Whose Party Is TDP – NTR’s Or Lokesh’s?

Nara Lokesh has taken questions from the people at the Hello Tirupati program the other day. One of the questions is – Will you welcome Pawan Kalyan and Junior NTR if they enter politics?

Given the widespread speculations and rumors about a rift between NTR and Lokesh, this is an interesting question.

“I was asked if I’d welcome Jr NTR into politics. I’d say I’d welcome it 100%. Everyone who wishes to see Andhra Pradesh progress is welcome to join politics. Those who want to see AP in the number 1 position should enter politics.” Lokesh said.

This is a pretty straightforward question and Lokesh did not give a chance to any controversy or twisting.

But then a section of NTR fans who call themselves ‘Only NTR fans’ was offended by the answer.

They started hurling abuses against Lokesh questioning who is he to ‘welcome’ NTR. “TDP is NTR’s Grandfather party. You will have to vacate it whenever he comes. Who are you to welcome him,” they question.

TDP fans are retaliating to that saying how Lokesh is also a grandson of NTR and how his father has worked so much for the party to make it what it is today.

The Only NTR fans remind them Lokesh is a grandson through NTR’s daughter but NTR is the true heir because he is the son of NTR’s son.

These arguments reflect the poor mindset of both sides. No one is entitled to rule or own a party just because he is a Grandson or son of someone. Politics do not work that way.

Every political party has a constitution and the leader is elected democratically for a fixed tenure. Chandrababu Naidu has earned it over the years.

Lokesh is making a serious effort in politics but is still in a very early stage. He has a long way to go to claim leadership of the party and at the same time, NTR did not start yet.

A few days ago, YSR Congress declared Jagan Mohan Reddy as its lifetime President and Election Commission objected to it saying it is against democratic principles. So arguments like Grandson getting grandfather’s party and the son’s son given priority over the daughter’s son are childish.

Chandrababu earned the leadership of TDP after NTR with the support of the people. It is a long way to go for Lokesh and even a long way to go for NTR.