Today marks three years of Nara Lokesh’s Padayatra which changed Andhra Pradesh politics and his own political career. Once targeted by YSR Congress propaganda he was branded as Pappu and seen as ineffective by many.
He was caught in a trap set by I-PAC and failed to counter it. This led to his defeat in the 2019 election. That loss became a turning point and forced him to rethink his political approach.
After 2019 Lokesh worked on himself and on party issues. He lost weight and gained better control over party affairs. He also focused more on public welfare and understanding the needs of people.
The Padayatra brought him closer to citizens across the state. He travelled on foot and listened to their problems and aspirations. This direct connection helped him build trust and a stronger public image.
When TDP cadre morale was low he walked 3,132 kilometres through 97 assembly constituencies. Alliance candidates won in 90 of those seats. If not for Chandrababu Naidu’s arrest he would have crossed 4,000 kilometres.
During the Yuvagalam Padayatra he met students employees farmers labourers and daily wage earners. He heard their grievances and promised solutions after coming to power. Many of those promises are now being addressed.
The YSRCP government first treated the Yuvagalam Padayatra lightly. Later they began to worry as Lokesh gained support. Attempts to create hurdles only improved his image and gave him more public attention.
The Padayatra proved to be a success for Lokesh and the TDP led alliance. He won from Mangalagiri and helped the alliance form the government. Today he is a key leader in both the party and government.
There is little doubt that he is the heir of Chandrababu Naidu and the future of the Telugu Desam Party. If the alliance wins again in 2029 his political standing will grow even stronger.
