NTR belongs to all Telugu people: CM

Hyderabad: Chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Thursday sought to position Telugu cinema icon and former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) alongside national figures such as BR Ambedkar and former prime minister Indira Gandhi, describing him as one of the greatest leaders in Indian history.Speaking after unveiling NTR’s statue at Maitrivanam junction in Ameerpet, Revanth said the country would continue to remember Ambedkar, Indira Gandhi and NTR for generations.Amid criticism from some quarters over installing NTR’s statue in Hyderabad because he belonged to Andhra Pradesh, the chief minister asserted that NTR transcended regional boundaries and belonged to the entire Telugu community.“NTR belongs to all Telugu people, beyond caste, religion and regional boundaries. As a chief minister, unveiling his statue is one of the most memorable moments of my life. There is no question of being afraid of criticism in this matter,” Revanth said.Linking the Congress govt’s welfare agenda with the legacy of both Indira Gandhi and NTR, the chief minister said: “Our governance is a combination of Indiramma’s blessings and NTR’s inspiration.”He said several flagship welfare schemes of the present govt drew inspiration from initiatives introduced during NTR’s tenure. According to him, the ‘Indiramma Indlu’ housing scheme evolved from NTR’s housing programmes, while the govt’s fine rice distribution scheme was inspired by NTR’s iconic Rs 2-per-kg rice programme. He also said the ‘Indiramma sarees’ initiative reflected the spirit of NTR’s ‘Janata Vastra’ programme.Revanth credited NTR with abolishing the ‘patel-patwari’ system and empowering Backward Classes politically. He said Indira Gandhi worked for the upliftment of SCs, STs and minorities, while NTR ensured dignity and self-respect for weaker sections.In a pointed political remark, the chief minister said even former chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao began his political journey under NTR’s leadership.