Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Andhra Pradesh today to lay the foundation stone for the reconstruction of Amaravati.
Ahead of the event, the state government released a series of large-scale advertisements, prominently featuring IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh.
Interestingly, the advertisements did not include photos of Municipal Administration Minister Narayana or state BJP chief Daggubati Purandeswari.
What drew particular attention is that Lokesh has been given equal prominence alongside Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan — an indication, many believe, of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s long-term vision.
Only a select few dignitaries will share the stage with the Prime Minister, and Lokesh is among them — highlighting his growing significance.
This move is being seen as a clear signal from Naidu that Lokesh is central to both the party and the government.
However, Chandrababu Naidu is not one to rush into decisions. He prefers to initiate public discourse before executing any major plan. This approach seems to extend to Lokesh’s political elevation as well.
Sources suggest that Naidu is carefully orchestrating a narrative that public demand is growing for Lokesh to take on more responsibility — possibly even as Chief Minister.
As head of the coalition government, Naidu appears to be taking strategic steps to increase Lokesh’s influence both within the party and the administration. Politically, there couldn’t be a more opportune moment for this.
The alliance currently holds unquestioned power, and Naidu faces no internal resistance. Two years from now, however, the political climate may change.
There’s a possibility that some leaders — still bitter over lost opportunities or Lokesh’s role in the party’s past electoral setbacks — may eventually voice dissent.
Against this backdrop, placing Lokesh alongside the Prime Minister at today’s Amaravati event is also being seen as a tactic to enhance his national-level stature.
The grand public meeting being held in Amaravati may well serve as a launchpad for Lokesh’s formal political coronation.
If one assumes Modi has been invited only to lay the foundation for Amaravati’s reconstruction, that would be an understatement. Naidu is known for his calculated foresight.
According to senior TDP leaders, what we’re witnessing is only a trailer. The full story is yet to unfold, with Lokesh being gradually introduced as the party’s and government’s future leader.
Right now, Nara Lokesh is the man in the headlines. Naidu’s strategy appears to echo the belief that “today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders.”
In positioning Lokesh as today’s minister and tomorrow’s Chief Minister, the Amaravati episode is being seen as a deliberate move to elevate his stature.
