NTR was Telugu-Velugu, says former MP Murti

Rich tributes paid to Telugu Desam Party founder Visakhapatnam: Paying rich tributes to late NT Rama Rao who founded Telugu Desam Party (TDP) aiming at restoring and recognising the self-respect and self-pride of Telugu-speaking people nationally and internationally, party vice-president and former MP Dr MVVS Murti categorically stated that because of NTR, the Telugu-speaking people were recognised globally. Dr Murti garlanded the statue of NTR at the district party office, Ramnagar, here on Friday to mark the occasion of Foundation Day in which a large number of leaders and activists participated. On this occasion, stating that irrespective of party affiliations majority of leaders liked NTR for his commitment and leadership qualities, the ex-MP called upon all parties not to politicise the ideals of late NTR who had worked hard for betterment of Telugu people. When asked about the delay in conferring 'Bharat Ratna' on NTR, he said: "I don't think that the great leader needs any more recognition as he is in the hearts of all nine crore Telugu-speaking people." Former minister Bandaru Satyanarayana Murty demanded the Chief Minister to call back the five-member minister team, including Ganta Srinivasa Rao, which left for an international 'honeymoon' tour to Russia and other countries as the State has been reeling under darkness on one side and the TD MLAs were on an indefinite fast demanding to improve the power situation in the State. He questioned how the Chief Minister gave the permission to the ministers to go ahead with the foreign jaunt. About the introducing of 'no-confidence motion' in the State Assembly, he said it would be introduced at an appropriate time unlike some other political parties recently. He said the two parties should have discussed the no-confidence issue with the Telugu Desam, which is a 32-year-old party. Clarifying on the expenditure being incurred on the ongoing 'Vastunna-Meekosam' padayatra by party president N Chandrababu Naidu, Mr Bandaru said it was the lookout of the party. The minimum expenditure on flexis and banners would be borne by the respective area leaders, he said adding that there was no burden on the party activists. He reminded that other party leaders too were on similar padayatras. However, senior party leader Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu and his team skipped the celebrations. Party urban district president Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar, M Venkata Rao, City Telugu Mahila president Nargeese, District Telugu Mahila general secretary Aadari Manju, organising secretary Maddala Swarnalatha, Ganagala Satya, M Sridevi, Avva Kantham, City Mahila unit member, former Deputy Mayor Malla Appalaraju M Vasudeva Rao were among those present. Earlier, Dr Murti launched a voluntary blood donation camp to mark the occasion.