Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh received a grand welcome at the Telugu Diaspora gathering held at the Curtis Culwell Center in Dallas, USA. Addressing thousands of NRIs, Lokesh said the Andhra government will forever safeguard the Telugu diaspora who stood firmly with the TDP-Jana Sena-BJP coalition even during its toughest days in opposition.
Lokesh recalled that the support extended by NRIs during the 53-day arrest of former CM N. Chandrababu Naidu gave immense emotional strength to the family. He said many who supported him during his Young Leaders Padayatra days were now present in the hall, and assured that he would protect them with all his heart.
Lokesh shared a surprising incident from his arrival in Dallas, saying the huge crowd caused such traffic that police instructed him to wait inside for safety. “I received an unprecedented welcome right from the airport till this event,” he said, thanking the diaspora for their affection.
He said that the enthusiasm in Dallas reminded him of the determination shown by TDP workers during difficult times in Andhra Pradesh. He recalled how workers were obstructed, their mics and stools seized, yet they stood firm saying “taggede ledu.” He praised the sacrifices of party workers, remembering Tota Chandrayya, Manjula Reddy, and others who remained loyal despite hardships.
Lokesh said the massive show of support in this meeting would certainly make the opposition YSRCP leadership sleepless. He hailed N.T. Rama Rao as the man who introduced Telugu pride to the world and Chandrababu Naidu as the visionary leader who turned Hyderabad into a global IT hub. “Those who mocked computers are today surviving because of them,” he said.
Calling Naidu a “dynamic leader with unmatched speed,” Lokesh stated that AP has now become the brand ambassador of progress. He emphasised that the state is moving ahead rapidly under the double-engine “bullet train government” of PM Narendra Modi, CM Chandrababu Naidu, and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan.
Lokesh highlighted major development plans across districts — automotives in Anantapur, renewable energy in Kurnool, electronics in Chittoor and Kadapa, diversified manufacturing in Nellore, CBG hub in Prakasam, quantum computing in the capital region, and big investments in aquaculture, pharma, steel, solar, and manufacturing across the state. He said the coalition has already signed investment deals worth ₹20 lakh crore, aimed at generating 16 lakh jobs.
The minister reaffirmed the coalition’s target of creating 20 lakh jobs in five years, inspired by the request of a roadside vendor he met during his padayatra. He urged youth to become job creators, not just job seekers, and assured that the AP NRT Society will stand by Telugus abroad during any crisis.
Lokesh also spoke strongly about law enforcement, stating that “no one who breaks the law will be spared.” Referring to those who insulted his mother in the Assembly, he said he would not tolerate such disrespect but emphasised the importance of respecting women.
He assured the diaspora that the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh will run stably for the next 15 years with no “misfires or crossfires,” declaring the coalition fully united.
The event saw participation from AP NRT Advisor and NRT Society President Vemuru Ravikumar, NRI TDP USA Coordinator Komati Jayaram, Garland Mayor Dylan Hedrick, Dallas TDP leaders, and a massive turnout of NRIs.