Is Lokesh Babu planning to contest from North Andhra?

There is an intense buzz in the political circles about TDP all India General Secretary Nara Lokesh will fight a bye-election from North Andhra. Many feel that this will be Chandrababu’s master plan to re-launch his son. As part of this, Lokesh would contest and win from a legislative assembly seat. This will wipe off the ignominy of losing from Mangalagiri constituency in 2019.

One of the major causes for criticism against Lokesh is that he has become a minister through backdoor by becoming an MLC. His only attempt in the assembly elections ended up as a major embarrassment what with local lad Alla Ramakrishna Reddy defeating him fair and square in Mangalagiri. Since then, one of the main criticisms against Lokesh is that he could not muster popular support.

Lokesh has since improved his diction, manner of speech and his public address capabilities He has also shown himself to be a dynamic leader by rushing to problem spots and standing by the victims. Of late, he has also established himself as a good communicator by interacting with the youth on issues like unemployment and examination postponement His power-packed punches during the zoom meetings too have endeared himself to the youth in a significant manner.

But, the main test for Lokesh is to demonstrate his ability to win the direct elections. That will establish his leadership. Hence, he is said to be considering fighting the elections from a safe seat North Andhra, especially in the Vizag district. This success will establish his credentials a popular leader, according to party insiders. His MLC term will expire only in March 2023. Lokesh wants to ender the assembly even before that. This will establish him as a popular leader, party sources said.