AP: TDP to Reserve 33% Seats for Women in 2029 Polls, Says Lokesh at Mahanadu
Amaravati, May 27(TNT): Ruling Telugu Desam Party National General Secretary and IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Wednesday announced that Telugu Desam Party(TDP) would reserve 33 per cent of seats for women in the 2029 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections, irrespective of whether the Women’s Reservation Bill is implemented at the national level.
Introducing what he termed a historic resolution during Mahanadu 2026, Lokesh said the party was committed to translating women’s empowerment from a slogan into political action.
“Whether the Bill is passed in Parliament or not, women’s reservations must be implemented. In the coming elections, 33 per cent of seats should be allotted to women. This is our resolve, our responsibility and our commitment,” he said while addressing party cadre and leaders at the inaugural session of the conclave.
Lokesh asserted that the next phase of Indian politics should be shaped by women’s leadership and said women must emerge not merely as beneficiaries but as legislators, leaders and policy-makers.
Stating that the TDP believed in women’s empowerment both in principle and practice, he alleged that opposition parties had obstructed efforts to strengthen women’s political participation.
He also called for social change in attitudes towards women and criticised the use of derogatory expressions and stereotypes targeting women in society.
Describing Mahanadu as a platform showcasing the unity and strength of the party, Lokesh said the hybrid-format conclave had connected lakhs of party workers across the globe through online and offline participation.
Paying tribute to party founder N. T. Rama Rao, he described him as a legendary leader who pioneered welfare-oriented governance and championed women’s empowerment through measures such as equal property rights for women and reservations in local bodies.
Lokesh also praised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, describing him as a visionary leader who transformed Andhra Pradesh through reforms in information technology, infrastructure and emerging technologies.
Highlighting the party’s 2024 electoral performance, he said the TDP-led alliance achieved a 94 per cent strike rate by winning 164 Assembly seats and claimed the government was implementing welfare and development programmes despite financial constraints.
Lokesh further reiterated the party’s commitment to decentralised development and challenged political opponents to a public debate on governance, welfare and development issues.
He urged party cadre to remain connected with people at the grassroots level and work in “mission mode” ahead of upcoming local body elections.
TNT KM
