21st Independence Day Flag Hoisting
A Four-Decade Political Legacy Across Four Governments
In the political history of undivided Andhra Pradesh, a rare record is being established in the name of Telangana Agriculture and Cooperation Minister Tummala Nageshwara Rao. He has achieved the rare distinction of serving as a minister across four different governments over a four-decade political career. In democratic politics, parties and governments change, but public trust in a leader remains unshaken. This holds true for Tummala Nageshwara Rao. Continuing this legacy, he is set to hoist the national flag for the 21st time in Bhadradri Kothagudem district on August 15, marking a remarkable milestone in Telugu political history.
Worked as Minister under Four Different Chief Ministers
Having first won as an MLA in 1985, Tummala assumed a ministerial post during N.T. Rama Rao‘s government. Active in politics for nearly four decades since then, he has served as a minister under four Chief Ministers: N.T. Rama Rao, N. Chandrababu Naidu, K. Chandrashekar Rao, and A. Revanth Reddy. He holds vast experience managing key portfolios such as Minor Irrigation, Roads and Buildings, Prohibition and Excise, and Major and Minor Irrigation. Currently, he serves as the Minister for Agriculture, Cooperation, and Textiles in the Congress government led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
A Journey of 21 Flag Hoistings and Public Service
Throughout his political journey, Tummala has won five times as an MLA and once as an MLC. The distinction of hoisting the national flag during Independence Day celebrations in almost every year he served as a minister belongs to him. Achieving this honor consecutively amidst changing political landscapes and governments stands as a testament to his prolonged public life.
Electoral Milestones and Unprecedented Flag Hoisting Record
Tummala has hoisted the national flag 20 times so far across various years: 1985 to 1989 (five times), 1995 to 2003 (nine times), 2015 to 2018 (four times), and in 2024 and 2025 (once each). On August 15, 2026, he achieves this honor for the 21st time, sparking widespread discussion in political circles. Celebrating the 79th Independence Day in Bhadradri Kothagudem district, his assignment to hoist the tricolor flag in a region adjacent to his home turf of Khammam district highlights his enduring political influence. Analysts note that very few leaders possess the experience of hoisting the national flag on behalf of governments led by four different Chief Ministers, reflecting Tummala’s steady and uninterrupted political career.
Principal Correspondent, Prime Post
Adapa Dora, journalist cum farmer, proved his excellence in both the fields. While working in Andhra Bhoomi (Telugu Paper) and Deccan Chronicle, he forced a famous seed company to pay compensation to the maize farmers for crop loss due to the supply of spurious seeds to them. He wished to maintain harmony between tribals and non-tribals in the mandals of Bhadradri-Kothagudem district for the prosperous of both groups.
Email: adapa.dora@gmail.com
Mobile: 9441332322
