"‘Worker is the Leader’—Vision or Evasion? TDP's New Narrative Sparks Debate"
When in the opposition, they say the party workers are their lifeline. But once they come to power, it's the officials who become their hope and breath – this is how TDP chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is behaving. Even after a year of the coalition government coming to power in the state, the situation remains the same. Recently, some MLAs have even complained to the Speaker that officials are not giving them any time. It is well known that the Speaker wrote a letter to the government regarding this issue. If even MLAs are not being given time by the officials, one can only imagine the plight of other leaders and party workers. It’s not that the workers expect everything they ask for to be done — but at the very least, their opinions should be valued.
However, for the past year, there has been serious dissatisfaction not only among party leaders but also among the cadre regarding the attitude of the TDP leadership, which is a key partner in the coalition. Moreover, both Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh have been claiming that it was only because of them that the coalition came to power in the recent elections. No one denies their role. At the same time, it’s known how TDP leaders and workers faced numerous challenges during YSRCP’s rule. Now, at the Mahanadu platform, Nara Lokesh introduced the concept of “Six Laws”, one of which is “The Worker is the Leader.” This is sparking discussions among TDP leaders — questioning whether this concept was introduced just as a way to avoid responsibility by saying, “Whatever you say or ask, this is your party too.” They are saying that the true intent behind the “Worker is the Leader” idea still needs to be clarified.
He also announced that efforts are being made to ensure financial self-reliance for the party workers. But more clarity is needed on this. In his speech at Mahanadu, Nara Lokesh mentioned the investments brought into the state, like TCS, ArcelorMittal, and Nippon Steel Plants. However, he did not mention Ursa Clusters, which he personally brought in. Yet, in an informal media interaction, he challenged YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy over the land allotment price to Ursa, saying he would resign from his ministerial post if it is proven that land was allotted at 99 paise per acre. Leaving that challenge aside for a moment, the fact that Lokesh didn’t even mention Ursa on the Mahanadu stage while listing investment achievements has led to speculation — suggesting that the company's actual strength and credibility might not be as high as claimed.
