Former Andhra CM Nadendla Bhaskara Rao Dies at 90

Former Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) co-founder Nadendla Bhaskara Rao passed away in Hyderabad on April 22, 2026, at the age of 90. He was undergoing treatment for age-related ailments at a private super-speciality hospital. Known for one of the most dramatic political episodes in Andhra Pradesh history, he served as Chief Minister for just 31 days in 1984 during a major political revolt against N.T. Rama Rao (NTR).

Brief but Historic Chief Ministership

Nadendla Bhaskara Rao became Chief Minister in 1984 after a political rebellion within the TDP when NTR had travelled to the United States for heart surgery. With the support of a section of TDP legislators and Congress (I), he replaced NTR and took office. However, his government lasted only 31 days as a massive “Save Democracy” movement emerged demanding NTR’s return. Following strong public and political pressure, the Centre recalled Governor Thakur Ram Lal and NTR was reinstated.

Role in Formation of TDP

Bhaskara Rao was one of the co-founders of the Telugu Desam Party in 1982 along with N.T. Rama Rao. He later served as Finance Minister in the first TDP government after the party’s victory in the 1983 Assembly elections. Although he played a major role in the party’s early growth, he was later expelled following the 1984 political crisis and his fallout with NTR.

Long Political Career Across Parties

A native of Guntur district, Bhaskara Rao had a long legislative and parliamentary career. He served as MLA from Vijayawada East, Vemuru and Tenali constituencies. He was first elected as an MLA from the Congress in 1978 and later won the Lok Sabha election from Khammam in 1998 on a Congress ticket. In 2019, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Important Facts for Exams

• Nadendla Bhaskara Rao served as Chief Minister of undivided Andhra Pradesh for 31 days in 1984.
• N.T. Rama Rao was reinstated after the “Save Democracy” movement, a rare event in Indian political history.
• Telugu Desam Party (TDP) was founded in 1982 by N.T. Rama Rao and other leaders including Bhaskara Rao.
• Thakur Ram Lal was the Governor of Andhra Pradesh during the 1984 political crisis.

Political Legacy and Family Connection

Bhaskara Rao remained an important figure in Andhra Pradesh politics for decades despite party changes and political controversies. His son, Nadendla Manohar, is currently a senior Jana Sena Party leader and serves as Minister for Civil Supplies, Food and Consumer Affairs in the TDP-led NDA government in Andhra Pradesh. His last rites are scheduled to be performed on April 24, marking the end of a significant chapter in the state’s political history.