Multi-linguist Purandeswari made AP BJP chief under saffron party's broader strategy

VIJAYAWADA: Daggubati Purandeswari, now in the BJP after serving as a minister in the Congress-led UPA government, has been a surprise choice as the Andhra Pradesh BJP president. The assignment comes eight months before the 2024 Assembly and Parliament elections.

As the daughter of Telugu Desam founder late N.T. Rama Rao, entered electoral politics in 2004 by joining the Congress party following differences with her sister’s husband and then chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

Despite her high family lineage and ministerial clout, she lost the Lok Sabha election on a BJP ticket from Rajampet in 2014 and Visakhapatnam in 2019.

The 64-year-old senior woman politician entered electoral politics in 2004 at the age of 45. Her husband Daggubati Venkateswara Rao had backed Chandrababu Naidu in the revolt against their father-in-law N.T. Rama Rao in August 1995. But he later joined the Congress as Naidu started sidelining him.

A gemology graduate from Chennai’s South Indian Educational Trust and Women’s College and a Kuchipudi dancer, Purandeswari is a prominent figure in Indian politics with a notable lineage. As the daughter of NTR, she served as a Union minister. Her political journey has been marked by surprises and accomplishments.

The announcement of Purandeswari's appointment as the state BJP president was unexpected. The decision was made by the BJP central leadership, who removed Somu Veerraju from the position as his term ended.

This appointment is seen as part of the BJP's broader strategy to make inroads into the Telugu states and prepare the party for the 2024 general elections.

Purandeswari can speak Telugu, Hindi, English, Tamil and French. She had a good political career with the Congress as she served as MP in the 14th and 15th Lok Sabha, representing the Bapatla and Visakhapatnam constituencies in Andhra Pradesh, respectively.

Purandeswari's eloquence, articulation and passionate speeches have highlighted her ability to connect with the people and effectively convey her message. Her contributions to key debates and legislative businesses, such as in the introduction of the prevention of domestic violence bill, Hindu Succession amendment bill and the establishment of special courts for women's cases have won her recognition and accolades.
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