State TD president and MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao said on Monday, marking the start of the Mahanadu, that Lokesh proved his strengths and abilities and hence should be promoted and “given control” of TD.
Kadapa: The Telugu Desam’s rank and file are seeking elevation and promotion of Telugu Desam national general secretary Nara Lokesh to a higher level to directly lead the party affairs.
State TD president and MLA Palla Srinivasa Rao said on Monday, marking the start of the Mahanadu, that Lokesh proved his strengths and abilities and hence should be promoted and “given control” of TD.
The party cadres, he said, are fully confident in the ability of Lokesh in leading the party and they want him to take the party over. “We will discuss and decide on the elevation of Minister Lokesh in the present Mahanadu.”
TD leaders, including ministers, came upfront, raising the pitch for an elevation of the status for Lokesh at the organizational level. Water resources minister Nimmala Ramanaidu said Lokesh was effectively coordinating matters between the party and the government.
He claimed, “It will be in the best interests of the party that the reins are handed over to the young leader, who can carry the legacy of his father for the next 25 years. It is time Lokesh shouldered the responsibility of the party, while Chandrababu would focus his attention on the governance.”
Another minister, Dola Sri Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, recalled how Lokesh led the marathon Yuvagalam padayatra, which brought a new lease of life to the party and renewed enthusiasm among the cadre. “His padayatra helped in the alliance’s victory in the 2024 elections. This is the right time to assign key responsibilities to him.”
Legislator GV Anjaneyulu, the government's chief whip in the assembly, also expressed a similar view. "The opinion of the field workers is that Lokesh should be appointed as the party's working president. We will bring this matter to the attention of Chandrababu."
TD Politburo member Srinivasa Reddy said a youthful leadership is necessary to further strengthen the party; and appointing Lokesh as the working president can infuse new enthusiasm in the party cadre.”
Minister Lokesh was the centre of attraction in the Kadapa Mahanadu as he singularly handled the Mahanadu on the inaugural day. In a remarkable image boost, huge cut-outs of Lokesh were placed prominently at the Mahanadu, along with those of Chandrababu Naidu and NT Rama Rao.
Lokesh was hand-picked by the party leadership to move the six-point resolution to empower the cadre, youth, women and farmers.
An air of anticipation has hung around the Mahanadu venue. As Lokesh stepped onto the stage, there was huge applause from the party workers and every leader showed an eagerness to shake hands with him. The show of reverence was infectious.
