Exclusive/ 'Never Had Any Demands, Entered into Unconditional Alliance With NDA', Nara Lokesh Says | Exclusive

New Delhi: Stressing that his party looks forward to delivering on the promises made, first time MLA and TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu's son Nara Lokesh, while speaking in an exclusive conversation with Republic Media Network on Friday, said the mandate is very clear: people want good governance.  

“The mandate is very humbling. People want clean and good governance. They don't want an arrogant Chief Minister. In fact, they want a CM who is approachable”, Lokesh said while reiterating his party's commitment towards the development of the state. 

It's a great responsibility on the shoulder. We look forward to delivering to people's aspirations as we have made a lot of promises, TDP General Secretary told Republic, adding, “We would like to have our rightful share in the policies in various sectors".

Responding to a question on the YSRCP's downfall in the state assembly elections, he claimed, “Bad governance and arrogance of Jagan Reddy have brought them here".

Furthermore, he recalled an instance when his mother was allegedly insulted and lamented the chief minister's "inaction" on the matter. “My mother was insulted inside the House and the CM never stood up and criticised it. These are all sentimental issues for the people of Andhra. We respect the women and such arrogant behaviour was never accepted”, he asserted.

Underlining that the TDP would be extending unconditional support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Lokesh told Republic that there are no demands from his party's end. 

Key BJP allies – TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu and Bihar Chief Minister and JDU supremo Nitish Kumar – have endorsed PM Modi as the leader of the NDA with a message to balance regional aspirations and national interests with Naidu saying that Modi's rallies in Andhra Pradesh helped the TDP win 16 seats in the Lok Sabha elections.

“We never had any demands. We look forward to working with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as we had unconditionally entered into an alliance with the NDA much before the elections began”, he said, adding, “We look forward to working together on various issues and creating better job opportunities”.

Speaking at the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting held in the national capital, BJP allies JDS leader HD Kumarswamy, Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, NCP chief Ajit Pawar, HAM(S) chief Jitan Ram Manjhi among others supported the proposal moved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to elect Modi as the leader of the NDA.

Responding to a question on Muslim reservations, Lokesh said, “We will continue with the reservation and there are no second thoughts about it”. 

“If we want to develop our nation, then we have to take everyone together”, he stressed while asserting that it will ensure “social justice as minorities are the poorest of the poor”.

In the face of any issues, we will sit across and find a resolution, he added.