The Telugu Desam Party's three-day 34th Mahanadu began on a grand note at Gandipet in the Ranga Reddy district on Wednesday with party supremo and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu entering the venue by carrying a "Bonam" on his head.
On the joyful occasion, Naidu inaugurated a photo exhibition and a blood donation camp at the venue amidst a colorful cultural program highlighting the rich traditions of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
He also hoisted the party flag and paid homage to party founder late Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao.
The party's top functionaries, including the party president's son and TDP Workers Welfare Fund coordinator Nara Lokesh, cine actors Nandamuri Balakrishna and Nandamuri Harikrishna, AP ministers in the union government, state ministers, MPs and legislators from both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are participating in the Mahanadu.
Party activists from both the Telugu states have been pouring into the city since the early morning to turn up at the annual event. AP minister Ravela Kishore Babu joined the cultural artistes in the drumming and dancing at the venue.
Lokesh, who is expected to be entrusted with a key responsibility, was the centre of attraction. He freely mingled with the party workers and personally supervised the arrangements. The party leaders competed with other to shake hands with Lokesh.
The Gandipet area turned yellow with party flags, banners, welcome arches and cut-outs of leaders. The TDP made elaborate arrangements for supply of drinking water in view of the heat wave. (NSS)