Nara Lokesh Concludes Epic "Yuva Galam" Padyatra, Vows to Protect Vizag Steel Plant

Telugu Desam Party (TDP) General Secretary, Nara Lokesh, concluded his extraordinary "Yuva Galam" padyatra in Visakhapatnam district on Monday, marking the end of an epic 226-day journey that spanned an impressive 3,132 kilometers. This monumental endeavor commenced on January 27 from Kuppam constituency, represented by his father and TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu, with a mission to challenge the "atrocious rule" of Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Originally planned to traverse 120 Assembly constituencies, the padyatra covered 97 constituencies due to an interruption caused by Naidu's arrest by the CID in the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation scam in September. However, Lokesh resumed the foot march with renewed vigor last month after a hiatus of 79 days.

As he concluded the padyatra, Lokesh emphatically stated that the TDP vehemently opposes the privatization of the Vizag Steel Plant. He assured that, upon assuming power in the state, the TDP would advocate for the steel plant's protection in Parliament. He pledged full support to the displaced steel plant workers and expressed a commitment to provide necessary resources for the plant's survival.

Highlighting the significance of the steel plant as a symbol of Andhra's self-respect, Lokesh adamantly asserted that its privatization would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He criticized Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy for remaining silent on the matter, insinuating that fear of potential repercussions from the Centre was stifling his response to the issue.