The Minister repeatedly thanked the community for their financial, moral and social media support during the 2024 election campaign.
Published Dec 07, 2025 | 3:46 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 07, 2025 | 3:46 PM
Lokesh sought the diaspora’s continued backing for “at least 15 years of uninterrupted NDA rule”.
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh on 6 December told the Telugu diaspora in the United States that their support had helped the NDA secure its 2024 electoral sweep, as he appealed for the community’s long-term backing. Speaking at a large gathering in Dallas, Texas, the TDP leader highlighted the sizeable investment agreements the NDA claims to have secured since assuming power, and urged young professionals abroad to consider returning to the State and bringing their expertise.
Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT, Electronics, Industries and Infrastructure Nara Lokesh on Saturday, 6 December, made a strong pitch to the Telugu diaspora in the United States, saying the community had emerged as the “Most Reliable Indians”.
He said they had also played a decisive role in the Telugu Desam Party-led National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) historic sweep of 164 out of 175 Assembly seats in the 2024 elections.
“A true political party runs on the strength of its cadres, whether those cadres are in Vijayawada or in Dallas. You stood rock-solid with us during the most turbulent phase of Andhra Pradesh politics. We will always stand by you,” Lokesh told a packed community reception hall in Dallas, Texas, where over 1,200 NRIs had gathered for the event.
The Minister repeatedly thanked the community for their financial, moral and social media support during the election campaign.
“When the state was passing through its darkest phase, you became our voice across the world. That is why I call you the MRIs – Most Reliable Indians,” he said to applause.
Lokesh branded Andhra Pradesh as “India’s Brand Ambassador of Speed” and said the state had rapidly transformed since the NDA assumed power.
He announced that the state has already secured investment proposals worth ₹20 lakh crore, with the potential to create 16 lakh direct jobs.
“Our target is 20 lakh jobs in five years. We are well on track,” he said, adding that development is being decentralised through eight major industrial and innovation corridors stretching from Srikakulam to Chittoor.
The Minister urged young Telugu entrepreneurs in the audience to return and set up enterprises in the upcoming ‘innovation valleys’ and deep-tech clusters. “Don’t just be job seekers in America, come back and become job creators in Andhra Pradesh,” he said.
Lokesh also launched the ‘Kallaku Rekkalu (Wings to Education)’ initiative, a dedicated support programme for Telugu students studying overseas.
The scheme will provide emergency assistance, legal aid, career counselling and insurance cover.
“The Andhra Pradesh NRT [Non-Resident Telugu] Cell will work round the clock to ensure no Telugu student or family abroad feels helpless,” he said.
Stressing the need for long-term political stability, Lokesh sought the diaspora’s continued backing for “at least 15 years of uninterrupted NDA rule” to sustain the current economic momentum.
He also promised zero tolerance on crimes against women. “Development is our first priority, but justice and safety for women are non-negotiable,” he said.
The Minister described the global Telugu community as “equal partners in Andhra Pradesh’s decade of opportunity”. “Whether you live in Dallas, Dubai or Delhi, Andhra Pradesh is your home and this is your government,” Lokesh said.
The high-energy event ended with cultural performances and a gala dinner, with many NRIs pledging fresh investments and committing to campaign for the NDA in the run-up to the 2029 elections.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
