Finally Nandamuri Balakrishna, son of former chief minister NT Ramarao, has decided to take a plunge into active politics. He made known his political ambitions by declaring that he is ready to enter active politics 'to serve the people'. This he announced after participating in a charity cricket match at ananthapur on Sunday, However, he said that he was yet to decide on a constituency.

The 51-year-old actor, who had joined TDP and campaigned for it in the 2009 elections, denied that his sole interest was to become the chief minister. "I would work hard to strengthen the party in the state. I have no idea on the chief ministerial post," he said. As soon as Balakrishna, who is also the winner of this year's Nandi award for the best actor, made his intentions clear, several leaders welcomed the decision. Uravakonda MLA P Keshav even offered to vacate his seat so that Balakrishna could contest from the constituency. "Balakrishna could contest from Hindupur assembly seat in the coming elections as it has always been a safe bet for TDP," party sources said. Pressure is also mounting with a section of the TDP opposing local MLA Abdul Ghani as candidate for the next elections.

The NTR family has established a strong base in Anantapur district as NTR himself was elected thrice as MLA from Hindupur assembly constituency. After NTR's death, his son Harikrishna was elected as MLA from Hindupur and served as minister for a few months. Though he campaigned in support of his father, Balakrishna did not involve himself in active politics when NTR was the CM. Sources said Balakrishna commands good support among his fans and TDP Telugu Yuvatha leaders in Hindupur. Ever since TDP came into being, Congress had never succeeded in defeating TDP candidates in Hindupur.
Source: TV9.