There were rumors that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is going to step down due to his health issues and age-related problems. The 74-year-old Chandrababu wants his son Nara Lokesh to take his role and take his party forward.
Hence, there was political buzz about Nara Lokesh’s potential ascent to the Chief Minister’s office. The 42-year-old Telugu Desam Party (TDP) General Secretary and son of Chandrababu Naidu has been quietly carving a path. However, Pawan Kalyan, the major player in the government alliance, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi thwarted Naidu’s efforts.
Rumor has it that Modi was not in favor of making Lokesh the Chief Minister at this moment.
The clamor for Lokesh to take on a larger role isn’t new. In January 2025, TDP leaders like Politburo member Reddappagari Srinivasulu Reddy and MLA Pasam Sunil publicly urged Chandrababu Naidu to appoint Lokesh as Deputy Chief Minister, a move considered a precursor to the top job.
Pawan Kalyan, a popular figure with BJP backing, is a potential rival for the Chief Minister’s chair. Insiders note that Narendra Modi wants Pawan Kalyan to be the next CM and make way for BJP’s growth.
Seeing Modi’s mood, Lokesh has dropped his ambition.
Nara Lokesh remains focused on his portfolios, with plans to roll out tech-driven governance initiatives like WhatsApp-based public services and drone technology.