Yuvagalam Redefined Andhra Politics Through Direct Public Connect: Lokesh

The ‘Yuvagalam’ padayatra , led by Nara Lokesh , credited with reshaping Andhra Pradesh’s political landscape, completed three years on Tuesday. Marking the occasion, the State IT Minister and TDP national general secretary took to social media, describing the march as “not merely a walk, but an extraordinary journey that transformed my life and became a defining moment in Andhra Pradesh’s political history.”

Launched on January 27, 2023 , from Kuppam in Chittoor district , the Yuvagalam padayatra was initially planned to cover 4,000 kilometres across the State. However, over 226 days , Lokesh walked more than 3,100 kilometres , directly engaging with people from rural hamlets to urban centres . He said the journey strengthened his political vision and gave him firsthand insight into the challenges faced by farmers, women, youth, workers, teachers, students, industrialists, weavers, senior citizens, and marginalised communities .

Recalling the padayatra, Lokesh said the blessings of mothers and sisters gave him strength, while people openly and honestly shared their problems. He emphasised that his political journey was shaped by the struggles and aspirations of the people , and reiterated his commitment to framing policies centred on improving their lives.

Meanwhile, the Telugu Desam Party issued a special statement noting that the Yuvagalam padayatra opened new avenues for direct public engagement in Andhra Pradesh’s political history. The march covered 97 Assembly constituencies , with Lokesh meeting people extensively from remote rural habitations to major town centres .

Describing the padayatra as a goal-oriented mass movement , the party said Lokesh walked an average of 10 to 12 kilometres a day , holding public interactions at every stage and assuring people of solutions to their issues. Despite political and logistical challenges, he continued the march, reinforcing the message that continuous dialogue with the people is the foundation of effective leadership , TDP leaders said.

The padayatra concluded ahead of the 2024 elections , after which the TDP-led NDA alliance secured a landslide victory , winning 164 Assembly seats and 21 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh.