Politics in Andhra Pradesh witnessed a gargantuan re-orientation under the reign of the NTR dispensation. He tasted triumph in politics and celluloid like no one else, though he left the world of the silver screen for his vested interest in politics.
A cult personality, who changed the face of politics, NTR served the state as the chief minister. An icon and role model, especially to the Telugu community, he turned the history to a new level by coming into power in just nine months of establishing a political party. One of the Telugu forerunners in politics, he brought nationwide importance to a regional party that made everyone look at the community as a whole in respect and adoration.
There is a popular view that NTR's mythological roles played a significant part in shaping up his political career. The actor who played Krishna in 17 films would dress up in costumes of mythological characters even during his stint as CM.
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Driven by the vision of Andhra's distinct identity he founded his own political party and eventually went on to become a three-term-CM of Andhra Pradesh.
Etched in the pages of history, Rama Rao's contributions in politics will remain unparallel forever.
Replacing thatched shanty, he built 500,000 houses for the underprivileged.
From creating special commando force for Andhra to introducing Rs 2 per kg rice for agricultural labourers to combating Naxalism both ideologically and militarily, NTR has set a milestone in the political arena. Communal rioting in Hyderabad had also been put to rest for good during his term.
