At a time when the three-party alliance is about to complete a year in power, IT and Education Minister Nara Lokesh’s Delhi visit particularly to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi created interest in political circles. This meeting gained prominence at a time he was aspiring for political elevation in the forthcoming party’s Mahanadu in Kadapa.
PM Modi during his recent visit to Amaravti, affectionately asked Lokesh `why are you not coming and meeting?’. Immediately, he responded that he would meet him with family members, whenever he gave an appointment. He received a communication on Friday when he was in Anantapur district, the PM Modi intended to meet him on the next day. Immediately, he canceled his Programs there and left for Amaravati, on his way to Delhi.
Lokesh is already almost number two in the government. He is playing a key role in the government’s decisions. He is taking a crucial role in finalization of seats in the party, the composition of the cabinet, awarding nominated posts and party positions. All senior officials are looking towards him for any major decision.
However, his supporters felt that he should be elevated as Deputy Chief Minister so that to get an equal `official status’ that of Pawan Kalyan. But, this move was bitterly opposed by Jana Sena ranks and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu felt it was not wise to hurt sentiments of alliance partners. Moreover, the BJP top leadership is also intending to elevate Pawan Kalyan in state politics.
Realizing that without BJP’s top leadership it would be difficult to play a decisive role in state politics, Lokesh started cultivating proximity with Home Minister Amit Shah. And, now it seems he is looking towards rapport with PM Modi. As a result, Lokesh’s meeting felt to be crucial for his elevation in AP politics.
It may be recalled that TDP Polit Bureau has approved Lokesh’s suggestion that no leader should continue in the same position, more than three times. Abiding to the rule, he had earlier announced that he will not continue as General Secretary after Mahanadu. Thus, he has indicated that he is looking for a more elevated position in the party.
However, three time office rule will not be applicable to Chandrababu Naidu, who is continuing as party’s president for a long time. Now, TDP sources said that Lokesh is intending to create a new post of Working President in the party, so as to take up the position on the lines of KT Rama Rao in BRS.
