It was Telugu Desam Party general secretary and Andhra Pradesh information technology minister Nara Lokesh, who hogged the limelight at Mahanadu, the party’s biennial conclave at YSR Kadapa which began on Tuesday.
Right from his travel from Kuppam to YSR Kadapa by road, Lokesh ensured that he was given the extensive coverage in the electronic media and social media.
He stopped at a tea stall at Shantipuram, being run by a TDP worker Chengachari and had a cup of tea, which was highlighted prominently on social media.
At Mahanadu, there were huge cut-outs of Lokesh, along with, of course, that of his father and TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu, besides that of N T Rama Rao, the party founder and former chief minister.
As Lokesh stepped on the stage, there was a huge applause from the party workers and every leader showed eagerness to shake hands with him.
While Naidu’s inaugural speech, a lengthy one, was as boring as ever, Lokesh delivered an effective speech, playing to the gallery.
Lokesh was the given the chance to move the six-pillar resolution to empower cadre, youth, women, and farmers; and it was received well by the party workers.
At the same time, the TDP leaders including ministers openly spoke to the media, raising the pitch for designating Lokesh as the working president of the party.
State irrigation minister Nimmala Ramanaidu said Lokesh had already proven his capability by effectively coordinating between the party and the government.
“It will be in the best interest of the party that the reins must be handed over to the young leader, who can carry the legacy of Naidu for the next 25 years,” he said, adding that it is time Lokesh shouldered the responsibility of the party, while Naidu would focus on the governance.
Another minister Dola Sri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy also recalled how Lokesh had emerged as a leader by undertaking a marathon “Yuvagalam” padayatra, which brought a new lease of life to the party and renewed enthusiasm in the cadre.
“His padayatra helped the alliance’s victory in the 2024 elections. This is the right time to assign key responsibilities to him,” he said.
