Chandrababu Naidu renews demand of ‘Bharat Ratna’ for NTR

VIJAYAWADA: Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP president Nara Chandrababu Naidu, while addressing the gathering at NTR centenary celebrations in Vijayawada, said, "NTR's centenary was commemorated in the presence of Superstar Rajnikant, and what better way to mark the legendary actor’s 100th Jayanthi?"

Naidu said: "I've said it before and I'll repeat it again: NTR Garu is not an individual; he's a shakti (power), which is why wherever NTR is present, his inspiration is present. The power of superstar Rajinikanth is that the entire world watches his films despite not understanding the language. When I visited Japan, many people informed me that there is a superstar in your nation, and we love his films. He's not just a fantastic performer but also a fantastic human being.

"We are celebrating NTR's centenary celebrations today, and we recall the great roles he played that no other actor can play again," said the TDP president. Not just this generation, but no performer would ever be able to do such films again. Only he could do those kinds of roles again only if he wad born again and acted in those movies.

Chandrababu Naidu said, "He was not only a wonderful actor but was a great leader. He entered politics not for power, but to save the Telugu people. That’s why he founded the Telugu Desham Party (TDP). He demonstrated how administration should be carried out and how leaders should be accountable. He was disciplined not only in cinema but also in politics. He used to call at 5 a.m. and enquire where I was. I used to meet him at around 4:45 a.m. to avoid getting numerous calls from him. That's how he instilled discipline in me.

"He was chastised when he launched the Rs 2kg rice scheme, but he was unfazed and continued to do what he thought was right."

He was never afraid to make any significant move, which was how he scripted history. Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao was the only leader in Telugu history and the hearts of the Telugu people. “That’s why I am strongly demanding the Bharat Ratna for our patriarch, NTR. Telugu people will not remain silent until he gets the Bharat Ratna award," declared the TDP president.