Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh – The speculation around the much-anticipated elevation of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) general secretary Nara Lokesh to the party’s working president position during the recently concluded three-day Mahanadu in Kadapa has been nothing more than media hype, sources within the party confirm.
The TDP’s annual conclave, Mahanadu, concluded on Sunday with no announcement made regarding Lokesh’s promotion to the working president role. This has put to rest the rumors that were rife in the media in the run-up to the event.
A senior TDP leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated, “The party leadership has not taken any decision on making Lokesh the working president. The media reports were mere speculation and not based on any concrete information from the party.”
Lokesh, the son of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu, has been the party’s general secretary since 2017. His elevation to a more prominent position within the party has been a subject of intense speculation for some time now, with many political observers viewing it as a move to groom him as Naidu’s successor.
However, the TDP leadership has maintained that there is no immediate plan to appoint Lokesh as the working president. The party is focused on strengthening its organizational structure and preparing for the upcoming 2024 general elections, according to sources.
Political analysts suggest that the party may be taking a cautious approach in promoting Lokesh, considering the possible backlash from within the party and the opposition over the perception of dynastic politics. The TDP, which has traditionally projected itself as a party that champions democratic values, would need to carefully navigate this sensitive issue.
Despite the absence of any formal announcement, Lokesh’s role within the party remains significant. He has been actively involved in the party’s day-to-day operations and has been tasked with overseeing the TDP’s social media and digital outreach strategies. His proximity to his father and the party’s top leadership has also given him a strong voice in the party’s decision-making process.
As the TDP gears up for the 2024 elections, the question of Lokesh’s political future within the party continues to be a topic of discussion and speculation. The party’s leadership will likely evaluate the timing and the manner in which Lokesh’s elevation, if any, is to be announced, keeping in mind the political dynamics and the party’s long-term objectives.
