Lokesh and NTR divides TDP cadre - TeluguPeople.com News

HYDERABAD: The demand for young blood is being heard louder in the rank and file of the TDP, especially after the poor returns for the party in the recent bypolls.

However, the cadres are divided between TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu's son Nara Lokesh Naidu and NTR Jr. During the review meetings conducted by Naidu on the byelections, several second-rung leaders urged him to bring Lokesh into active politics.

However, others were sceptical about Lokesh's charisma and his ability to attract voters. 'We have not interacted with him so far. We don't know about his oratorical skills,' said a senior TDP leader.

Those who doubt the leadership qualities of Lokesh are looking to NTR Jr. Now, the moot question before the cadre is: Can Lokesh do for the TDP in Andhra Pradesh what Akhilesh Yadav did for the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh?

A large number of TDP leaders are comparing Lokesh with Akhilesh. TDP leaders are of the opinion that if TDP has to attract young voters, it would have to make a beginning by grooming Lokesh for a larger role in the party.

'Akhilesh Yadav did not emerge overnight. He was a three-time MP before occupying the chief minister's seat,' a TDP functionary pointed out.

In all of the review meetings, Naidu did not either refuse nor accept the demand to bring Lokesh into active politics. 'Naidu did not give any clarity,' said a TDP leader from Anantapur district.

Lokesh made a foray into politics in the 2009 elections when he acted as his father's campaign manager in Kuppam where he camped for seven days.

At last year's Mahanadu, the TDP's annual conclave, a large number of flexis and cutouts of Lokesh were erected, signalling the demand for a wider role for him in the party.

That upset NTR Jr's followers in the party. Naidu moved quickly to nip the trouble in the bud. He ordered removal of the flexis hailing any of his family members.

However, indications are that Naidu will continue to use his brother-in-law N Balakrishna as the star campaigner for the TDP in the 2014 general elections. Lokesh's services will be used for Kuppam.

Though there is talk that Lokesh will contest the election from Chandragiri in 2014, Naidu Sernior has dismissed that possibility. For the time being, Lokesh's political activities will be limited to Kuppam, sources say.

Lokesh is no stranger to politics. It was Lokesh's idea that the TDP promise the cash transfer scheme (CST) in the 2009 polls. The CST will continue to be the main plank of the party in the 2014 polls too. Naidu has always told his critics that he groomed him as a good citizen.