Nara Lokesh, educated at Carnegie Mellon and Stanford, highlighted that while his business-oriented education helped him, politics required more than academics, emphasising the importance of "Padayatra" for political success
Published Mar 09, 2025 | 2:41 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 09, 2025 | 2:41 PM
TDP leader Nara Lokesh. (Supplied)
Synopsis: At the India Today Conclave, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh discussed the state’s competitive edge, his political journey, and his father, Chandrababu Naidu’s legacy. Responding to a question on Andhra Pradesh’s position compared to other states, Lokesh quipped, “Andhra Pradesh has Chandrababu Naidu,” highlighting his father’s influence. Lokesh also reflected on the challenges of being Naidu’s son in politics
At the India Today Conclave, on Saturday, 8 March, Andhra Pradesh Information Technology and Human Resources Minister Nara Lokesh addressed key topics ranging from his state’s competitive edge to his own political journey, while drawing attention to the state’s digital economy.
In response to a question about whether Andhra Pradesh was at a disadvantage compared to cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, Lokesh quipped, “Karnataka has Bangalore, Tamil Nadu has Chennai, Telangana has Hyderabad. Andhra Pradesh has Chandrababu Naidu.”
When asked about his political journey, Lokesh shared that he didn’t see himself as a third-generation politician but as a “karyakarta” of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
He acknowledged that being Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s son made his journey tougher. “I am at a greater disadvantage, because he sees me every day,” he remarked, referring to his father’s reputation as a “taskmaster.”
Having studied at prestigious institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and Stanford University in the US, Lokesh’s transition to politics was a significant shift. However, he emphasised that his exposure to business-oriented education served him well in his role, while stressing that politics required more than academic prowess.
“Carnegie Mellon, Stanford is good for business. Padayatra is very very important for politics,” he said. He reflected on his 226-day, over 3,000-km Yuva Galam Padayatra in 2023, which he believed allowed him to truly understand his state and its issues.
“I am able to connect to issues far better,” Lokesh said, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute to his father’s cabinet effectively.
Speaking of Andhra Pradesh’s future, Lokesh outlined his vision for the state’s technological advancements, which include the development of a new Data City in Visakhapatnam.
He expressed his commitment to advancing his father’s legacy of promoting digital technologies and said that the state was on the brink of the next big technological revolution.
“Hyderabad and India were beneficiaries of the Y2K revolution. And I believe we are at the cusp of the next revolution,” he said, explaining that Andhra Pradesh’s business-friendly ecosystem could help it compete with other states.
He also emphasised the importance of quality human resources, noting that as HRD Minister, he was focused on revamping the state’s education system.
“We are saying we have quality manpower now in our state. As the HRD Minister, I am focused on revamping our entire curriculum from KG to PG,” he stated.
Lokesh’s innovative approach to governance also garnered attention. He recalled how the idea of “WhatsApp governance” emerged during his padayatra.
“People were questioning me, saying, ‘I push a button, I get food, I get groceries, I can watch a movie. Why is the government not so proactive?’” His response to the feedback was to implement a system that ensured quicker and more responsive governance.
Discussing the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Lokesh was pragmatic about its impact.
“If you accept it, if you adapt to it, it will definitely transform our lives. If you resist it, you will be out of a job,” he said, stressing the importance of readiness in both the state and the education system.
Addressing concerns raised by the Southern states over the delimitation process, Lokesh argued on behalf of Andhra Pradesh and said states should not be punished for successful population control initiatives.
He said, “Population control should not be used against the Southern states,” and added that the TDP would continue its support of the NDA while pushing for the issue to be addressed.
“We continue to support the NDA unconditionally. We have a voice at the table and we will use it at the appropriate forum,” he affirmed.
Lokesh concluded by reiterating the TDP’s commitment to India’s unity. “Telugu Desam Party might be a regional party, but we believe in India first. And our approach has always been that,” he said, emphasising the party’s national outlook despite being rooted in regional politics.
As Andhra Pradesh charts its course forward, Lokesh emphasises digital innovation, human resources development, and pragmatic governance.
He presents a vision for a tech-savvy, forward-thinking state that builds upon the legacy of his father while embracing the challenges of modern India.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
