Pithapuram Varma Wants Lokesh to Replace Naidu as TDP Leader?

TDP supremo and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s four-decade-long political experience, coupled with Jana Sena President and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s acting prowess, may have allowed the two leaders to present a facade of camaraderie to the media. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that all is not well between the two parties. Recent developments raise questions about the dynamics within the TDP itself, particularly between Chandrababu Naidu and his son, Nara Lokesh, who also serves as the TDP General Secretary and the State IT Minister.

In a recent media interaction, TDP leader and former Pithapuram MLA Varma credited the party's decisive electoral victory to Lokesh's Yuva Galam Padayatra. Emphasizing the need for a 2047 plan, Varma suggested that Naidu should declare Lokesh as the party's leader. This is not the first time Varma has advocated for Lokesh’s elevation. Earlier this year, he joined a faction of TDP leaders calling for Lokesh to be appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister. As the demand gained momentum, the TDP high command intervened, issuing a directive to party leaders to refrain from further public discussion on the matter.

Pithapuram has become a flashpoint for internal TDP and JSP conflicts. As part of their alliance agreement, Varma had to relinquish the Pithapuram seat to allow Pawan Kalyan to contest from there. Both Naidu and Pawan had promised to secure Varma's political future in exchange for this concession. However, no tangible steps were taken to fulfil these promises. Although Varma was initially promised a nomination to the Legislative Council, the opportunity was instead given to Pawan’s brother, JSP General Secretary K Nagababu. This has left Varma’s supporters and TDP activists increasingly vocal in their opposition to JSP leaders and their influence.

Despite being sidelined, Varma has continued to support the TDP. By aligning himself with Lokesh and advocating for his leadership, it seems that Varma is strategically positioning himself to regain favour with the IT Minister. This move could be seen as an effort to reclaim political influence in Pithapuram and challenge Pawan’s attempts to consolidate power in the region.

Also read: All Eyes on Varma’s Political Game Plan Amid TDP-JSP Faceoff During Nagababu’s Pithapuram Tour