Pragmatic Leadership with Unmatched Political Dexterity >>>>> A Tribute to Nadendla Bhaskara Rao : By Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

 Pragmatic Leadership with 

Unmatched Political Dexterity

A Tribute to Nadendla Bhaskara Rao

By Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao

The Hans India (May 3, 2026)

{{Regardless of one’s perspective, none other would have done so much justice, to finance portfolio like late Bhaskar Rao. His implicit and explicit presence was a catalyst at every pivotal stage of political and state development, leaving an enduring imprint. During my association with him, there were many politically interesting aspects that I had the occasion to either closely observe or being onlooker.

 Throughout Nadendla Bhaskara Rao’s political ups and downs, I remained in touch with him, always finding him full of optimism. I frequently sought his prescriptive, descriptive, and comprehensive perspective on contemporary politics. His responses were marked by extraordinary brevity and a firm sense of political ethics. For him, ‘Right was Right’ and ‘Wrong was Wrong.’ He never minced words, a trait I can personally vouch for as being entirely true}}-Synoptic Note by The Hans Editor

Former Chief Minister of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh (AP) Nadendla Bhaskara Rao, was a leader of immense political consequence whose impact far exceeded his brief tenure as CM.

From his foray into public life until his passing on April 22, 2026, Bhaskar Rao retained his own exceptional political identity, leaving an indelible mark. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering his deepest condolences in a letter to his son Manohar mentioned that, ‘Bhaskar Rao’s demise is an irreparable loss that words cannot convey. He will be remembered as a seasoned public figure who devoted decades of his life to the service of Andhra Pradesh and its people’

The day he passed away, I went to his Jubilee Hills residence, a place for contemporary memories, and paid my heartfelt tributes to the ‘Soul who was truly a Legendary Pillar of our Political History.’ On seeing his son, AP Cabinet Minister Nadendla Manohar there, the moment transformed into an emotional reflection, on his father's enduring influence. We both subtly touched the aspect of my association with the late leader.

We recounted how frequently I was in touch with his father, constantly exchanging thoughts on the shifting political developments that he meticulously navigated with such profound insight. I still remember the day Late Bhaskara Rao proudly introducing Manohar to me, as a nationally ranked tennis player from India and participating in various tennis tournaments globally. Manohar shared few of his father’s thoughts, with a high-profile congress leader there.  

My acquaintance with the late leader that began nearly four decades ago, sustained as a bond that I hold in the highest regard, though I hesitate to claim 'friendship' out of sheer respect for the vast distance between his stature and mine. Over these forty years, my admiration for Bhaskara Rao followed a singular, unwavering trajectory: ‘it has only ever increased, never once faltering or declining by even the slightest measure.’

When NT Rama Rao (NTR) founded the formidable Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 1982, Nadendla Bhaskara Rao was the ‘Critical Mass’ and next in command. NTR might be the movement's charismatic face, but Bhaskara Rao was its ‘Chief Strategic Architect.’ He provided the structural gravity shaping the destiny of AP, which mark is still visible and enduring. Being one of the (rather the first among the) senior leaders who played key role in the formation of TDP, after NTR became the Chief Minister, Bhaskar Rao joined his cabinet as finance minister.

Regardless of one’s perspective, none other would have done so much justice, to finance portfolio like late Bhaskar Rao. His implicit and explicit presence was a catalyst at every pivotal stage of political and state development, leaving an enduring imprint. During my association with him, there were many politically interesting aspects that I had the occasion to either closely observe or being onlooker.

I fondly reminisce few, which are ever unforgettable. When Bhaskar Rao entered the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly in 1978 and became a minister in Chenna Reddy's cabinet, I did not know him at all. Only when he became second time MLA during 1983-85, I came in contact with him. My first precise contact, though the date escapes me, was through the late former minister Rambhupal Chowdary.

When Bhaskara Rao seized the opportunity to replace NT Rama Rao as CM, acting in the true spirit of a leader seeking power, as any politician worth their salt would, it was a move that, had he failed, would have resulted in a very different personal story. I will discuss the pros and cons of that transition in the following paragraphs. Throughout Nadendla Bhaskara Rao’s political ups and downs, I remained in touch with him, always finding him full of optimism.

I frequently sought his prescriptive, descriptive, and comprehensive perspective on contemporary politics. His responses were marked by extraordinary brevity and a firm sense of political ethics. For him, ‘Right was Right’ and ‘Wrong was Wrong.’ He never minced words, a trait I can personally vouch for as being entirely true. During 1989-94, Bhaskara Rao was elected to the Assembly and, despite being self-restrained from campaigning, reflecting his subdued public persona, remained an aspirant for the CM’s post, which was but natural.

Dr M Channa Reddy, then President of the APCC was the automatic choice of the Congress High Command. It was he who led the party to a landslide victory in the Assembly elections. I vividly remember the sportsman spirit of Nadendla Bhaskara Rao on the day the AICC observers decided on Channa Reddy’s name at the Raj Bhavan guest house. In typical Congress fashion, they held series of discussions with MLAs, a unique display of party discipline! Regardless of how many supported whom, Channa Reddy was chosen eventually.

I was present at the Raj Bhavan premises that day. Knowing my prior association with Dr Channa Reddy, it was Nadendla Bhaskara Rao himself who informed me of the decision in advance. Despite my subsequent role as PRO to Chief Minister Channa Reddy, our association continued. Later, during the 1998 Lok Sabha elections, Bhaskar Rao was chosen as the Congress candidate for Khammam, a ticket for sure, he ‘Did Not Lobby For,’ unlike many others. I recall being at his residence either when the announcement was made or upon his return from Delhi with the allotment, even as a young Youth Congress leader expected it.

While I was with Bhaskara Rao, an MLA representing a segment forming part of Khammam Constituency called in distress, reporting that a Youth Congress leader ransacked his residence at the MLA Quarters. Without hesitation, Bhaskara Rao reached the spot to console him, immediately directing the authorities to take action and promising his full support. That was the essence of Bhaskara Rao: a leader of action. I was by his side throughout the incident. Interestingly, that same Youth Congress leader is now a member of the BJP.

The 1998 election campaign in Khammam was formidable, as Bhaskara Rao faced a powerful sitting MP from the CPI(M) who had previously defeated a Union Cabinet Minister. Being from the district myself, I visited Khammam couple of times to assist, including facilitating (only) contact with a prominent political family. Nadendla Bhaskara Rao won that election, but his term was cut short by mid-term polls. He was denied the ticket, for the next election from Khammam.

Nadendla Bhaskara Rao’s 1984 transition should be understood not as a ‘Backstab or Front-stab,’ but through the same lens of pragmatic leadership that defines India’s most seasoned veterans, examples of which are numerous.

Sharad Pawar dislodged Vasantdada Patil in 1978 at just 38 years of age. Ajit Pawar navigated complex coalitions to serve as Maharashtra's Deputy CM six times, eventually securing the party name and symbol for his faction. The ‘Nitish Kumar style’ of flexible alliances has become a synonym for modern democratic stability. Thus, shifting allegiances are seen not as an end, but as a means to uphold a mandate.

Right or wrong, Nadendla’s actions were perhaps rooted in the belief that the state, at that particular point in time, required a decisive course correction. Therefore, why should credibility not be given to Bhaskara Rao, who may have acted as a catalyst for political evolution? How can it be ‘political dexterity’ when others did it, yet a ‘backstab’ for Nadendla?

His legacy is that of a bold individual who, in the spirit of the nation’s greatest political strategists, was willing to navigate complex landscapes to steer his state toward a new direction.  

Visionary Nadendla Bhaskara Rao who presented 1984 as ‘Pragmatic Leadership with Political Dexterity’ was the decisive architect of political evolution. At our last meeting, he remained cheerful and energetic. I cherish our final photograph together. May his Great Soul Rest in Peace.