Chandrababu Naidu steals thunder from son Lokesh

Amaravati: Young leader Nara Lokesh’s spirit was dampened by his own father and Leader of the House even as he grabbed a chance on Monday to reply to a short discussion for the first time in Assembly.

Panchayat Raj and IT Minister Lokesh replied to a short discussion on infrastructure facilities in villages and convergence of funds with Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

However, later Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu reiterated almost the same points with the help of same reports prepared by the Panchayat Raj department. It seemed that Lokesh was disappointed a little bit as his father delivered almost 90% of his speech.

With the Chief Minister also speaking on the issue on the same day in the House, naturally he hogged the limelight over his son who had earlier delivered his maiden address during a short discussion in the House.

Though Lokesh was ready on Friday itself to address the House, the Speaker adjourned the House to Monday. He concentrated on entire discussion and noted down points raised by MLAs. He tried to answer all those points during his speech.

The ruling party members tried to encourage Lokesh during his entire speech by thumping desks. Lokesh explained the developmental works in rural area such as drinking water, CC roads, link roads, implementation of open defecation free scheme, compost yards, LED street lights and farm ponds.

He also said seven star rating would be given to Gram Panchayats based on effective implementation of development schemes. He seemed to have prepared thoroughly to address the House and also was busy with his laptop during the short discussion. His speech contained a lot of statistics.

Both Naidu and Lokesh criticised the YSR Congress Party for lodging complaints with the Centre alleging irregularities in implementation of MGNREGS scheme.