The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : School for children of slain TDP men

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 29, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

School for children of slain TDP men

Special Correspondent

Mahanadu delegates pay glowing tributes to party founder N.T. Rama Rao

TELUGU MAHILA: Women activists of the Telugu Desam at Mahanadu in Hyderabad on Saturday.

HYDERABAD: The Telugu Desam Party president, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Saturday announced that a "NTR Memorial School" would be set up at Telugu Vijayam at Gandipet here, for the benefit of the children of the needy partymen killed in violence and the poor.

Speaking at the party's Mahanadu, Mr. Naidu on Saturday said the school, comparable to the best in town, would have sixth to tenth classes. This would be in addition to the financial assistance given to kin of deceased workers.

Repair work was on at the Telugu Vijayam building and the school would be opened soon, he said soon after the Mahanadu condoled the death of party workers.

Names of all those killed in attacks by Congress workers and those dying of natural causes and in accidents, were read out by the party leader, Shobha Nagi Reddy.

Earlier, glowing tributes were paid to the party's founder and former Chief Minister, N. T. Rama Rao. Party leaders including Pratibha Bharathi, B. V. Mohan Redy, S. Rajeshwar, recalled the multifaceted personality of NTR, his contribution to films and the State.

K. Bagaiah of the NTR Fans Association appealed to Mr. Naidu to pursue with the Centre, honouring NTR with the Bharat Ratna.

Yellow everywhere

It was as if the city was awash in yellow. The Telugu Desam Party's trademark yellow colour dominated the streetscape with banners and buntings, marking its three-day Mahanadu. The Exhibition Grounds, the venue of the Mahanadu, was no different. From Mr. Chandrababu Naidu down to an ordinary member, made it a point to wear yellow saris or shirts and scarves. There was mela-like atmosphere at the venue. There were two photo exhibitions, one on NTR on his cinematic career and the other on Mr. Naidu capturing his nine-year tenure as Chief Minister. A cultural troupe staged a play and during lunch time some delegates rendered songs. At least two delegates caused a flutter at the inaugural session. The first one, Madan Mohan, said he flew in all the way from the U.S. to attend the Mahanadu. "I was in tears when I heard the TDP had lost in the elections. We should all strive for his return in the 2009 elections," he said.

Embarrassing moment

Another delegate, Vijayalakshmi made a politically incorrect comment by repeatedly saying how it was wrong to accuse Mr. Naidu of backstabbing NTR. Leaders on the dais squirmed in their chairs.

A huge board welcoming the delegates in Urdu and carrying a picture of Mr. Naidu donning a cap was another attraction. Despite brushing up his Telugu, party leader Ashok Gajapathi Raju struggled to read the schedule for the election of the party president.

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