IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh made a notable comment during his address in Mangalagiri on Thursday, calling it a “triple engine government.” He stated that while Andhra Pradesh is being run by a double engine government, Mangalagiri is powered by three engines—Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in the state, and himself in the constituency. The crowd, particularly the local weavers, responded with loud cheers during the event, which was held to mark National Handloom Day.
Lokesh reminded people of his narrow defeat in the past and thanked them for their overwhelming support in the 2024 elections. He recalled losing earlier by 5,337 votes and requesting voters to help him win with an added zero—53,337 votes—but instead, he secured a 90,000 vote majority.
Highlighting his bond with Mangalagiri’s culture and people, Lokesh shared a personal anecdote. He said he had once gifted a Mangalagiri saree to his wife Brahmani, and when she wore it, the video went viral. Soon after, 98 others bought sarees of the same colour from the same shop. Lokesh mentioned that he and Chandrababu were gifting Mangalagiri shawls to dignitaries as a mark of respect to the weavers.
He outlined various developmental initiatives taken in the constituency. Lokesh said that 200 units of free power are being provided to handloom weavers and 500 units to those using powerlooms. He reiterated promises of GST rebates and a thrift fund for weavers, along with a yearly deposit of ₹25,000 into their accounts.
He added that 3,000 land pattas were distributed in the first phase to those without permanent homes, amounting to ₹1,000 crore in value. He said this initiative led to a Government Order being passed by CM Chandrababu for similar implementation across Andhra Pradesh.
Lokesh also mentioned infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of 31 community halls and the installation of 1,000 solar panels under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. A model library has been completed, and a road connecting Tenali and Mangalagiri has been laid. He also announced that a four-lane road would soon be constructed.
Speaking about public amenities, he informed the audience that Mahaprasthanam is nearing completion, along with 100 crematoriums. Lokesh shared that a new LEAP school would be launched in Nidamarru, aligning with CM Chandrababu’s vision for education. He concluded by saying that Mangalagiri is undergoing holistic infrastructure development across multiple sectors to improve the quality of life for its citizens.
