Lok Sabha elections 2014: TDP's Nara Lokesh plays Stanford card to woo voters

HYDERABAD: TDP leader Nara Lokesh wants to strike the right chord with the youth this crucial general election when he promises to use his "Stanford connections" to bring investments into the two new states and provide thousands of jobs. "Once TDP comes to power, it will sanction new industrial licenses within just seven days. We will boost industrialization. Using my Stanford connections I have already spoken to some big companies and they have agreed in principle to invest about Rs 4,000 crore if the TDP is elected to power," Lokesh said even as he was busy preparing to leave for his poll campaign in Hindupur assembly segment from where his father-in-law N Balakrishna is contesting on TDP ticket.

Like his father, TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu, Lokesh too claimed that he was confident of his party forming the first government in both the states. And once the elections are over, Lokesh said he would focus on giving his party a "youthful look". "The TDP needs lot of grassroots level workers," he said in an interview to TOI.

But his 'ambitions' clearly do not end just there. On the issue of plugging huge revenue deficit in Seemandhra, Lokesh said the TDP, which had earned credibility and reputation over the years, will bring in more industrial and business investments. He, however, tactfully , steered clear of any discussion on the subject of new capital. "Personally I feel the capital should be located in a place with ready infrastructure. In fact it should be like the greater capital region on the lines of Delhi," is all he chose to say.

The TDP young gun though had a well rehearsed answer to a question on him perpetuating dynastic politics. His response: "I am not even contesting elections. I do not want to rob genuine party workers, who have been in the party for decades, of their seats though I definitely enjoy the clout as the son of the party president. The party leadership and cadre will decide my future".

Lokesh said he was confident of smooth vote transfer between the TDP and the BJP despite initial hiccups in the poll alliance in both the regions. "Our bargain with the BJP largely centered on flow of funds to the new states from the Centre," he added.

And is there a rift between the TDP and Jana Sena president Pawan Kalyan? "There are no differences whatsoever. Pawan's greatest strength is his strong heart that I respect immensely".

He said his wife Brahmani will campaign for Balarkrishna but preferred to refrain from commenting on his cousin and actor Jr NTR.