TDP leadership set for a generational shift

Time of India

25-05-2025

Vijayawada: The 2025 Mahanadu, TDP's annual conclave scheduled to be held in Kadapa between May 27 and 29, is likely to witness a leadership transformation in terms of party affairs.
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According to sources, the party's national general secretary, IT and HRD minister Nara Lokesh, is all set to step into the shoes of his father, chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, in looking after party affairs.
Though the position he is going to take up is not revealed yet, the entire rank and file of the party is expecting him to play a bigger role. Irrespective of the name and designation of the post in the party, Lokesh is likely to control all party affairs after the Mahanadu, signalling the beginning of the third generation of leadership in the four-decade-old party that was founded by his late grandfather, N T Ramarao.
Lokesh is already being considered as number two in the party, and the announcement during the Mahanadu will further cement his position.
Sources close to Lokesh told STOI that he was working on key reforms with an aim to reshape the party's direction in line with evolving public expectations, but without compromising on the spirit of its founding ideals. He will present his thoughts, and give direction to the cadre during the annual conclave.
The key focus areas he is working on are Telugu identity, women empowerment, social re-engineering, youth, and farmers.
Lokesh is said planning to introduce a concept, titled 'My Telugu Family', to unite Telugu communities across regions and sectors globally. The idea is to invoke Telugu pride and identity. He will also announce 'Stree Shakti' initiative to elevate women in leadership roles and expand opportunities for them, including within the party.
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Another key proposal to be presented during the Mahanadu will be a new social engineering formula with targeted welfare programs and caste-based equity, aligned with the principles of inclusion and dignity. Lokesh has been advocating for inclusion of young blood into the party, and he will present his ideas to initiate the youth into leadership roles. He is also focused on creating employment opportunities and entrepreneurship among youth.
For the agriculture sector, Lokesh is working on a concept called 'Annadataku Anda' (Support to the Farmer) to ensure sustainability and prosperity for farmers.
Finally, acknowledging the strength of party workers, Lokesh will announce special measures for the welfare of cadres at ground zero with the slogan, 'Worker is the Leader..