Onus on Lokesh to boost TDP in home turf

Tirupati: By bringing his heir apparent into the mainstream of administration, Nara Chandrababu Naidu has sent a clear signal to the cadre that Nara Lokesh will be second to none in his home turf. It may be the litmus test for the ‘CM in waiting’ to show his strength and talent in the district party affairs first.

The party cadre in the district strongly feels that Lokesh’s role as minister will be more in the district compared to the rest of the State. As the Chief Minister is otherwise busy always, he was unable to concentrate on the party affairs in the district. It is needless to say that the party never fared well in the recent past as far as the assembly elections are concerned.

Highlights:

• Tirupati Municipal Corporation elections are on the cards
• Both Telugu Desam and YSRCP are taking it as a matter of prestige
• By visiting the district at least once or twice in a month and reviewing the affairs, he can be able to put everything in order, feel party leaders

In 2014 elections also, the TDP could manage to win only six out of 14 seats.After the last assembly elections, Chief Minister has been pre-occupied with the developmental works in Amaravati and clearly could not devote his time to the party affairs.

He could not even concentrate on his own constituency Kuppam, this time, and was unable to make his visits every month as promised before elections. As the 2019 elections are just two years away, now he is trying to pay attention to party also. This time he is expected to take it a challenge to win majority of the seats in his home district.

By giving the cabinet berth to his son, Chandrababu’s intention is said to be strengthening the party at grass root level in Chittoor district. Lokesh is already concentrating on the party matters as TDP’s national general secretary. Now that he has assumed charge as minister,

he can participate in various programmes officially and give the government machinery the necessary directions. By including N Amarnath Reddy into his cabinet, at the cost of his long term associate Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy, the TDP chief tried to give a youthful look and a message that the next elections are very crucial to the party.

Also, Tirupati Municipal Corporation elections are on the cards. Both Telugu Desam and YSRCP are taking it prestigiously. Lokesh’s main task is to put all his efforts and win the Mayor seat as a gift to his father and the party’s supremo. It may be noted that the party is not having strong leadership who can command the entire district cadre.

In many constituencies there is dearth of leadership including the all important Tirupati. Now, Lokesh has to fill this vacuum. Already he is enjoying the command and now as a minister he will become even stronger to deal and settle any issue. He can hold discussions with cadre and senior leaders, and make the leaders of various groups to come on to a single line, and thus try to bring unity in the party.

This is exactly what he has to do which the Chief Minister is unable to look into with his responsibilities in the State. Now, party sources said, he can trust his son and rely on him completely.The Party District President and MLC Gounivari Sreenivasulu told The Hans India that, Lokesh’s role will give a boost to the party cadre.

By visiting the district at least once or twice in a month and reviewing the affairs, he can be able to put everything in order. Everyone in party was elated and feels that he can give his 100 percent to the party. “The elevation of Lokesh is a tonic to all of us”, he asserted.

V Pradeep Kumar