Matchmaker Naidu found Jr NTR’s bride

Hyderabad, Jan. 29: The Telugu Desam chief, Mr N. Chandrababu Naidu, is believed to be the man behind the marriage alliance between Junior NTR and Ms Lakshmi Praneeta, as part of his plan to keep NTR under his control and to groom him as a key leader in the party in the days ahead.Political circles are agog with news of the marriage and Mr Naidu’s role as match-maker.According to reliable party sources, Junior NTR was persuaded by his mother, Ms Shalini, and close friends that this was the proper age for marriage. There was no dearth of prospective brides. At least half-a-dozen industrialists, including owners of two Telugu news channels, proposed their daughters. This did not go down well with Mr Naidu who believed it would be better for both Junior NTR and the Telugu Desam if the bride was from within the circle of relatives. When Mr Naidu told this to Junior NTR, the latter reportedly said, "Uncle, I accept whatever you decide."Mr Naidu then approached a close relative of his, Mr Narne Srinivasarao, husband of his niece, who was agreeable.A few days ago, Mr Naidu flew to Singapore — where his daughter-in-law, Ms Bhrahmani, is working — with his wife, Ms Bhuvaneswari, son, Mr Lokesh, and Junior NTR’s parents, Mr Hari Krishna and Ms Shalini. Mr Narne Srinivasarao and Ms Mallika, the parents of Ms Lakshmi Praneeta, accompanied them. Sources said Mr Naidu went there for detailed talks with all his relatives about the alliance, and it was finally settled.According to Telugu Desam sources, Junior NTR is anxious to please his uncle with whom he now enjoys a close relationship. He was advised by his close friends that he could emerge as a powerful leader of the party if he played his cards right,(thanks to DC)