Babu revisits NTR to pull off another coup

HYDERABAD: Delegates at Mahanadu, the TDP’s annual general body meeting, saw a different party chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday.Clad in a sparkling white traditional dhoti and a yellow shirt, the former chief minister was, it seemed, in a mood for an image makeover.In both words and deeds, he sought to address the twin issues that had dented his credibility over the years -- coup against his father-inlaw NT Rama Rao and his perceived anti-farmer stance.In doing so, Naidu also sought to pour cold water on NTR’s son Harikrishna’s hopes, if ever there were any, of reclaiming his father’s legacy.“I had never thought of revolting against NTR. I have saved the party in a democratic manner from an evil force (read Lakshmi Parvati),” he claimed in his valedictory address, breaking his silence on a chapter that had been a source of ammunition for his opponents for long.It’s also perhaps the first time in almost 16 years that he had spoken at length on the reasons for dethroning his own father-in-law. “I am a great admirer of NTR. I used to conduct political classes in Gandipet along with NTR. Then I was party convenor and general secretary.I treat NTR as my mentor,” Naidu said.And as he moved on to those tumultuous days of 1995, he recalled, “when I saved the party, all the 200 MLAs and the rank and file of the party were with me.” Stating that his aim behind the move was to protect the party’s future generations, he suggested that it was due to his efforts that “now we are organising meetings with NTR photos and praising his services.” In an indirect warning to Harikrishna, he made it clear that “family relationships are different from politics.” “I never encourage anyone who seeks favours. I know that family relations are important but, they should not be mixed with politics,” Naidu added.At the same time, he took care to dispel the impression that he’s grooming his son Lokesh to succeed him. “My wife or son never interfered in politics. We set some principles in the family and are disciplined,” he said and pointed out that he had pulled up party men in Chandragiri for demanding the political arangetram of Lokesh.The TDP chief also dedicated the Mahanadu to the farmers as he attempted to connect to them.