TDP Version 3.0: Chandrababu, Lokesh Outline Strategy for Local Polls and 2029

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has asked party leaders to make winning the upcoming local body elections their immediate priority while beginning preparations for the 2029 Assembly elections without delay. He issued the directions during a two-day TDP leadership conference held at the party’s central office in Mangalagiri on September 7 and 8.

Naidu stressed the need to further strengthen unity within the NDA alliance, improve coordination among party leaders and deepen their engagement with people at the grassroots. He described the local body elections as an important opportunity for the party and urged leaders to work collectively to secure a strong mandate.

The Chief Minister asked every MLA to identify 25 key issues in their constituency and focus on resolving them through sustained efforts. He said consistent work on these priorities would help elected representatives build credibility and recognition among voters. Leadership conferences will now be held once every three months, with successful MLAs expected to share effective practices with other leaders. Naidu also emphasised self-motivation, determination and regular coordination with government officials.

He urged party leaders to understand changing social trends, particularly the expectations of younger generations. With a new generation emerging roughly every decade, political leaders must adapt their approach and communication style to changing aspirations. Naidu said electoral success could not depend solely on money power, stressing the importance of developing an emotional connection with the public and maintaining strong ties with party workers.

On the second day of the conference, TDP national general secretary and working president Nara Lokesh spoke on political communication and public perception. He called on elected representatives to use social media more effectively to directly connect with people, explain government welfare and development initiatives, and counter opposition claims with facts and evidence.

Lokesh encouraged leaders to adopt simple, direct communication formats such as selfie videos, citing his own use of them while addressing misinformation surrounding Suzlon wind projects and the DSC issue. He said every elected representative should become an asset to the party rather than a burden.

Calling for the TDP to evolve into “Version 3.0,” Lokesh said the party must remain above individuals while allowing internal discussions and differences to be addressed openly.

He also called for September 9 to be observed as a “Black Day” marking three years since Chandrababu Naidu’s arrest, with party workers asked to light 53 lamps at every booth and constituency and display “Truth Has Won” posters. The schedule for the local body elections, however, has not yet been announced.