After a 34-year odyssey as a regional party, the Telugu Desam Party metamorphosed into a national party on Friday, with its leaders unanimously electing A.P. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu as president of its central committee.
Mr. Naidu’s election was announced by senior leader Kala Venkata Rao during the concluding session of the three-day Mahanadu. Later, another senior leader, E. Peddi Reddy, administered the oath to Mr. Naidu, who pledged to work for the equal development of States and create an egalitarian society.
As many as 30 sets of nominations were filed proposing and seconding only the name of Mr. Naidu by party leaders from both the States on Thursday.
Three roles
Observing that he has been TDP president since 1995, Mr. Naidu said the party was fulfilling three roles at present - ruling party in AP, Opposition party in TS and NDA partner at the Centre. On post-bifurcation differences between AP and TS, he urged the Centre to help the two States overcome them.
