T. Prakasam joined the freedom movement and renounced his government job in response to the non-cooperation call by Gandhi. Along with his associates, he spread the movement in Andhra delta region and came to be fondly regarded as Andhra Kesari (the Lion of Andhra). He also became a member of the AICC. In 1926, he got elected to the
Madras Legislative Assembly but resigned in 1930. He also’ made significant contributions during the agitations against the Simon Commission and during Salt Satyagraha. In 1937, he became the Revenue Minister in the Rajagopalachari Ministry of Madras, and in 1945, he became the Chief Minister. After independence, he became the first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh.