TDP Announces 33% Ticket Quota for Women in 2029 Elections

Amaravati, May 27: The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has made a significant announcement regarding women’s representation in politics. Nara Lokesh, the national executive president of TDP, declared on Wednesday during the first day of the party’s annual convention, ‘Mahanadu’, that the party will allocate 33% of its tickets to women for the upcoming 2029 elections.

Lokesh emphasized that regardless of whether the Women’s Reservation Bill is passed in Parliament, TDP is committed to this initiative. This marks a pioneering step for any political party in India. In his inaugural address as the national executive president, Lokesh stated that the next phase of Indian politics should be led by women.

He remarked, “Women should not just be beneficiaries in politics; they must become decision-makers and leaders who shape the future of the nation. TDP will play a leading role in this direction. This is not merely a slogan but our commitment.”

The proposal is expected to be ratified after discussions at Mahanadu. This year’s theme for the convention is ‘Women Empowerment’, making Lokesh’s announcement a significant political and ideological move towards gender equality in politics.

Recently, the party has also increased women’s participation by appointing Bayareddy Shabari as the national general secretary, marking her as the first female leader to hold this position in the party.

A statement from the party highlighted Lokesh’s ongoing emphasis on women’s empowerment across education, social, and political sectors over the past few years. He noted that the NDA government has already taken a historic step by introducing the Women’s Reservation Bill. Lokesh accused opposition parties of obstructing women’s empowerment and reiterated that TDP believes in empowering women at both theoretical and practical levels.

He stressed the need for more women MPs, leaders, and policymakers in the country, asserting that TDP’s future will advance alongside women.

The two-day Mahanadu, held at the party headquarters in Mangalagiri, was inaugurated by TDP President and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. Lokesh stated, “Whether offline or online, Mahanadu is always a grand event. Our policy has always been ‘Nation First’. Following the Prime Minister’s guidance, we are organizing this Mahanadu in a hybrid format this time.”

The event saw participation from the party’s state president Palla Srinivasa Rao, Politburo members, ministers, and several senior leaders.