India’s Political Start-Up Was NTR’s: Prashant Kishor

Bihar strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor has said that India’s first successful political start-up was launched by late N. T. Rama Rao (NTR). He praised the legendary actor-turned-politician for reshaping Indian politics despite coming from the film industry.

According to Kishor, NTR introduced the concept of raths and yatras, and became a major challenge to then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He added that people often forget NTR’s impact, even though he changed the course of politics in Andhra Pradesh and beyond.

“NTR, though a non-politician, won a big state like Andhra Pradesh and created history by defeating Indira Gandhi,” said the Jan Suraaj chief. He also drew parallels with Prafulla Kumar Mahanta of Assam, who had a similar rise.

Kishor remarked that today’s generation tends to think political innovation began only with Narendra Modi or Arvind Kejriwal, but history tells a different story.

His comments have delighted Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders and supporters. Many are sharing the video online, appreciating Kishor’s acknowledgment of NTR’s lasting legacy in Indian politics.