Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo Chandrababu Naidu's son Lokesh Naidu is all set to emerge as a 'life buoy' for the party. Following the debacle in the recent by-elections, the party leadership has seriously started maneuvering in this direction. Slowly, but steadily, the party is preparing ground to bring in Lokesh Naidu into active politics, according to party sources, and it is said that a team of senior party leaders are working on a road map with two to three options for the entry of Lokesh into politics.

The party is contemplating to start 'Mee Kosam Yatra', a cycle yatra or going round the State a-la NTR style on chaitanya ratham, said sources. The party had in the past taken up cycle yatras led by Naidu. The entry should be more impressive and in a novel manner, they feel. It is also being speculated in the party circles that Lokesh will be asked to lead the youth wing and develop second rung leadership by the time the party goes in for general elections in 2014. Lokesh, they say might enter politics after the Mahanadu. According to the party spokesperson Varla Ramaiah, Lokesh has perfect understanding of the present day politics and the problems faced by the people and with his management background and being a tech savy young man, his entry into politics would help the party to win over the youth and other sections of the society. “I personally feel that he should jump into the political arena now,” Ramaiah added. It is also being said that Naidu had agreed to it in principle.

If Lokesh enters into politics, it would help the party to check the growing popularity of YSRCP president YS Jaganmohan Reddy. Along with this, the party is also contemplating to change at least one third of the present MLAs and fill that vaccum with youngsters during the next elections. This issue was also said to have been discussed at the party meeting recently. Naidu has also gone on record that he would give more tickets to youth during 2014 elections. With a clean slate, this young brigade would help the party to come back to power, they feel. Since there is still about 18 months to go for general elections, the party will have enough time to groom him and see that he proves his leadership qualities, a senior leader said. Lokesh has been acting as a back room boy for Naidu. He was the brain behind the ‘cash transfer scheme’ announced by Naidu during 2009 elections.