Nara Lokesh Outlines Six Strategic Pillars for TDP’s Future

“Times are changing… people's needs are evolving… their way of thinking is shifting… It is imperative that we bring in crucial policy reforms rooted in the party's core ideology, yet aligned with present-day public needs,” said Telugu Desam Party (TDP) National General Secretary and Minister Nara Lokesh. He stated that, to this end, he is proposing six foundational principles.

Nara Lokesh said, “During the era of Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, the slogan of self-respect defeated authoritarianism. Under N. Chandrababu Naidu's leadership, the motto of self-confidence laid the foundation for the future of the Telugu people. Now, it is time to carry that spirit forward by formulating new strategies that ensure a better future for the people, the party, and its cadre.” He declared that he is introducing six key legislations to achieve this.

Nara Lokesh’s six proposed legislations are as follows:

Global Eminence for the Telugu Race: “It is due to the Telugu Desam Party that the Telugu people enjoy distinct recognition and respect in the country. Once, when Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao was dismissed, the people of Delhi had to bow, and he was reinstated as Chief Minister—this is the valor of the Telugu race. It was N. Chandrababu Naidu who placed the Telugu people on the global map. We must work with the agenda that our people should lead in all sectors,” said Nara Lokesh.

Youth Voice: “We are about to prioritize the youth within the Telugu Desam Party. We will respect both senior and junior members and encourage those who work actively. We are working with a goal to provide 2 million jobs to the youth. Our state possesses strong youth power. If given the right opportunities, they will surge ahead. Creating job and livelihood opportunities across all sectors is our objective.”

Women Empowerment: “Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao granted women equal rights in property. N. Chandrababu Naidu gave women economic independence. In the previous government, women were humiliated in the legislative assembly. Mothers and sisters were dragged onto the streets. Going forward, we must empower women even more through the ‘Women Power’ principle. From party positions to all sectors, women should be given equal responsibility and protection. We must abandon phrases like ‘you wear bangles, wear a saree, and cry like a girl.’ Only then will societal change begin. Once, when we were in the opposition, a woman minister threatened to send me bangles and a saree. I said that if they were sent, I would offer them as gifts to my sisters and bow at their feet,” said Nara Lokesh.

Service to the Poor – Social Re-engineering: “A poverty-free society is the goal of the Telugu Desam Party. It was Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao who introduced rice at ₹2 per kg, Janata clothes, pucca houses, and pensions. It was N. Chandrababu Naidu who raised the meagre pensions fivefold from ₹200 to ₹1,000, and later from ₹1,000 to ₹2,000. In August, we will implement free bus travel for women. In the current scenario, we must ensure social equity for all families through social re-engineering aimed at justice for everyone.”

Support to the Annadata (Farmer): “Without farmers, society does not exist. This is a principle strongly believed by the Telugu Desam Party. Our state has fertile lands like gold. If supported properly, our farmers can yield prosperity. Hence, the policy ‘Support to the Annadata’ must be implemented,” said Nara Lokesh.

Cadre as Leader: “I draw inspiration from party workers like Anjireddy Tata, Manjula, and Thota Chandrayya. Once, in the Punganur constituency, Anjireddy Tata filed a nomination with confidence. Manjula stood fearlessly at the polling booth bleeding from an attack. Thota Chandrayya, even with a knife to his throat, refused to chant the opponent’s name and instead cried ‘Jai Telugu Desam, Jai Chandrababu’—sacrificing his life. Such resolute workers are our strength and support. No other party in the country has the kind of one-crore family support that we do. The party is preparing a special plan to support its cadre and enable them to stand on their own feet,” stated Nara Lokesh.