End of rivalry between co-brothers Naidu and Daggubati

On Thursday, after three decades, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his co-brother Daggubati Venkateswara Rao shared the dais and decided to put their differences behind them. The long-standing rivalry between the two political figures came to an emotional conclusion as they embraced in front of a cheering audience.

The reconciliation took place at the launch event of Venkateswara Rao’s book, Prapancha Charitra (World History). Addressing Chandrababu Naidu, Venkateswara Rao urged him to forget the past and let go of any lingering ill will. The former MP acknowledged their history but emphasized that it was time to move forward.

“Past is Over”

“You all know about it. That’s past, and that’s over. I laud him for all his efforts and wish him the best for the future,” said Venkateswara Rao. After concluding his speech and returning to his seat, Chandrababu Naidu stood up and hugged him, drawing thunderous applause from the audience. In his address, Naidu praised Venkateswara Rao’s efforts in writing the book and expressed admiration for his depth of knowledge.

The rift between the co-brothers dates back to the 1990s when Chandrababu Naidu led a revolt against Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder and former Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao (NTR) to assume leadership and eventually become the chief minister of the then-united Andhra Pradesh.

The family dynamics

NTR and his wife had 12 children, including eight sons and four daughters. Two of their daughters married into prominent political families—Purandeswari married Daggubati Venkateswara Rao, while another daughter married Nara Chandrababu Naidu. During NTR’s tenure in the 1980s and early 1990s, Venkateswara Rao played a significant role and wielded considerable influence. However, it was Chandrababu Naidu who ultimately took control of the TDP and rose to power as chief minister.

While Daggubati Venkateswara Rao has retired from active politics, his wife, Purandeswari, currently serves as the president of the Andhra Pradesh BJP. On the other hand, Chandrababu Naidu remains a central figure in Andhra Pradesh politics.