Yuva Galam A Litmus Test For Lokesh

The walkathon planned by TDP scion N. Lokesh is vital not only for himself but also for the party. The party’s future hinges on the success of the walkathon. The TDP cadre has pinned hopes on Lokesh’s padayatra as they believe it would help in ‘reestablishing the connect with the public’. Further, the padayatra is also a litmus test for Lokesh as it would help one gauge his capabilities and efficiency. In the wake of the criticism that he lacks comprehension and political acumen, the padayatra is a litmus test for Lokesh.

During the padayatra, Lokesh would cover as many as 4,000 km in 400 days. Lokesh and his team had already prepared the publicity material for the padayatra named ‘Yuva Galam’ and would strategically carry forward the party’s spirit to the masses.

Former CM Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy introduced the tradition of padayatra in Telugu states. His Praja Prasthanam catapulted him to power with the people believing in his words that he would do the needful as their representative. Later, Chandrababu Naidu also embarked on a padayatra and was voted to power. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also led a padayatra which helped him register a resounding victory in politics.

Now, the padayatra by Lokesh will decide the future of both the TDP and Naidu’s son. In the next elections, he will become the Chief Minister if the TDP wins power. Else, his political future is likely to remain uncertain. Through the padayatra, Lokesh also wants to rejuvenate the party cadre and breathe a fresh lease of life into the party.

However, the padayatra will not be an easy task for the TDP leaders as there would be many hurdles in their way. In such a situation, Lokesh’s padayatra is drawing the attention of public and political observers too. Lokesh has to be careful with his speeches as they would be viewed critically by his rival parties.

There is a lot of interest over how he would carry himself and move along with the public. During Odarpu Yatra, Jagan picturized himself as one among the family members. He stayed away from formalities and high-handedness which he is profusely exhibiting after clinching power in the elections. Jagan’s humbleness got him close to the people.

It has to be seen how Lokesh would be able to convince the public and make them vote for the TDP.