Telugu Desam Party working president and Andhra Pradesh IT minister Nara Lokesh has dismissed speculation that the Telugu Desam Party was considering an exit from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), describing such reports as baseless rumours.
Speaking at a media conclave in New Delhi, Lokesh responded to reports suggesting that he had held discussions with a prominent industrialist and a former Vice-President of India regarding a possible withdrawal from the NDA.
Lokesh said he had personally met one of the individuals whose name was being linked to the alleged discussions and later explained the matter directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to him, rumours about the TDP’s dissatisfaction within the NDA surface every three to six months, despite the party’s continued commitment to the alliance.
“The TDP is in the NDA and will continue to remain in the NDA,” Lokesh said.
He regretted that the party is repeatedly forced to clarify its position due to recurring speculation.
He stated that he informed the Prime Minister about the meetings he had attended and the conversations that had taken place.
Lokesh said Prime Minister Modi laughed off the rumours and told him that no such information had reached his attention.
He quoted Modi as saying that if there had been any such development, he would have been aware of it and would have directly sought clarification.
The Prime Minister also reportedly advised Lokesh not to avoid meeting important individuals simply because rumours could emerge later.
Reaffirming the TDP’s support to the NDA government at the Centre, Lokesh said the party continues to enjoy a cordial relationship with the Prime Minister and that meetings with Modi are arranged whenever requested.
He stressed that India requires stable leadership and recalled that when the TDP rejoined the NDA in 2024, it did so without imposing any conditions. The party, he said, remains committed to that understanding.
While differences of opinion on policy matters may arise, such issues can be resolved through dialogue.
At the same time, Lokesh asserted that the TDP would never compromise on the interests of Andhra Pradesh.