Telugu Historyతెలుగు చరిత్ర

N. T. Rama Rao

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR), a film star from Krishna district, founded the Telugu Desam Party in 1982. Nine months later it won the Assembly election of January 1983, and he became Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. He held the office four times between 1983 and 1995, including a return after the Governor removed him in August 1984. A revolt in his party, led by his son-in-law N. Chandrababu Naidu, ended his rule in August 1995. He died in Hyderabad on 18 January 1996.

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, known as NTR, was a Telugu film star who founded the Telugu Desam Party in 1982.12 Less than a year later he became Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.34 He held the office four times before a revolt in his own party ended his rule in 1995, and he died the next year.56

This page follows two Telugu histories: P. Raghunadha Rao’s Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997) and G. Venkataramarao’s Telangana Charitra (2014).32 Both judge his government, often sharply, so their opinions are marked as theirs.

Film star and party founder, 1982

The census handbook of Krishna district names Rama Rao among the great men of the district.1 It calls him a great film actor who founded the Telugu Desam Party, rose quickly in national politics and became Chief Minister.1 Venkataramarao writes that he announced his entry into politics on 2 March 1982.2 He founded the Telugu Desam on 29 March 1982 and became its first president.2

Both histories explain his rise by discontent with the Congress.72 The Congress had changed four Chief Ministers in about four years.23 Raghunadha Rao writes that people felt Congress leaders were giving up Telugu self-respect by running to Delhi for power.3 Rama Rao promised to protect that self-respect.3

First government, 1983–1984

The Assembly election was held on 5 January 1983.3 The Telugu Desam, a party only nine months old, won 202 of the 294 seats.3 Raghunadha Rao notes that fifteen Congress ministers lost, and that most of the winners were new to politics.3 Rama Rao took office on 9 January 1983.42 The Government of India’s yearbook for 1983 lists him as Chief Minister.8

Venkataramarao writes that the first Mahanadu (party conference), held at Vijayawada in May 1983, brought together the leaders of 23 opposition parties.2 Raghunadha Rao lists some early decisions of the new government:49

  • the retirement age of government employees was cut from 58 to 55
  • a new office, the Dharma Mahamatra, was set up to inquire into corrupt officials
  • the hereditary posts of village officers, such as karanam and munsif, were abolished
  • rice was supplied at two rupees a kilo, which kept the support of the poor49

Removal and return, 1984

In 1984 Rama Rao went to the United States for heart surgery.102 He came back to Hyderabad on 14 August 1984, after hearing that his minister N. Bhaskara Rao was trying to become Chief Minister.11 Raghunadha Rao writes that Bhaskara Rao then claimed the support of a large group of Telugu Desam members, with 59 Congress members ready to back him.11

On 15 August 1984 the Governor, Ram Lal, asked Rama Rao to step down.11 Rama Rao said he would prove his majority in the Assembly within 48 hours, but the Governor removed him.1112 Bhaskara Rao was sworn in on 16 August.12 On 21 August Rama Rao took 161 supporting legislators to Delhi to meet the President, Zail Singh.12

Ram Lal resigned on 24 August 1984, and Shankar Dayal Sharma became Governor.13 Bhaskara Rao failed to prove his majority and resigned.1415 On 16 September 1984 Rama Rao returned as Chief Minister.515 In the Lok Sabha election of December 1984, the Telugu Desam won 30 of the 43 seats it contested.16

In power and out, 1985–1989

In the Assembly election of 5 March 1985 the Telugu Desam again won 202 seats.16 Rama Rao began his third term on 9 March 1985.17 One of the government’s first acts abolished the Legislative Council, from 1 June 1985.17 Raghunadha Rao describes the troubles that followed:171819

  • the Supreme Court set aside the lower retirement age, and the state had to pay 158 crore rupees to 40,000 employees
  • in July 1986 the government raised reservations for backward classes to 44 per cent, but the High Court struck down the increase
  • in February 1988 Rama Rao dismissed his whole council of ministers and formed a new one of 23 members171819

Venkataramarao writes that the National Front of opposition parties was formed in August 1988, with Rama Rao as its president.20 In the Assembly election of 1989 the Congress won 180 seats and the Telugu Desam 74.2122 Rama Rao lost at Kalwakurthy but won at Hindupur.22 He resigned as Chief Minister on 27 November 1989.23

Fourth term and fall, 1994–1995

The Telugu Desam swept back to power in the election of December 1994.2425 Rama Rao became Chief Minister for the fourth time on 12 December 1994.25 Venkataramarao writes that he carried out two election promises: rice at two rupees a kilo, and total prohibition of liquor.24

In September 1993 Rama Rao had announced his marriage to Lakshmi Parvathi.24 Both histories say that her growing role in the party divided it.2625 In August 1995 most Telugu Desam legislators gathered round his son-in-law, N. Chandrababu Naidu, at a hotel in Hyderabad.2728

On 30 August 1995 a general meeting of the party elected Chandrababu Naidu as president and abolished the post of president for life.2926 Rama Rao resigned before facing a vote of confidence in the Assembly.29 Raghunadha Rao writes that he fell ill moments after sending his letter and was taken to hospital unconscious.29 Chandrababu Naidu was sworn in as Chief Minister on 1 September 1995.30

Death and judgments

Rama Rao died in Hyderabad on 18 January 1996.6 Raghunadha Rao writes that rumours about his death, and the fight between Lakshmi Parvathi and Chandrababu Naidu for his political legacy, poisoned the politics of the state.6

The census handbook credits him with several reforms in the administration and welfare schemes for the people.1 Venkataramarao is more critical.2631 He writes that Rama Rao won his lasting place in people’s hearts through his films rather than his politics.26 He adds that the popular schemes cost the state about 2,000 crore rupees.31

Where the sources disagree

  • When the Telugu Desam was founded. Venkataramarao dates the founding to 29 March 1982.2 Raghunadha Rao says Rama Rao announced the new party in May 1982.7
  • The surgery in America. Raghunadha Rao says Rama Rao went to America in June 1984.10 Venkataramarao says he left on 24 July 1984.2
  • When the Assembly was dissolved in 1984. Venkataramarao says it was dissolved on 27 September 1984.15 Raghunadha Rao says Rama Rao had it dissolved on 22 November.16
  • The 1994 election. Venkataramarao gives the Telugu Desam 219 of 292 seats.24 Raghunadha Rao gives it 214 of 294.25
  • When he resigned in 1995. Venkataramarao dates the resignation to 30 August 1995.26 Raghunadha Rao dates it to 31 August.29

Footnotes

  1. Director of Census Operations, Andhra Pradesh, Census of India 2001, Andhra Pradesh: District Census Handbook, Krishna District (2006), p. 22 (PDF p. 58) (censusindia.gov.in (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  2. G. Venkataramarao, Telangana Charitra (2014), p. 342 (in Telugu) (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11

  3. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 291 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8

  4. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 292 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  5. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), Appendix 3, list of Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, p. 369 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2

  6. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 317 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  7. P. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (Telugu, revised edition 1997), p. 290 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2

  8. India 1983: A Reference Annual (1983), p. 475, Andhra Pradesh (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). ↩

  9. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 293 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2

  10. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 294 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2

  11. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 295 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  12. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 296 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  13. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 297 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩

  14. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 298 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩

  15. Venkataramarao, Telangana Charitra (2014), p. 344 (in Telugu) (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  16. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 299 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  17. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 301 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  18. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 302 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2

  19. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 303 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2

  20. Venkataramarao, Telangana Charitra (2014), p. 346 (in Telugu) (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩

  21. Venkataramarao, Telangana Charitra (2014), p. 347 (in Telugu) (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩

  22. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 305 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2

  23. India 1990: A Reference Annual (1990), p. 862, events of 27 November 1989 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). ↩

  24. Venkataramarao, Telangana Charitra (2014), p. 355 (in Telugu) (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  25. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 311 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  26. Venkataramarao, Telangana Charitra (2014), p. 356 (in Telugu) (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  27. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 313 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩

  28. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 314 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩

  29. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 315 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  30. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (1997), p. 316 (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩

  31. Venkataramarao, Telangana Charitra (2014), p. 357 (in Telugu) (archive.org (opens in a new tab)). Cite-only; paraphrased. ↩ ↩2

References

Sources (5)
  1. P. Raghunadha Rao, Adhunika Andhrapradesh Charitra (ఆధునిక ఆంధ్రప్రదేశ్ చరిత్ర), Telugu version of History of Modern Andhra Pradesh (opens in a new tab), Sterling Publishers, New Delhi, 1997, pp. 290–305, 311–317, 369. Cite-only; paraphrased. In Telugu. [All rights reserved (cited, not reproduced)]
  2. G. Venkataramarao; C. Narayana Reddy (chief ed.) and J. Chennayya (ed.), Telangana Charitra (తెలంగాణ చరిత్ర) (opens in a new tab), Andhra Saraswata Parishat, Hyderabad, 2014, pp. 340, 342–347, 355–357. Cite-only; paraphrased. In Telugu. [All rights reserved (cited, not reproduced)]
  3. Director of Census Operations, Andhra Pradesh, Census of India 2001, Andhra Pradesh: District Census Handbook, Krishna District (Parts A and B) (opens in a new tab), Census of India, 2006, pp. 22. Cite-only; paraphrased. [All rights reserved (cited, not reproduced)]
  4. Research and Reference Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India 1983: A Reference Annual (opens in a new tab), Publications Division, New Delhi, 1983, pp. 475. [All rights reserved (cited, not reproduced)]
  5. Research and Reference Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, India 1990: A Reference Annual (opens in a new tab), Publications Division, New Delhi, 1990, pp. 862. [All rights reserved (cited, not reproduced)]

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