New Delhi: Nara Lokesh, TDP leader and son of Chandrababu Naidu, emphasized that the party’s priorities are job creation and uplifting marginalized communities in Andhra Pradesh. Under his leadership, the party secured 16 Lok Sabha seats in the state and played a crucial role in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) winning the elections.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Mr. Lokesh asserted that the party would maintain the reservation for Muslims in the state, despite opposition from their alliance partner, the BJP. "It (reservation for Muslims) has been going around for the last 2 decades and we stand by it. We intend to continue it," he said.

Addressing concerns about the policy, the 41-year-old leader clarified that the reservation is about social justice rather than appeasement, noting that minorities in the state have the lowest per capita income. "It's a fact that the minorities continue to suffer and that they have the lowest per capita income. As a government, it is my responsibility to bring them out of poverty. So whatever decisions I take are not for appeasement, but to bring them out of poverty," he explained.

Mr. Lokesh also spoke passionately about the importance of inclusivity for national development. "If you want to make our nation a developed nation, we cannot leave anyone behind. We should do it together and there is a great opportunity to do it. It has been the trademark of the TDP, to take everyone together," he added.

Nara Lokesh played a pivotal role in the TDP’s remarkable performance in both the Lok Sabha and assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh. Following Chandrababu Naidu’s arrest, Mr. Lokesh took charge of the TDP and led a 4,000-kilometer 'padayatra' to connect with the masses.

Commenting on his father’s arrest, Mr. Lokesh described it as an act of vendetta politics, asserting that Chandrababu Naidu was wrongfully jailed for 52 days. "We are victims of vendetta politics. The rule of law should be implemented equally for everyone. No place for vendetta politics in India," he stated.

Mr. Lokesh also addressed speculations about the TDP seeking the speaker’s post and key portfolios in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new cabinet, which is set to be sworn in on Sunday. "TDP never negotiates when it comes for post, we only negotiate for funds for the state. We don't ask for ministries. Our interest is the state's interest," he told NDTV.

Looking ahead, Mr. Lokesh expressed optimism about working with the NDA towards economic goals. "Strong states make strong nations. We want to be part of a 5 trillion dollar economy dream. We believe that Andhra alone can be a 1 trillion economy. Look forward to working with NDA," he added.