The unveiling of N.T. Rama Rao’s statue in the heart of Hyderabad turned into a celebration of Telugu pride and political legacy on Wednesday. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy inaugurated the 23-foot bronze statue of the legendary actor, Telugu Desam Party founder and former Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh, at Maitrivanam Circle in Ameerpet on the occasion of NTR’s birth anniversary.
Thousands of admirers, party workers and citizens gathered at the venue, transforming the event into one of the biggest public tributes to NTR in recent years. The statue was installed as part of a promise made during the Jubilee Hills by-election campaign, a commitment that the Congress government says it has now fulfilled.
Speaking at the event, Revanth Reddy said that anyone looking for inspiration from modern Indian history should remember three great personalities: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Indira Gandhi and NTR. He credited Ambedkar for strengthening democracy through the Constitution, praised Indira Gandhi for her role in social and economic reforms, and described NTR as a symbol of honesty, self-respect and strong leadership.
Revanth Reddy highlighted several landmark decisions associated with NTR’s tenure. He recalled how NTR abolished the Patel-Patwari system and empowered weaker sections of society. He also noted that many welfare initiatives introduced by NTR changed the lives of ordinary families and gave dignity to the poor.
In one of the most politically significant moments of his speech, Revanth Reddy questioned those who objected to a Congress Chief Minister unveiling NTR’s statue. He said leaders who benefited from NTR’s political platform should not attempt to diminish his legacy. Referring to former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao, he remarked that NTR played a key role in nurturing several Telangana leaders who later became influential figures in state politics.
The Chief Minister also took an indirect swipe at BRS leaders who criticised the installation of the statue. He argued that NTR belongs to the entire Telugu community and not to any single political party, region or social group.
Connecting NTR’s legacy with his government’s vision, Revanth Reddy said several welfare measures being implemented today draw inspiration from NTR’s governance model. He pointed to schemes aimed at supporting women, the poor and marginalised communities. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and promised greater political representation in the future.
The event was attended by senior Congress leaders, including TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud and Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao. Both leaders praised NTR’s contribution to public life and said his influence continues to inspire generations of Telugu people.
Alongside the tribute to NTR, Revanth Reddy also outlined his broader vision for Telangana. He said the government is committed to transforming Hyderabad into a global city through the ambitious Future City project. Spread across nearly 30,000 acres, the project is expected to attract leading international companies and generate large-scale employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
