Former Telugu Desam Party president of Andhra Pradesh unit and state minister for agriculture K Atchennaidu pooh-poohed the demand for making party general secretary and IT minister Nara Lokesh as the deputy chief minister of Andhra Pradesh.
“It is ridiculous to make such a demand. Nobody should have any doubt over Lokesh’s position. He is the clear and undisputed successor to TDP leadership after N Chandrababu Naidu,” he said.
He emphasized that this is an obvious fact that even a child could confirm.
“Even if you wake up someone from his sleep at midnight and ask this question to him, he would answer the same way saying Lokesh will succeed Naidu,” Atchennaidu said.
He dismissed any speculation or controversy about Lokesh’s position, asserting that there is no need to debate or question his leadership.
The statement reinforces Nara Lokesh’s position as the political heir apparent to Chandrababu Naidu, which could solidify Lokesh's authority within the party and strengthen his leadership in upcoming electoral battles.
Atchannaidu, however said, the TDP is running the government in alliance with the Jana Sena Party (JSP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
“So any position in the government for anybody will be decided in consultation with the coalition partners,” he siad.
He stated that all party members must abide by the decisions made by senior leaders of the coalition. Any personal opinions or statements that deviate from these decisions should be avoided, as unity within the coalition is of utmost importance.
Atchannaidu suggested that members of the coalition should collectively follow agreed-upon strategies to achieve their political goals.
He indicated the need for discipline and coordination among party members, especially in the context of the upcoming elections.
Atchannaidu's public endorsement of Lokesh as the natural successor to Chandrababu Naidu also serves as a reassurance to the party rank-and-file, especially at a time when political alliances and power dynamics are evolving rapidly.
