Andhra Pradesh is about to witness a new chapter in its political landscape. Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu, who proudly calls his state the “Sun Rise” state, is ready to bring his son, Nara Lokesh, into his Cabinet. This move aims to attract more investors to the region. Nara Lokesh is already the General Secretary of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP). Interestingly, Chandra Babu Naidu held the same position during NTR’s last term, when he made a significant political shift.
Who is Nara Lokesh?
Nara Lokesh was born on January 23, 1983, to Chandra Babu Naidu and Nara Bhuvaneshwari. He is the grandson of the legendary NTR. Lokesh completed his schooling at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Hyderabad and graduated from Little Flower Junior College. He excelled in his studies and later attended Carnegie Mellon University in the USA, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems (MIS). He also holds an MBA from Stanford University.
After returning to India, Nara Lokesh joined Heritage Foods Pvt. Ltd., a company founded by his father in 1992. Under his leadership, Heritage Foods grew into one of Southern India’s top dairy and grocery brands. Once he established the Heritage brand, Lokesh shifted his focus to politics.
Political Journey
Nara Lokesh’s entry into politics was marked by fresh and innovative ideas. In 2009, he proposed the Direct Cash Transfer scheme, which was later adopted by the UPA and Modi governments. This idea was included in the TDP manifesto, marking Lokesh’s first significant impact on the party. Unfortunately, the TDP lost that Assembly election, and his ideas were sidelined.
In 2013, Lokesh officially joined the TDP as the head of the Youth Wing. His rise within the party has been rapid. While being the son of the party chief certainly helped, Lokesh has earned respect for his contributions. Today, he is seen as the second most popular leader in the TDP, a recognition that stems from his hard work and dedication.
Personal Life
Nara Lokesh is married to Brahmani, who is also his maternal cousin. Brahmani is the daughter of Telugu actor and current MLA Nandamuri Balakrishna. The couple has a son named Devansh and has decided not to have more children.
In the past, Lokesh faced controversy when a jailed individual accused him of fathering another child named Nara Santosh. This claim was dismissed as an attempt by a frustrated person to tarnish the Naidu family’s reputation.
Conclusion
Nara Lokesh is poised to play a significant role in Andhra Pradesh’s future. With his educational background, business acumen, and political ambitions, he is set to make a mark in the state’s governance. As he steps into a more prominent role in the Cabinet, many are eager to see how he will influence the political landscape of the “Sun Rise” state.