National Working President of the TDP, Nara Lokesh, discussed digital governance, education reforms, and the party’s strategic role in the NDA on the Express Adda platform. He coined ‘Namo’ as a shorthand for the Naidu‑Modi alliance in Andhra Pradesh.

Key Takeaways

  • Andhra Pradesh has launched an integrated real‑time data platform for faster decision‑making.
  • Curriculum reforms now portray gender‑balanced household roles to promote equality.
  • The TDP continues to voice policy‑driven opinions within the NDA, reinforcing its regional influence.

Nara Lokesh, the National Working President of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and minister for Human Resources Development, IT, Electronics & Communication and Real‑Time Governance, told The Indian Express that in Andhra Pradesh “Namo” has become synonymous with the partnership of Naidu ji and Modi ji. The remark underscores the party’s calculated positioning within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Real‑Time Governance: A One‑Stop Digital Hub

Lokesh explained that Andhra Pradesh is consolidating datasets from every ministry into a single department, enabling decisions to be driven by live data. The state now offers roughly 1,000 services through a dedicated WhatsApp number, dramatically reducing the friction between citizens and government agencies.

Education Reform: From Textbooks to Values

Passionate about schooling, Lokesh highlighted a recent overhaul of first‑ and second‑grade textbooks. Previously, images depicted only women performing household chores; the new editions show an even split between men and women, reinforcing gender parity from the earliest ages. He argues that such “value‑based education” is the seed for broader societal change.

Reimagining Competitive Exams

In the wake of the NEET leak, Lokesh advocated for more frequent, computer‑based assessments. Andhra Pradesh already runs APSET and other state exams on digital platforms, and he proposes moving beyond the once‑a‑year model to prevent a single bad day from derailing a student’s future.

TDP’s Role Within the NDA

After re‑joining the NDA in 2024 without conditions, Lokesh emphasized that the TDP’s support stems from a belief in stable national leadership. While the party backs the coalition, it does not shy away from voicing independent policy positions, especially on issues that directly affect Andhra Pradesh.

From Padyatra to AI Hubs

Lokesh reflected on his 5,000‑person padyatra, noting that walking through constituencies gave him a grassroots perspective that no phone call can replicate. He linked this experience to his push for AI hubs, quantum computing labs, and rapid response mechanisms—asserting that citizen complaints arriving via WhatsApp must be addressed within the hour.