Nara Lokesh 2.0 holds the promise of a blockbuster

Comparisons to Telangana’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) are natural. When K.T. Rama Rao became working president, it was considered an important step toward bringing in new leadership. The TDP now seems to be taking a similar path, though more carefully. The road has been more challenging for Lokesh than for many political successors.

2019, the nadir of Lokesh’s journey

In 2019, the TDP party faced a tough time, winning only 23 seats in the Assembly. Lokesh lost in Mangalagiri, hurting his reputation within the party and among the public. People on social media mocked him, calling him a "back office boy" who struggled in a public role.

However, Lokesh did not back down. He started an extensive digital membership campaign and enrolled over five million new members in the party. Using his business skills, picked up from Stanford, he designed a data-driven plan for expanding the party at the grassroots level. More importantly, he undertook a significant political journey.

Walking back to relevance

In January 2023, he began the Yuva Galam Padayatra, a 400-day walk covering 4,000 kilometres from Kuppam to Ichchapuram. He walked 28,000 steps each day. This journey tested his endurance and improved his public image. It was successful on both fronts.

He hugged elderly women, joked with young men, and wrote down every complaint in a small notebook. He called villagers by name and showed that a politician could listen. For a party known for being elitist, Lokesh's grassroots image helped change people's perceptions.

His father, who rarely gives public praise, tweeted on the 100th day of the yatra, "Many more miles to go."

Then, Chandrababu Naidu was arrested in the skill development case. Lokesh stopped his padayatra, rushed to the capital, and took charge of the party during this tough time. He led meetings, met senior lawyers, and kept the team together. This moment showed that he was the true heir, not by birth, but by proving himself in battle.

A new innings begins in 2024

In 2024, Lokesh won the Mangalagiri election by 91,000 votes. The TDP-JSP-BJP alliance did well in the state, winning 164 out of 175 seats. Lokesh focused on important tasks like mobilising party supporters, improving communication, and keeping the party running smoothly without Naidu in charge.

However, Lokesh’s ascent has not been straightforward. Some members of the TDP wanted to make Lokesh the deputy chief minister, but Jana Sena opposed this. Since Pawan Kalyan already held that position, adding another DCM was considered unfair. The BJP did not take a stand. Eventually, the idea was dropped. Lokesh remained diplomatic and said he had enough responsibilities with the HRD and IT portfolios.

Party leaders were told not to speak out publicly. Both TDP and JSP understood that internal conflicts would only strengthen their opponents. The debate over the deputy CM position has ended, but Lokesh's rising influence is evident.

His recent trip to Delhi to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with his wife, Brahmani and his son Devansh accompanying him, was significant. More than just a polite visit, it sent a message from a political family that the next generation is ready.

All said and done, the boss is not going anywhere

At 42, Lokesh shows a mix of technological skills and newly created connections with the public. His critics have become quieter, and even his opponents recognise his political growth.

However, N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is 75 and still active in politics, still holds the top position. He is the TDP's clear leader, leading strategist, and a strong campaigner. Lokesh may become the working president, but the party depends on Naidu’s instincts.

Lokesh may soon be given the leadership role, but it has not yet been passed on to him. Mahanadu might give him a title, but the leadership remains with Naidu for now.