At Annual Meet, TDP Makes Gender Representation Pitch—33% Quota For Women Candidates In 2029 Polls

TDP Champions Gender Quota Ahead of 2029 Elections

In a bold move, senior leaders from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) have expressed their commitment to enhancing women's representation in politics, aiming for a 33% quota for female candidates in the upcoming 2029 polls. TDP officials stated that they prefer to “lead by example” rather than wait for a widespread political agreement on this vital issue. Recently, the party has made strides in its internal structure, appointing Byreddy Shabari as its first woman national general secretary and inducting Gantyada Sridevi into the politburo as part of a larger organizational shake-up.

During a recent address to party members, TDP leader Lokesh emphasized the crucial role women must play in Indian politics, declaring,

“I strongly believe that the next era of Indian politics must belong to women."

He highlighted the need for women to transition from being passive recipients of welfare to active participants in governance. Lokesh framed the proposed quota as the TDP’s “resolve, responsibility and commitment” to a more inclusive political landscape.

Speaking at the Mahanadu event, TDP national president and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reiterated the party's commitment to “vision-oriented politics,” stating that they would collaborate with the Modi-led NDA government to push for the proposed reservation. Both leaders rallied their party members, urging them to bolster the TDP-led NDA alliance in Andhra Pradesh as the 2029 elections approach. “The honeymoon period of two years is over. People voted for us because we promised good governance. It is now time to deliver on the double-engine jodi of Naidu and Modi,” Lokesh asserted.

Naidu further outlined the party's long-term vision, indicating that government policies would be shaped to reflect the aspirations of the younger generation, which will define Andhra Pradesh's trajectory in the coming decades. He underscored the necessity for governance and development strategies to resonate with the ambitions of Gen Z voters.

The two-day Mahanadu event, scheduled for May 27 and 28, is taking place in a hybrid format at the TDP’s central office in Mangalagiri. While politburo and committee members attend in person, party workers are joining virtually. Originally set to be a massive gathering in Nellore, the format changed due to Prime Minister Modi's call for fuel conservation amidst global tensions. This annual event commemorates the birth anniversary of TDP founder N.T. Rama Rao and is expected to result in 20 resolutions addressing issues across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, defining the party’s strategic roadmap for future elections.

The TDP's renewed focus on Telangana also comes as municipal elections loom, with the party claiming over one crore active members across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.