:36 IST