Andhra’s Rising Star: This Is What Fortune India says

Fortune India’s August 2026 issue has described Andhra Pradesh IT, Electronics and Education Minister Nara Lokesh as an “Andhra’s Rising Star”. The title may sound big for a young politician, but the question is whether Lokesh has actually started proving himself or whether it is still too early to give him such a tag.

There is no doubt that Lokesh’s political image has changed significantly compared to his first term as a minister before 2019.

During his earlier stint, Lokesh faced criticism over his political experience, communication and ability to connect with people. At many intense he gets brutally trolled.

But his second innings is looking different.

Since taking charge again in 2024, Lokesh has been given important responsibilities, particularly IT, Electronics and Education. He has been actively involved in attracting investments, meeting global companies and promoting Andhra Pradesh as a technology and industrial destination.

The biggest difference is that Lokesh now appears more focused on execution and policy.

Andhra Pradesh has been pushing large investments in areas such as AI, data centres, electronics, renewable energy, automotive and other emerging sectors. The government has also been developing 22 industrial clusters across the state.

The proposed Google investment in Visakhapatnam has also given Andhra Pradesh a major boost in its technology ambitions. Lokesh has repeatedly highlighted the importance of creating the infrastructure and policies needed to bring such companies to the state.

His work is not limited to IT and investments.

In education, Lokesh has announced several reforms including transparent teacher transfers, filling teacher vacancies through Mega DSC, school ratings and changes aimed at improving the education system. He has also said that the government wants to improve Andhra Pradesh’s literacy position.

Another noticeable change is his approach towards young people.

Lokesh has been interacting with Gen Z and encouraging youngsters to enter politics. He has also been pushing skill development and industry linked education, arguing that students need skills that match the jobs being created by new industries.

His overseas investment tours have also become an important part of his role. During a recent visit to South Korea, for example, he met companies in the EV, semiconductor, battery and electronics sectors and sought investments for Andhra Pradesh.

But calling someone a “Rising Star” does not mean the job is already completed.

Most of the big investment announcements still have to become actual factories, offices, projects and jobs. Education reforms also need to show measurable results on the ground. Investment MoUs can create headlines, but their real success will be judged by how many projects actually start and how many jobs they create.

This is where Lokesh will face his biggest test.

The positive point is that he now has a much longer political runway and appears more comfortable in his role than he was before 2019. His communication, public engagement and focus on technology and investments have also improved.

The criticism and political opposition will continue, as they do for any ruling party leader. But the bigger question is whether Lokesh can maintain this momentum for the full term.

Lokesh still has a lot to prove. However, compared with his first stint as a minister, there is a visible change in the way he is handling his responsibilities.

For now, Lokesh appears to be in the process of proving himself.

And this time, the focus is increasingly shifting from who Nara Lokesh is to what Nara Lokesh can deliver.

Tags Nara Lokesh