Li Peng vs N. T. Rama Rao

Li Peng was appointed Premier, succeeding Zhao Ziyang. He was a conservative leader who emphasized economic stability and political control, opposing rapid political reforms.

Li Peng introduced austerity measures to curb double-digit inflation, including price controls and credit tightening. These measures slowed economic growth but stabilized prices, though they were unpopular.

As Premier, Li Peng was a key figure in the decision to use military force against the Tiananmen Square protests. He signed the order declaring martial law and authorized the People's Liberation Army to clear the square.

Li Peng pushed through the National People's Congress approval for the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project. The project was controversial due to environmental and displacement concerns.

Li Peng stepped down as Premier and was succeeded by Zhu Rongji. He remained a member of the Politburo Standing Committee until 2002, but his influence waned.

NTR acted in over 300 Telugu films, often portraying mythological and heroic characters. His performances in films like 'Maya Machhindra' and 'Sri Krishna Pandaveeyam' made him a cultural icon, which he leveraged for political success.

NTR founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) to champion Telugu identity and regional interests. The party's formation marked a shift away from Congress dominance in Andhra Pradesh, appealing to regional pride and cultural heritage.

NTR launched a subsidized rice scheme, providing rice at Rs. 2 per kilogram to below-poverty-line families. The scheme became a flagship welfare program, significantly improving food security and political popularity.

N. T. Rama Rao (NTR) became Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh after leading the Telugu Desam Party to victory in the 1983 elections. His tenure focused on welfare schemes, including the Rs. 2 per kg rice scheme, and cultural promotion.

While NTR was in the US for medical treatment, his son-in-law N. Chandrababu Naidu orchestrated a political coup, leading to NTR's dismissal as Chief Minister. NTR returned and successfully regained power after a legal and political battle.