Gadwal: Bakkani Narasimulu, a former MLA and member of the TDP Politburo, shared a special memory involving Nara Chandrababu Naidu, the current Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.
In 2012, Chandrababu Naidu began a significant journey on foot, called a Padayatra, starting from Hindupur in Anantapur district. On October 22, he arrived in Telangana, reaching the Ieeja area in Jogulamba Gadwal district. He spent the night there and on October 24, he celebrated Dussehra at the well-known Swayambhu Thimmappa Temple. During the visit, he performed the traditional Shami Pooja. Nara Lokesh, then a young leader and TDP national general secretary, accompanied him.
Narasimulu mentioned that the event was remarkable because it coincided with Gandhi Jayanti and the Dussehra festival. Responding to locals’ requests, Chandrababu Naidu allocated ₹35 lakh from TTD funds for the temple’s development.
For 13 years, Narasimulu has continued to attend the Shami Pooja at the temple annually, ensuring the tradition continues.
This year, he joined the celebrations again with other TDP leaders like Sudhakar Goud, Ramachandra Reddy, Govindu, and Ganjipeta Ramulu, the Gadwal in-charge.
