Speculation within Telugu Desam Party (TDP) circles suggests that party general secretary and Andhra Pradesh IT minister, Nara Lokesh, is likely to be elevated to the position of working president of the party.
According to party sources, there has been significant pressure on TDP president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to appoint Lokesh as the deputy chief minister.
This move is reportedly aimed at countering Jana Sena Party (JSP) president Pawan Kalyan, who has been acting independently as deputy chief minister.
However, Naidu is said to have rejected this proposal, arguing that appointing multiple deputy chief ministers would create a negative perception among the public. In particular, elevating Lokesh to the role of deputy CM might fuel unnecessary speculation.
Instead, Naidu is reportedly considering assigning more party responsibilities to Lokesh, rather than giving him additional prominence within the government.
As part of this strategy, it is believed that Naidu plans to name Lokesh as the working president of the TDP.
Sources suggest that this decision may be finalized in the near future and formally announced at the party’s Mahanadu, scheduled for May.
By appointing Lokesh as working president, Naidu aims to send a clear message to party leaders and cadres that his son is being groomed as his successor and could be projected as the party’s chief ministerial candidate in the next elections.
“This is why Naidu is hesitant to make Lokesh the deputy CM. He wants to leave it to the people to decide whether Lokesh is fit to be the chief ministerial candidate,” sources added.
Interestingly, during a recent meeting with party workers, Lokesh suggested that individuals holding the same position for two consecutive terms should either be promoted or step aside temporarily.
“This is a clear signal that Lokesh is eyeing a higher role—first as the party president and eventually as the chief minister,” the sources remarked.
There is also speculation within the party that Naidu is contemplating promoting his brother-in-law, Nandamuri Balakrishna, to a key role.
He may be given a significant position, such as a politburo member or party general secretary, during Mahanadu.