There are two factions within the TDP, one led by Nara Lokesh and the other by Chandrababu Naidu. Despite claims that the entire party is under Naidu's control, the reality is different. Currently, Nara Lokesh's team is gaining more improtance than others.
In contrast to Naidu's approach, Lokesh has already announced some candidates for upcoming elections, more than a year in advance.
He is introducing candidates to constituency voters during his padayatra and encouraging them to vote for them. This is a new trend in the TDP, but party seniors are unhappy for this.
There is big hue nd cry that Lokesh is announcing tickets to those who are close to him, causing controversy within the party.
Lokesh's padayatra is currently taking place in the Chittoor district, where he has announced candidates for five constituencies.
One of them is former minister Amarnath Reddy, who is close to both Naidu and Lokesh. The other candidates are Gali Bhanuprakash (son of former Minister Gali Muddu Krishnama Naidu) from Nagari, Sudheer Reddy (son of former Minister Late Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy) from Srikalahasti, Pulivarthi Nani from Chandragiri, and Dr. Helen (daughter of former MLA Hemalatha) from Satyavedu.
Lokesh is calling on the party cadre to work hard for their success There is a discussion in the TDP about whether or not these candidates are suitable, as some feel that they are being chosen solely because they are part of Lokesh's team.
Despite warnings from Naidu about Sudheer Reddy, Lokesh has not changed his decision.
There are also reports that Lokesh is sidelining old leaders who are close to his father, such as former minister Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, in order to pave the way for reforms in the party.
Lokesh believes that the TDP has become weak due to the presence of outdated leaders and he is determined to revitalize the party. He intends to reserve more seats for youth and select suitable candidates for these positions.