On the National Education Policy (NEP), Lokesh backed the three-language formula, stressing that it promotes multilingualism and does not impose Hindi.
Published Sep 10, 2025 | 8:57 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 10, 2025 | 9:42 AM
Lokesh Nara. (X)
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh reaffirmed the TDP’s long-term commitment to the BJP-led NDA. Lokesh said the support for the NDA is unconditional and will remain beyond 2029. Lokesh reflected on his family legacy, calling his father Naidu a “lifelong teacher” and drawing inspiration from his grandfather, NTR.
Andhra Pradesh IT and Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh reaffirmed the TDP’s long-term commitment to the BJP-led NDA. Speaking at a media conclave in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu on Monday, 8 September, Lokesh said: “Our support to NDA is unconditional and will remain so. Beyond 2029 also, TDP will be with NDA.”
He expressed full confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “Right time, right place, and right leadership can change everything. He is one such leader.”
When asked about TDP’s anti-BJP stand in 2019, Lokesh was candid. “We are humans. We make mistakes and we learn from them. We are with NDA and will support it,” he said.
He further denied claims that the Andhra Pradesh government has been taking advantage of the NDA alliance to get funds from the Union government for its development initiatives. “Union Minister Ashvini Vaishnaw told me: Whichever state ushers in reforms both in labour laws and land conversion. I will support the state. If you do it, you will be the first. And we have done it,” he said.
Lokesh supported controversial NDA bills, including the one that empowers the disqualification of the prime minister, chief ministers and ministers from office if jailed for more than 30 days. “We need clean politics. This law is one such measure. My father also wants cleaner politics,” he said.
He denied pursuing vendetta politics in Andhra Pradesh. “We are not after anyone with spite. If we wanted to send Jagan Mohan Reddy to jail, we would have done it long ago for jailing Naidu. Action is taken only when a law is broken. If I break the law, my father would not hesitate to send me to jail,” he said.
Lokesh’s address blended personal reflections, policy, and aspirations. He focused on youth empowerment, inclusive development, and Andhra Pradesh’s economic growth under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
“Chandrababu Naidu has no interest in national politics. His two eyes are on Andhra Pradesh. He wants to make the state No. 1,” he said.
On the National Education Policy (NEP), Lokesh backed the three-language formula, stressing that it promotes multilingualism and does not impose Hindi.
“It is about giving students an option. More languages, the better. These days, we learn German and Japanese because we want to corner opportunities. I speak three languages. I am a product of three languages. My son is learning three languages. Students should be free to choose their third language,” he explained.
He also touched on global challenges, such as the tariffs of US President Donald Trump. “We will not allow Trump tariffs to destabilise industry. We are partnering with the Centre to soften the blow on the exporters,” he said, referring to Andhra Pradesh’s export sectors like textiles and aquaculture.
Lokesh reflected on his family legacy, calling his father Naidu a “lifelong teacher” and drawing inspiration from his grandfather, legendary NT Rama Rao.
“There are occasions when I disagree with my father. Even in Cabinet meetings, I sometimes differ with him. He encourages open dialogue,” Lokesh said.
He also shared lighter moments, recalling the difficulty of finding a holiday spot where Naidu isn’t recognised. “There is no place in the world without a Telugu speaker, and the Telugu community would easily identify my father,” he said, smiling.
Lokesh said that when he wants to go on vacation with his family, he prefers a country where skiing is available, as his son Devansh is interested in it.
Urging educated youth to join politics, Lokesh expressed concern over their reluctance. “When I visit schools, no child says they want to be a politician. Well-educated individuals must enter politics. We have to lead from the front,” he said.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
