Andhra Pradesh

Balakrishna unveils NTR’s statue

KANCHIKACHELRA (Krishna District): Late NTR’s son and cine hero Nandamuri Balakrishna unveiled a statue of his father at G. Kondur near here on Sunday amidst a noisy din raised by cheering crowds and enthusiastic participation by the Telugu Desam Party’s rank and file in the area.

Mr. Balakrishna took all the care in avoiding any hint or suggestion about his political intentions, which was despite the fact that his fans kept raising slogans in favour of his entry into the electoral arena.

The actor participated in the TDP’s programme at G. Kondur en route to Machilipatnam to participate in the audio release function of his film “Pandurangadu” in the evening.

After unveiling the impressive statue of NTR, Mr. Balakrishna made a brief speech at a public meeting organised nearby where he preferred to dwell on the respect and the fond remembrances he had for the late NTR rather than sending a political message. The TDP cadres expected some interesting developments, as it was the first meeting being addressed by Mr. Balakrishna after the party president N. Chandrababu Naidu announced NTR’s sons’ active participation in the party’s political campaigns.

The few words that Mr. Balakrishna uttered from the dais were about the outstanding service that late NTR did in bringing back the past glory to Telugu language and all Telugu-speaking people all over the world.

“I am proud of being son of such a great man. His contribution to Telugu people is enormous. It is my good fortune to be his son,” he said, as the crowds went into rapturous applause.

Amidst slogan-shouting by activists, Mr. Balakrishna said that everyone should work hard to strengthen the party that late NTR founded to ensure a better deal for Telugu people and this should be borne in mind at all times.

Earlier, Mr. Balakrishna arrived at a private resort near Kanchikacherla in the morning.

A huge and impressive rally with cars and motor-cycles was taken out from Ibrahimpatnam to G. Kondur to mark the significance of the occasion.

Under pressure from the TDP activists, Mr. Balakrishna got on to the top of a jeep and cheered the crowds in the streets of G. Kondur, even as his fans and party workers waved Victory sign to the actor throughout.

TDP district president Ambati Brahmanaiah, urban president Gadde Rammohan, district general secretary Devineni Umamaheswara Rao, NRI Komati Jayaram and Mylavaram TDP incharge Komati Sudhakar and others were present.

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