A quiet frustration is spreading among senior leaders in the TDP. While they may smile in public, deep down, they know the truth — their time in power is over.
Lokesh, the party’s future leader, has made it clear that seniors will be respected, but leadership roles will go to juniors.
This has left many experienced leaders disappointed, especially as they see new faces taking key positions in Chandrababu Naidu’s cabinet.
A few seniors who managed to secure posts admit that this is all part of a plan to strengthen Lokesh’s control over the party.
For now, no one is openly opposing him. Since TDP is in power, the seniors are staying quiet. But politics is unpredictable — power does not last forever.
The same juniors that Lokesh is encouraging may leave the party if TDP loses power. Many of them are not in politics for the party or its ideals — they are here for business, money, and influence.
This is what hurts the seniors the most.
"Experience and loyalty no longer matter. Instead, positions are being given to those who can buy their way in. Gone are the days when hard work in the party guaranteed growth. Today, lobbying and financial power decide political success", laments a senior.
Despite their anger, no one dares to question Lokesh. His words are treated as final. But behind closed doors, the seniors are asking themselves — who is Lokesh to decide their fate?
They are watching their political careers fade, not because of the opposition, but because of their own party’s decisions.
