Telugu Desam Party general secretary and Andhra Pradesh information technology minister Nara Lokesh’s statement in Visakhapatnam on Monday that nobody should hold a post or position for more than three terms has kicked up a debate in the party.
The party leaders are wondering whether Lokesh was referring to the post or position in the government or the TDP. Though he said it was his personal opinion and no such decision was taken in the party, it clearly reflects that he is trying to push through his agenda in the party.
Whether Lokesh was referring to the party position or the government post, either way, his statement seems to be posing a challenge to his father N Chandrababu Naidu Babu's position both as the chief minister or the party president.
According to sources in the party, Lokesh’s statement has created an impression among the party cadre that he is giving a hint to his father to step down from his present position.
“If Lokesh meant his statement is only for the party, then, he must be indicating that Naidu should step down from the TDP president post and hand over the same to him. If it applies to the government as well, he is giving a hint to his father to declare him as the next chief minister,” sources said.
If Lokesh is also hinting at changes in the politburo, it seems like steps are being taken toward a Lokesh-style TDP. He seems to be indicating that removing "old blood" and moving toward "young blood" is always good.
Interestingly, Lokesh has been the general secretary of the party and also a cabinet minister for two terms and therefore, he doesn’t want to continue in the same posts again and is aiming at a bigger position.
Will Naidu oblige to his demand and put forth the proposal before the party’s politburo remains to be seen.
