Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N.T. Rama Rao's son and popular Telugu film actor N. Balakrishna is ready to contest next year's elections as a candidate of TDP.
HYDERABAD: Former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N.T. Rama Rao's son and popular Telugu film actor N. Balakrishna is ready to contest next year's elections as a candidate of the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
He has already agreed to campaign for the party, led by his brother-in-law and former chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Balaiah, as the actor is popularly called, spent a busy day in the coastal district of Krishna Sunday. He unveiled his late father's statue, addressed a meeting organised by TDP and attended a public function for the audio release of his forthcoming film "Pandurangadu".
The actor told a regional television channel that he was ready but it was up to the party leadership to give him ticket to contest. While announcing that he would actively campaign for the party, the actor made it clear that he would not recommend anybody's name for a party ticket.
Balaiah said he would formally announce his entry into politics at an appropriate time. His move is seen as TDP's counter to the plans of Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi to launch a new political party.
"Everybody has the right to float a party," was all NTR's son said on the superstar's plans.
Thousands of his fans attended the audio release function of "Pandurangadu" at Machilipatnam town Sunday night. The function was organised to demonstrate his popularity in the coastal region.
Balaiah, whose daughter was married to Naidu's son last year, recently played a key role in making other members of NTR's family rally behind the TDP chief. Once described by NTR as the true successor to his political legacy, Balaiah was instrumental in ensuring that his brother N. Harikrishna is made Rajya Sabha member.
Junior NTR, the grandson of NTR, and other members of the family have also sided with Naidu, thanks to Balaiah's efforts. However, the TDP founder's daughter and Minister of State for Human Resource N. Purandareshwari has made it clear that she could never forgive Naidu for backstabbing her father.
Naidu had led a revolt against his father-in-law and then chief minister NTR in August 1995. NTR, who had founded the party in 1982 and created a record by storming to power in nine months, died in January 1996.
Meanwhile, another popular Telugu actor Mahesh Babu has denied that he is planning to enter politics on behalf of the ruling Congress party. Son of veteran actor and former Congress MP Krishna, Babu is reportedly being wooed by the ruling party to campaign in the next elections to counter both TDP and Chiranjeevi.
"I don't know the difference between an MLA and an MP. I have no plans to campaign for any party," he told reporters in Hyderabad.
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