The event, which took place at Ramoji Film City last Friday, was promoted by Tollywood star Jr NT Rama Rao, popularly known as Jr NTR, who met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Hyderabad in August.
The pre-release program was canceled after the police refused permission citing incompetence Heavy security to be deployed at short notice amid Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and law and order issues. Instead a small press meet was held, which was attended by Jr NTR and well-known director SS Rajamouli, whose father and noted Telugu screenwriter V. Vijayendra Prasad is a member of Rajya Sabha.
Prasad is allegedly being taken on board to write a story Razakar Files – A film that BJP wants to see before the assembly elections in Telangana next year. The screenwriter was one of the BJP’s candidates for the Rajya Sabha, and was congratulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his nomination.
Shah in August had met Media baron Ramoji Rao, who hails from the influential Kamma community. Rao is considered close to Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu, who is also Kamma. In the same month, BJP President JP Nadda Had a meeting Actor Nitin and former Indian women’s cricket team captain Mithali Raj in Hyderabad.
According to party sources, this is going to be a “continuous exercise”, with top party leaders expected to meet more personalities in the coming weeks.
“This exercise of meeting celebrities or celebrities has been around for a long time. even in districts and ChambersWe keep meeting famous people. It’s more about networking. When a party maintains goodwill with different groups – be it fans or followers – it is beneficial to the party,” BJP’s Telangana spokesperson Kishor Poreddy told ThePrint.
However, Shah’s meeting with Jr NTR was downplayed as a “courtesy meeting” as the Union minister praised the actor’s performance in the blockbuster film. RRRPolitical experts say that the political aspect of the meeting cannot be ignored.
Jr NTR, the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and grandson of TDP founder NT Rama Rao, has always been a TDP supporter as well. promoted For this in the past.
“Given the circumstances, it would be suspected that the event not getting permission may have something to do with the growing rivalry between KCR. [Telangana CM K. Chandrashekar Rao] and BJP. However, it is difficult to say whether this is the correct reason and if it is not, the BJP will present it as such,” political analyst Nageswara Rao told ThePrint.
“The event was planned at a location on the outskirts of the city, lest there was a history of law and order disturbances in such events. Not everyone can go to the venue. There should be an invitation,” he said.
Rao further said that if Shah was so impressed then RRR, he should have met other team members as well. “It is a known fact that behind the Shah-Jr NTR meeting there is a political message to the fans of Nandamuri (NTR’s family) and the followers of Telugu Desam in Telangana. BJP is trying to create a positive impression.
According to senior BJP leader Gudur Narayan, there was “political vendetta” behind the cancellation of the Hyderabad event.
“It was NTR at the event who met Shah and Rajamouli’s father Prasad, who is a Rajya Sabha member nominated by the BJP. In recent times, BJP meetings with Tollywood actors have created panic through the TRS government. They understood that Tollywood was unhappy with the government and was looking for an alternative – that of the BJP led by Modi. So, the event was foiled,” he told ThePrint.
A senior TRS leader denied the allegations of political rivalry had anything to do with it: “We are unimpressed as to who they are meeting or what they are doing. It was a matter of law and order. We are confident that we have the support of the people of the state.”
on the part of ‘Mission South’ The BJP has focused on Telangana, where it is looking to gain ground after winning two assembly bypolls and a remarkable performance in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal elections over the past two years.
From its top leaders to frequent state visits to nurturing an active cadre base, the BJP is trying everything possible To emerge as a strong opposition to the ruling TRS ahead of the 2023 elections.