The party has won a five-time majority in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly and has emerged as the most successful political outfit in the state's history.

[18][19] From 1 September 1995, the TDP was led by N. T. Rama Rao's son-in-law, Nara Chandra Babu Naidu as the national president of the party.

It was founded as an alternative to the Congress hegemony, by emphasizing Telugu regional pride and serving as the party for farmers, backward castes and middle-class people.

Since 2014, every active member has been eligible for a life insurance policy of ₹2 lakh to be paid to their family in cases of death or permanent total disability, such as the loss of two limbs of eyes, due to accidents, with additional payouts of ₹5,000 per child (up to two) for educational costs.

[21] Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) is a prominent figure in Indian cinema and politics, particularly known for his influence in Telugu-speaking regions.

[32] In response to the challenges faced by the people of Andhra Pradesh, NTR founded the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on 29 March 1982,[33] with the aim of addressing the state's political and socio-economic issues.

The party's formation marked a shift in the political landscape, as it sought to provide an alternative to the long-standing rule of the Indian National Congress, which had been in power for over 26 years.

[34] In the 1983 state elections, the TDP secured a landslide victory, and NTR was sworn in as the 10th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on 9 January 1983.

During his absence, Nadendla Bhaskara Rao, a TDP MLA, took office as the Chief Minister with the support of the then Governor, Thakur Ram Lal.

[38] On 16 September 1984, NTR led a march and protest in Delhi, demonstrating against the central government's actions under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

[37][43] During his tenure as Chief Minister, NTR implemented significant reforms in Andhra Pradesh, including the divestment of state industries, the introduction of the 1995 MACS Act for co-operatives,[44][45][46] and an overhaul of the education system with statewide entrance exams like EAMCET.

[48] NTR’s governance focused on decentralization, women empowerment, and enhancing the state's infrastructure, making lasting contributions to its political and economic development.

With the majority of party legislators supporting him, Naidu went on to become the longest-serving Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and the president of TDP since then.

[59] After the formation of Telangana, the TDP, in alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), contested the 2014 Legislative Assembly election.

It had contested the 2018 elections as part of the Praja Kutami, which included the Indian National Congress, traditionally a long-time opponent of TDP and other parties.

[74] In November 2022, Kasani Gnaneshwar Mudiraj, a former MLC and BC leader, was appointed president of Telangana TDP by N. Chandrababu Naidu.

[85][86][87][88] The TDP also holds influence in the union territory Andaman and Nicobar Islands, contesting the Port Blair Municipal Council elections periodically.

In the recent 2024 election, the party, part of the NDA, managed to win 16 seats, playing a key role in the formation of the Third Modi ministry.