When it comes to political rhetoric, BRS Chief KCR carefully chooses his words to highlight the contributions made by former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao (NTR). During their campaigning, KCR and his ministers have used NTR’s name to emphasize their points. Highlighting NTR’s significance, KCR contrasts the Congress era under Indira Gandhi, citing hunger deaths, and praises NTR’s actions during that period.
He points out that while people suffered from hunger during Indira Gandhi’s regime, NTR founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and provided rice at a subsidized rate, showcasing NTR’s pro-people initiatives. Moreover, KCR blames the Congress for historically neglecting the region, merging Telangana with Andhra Pradesh without adequate representation, and overlooking the state’s demands despite various struggles and movements.
He credits the formation of Telangana to the collective efforts and sacrifices of many individuals during the movement, indirectly positioning the Congress as an impediment to the state’s progress. By juxtaposing NTR’s welfare measures with the Congress’s governance, KCR strengthens his narrative against the Congress’s claims of offering “Indiramma Rajyam”.
This move also sparks speculation about KCR’s strategic motives, especially with the absence of TDP’s direct involvement in Telangana’s elections despite the indirect references to NTR and Chandrababu Naidu. KCR’s strategic use of NTR’s legacy serves to counter the Congress’s claims, aligning with his political agenda while drawing parallels between NTR’s governance and the purported promises made by his opponents, thereby shaping the discourse in the lead-up to the elections in Telangana.