Chandrababu Naidu’s Emotional Tribute at NTR’s 30th Death Anniversary Reflects a Legacy That Still Guides Andhra Pradesh
Today marked a poignant chapter in the political and cultural life of Andhra Pradesh as the state remembered one of its most towering figures — Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) — on his 30th death anniversary (18 January 2026). Among those leading the tribute was Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who stood before a gathering of party workers, admirers and well-wishers with visible emotion, delivering a speech that blended personal remembrance with public homage, invoking the enduring legacy of a man who changed the course of politics and public welfare in the region.
Naidu, who is both a senior political leader and NTR’s son-in-law, spoke not merely as a contemporary politician but as someone intimately connected to NTR’s life and work. His words traced the sheer breadth of NTR’s influence — from his days as a cinematic legend to his emergence as a transformative statesman. Recalling moments from NTR’s life, Naidu described him as a leader whose very presence ignited a sense of self-respect among Telugu people. He used evocative phrases — calling NTR an “epochal figure”, a “treasure for the poor” and someone whose vision for the state remains a guiding star even decades after his passing.
What stood out most in Naidu’s address was his emphasis on welfare and development — the core tenets of NTR’s governance that reshaped Andhra Pradesh’s social landscape. He lauded initiatives introduced under NTR’s leadership, painting vivid pictures of how those policies touched everyday lives: everyday essentials such as rice being made affordable, elderly and vulnerable citizens receiving social security pensions, farmers receiving free electricity, and the institutional strengthening of local self-governance through the mandal system. Naidu’s narrative underscored how these were not just policy decisions but profound statements of care that altered the state’s economic and cultural identity.
During the ceremony at the Telugu Desam Party’s central office in Mangalagiri — where party leaders and supporters had gathered in large numbers — Naidu’s tone was reflective yet resolute. He positioned NTR not as a relic of history but as a living influence, arguing that the path the former leader laid is still relevant and worthy of continuation. Several times, Naidu returned to metaphors of guidance and inspiration, indicating that NTR’s journey from a beloved film icon to a visionary political architect remains a wellspring of motivation for new generations of leaders.
Intertwined with his speech were moments of personal tribute. Through social media posts shared during the event, Naidu reiterated his admiration and respect, pledging his ongoing commitment to the principles he believes NTR championed — chiefly dignity, empowerment, and an unwavering focus on public welfare. These sentiments were echoed by other key leaders attending the anniversary programme, reinforcing the widespread esteem in which NTR continues to be held.
By the time the day’s commemorations drew to a close, it was clear that beyond the formal speeches and ceremonies, the occasion served as a collective reaffirmation of the values that NTR stood for: a synthesis of cultural pride, political innovation, and social compassion. For many in the audience, Naidu’s words were not just a reminder of past achievements but an invitation to carry forward a legacy that continues to resonate deeply across Andhra Pradesh and beyond.