The NTR Phenomenon Reconsidered

Abstract The death of the former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, marked the end of a period during which the state's political landscape was determined largely by his personality and charisma. This contribution summarizes NTR's political career in the state and his significance for the formation of a joint national opposition to the Congress®, as well as the development of his party, the Telugu Desham, which resulted in its establishment as the most important political force besides the Congress® in Andhra Pradesh. At the same time it describes the ascent of Naravirapalli Chandrababu Naidu, NTR's son-in-law and the present chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, who took over the party leadership after he initiated a crucial split of the party in 1995, shortly before NTR's death.