Lokesh Takes Charge: TDP Elevates Ground-Level Cadre

The Telugu Desam Party on Tuesday unveiled its new national and state committees in a major organisational overhaul ahead of upcoming elections. Party president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu appointed IT Minister Nara Lokesh as the Working President, with Lokesh formally assuming charge at a ceremony in Amaravati, marking a generational shift in leadership.

Lokesh has been tasked with strengthening the party structure , mobilising cadre , and ensuring coordination between the government and the organisation. The new committees reflect a blend of senior leadership and young entrants, with the party also giving prominence to grassroots workers by elevating those active at mandal and cluster levels to key roles, including the Politburo. In line with changing political trends, individuals who contributed to the party’s digital outreach have also been assigned responsibilities to enhance communication and connect with younger voters.

Addressing party members, Naidu outlined the government’s focus on infrastructure , highlighting efforts to improve connectivity across Andhra Pradesh through ports, airports, and highways. He reaffirmed that irrigation projects, particularly the Polavaram Project, would be expedited, while development of Amaravati as the state capital would be accelerated.

On the power sector, Naidu said steps are being taken to reduce costs and ease the burden on consumers without increasing tariffs. He also cautioned party leaders against conduct that could damage the party’s image and called for discipline and coordination with alliance partners, including the Jana Sena Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party, citing his working relationship with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan.

Taking aim at the YSR Congress Party, he accused the opposition of spreading misinformation and attempting to hinder development, urging party workers to counter such narratives. He called on cadres to gear up for local body elections, improve electoral performance, and take government initiatives to the people, stressing that positions in the party come with responsibility and require commitment and unity .