Thummala’s 40-Year Political Legacy

Four Decades of Governance, Vision and Public Service

JANI PASHA | DECCAN NEWS SERVICE, KHAMMAM

Forty years in active ministerial politics is a distinction achieved by very few public leaders in the history of the Telugu states. Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao, a towering political figure from the undivided Khammam district, stands today as one of the rare leaders to have served as Cabinet Minister under four Chief Ministers across three different political dispensations — N.T. Rama Rao, N. Chandrababu Naidu, K. Chandrashekar Rao, and currently A. Revanth Reddy.

His remarkable political journey, spanning 1986 to 2026, reflects not merely longevity but a sustained commitment to development-oriented governance, administrative discipline, and people-centric leadership.

Thummala’s ministerial journey began on May 14, 1986, when he took oath as a minister in the cabinet of legendary leader N.T. Rama Rao, after entering politics with a decisive victory from Sathupalli constituency. His rise symbolized the emergence of a grassroots leader from the remote tribal belt of Khammam.

He was again inducted into the cabinet on October 8, 1995, under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, where he handled key portfolios including Minor Irrigation, Prohibition, Major and Medium Irrigation, Excise, and Roads & Buildings. During this period, he established himself as an able administrator known for his sharp execution and developmental foresight.

Following the formation of Telangana, Thummala was sworn in as minister in KCR’s cabinet on December 16, 2014, where he played a crucial role in infrastructure and irrigation planning.

On December 7, 2023, he once again took oath as Cabinet Minister in the Congress-led government under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, assuming charge of the Agriculture portfolio — a testament to his continued relevance and cross-party acceptability.

Born in the tribal-dominated village of Gandugulapalli in Dammapeta mandal, Thummala’s early struggles shaped his developmental vision. Witnessing firsthand the hardships caused by poor connectivity and lack of infrastructure, he made roads, irrigation and rural transformation his lifelong mission.

His contribution to the undivided Khammam district remains monumental. From expanding road connectivity to remote villages to conceptualizing transformative irrigation projects like the Sitarama Project, Bhakta Ramadasu Project, Wyra Link Canal, and Manchukonda Lift Irrigation Scheme, Thummala reshaped the district’s agricultural and economic landscape.

He is also credited with pioneering oil palm cultivation, introducing the crop during the NTR era and now steering Telangana toward becoming a national leader in oil palm production.

Khammam city bears his developmental imprint through projects such as the Khammam Bypass Road, Munneru Cable Bridge, Bhakta Ramadasu Auditorium, Lakaram Tank Bund, Khammam Ring Road, Urban Park, and Sardar Patel Stadium.

What distinguishes Thummala is his clean political image. Across four decades, he has maintained a reputation for transparent governance, administrative efficiency, and politics rooted in public welfare rather than personal gain.

Serving as minister under three political parties — TDP, TRS, and Congress — and four Chief Ministers, Thummala has carved a rare place in political history.

As he completes 40 years since first assuming ministerial office, admirers across political and social circles hail him as the Architect of Modern Khammam, a statesman whose developmental legacy will continue to inspire future generations.