TDP will lead political reforms, empower youth and women: Lokesh

Vijayawada: TDP working president and IT minister Nara Lokesh has said the party will continue to lead reforms in politics, governance and education in tune with the aspirations of Gen Z and future generations. He asserted that the party was committed to empowering youth and women while transforming the state into a hub for investments, technology and employment generation.Interacting with media at the party office during Mahanadu on Thursday, Lokesh said that reforms had always been the TDP's identity. “Political reforms are a continuous process. The party is always open for discussions without ego and will evolve according to the expectations of younger generations,” he said. He added that slogans such as “Karyakarthe Adhinetha” and “Na Telugu Desam, Na Badhyata” would be carried strongly among party cadre. He said that Jagan himself brought his grandfather Rajareddy’s criminal history to light.Lokesh later held a special interaction with youth, where he called upon youngsters to actively participate in politics and public service. He said the state was witnessing massive industrial investments in sectors such as AI, quantum technology, data centres, renewable energy and automobiles. He revealed that investments worth over Rs 23 lakh crore had already come into the state, with companies like Google, ArcelorMittal and Reliance making major commitments.He said the govt had identified 22 industrial clusters across the state, including data and IT clusters, automotive hubs in Rayalaseema and renewable energy projects in Kurnool. Lokesh said the govt was focusing heavily on skill development to prepare youth as highly skilled human resources to meet industrial demand. “Opportunities are coming to the state in a big way, and youth must utilise them effectively. There are no shortcuts to success. Hard work, teamwork, sacrifice and passion are essential,” he said, adding that his own goal was to make AP number one in all sector.He also cautioned youth against fake content on social media and accused YSRCP chief YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of spreading baseless allegations over DSC teacher recruitment despite courts giving a clean chit to the recruitment process. Lokesh said misinformation on social media could create unnecessary panic among lakhs of students and urged youth to cross-verify information before believing it.Lokesh reiterated the TDP’s commitment to implementing a 33% reservation for women in politics and to systematically promoting capable women leaders across constituencies. Stressing the need for resilience, Lokesh encouraged youth not to lose confidence in the face of failure, recalling how he lost the 2019 election from Mangalagiri but returned with a massive majority in 2024.