TDP awaits NTR's 'Oke Oka Maata'

The Telugu Desam Party is buzzing with activities. Each day, there's a new rumour. While Naidu has gotten busy with his Vastunna Meekosam padayatra, actor Bala Krishna is trying to hog the limelight making controversial statements.

Even as more pictures of late NTR are appearing in the YSR Congress party banners, there's no reaction from Jr NTR. The most worrisome thing for both TDP and its chief is the widened rift between Jr NTR and Balayya.

It may be recalled that Balayya had warned NTR of dire consequences if he did not condemn the use of his grandfather's photographs in YSRCP flexis. Shocking though, the actor (NTR) has remained mum on the issue sending out clear signals that he's defying the party orders.

However, the buzz in the film and political fraternity is that Jr NTR reportedly chose not to react as he's miffed with Balayya's public warnings. According to close aides of Jr NTR, the actor is breaking his head over the issue. Sources say, he will soon call a press conference to clarify his stand.

Insiders say that initially NTR was worried about how his latest release Baadshah would fare at the Box Office. However, his fears disappeared after his film made record collections, even surpassing that of Mirchi (especially in the US). This despite the fact that Balayya's fans boycotted the movie.

Now back to politics. NTR, Naidu and Balayya have their own fears that the party's image is taking a beating due to the infighting within TDP. It is learnt that NTR is of the view that he would not get any importance in the TDP as Naidu's son Lokesh is making every effort to make his presence felt in the party. On the other hand, Naidu feels that if action is taken against NTR for defying Balayya's direction, then NTR will not only distance himself from the TDP, but will also take away Sr NTR's image with him.

To add insult to injury, many TDP leaders and NTR fans are openly extending support to Sharmila's padayatra. Some have even said goodbye to TDP and joined YSRCP.

Although Jr NTR is yet to react over the photo row, the feud between YSRCP and TDP is still on. NTR's wife, Lakshmi Parvathi came out in support of YSRCP. She however, criticized the TDP chief of driving away her husband from the party and warned against the use of his name. She even said that Balayya who was with Naidu when he betrayed NTR, also has no moral right to use NTR's name.
Backing YSRCP's use of NTR pictures in its banners, Lakshmi Parvathi said that there was nothing wrong if some of her husband's fans used his picture.

Meanwhile, YSRCP leader Kodali Nani (a staunch supporter of NTR and a close friend of Jr NTR) accused Naidu of being responsible for the death of NTR. He lashed out at the TDP chief for using NTR photos to gain political mileage. Nani said that any party except TDP can use photos of the late leader (NTR).

However, TDP leader Revanth Reddy demanded that YSRCP immediately remove the pictures of NTR from its banners. On the other hand, TDP senior leader Kodela Shiva Prasad went one step ahead and indirectly questioned Jr NTR if Kodali Nani had quit  TPD without informing the person (NTR) who had given him a seat. He also asked what right Kodali Nani had to use pictures of NTR without the actor's approval?

With all the hullabaloo surrounding the issue, the TDP leaders are feeling the heat. Many partymen feel that NTR's silence is leading to a lot of misunderstandings in the party and it's high time he broke his silence.

The latest entrant to the photo row is none other than Purandeswari, the late NTR's daughter. The union minister emphasised that her father was nobody's property.

-Siva@Sakshipost