NTR’s birth anniversary (28th May) is a timely reminder for the TDP think tank to pause for a moment and reflect as to how he would have led the TDP in the 2009 elections. The man, who was an epitome of self respect and samikhyavadam would not have tolerated the opportunistic alliance called the Kutami. He would have met Dr YSR eye-ball to eye-ball and would have most definitely given the Congress a serious run for its money. One must remember he was the only leader south of the Vindhyas to challenge the might of the great Mrs Gandhi. Leaders like him are never made. To them leadership is intuitive. Their flamboyance and natural empathy towards the common man might at times mislead opponents into thinking that they do not have enough political acumen. Nothing could be further from truth. Chandrababu Naidu, who has been projected as a strategist, actually cannot even hold a candle to the great NTR. Throughout his political career Rama Rao always had control of the infinitely complex caste equations in the state. KCR and the TRS are examples of Babu’s strategic failures. To lose KCR from the TDP is Babu’s blunder. KCR was an ardent follower of Rama Rao. It is not a coincidence that his son is named Taraka Rama Rao. And to think that Chandrababu denied KCR a berth for a one-time flash like Vijaya Rama Rao shows how poorly Babu gauged the consequences of his political actions. Another area where NTR showed the difference between a leader and pretender is in handling Ramoji Rao. Not once did the thespian bow to the diktats of the press baron. Instead he listened to everyone, but like a true leader took his own counsel. NTR did have his faults. They only made him human. What cannot be questioned was his humane understanding of the travails of the common man. The 2 Rs a kilo scheme was his gift to the poorest of the poor. He opened the eyes of Delhi to that intangible and ever shining jewel called the “Telugu Pride.” Till then we were dubbed as Madrasis. NTR changed all that. For that one gesture alone, we will forever be indebted to the man.
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