Andhra Minister Nara Lokesh: 'Namo means Naidu and Modi jodi'

At the Express Adda event in New Delhi, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh outlined his vision for real-time governance, education reforms, and the Telugu Desam Party's (TDP) role within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). In a conversation with Vandita Mishra, National Opinion Editor of The Indian Express, Lokesh detailed how his state is leveraging technology to improve citizen services and reduce bureaucratic friction.

Lokesh, who holds portfolios including Education, IT, and Electronics, emphasised that Andhra Pradesh has begun integrating data sets from various ministries into a single department to facilitate decision-making. “We bring each and every government service onto a single WhatsApp number. Almost 1,000 services are available to citizens today,” he said, highlighting the government’s focus on ease of living.

When asked about his priorities, Lokesh identified education as his most passionate portfolio. He cited changes made to school textbooks to promote gender equality, such as depicting men and women equally in household chores. “If that is the stereotype we are teaching a child, what change are we going to bring when they are in college or join work?” he asked.

On the recent NEET controversy, Lokesh called for further reforms in testing systems. He advocated for computer-based tests and multiple exam sessions per year to reduce the impact of a single bad day on students' futures. “When children are aspiring for higher education, one bad day can destroy their career for a year,” he said, adding that he approaches reforms from the perspective of his own 11-year-old son.

Discussing the state of regional parties, Lokesh attributed TDP's resilience to its adherence to ideology and cadre strength. He noted that the party has won and lost elections over 44 years but remains strong. On TDP’s role in the NDA, he described their support as unconditional, driven by a belief in stable leadership for India. However, he clarified that the party does voice its opinions on policies within the coalition.

Addressing concerns about the lack of institutional coordination mechanisms in the current coalition, Lokesh disagreed, stating that whenever reforms are needed in the interest of the state, the party’s views are heard. “If I have an issue, I pick up the phone, call the minister concerned. Either they answer or call back within the hour,” he said, illustrating the direct access available to allies.

Lokesh also touched on the meaning of the acronym 'Namo' in Andhra politics, saying it stands for “Naidu ji and Modi ji ki jodi,” reflecting the partnership between Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.