why-is-tdp-suddenly-vouching-for-chandrababu-s-son-as-deputy-cm

A striking feature of regional parties in India is that they are family-driven, with hardly any exceptions. The dynastic transfer of leadership is an accepted norm. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP), headed by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, is no exception to this tradition.

 

There is a growing clamour within the regional party to declare Nara Lokesh, Naidu’s son and IT and HRD minister, as the deputy Chief minister. A Stanford-educated businessman turned politician, Lokesh (41) is currently the party's general secretary.

 

It is no secret that Lokesh is being groomed to take over the reins of the 43-year-old party from his septuagenarian father. Then, why this sudden chorus of demands from the party leaders to elevate him to the deputy CM’s post?

 

The timing of this coordinated plea from a section of party leaders is curious. At present, Pawan Kalyan, the actor-turned-politician and president of the Jana Sena Party, is the only deputy CM in Naidu’s coalition cabinet. Lately, Kalyan has been positioning himself as the champion of the Hindutva cause in the state, presumably with an ambitious goal of becoming the chief minister soon.

 

Sailing with the Saffron

 

More than just being a political ally of the BJP, the actor has a greater ideological affinity with it. There are also signs of his growing popularity, particularly in the wake of his campaign to protect Sanatana Dharma. It is speculated that he could even emerge as the face of the BJP in the next assembly polls.

 

As a counter to his rise in state politics, the TDP insiders have started a whisper campaign seeking promotion for Lokesh. They calculate that such a move would effectively check Kalyan’s growing sphere of influence and restore balance in the political dynamics.

 

“To my knowledge the TDP cadre are very keen to see Lokesh appointed as Deputy CM. This is the majority opinion of the party cadre,” the Deputy Speaker of the AP Assembly K Raghu Rama Krishna Raju said. He also stated that Lokesh should be positioned to lead both the party and the government when the time comes, making the demand for his elevation justified.

 

TDP leaders and cadres are increasingly pushing for Lokesh’s promotion, citing his leadership role in the party's successful membership drive, which saw over one crore new members join. According to TDP sources, the idea of making Lokesh the Deputy was discussed during the party’s internal meeting, although Naidu is yet to make any public comment on the matter.

 

In a video released recently, TDP spokesperson Mahasena Rajesh expressed disappointment that Lokesh, who played a key role in bringing the NDA to power in the state, is only serving as a minister and urged the CM to elevate him to Deputy CM.

 

“If it takes time to make him (Lokesh) the CM, it is okay. At least, make an announcement that he is Deputy CM now and keep his picture in every government office. TDP’s future is Nara Lokesh,” Rajesh said.

 

Meanwhile, the TDP Politburo member R Srinivasulu Reddy too rooted for Lokesh’s elevation. Curiously, he made this proposal in the presence of Chandrababu Naidu during a ceremony held at Mydukur in YSR district recently to mark the 29th death anniversary of TDP founder and former Chief Minister NT Rama Rao.

 

“After 43 years since the formation of the TDP, Lokesh’s entry as a third-generation leader marks a significant milestone for the party. Promoting him to Deputy Chief Minister will inspire the youth and bring hope for the party’s future” he argued.

 

His comments have sparked intense discussions on social media, with party supporters highlighting Lokesh’s vision for the future and his potential to lead the State into a new era.

 

“Lokesh has played a crucial role in attracting key industries, particularly in the IT sector, to Andhra Pradesh. His leadership is already shaping the State’s economic landscape and gaining recognition from the people. By promoting him, the party will be better positioned for future growth” another TDP MLA Pasam Sunil said.

 

Several party legislators including Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, Adireddy Vasu, and former Pithapuram MLA SVSN Varma, voiced their support for the proposal.

 

The TDP sources said a final decision on the matter would be taken after holding discussions with the other alliance partners.

 

Backroom strategist

 

Ever since his quiet entry into the party politics in 2013, Lokesh was more of a backroom strategist in his initial days in the party, giving inputs to its policies and programmes. He was made the coordinator of the TDP Workers’ Welfare Fund and later a formal party member at the TDP’s ‘Mahanadu’, the annual general body meeting, in 2013.

 

Two years later, he was appointed the general secretary in a first firm indication of the succession plan in the regional party. Lokesh was largely seen as an organisational man with limited public speaking skills.

 

He was inducted into the cabinet in 2017, taking the Legislative Council route. He fought his first election in 2019 from Mangalagiri assembly constituency but lost to YSR Congress party candidate Alla Ramakrishna Reddy with a considerable margin. However, in the 2014 elections, he won the seat and became the minister.