14 hours ago
A historic shift towards continuity, change
The Telugu Desam Party's (TDP) annual Mahanadu, held recently in Pabbapuram on the outskirts of Kadapa, was more than just a celebration of the late NTR's birth anniversary. It served as a crucial platform for both cadre and leaders to express their views, adopting resolutions that carry socio-political, economic, and cultural significance for Telugus worldwide. These resolutions will guide the party's direction for the foreseeable future.
The Kadapa Mahanadu marked a historic turning point for the TDP, signaling a clear intent for change with continuity in adapting to contemporary times.
By choosing Kadapa as the venue, the party leadership sent a strong message of its renewed focus on the Rayalaseema vote bank. Previously, Mahanadu was primarily held in Tirupati within the Rayalaseema region, with numerous events in coastal Andhra. The decision to hold it in Kadapa has instilled confidence among the party cadre and leadership that Rayalaseema will receive significant attention in the coming days, underscoring the importance of the 'Mission Rayalaseema' resolution adopted at the event.
A strong signal regarding leadership change was also evident. The Mahanadu-2025 flags themselves appeared to embody this transition, featuring the late NTR at the centre, flanked by Nara Chandrababu Naidu on one side and Nara Lokesh on the other. Despite Lokesh playing down the speculation, it seems the stage is set for a leadership transition within the TDP. This timing aligns with the demographic advantage of youth, as a majority of voters now fall into the younger age category.
The party leadership, aiming to capture the youth vote, is steadily promoting Nara Lokesh as a youth icon. Lokesh has already proven his mettle through the 'Yuvagalam' walkathon, silencing critics both within and outside the party. He is poised to become the new-generation leader for the TDP, steering the party with renewed vigor to meet changing times while upholding its fundamental principles.
To ensure a seamless transition of change with continuity, the TDP has adopted six guiding principles for the coming decades: Jaathi-Viswakhyathi (Global Eminence for Telugus), 2. Stree Sakthi (Women Empowerment), 3. Social Reengineering, 4. Yuvagalam (Voice of Youth), 5. Annadaataku Andaga (Support to Farmers), 6. Karyakarthe Adhinetha (Cadre is Supreme).
While some of these principles are not entirely new to the TDP, their reiteration and prominent celebration at Mahanadu are noteworthy. For instance, the TDP government was the first in the country to genuinely provide property rights to women. Similarly, the TDP initiated social reengineering through housing programs, providing rice at Rs 2 per kilo to the poor, and uplifting socially vulnerable and weaker sections. Historically, the TDP has been perceived as a rural party with a strong farmer base, a perception that has only recently begun to shift.
The new principle of 'cadre is supreme' appears to be a reiteration of a unique concept, reminiscent of Alexandre Auguste Ledru-Rollin's 1848 French Revolution slogan, "There go the people. I must follow them, for I am their leader." The adoption of this principle by the TDP underscores the deepening roots of democracy within our society, signifying that leadership can no longer ignore its foot soldiers.
Another principle, 'global eminence for the Telugu community,' acknowledges the growing influence of Telugus worldwide in their respective fields.
Tapping into the Telugu Diaspora can provide long-term benefits for the TDP, leveraging both investments and contributing to the development and welfare of people in both Telugu states. The emphasis on 'Yuvagalam' (Voice of Youth) is particularly timely, given the demographic advantage of young voters and the efforts of all political parties to engage them. The TDP is positioning itself at the forefront of politically engaging youth, aiming at securing their long-term support.
