Lokesh is not Shadow CM

CM’s son ‘chairs’ a meeting to discuss ‘Smart Village’ programme

Hyderabad: Slowly but steadily, the role of Nara Lokesh is growing in the TDP. Lokesh, Coordinator of the TDP Workers Welfare Fund, has started presiding over party meetings. The young leader on Saturday convened a brainstorming meeting to discuss the subject regarding “Smart Village” programme and what and how a smart village should be and what infrastructural facilities the smart villages should have.

The meeting was attended not only by party leaders but also by Ministers Ganta Srinivas Rao, P Narayana and 35 members, including MPs, MLAs, MLCs and district party unit presidents. However, Srinivas Rao rebutted the claims made by the Opposition parties that Lokesh had emerged as ‘Shadow CM.” Srinivas clarified that Naidu’s ‘scion’ attended the meeting in his capacity of party coordinator only and not chaired the meeting.

The meeting resolved to take up “Smart Ward,” “Smart Village” and “Smart District” programme by developing infrastructure like round-the- clock power supply, regular drinking water supply and housing to all. Lokesh is said to have emphasised that every village should have internet and one member in every family should have a bank account to avail the government-sponsored welfare sche- mes directly.

The participants also brought to the notice of Lokesh the health care facilities provided in the villages. They asserted that they were doing everything to encourage institutional deliveries, contain infant deaths and stop drop-outs from schools and colleges. Srinivasa Rao said the government would prepare guidelines on “Smart Village” scheme after consulting the Chief Minister.

He said all the suggestions given by the legislators and party leaders would be discussed in detail and a final decision would be taken soon. The Minister said the leaders also discussed the sops to be offered to the prospective investors in AP in the coming days.