KADAPA: The stage is set for the Telugu Desam Party’s (TDP) annual three-day Mahanadu conclave, beginning on Tuesday at Pabbapuram Layout near Kadapa town. This is the first time in 43 years that the event is being held in Kadapa.
TDP leaders are determined to make this year’s conclave, concluding on May 29, to be unique, groundbreaking, and memorable compared to past editions. Following the NDA’s significant electoral victory in the undivided Kadapa district in last year’s elections, TDP leaders wanted to assert the party’s dominance in the home district of YSRCP leader and former Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Massive security arrangements involving 5,000 police personnel have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. The Mahanadu is taking place on a 145-acre site at Pabbapuram Layout on the outskirts of Kadapa. TDP leaders assert that the scale and style of this Mahanadu will surpass all previous editions. The three-day conclave will culminate in a massive public meeting, expected to draw over five lakh attendees.
The selection of Kadapa, former CM Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy’s native district, holds symbolic importance for the party. TDP aims to assert its resurgence in the region, especially after the NDA’s sweeping success in the 2024 general elections, where it won 7 out of 10 Assembly seats in the undivided Kadapa district.
Party leaders are using this opportunity to showcase their strength and send a strong message from what was once a YSRCP stronghold. Under the guidance of TDP National President N Chandrababu Naidu and General Secretary Nara Lokesh, the event is being organised by Politburo member R Srinivasulu Reddy and supervised by State President Palla Srinivas Rao.
14 draft resolutions will be discussed at Kadapa Mahanadu: Palla
Ministers and senior leaders have been stationed in Kadapa for the past month to oversee preparations. A grand ‘Bahubali’ stage, capable of accommodating 450 dignitaries, has been set up — an unprecedented move in the history of Mahanadu. Special invitations were sent to nearly 23,000 TDP public representatives across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The first day includes delegate registrations, a photo exhibition, and a blood donation camp. After the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and tributes to TDP founder N T Rama Rao, Chandrababu Naidu will deliver the keynote address. Discussions will cover welfare schemes, irrigation projects, the development of Amaravati, and law and order.
The second day will feature sessions on infrastructure development, poverty eradication goals (P4 Mission), Vision 2020–2047, and countering YSRCP’s alleged misinformation. The election of the party president and related formalities will also be held.
The third day will begin with tributes to NTR and culminate in a massive public rally from 2 to 5 pm, expected to attract over five lakh people, marking the grand finale of the event.
Kadapa SP E G Ashok Kumar stated that elaborate security measures have been put in place, with a focus on traffic control and parking. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will remain in Kadapa for the entire three-day event, managing governance operations from the city while actively participating in Mahanadu activities.
State President Palla Srinivas Rao emphasized that the conclave will focus on party organization, coalition governance achievements, and public welfare. Fourteen draft resolutions will be discussed, including one dedicated to the development of the Rayalaseema region.
Rain threat looms
With the onset of the Southwest monsoon, TDP leaders are concerned that rain might affect the Mahanadu proceedings. Intermittent showers over the past two days have caused waterlogging and muddy conditions in parts of the venue. In response, organisers have taken immediate measures, laying mud and gravel to prevent water accumulation and ensure smooth movement.
German sheds have been installed at main venues, including areas where CM Naidu and public representatives will stay and address gatherings. Special arrangements have also been made to prevent seepage of rainwater to ensure the safety and comfort of attendees.
Two VROs injured
In an unfortunate incident, strong winds caused a flex banner to collapse at the venue, resulting in injuries to two Village Revenue Officers (VROs) from Atlur. Police quickly shifted the injured to the Government Hospital for treatment.
In another incident, one person suffered severe injuries while erecting party banners near the Y S Rajasekhar Reddy statue at Sakshi Circle in Chintakomma Dinne mandal. A sudden short circuit caused an electric shock, seriously injuring Kiran Kumar, a native of Narasaramayyagaripalle. He lost both hands and one leg and was immediately rushed to RIMS Hospital.
NTR’s AI invite to people
In a first in Andhra Pradesh politics, the TDP has used the cutting-edge artificial intelligence to bring back the voice and presence of its legendary founder, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, ahead of its annual conclave Mahanadu 2025. In a deeply emotive video that has taken social media by storm, a lifelike AI-generated NTR is seen addressing people.