Nara Lokesh's Padyatra: A Political Journey Across Andhra Pradesh

Nara Lokesh, the son of former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, has embarked on an extraordinary odyssey in Andhra Pradesh, covering a jaw-dropping 3,132 kilometers in 226 days. This epic walkathon is more than just a physical challenge; it's a political endeavor with a storied history.

The tradition of padyatras, or long walks, has played a pivotal role in shaping Andhra Pradesh's political landscape. It all began when the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy set off on a remarkable 1,470-kilometer padyatra in 2003, eventually toppling Chandrababu Naidu from power. Naidu responded with his own ambitious 2,800-kilometer journey in 2014, becoming the first Chief Minister of the newly bifurcated state.

Jaganmohan Reddy, Lokesh's political rival, continued this legacy by covering a staggering 3,648 kilometers over 341 days, ultimately propelling him to victory in 2019. Now, Lokesh's 3,132-kilometer trek through 100 of the state's 175 assembly constituencies carries the hopes of revitalizing the Telugu Desam Party as the upcoming elections loom large. Can Lokesh's marathon march breathe new life into his political aspirations and reshape the state's future?