New Delhi: Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh stated that while Karnataka has Bengaluru and Telangana has Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh has the advantage of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Speaking at the India Today Conclave in Delhi, Lokesh addressed multiple questions posed by senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai.
He highlighted the significance of his Yuvagalam padayatra, stating that it provided firsthand insights into public grievances and helped him evolve as a leader. Lokesh asserted that he is successfully fulfilling his responsibilities in the coalition government, emphasizing that padayatras are crucial in politics, equating them to an MBA program that enables leaders to connect with people and understand grassroots issues.
Data Center to Be Established in Visakhapatnam
Lokesh reiterated the government’s commitment to setting up a data center in Visakhapatnam, dismissing any speculation to the contrary. Drawing parallels with Hyderabad’s role in the Y2K revolution, he asserted that it is now Andhra Pradesh’s turn to benefit from similar advancements. He cited the state’s skilled workforce and the administration’s Speed of Doing Business initiative as key factors in attracting investments.
He announced plans to align the curriculum from KG to PG with industry requirements and revealed that the concept of delivering government services via WhatsApp emerged during his padayatra. By the end of the month, 350 services, including caste certificates, hall tickets, land records, and other essential documents, will be accessible through the Mana Mitra platform. Lokesh described this as the beginning of a broader digital transformation, emphasizing the need for readiness in adopting artificial intelligence.
“Chandrababu Naidu Is Andhra Pradesh’s Advantage”
Lokesh highlighted that Karnataka has Bengaluru, Tamil Nadu has Chennai, and Telangana has Hyderabad, but Andhra Pradesh’s greatest asset is Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership. He emphasized the importance of visionary leadership for economic and technological development.
He also announced a 7-gigawatt agreement signed with Tata Power, stating that advancements in technology will help address several challenges faced by the state. Regarding workforce development, he noted that conducting a skills census is more complex than a caste census but assured that the government is treating it as a priority.
Promotion of Telugu Language
Addressing concerns about the three-language policy, Lokesh dismissed fears that it would undermine regional languages. He asserted that linguistic diversity safeguards India’s native tongues and emphasized that the Andhra Pradesh government is committed to promoting Telugu.
He rejected claims that Hindi is being imposed and instead encouraged the younger generation to learn foreign languages such as German and Japanese to capitalize on job opportunities in sectors like healthcare and homecare abroad. He underscored the importance of multilingual proficiency in today’s globalized world and reiterated the government’s full support for the NDA’s language policies.
Legal Action Against Violations During YSRCP Rule
Lokesh alleged that 23 false cases, including those under the SC/ST Atrocities Act and for attempted murder, were registered against him during the previous YSRCP government. He warned that legal action would be taken against those who violated the law under YSRCP rule.
He criticized the previous administration for stifling protests and restricting opposition voices, contrasting it with the current scenario where Jagan Reddy moves freely. He also claimed that Jagan Reddy now has more security than the Deputy Chief Minister. Lokesh accused the YSRCP regime of corruption in liquor sales and illegal sand mining, adding that a related case is under review by the Supreme Court.
“Jagan Reddy Is the Leader of YSRCP, Not the Opposition”
Recalling past legislative practices, Lokesh noted that Assembly debates in the 1990s were more meaningful compared to the present. He reiterated that Jagan Reddy remains only the leader of YSRCP and stated that opposition status requires at least 10% of the Assembly’s total seats.
He affirmed that the government would not violate constitutional norms to accommodate political interests and emphasized the TDP-led administration’s commitment to upholding legislative integrity.
“Secured a Record Victory in Mangalagiri”
Reflecting on his electoral journey, Lokesh recalled his 2019 defeat in Mangalagiri, a constituency where TDP had not won since 1985. However, in the 2024 elections, he secured victory with a significant margin of 91,000 votes, the third-highest majority in the state.
He stated that he deliberately chose the challenging HRD portfolio and also shared a personal anecdote about his wife Brahmani managing his credit card bills.
On Women’s Day, he emphasized that celebrating women’s contributions should not be limited to a single day but should be an ongoing effort.