Nandyal MP Byreddy Shabari
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

A woman activist taking a selfie in front of the screen that is live-streaming the proceedings from Mangalagiri, at a digitally-connected cluster in North Assembly constituency in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: V. RAJU

New Delhi:

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, can “fundamentally transform governance”, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh told NDTV Wednesday at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland’s Davos.

Mr Lokesh also played down fears the (inevitable) advance of AI, and machine learning, will rob millions of their jobs. Instead, the “order of jobs” will be changed, he said, adding, “… I believe that over the next decade jobs are going to be created in areas that we are yet to discover.”

“Jobs under threat are typically white-collar jobs (but) I think every industrial revolution has shown that it (eventually) creates more jobs… history shows us that. So, I don’t believe AI will reduce jobs.”

AI – and its possible impact on jobs – has been a hot button topic at Davos this year, particularly for a country like India, which is primarily agrarian and already faces worrying levels of unemployment.

On Tuesday Gita Gopinath, the Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, told NDTV an estimated 26 per cent of the country’s total workforce may be “exposed” to AI platforms.

The message, however, wasn’t all doom and gloom. She indicated yesterday, as Mr Lokesh said today, that 14 per cent of those jobs will benefit and the rest would face a “displacement effect”.

READ | “26% Of India’s Jobs Exposed To AI, But…”: Gita Gopinath At Davos

And those comments seemed to agree with what Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, said at the NDTV World Summit in October last year; he acknowledged the advance of AI as “inevitable”, but argued it would bring in “new kinds of jobs… new scales of jobs”.

READ | “AI Inevitable, Will Bring New Kinds Of Jobs”: Amitabh Kant To NDTV

With that idea – that AI can create various kinds of jobs – Mr Lokesh gave NDTV insights into how Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s government is harnessing the power of tech.

“I think AI can transform governance at a fundamental level. One example of what we’re doing is education and to help students go from being a passive to an active learner. We’re doing this project… a 45-minute class is followed by a two-minute video with five questions at the end.”

“And, based on the answers, we’re using AI to prescribe homework.”

Mr Lokesh also spoke about other examples, such as using AI – in collaboration with companies like Meta and Google – to identify beneficiaries for welfare schemes and to deliver those services.

“I think the government’s role is to create use-cases (for AI) that can then be scaled up,” he said, adding that the Andhra Pradesh government is particularly interested in exposing women, students, and farmers to AI to help them double their incomes, in certain cases, and transform their lives.

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As the nation mourns Dr Manmohan Singh, Andhra Pradesh minister Nara Lokesh has recounted how the former Prime Minister restored his father and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu’s security cover after a Maoist attack in 2004.

“The year 2004 was a particularly difficult time for us. Our leader Mr. Chandrababu Naidu had recently recovered from an attempt on his life after a dangerous bomb blast by Naxals near Tirupati and the @jaiTDP party had just lost the 2004 elections,” Mr Lokesh said in a post on X.

The Congress, led by YS Rajasekhara Reddy, had swept the 2004 Andhra polls, removing the TDP from power. “At this crucial time, the new state government had moved to reduce security cover to Mr. @ncbn garu. This would’ve prevented him from being with the people and representing their issues,” Mr Lokesh said.

As India mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, I am reminded of his large-heartedness and graciousness towards our family.

The year 2004 was a particularly difficult time for us. Our leader Mr. Chandrababu Naidu had recently recovered from an attempt on… pic.twitter.com/1v44f8buNl

— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) December 28, 2024

“At this time, Mr. @ncbn garu met the then-prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and personally requested him to restore security cover citing the recent attacks on his life and the heightened threat perception as was ascertained by security agencies,” he added.

Dr Singh told N Chandrababu Naidu that he was important to the nation and provided him NSG security cover despite resistance from the Congress government in the state, Mr Lokesh said.

“Regardless of the fact that we were from an opposition party, Dr. Manmohan Singh immediately said that Mr. @ncbn garu is important to the nation, and against the wishes of the then state government, gave instructions to restore full security (led by NSG commandos) to Mr. @ncbn garu. In fact, he specifically told Mr. @ncbn garu that by the time you go back to Hyderabad, NSG security cover will be ready for you,” he said.

“Dr. Manmohan Singh was a rare statesman, and as a family we owe him personally for his large heart. Fare well sir. You will be missed,” Mr Lokesh said.

Earlier, N Chandrababu Naidu said he was “deeply saddened” by Dr Singh’s death. “An intellectual statesman, Dr Singh embodied humility, wisdom, and integrity. From his economic reforms in 1991 as Finance Minister to his leadership as Prime Minister, he served the nation tirelessly and uplifted millions. His passing is a great loss to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones and admirers,” he said.

Mr Naidu also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister at his Delhi home and met his family. “His remarkable legacy and service to the nation will always be remembered and continue to inspire generations,” he said.

The 92-year-old former Prime Minister died at AIIMS on Thursday night. Earlier that day, he was hospitalised after he lost consciousness at home. “Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS at 8.06 PM. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 PM,” the hospital said in a statement.

Vijayawada:

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Saturday said the state government will not spare anyone involved in the alleged adulteration of Tirupati laddus with animal fats.

During a recent NDA legislative party meeting, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu claimed that the previous YSRCP government did not even spare Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple and used substandard ingredients and animal fats for making the popular Tirupati laddus, known for their unique taste.

Mr Lokesh said the NDDB lab reports have translated the allegations into facts and noted that Naidu will take the call on ordering a CBI inquiry into the row.

“NDDB’s report is clear that adulteration happened. Report is clear, this is not an allegation. Chandrababu Naidu spoke with facts. We will not spare anyone and we will also not leave this issue with just a CBI inquiry,” he told PTI Videos on the sidelines of a CII conference.

The IT minister noted that the CM is also contemplating on what structural changes need to be done to ensure that irregularities of this fashion do not recur.

According to the TDP general secretary, controversies like this will erupt if there is a visionless CM sans clarity of thought.

“There were CMs before Jagan also, but none of them touched Tirumala. They did not do these kinds of things. Even I felt very bad. He (Sri Venkateswara) is also our God. We also feel very bad about it (animal fats in laddus),” he said.

Further, he observed that the government is looking at streamlining the entire process at Tirumala going forward and added that the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is an independent and autonomous body.

TTD is the official custodian of Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Nara Lokesh, TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu and the party’s candidate for the Mangalagiri seat, speaks at an election rally. File
| Photo Credit: HANDOUT

TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh has declared his family assets worth nearly ₹542.7 crore. Mr. Lokesh is in the assembly poll fray from Mangalagiri segment in Andhra Pradesh where he is set to take on YSR Congress candidate M, Lavanya.

He declared ₹373.63 crore as his family assets in 2019 assembly polls.

The TDP leader holds over one crore shares of Heritage Foods Ltd floated by his family worth ₹339.11 crore at ₹337.85 apiece. His wife Nara Brahmani is currently Executive Director of Heritage Foods.

According to the affidavit, Mr. Lokesh holds ₹314.68 crore worth of movable assets and ₹92.31 crore worth immovable assets while his wife has ₹45.06 crore and ₹35.59 crore assets respectively.

Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are to be held on May 13.

Hyderabad:

An ugly war of words has broken out between the ruling YSRCP and the Opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with the family members of former chief minister Chandrababu Naidu claiming that he has lost five kg in the last one month in jail, whereas the government claims he has in fact gained one kg, from 66 kg to 67 kg.

Chandrababu Naidu, 73, has been in Rajamahendravaram Central Jail as remand prisoner 7691, since September 10, when he was sent to judicial custody after being named as an accused in the alleged Rs 371 crore skill development scam.

Chandrababu Naidu’s son Lokesh, wife Bhuvaneswari and daughter-in-law Brahmani have all tweeted expressing grave concern over the health of Mr Naidu.

There is an undeniable and immediate threat to CBN’s life. He is being deliberately harmed. His safety is unquestionably at risk.

CBN is facing a dire situation, dealing with mosquitoes, contaminated water, weight loss, infections, and allergies, all without access to timely…

— Lokesh Nara (@naralokesh) October 13, 2023

Nara Bhuvaneswari has said she is worried that if Mr Naidu loses weight by another 2 kg, it could lead to kidney complications. Son Lokesh has said his father has been given steroids that he did not want to take as it could complicate his health condition.

I am deeply concerned for my husband’s well-being, as the Govt of Andhra Pradesh has failed to provide him with the timely medical care he urgently needs while he remains in prison. He has already lost 5 kg weight, and any further weight loss could have severe consequences for…

— Nara Bhuvaneswari (@ManagingTrustee) October 13, 2023

Daughter-in-law Brahmani has said inadequate and unsanitary prison conditions pose a considerable risk to his health and that they are deeply worried about him.

The family had earlier spoken about Mr Naidu suffering a skin allergy and threat of dengue from mosquitoes in the prison.

YSRCP rebel MP Raghurama Krishnamaraju has written a letter to governor Abdul Nazir alleging that there is a threat to Mr Naidu’s life.

TDP spokesperson Pattabhi asked why a health assessment panel had not been formed for Mr Naidu who is an NSG protectee, to take a call on his medical condition. He said they would seek treatment at a private hospital or a well-equipped government hospital for their leader.

In response, the jail authorities today released a health bulletin that suggested that his health parameters were normal. They also said dermatologists had gone in to see him and prescribe medication.

YSRCP spokesperson Sajjala Ramakrishna Reddy dismissed the concerns being raised about Mr Naidu’s health as highly exaggerated. “If someone is critical and on the death bed, then health bulletins are released. Not when they are fit and healthy.”

Mr Reddy said Mr Naidu had been provided a separate barrack because of security concerns, he gets food and water from home and to expect that he would be provided with an air conditioner inside jail is too much.

“It is not his mother-in-law’s house that he will be provided with comforts like an air conditioner. There are thousands of prisoners inside the jail and he is also a remand prisoner who will be treated in a similar manner,” he said.

Amravati:

Telugu Desam Party General Secretary Nara Lokesh on Friday said that there is an immediate threat to the life of the former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu.

Claiming that timely medical assistance is not being provided to Chandrababu Naidu by the Andhra Pradesh government in Rajahmundry central prison, the son of the TDP chief, Lokesh said that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Reddy would be responsible for the further deterioration of his father’s health.

In a post on X (former Twitter), Nara Lokesh said, “There is an undeniable and immediate threat to Chandrababu Naidu’s life. He is being deliberately harmed. His safety is unquestionably at risk. CBN is facing a dire situation, dealing with mosquitoes, contaminated water, weight loss, infections, and allergies, all without access to timely medical assistance.”

“The GoAP is trying to administer steroids to him. What is it that the Government doctors and administration are trying to hide? If any harm befalls Chandrababu Naidu garu, Jagan Reddy will be responsible,” he added.

Nara Bhuvaneswari, wife of Chandrababu Naidu also expressed concerns about her husband’s well-being and stated that current circumstances made by the state government can pose an immediate threat to the former Chief Minister’s life.

“I am deeply concerned for my husband’s well-being, as the Govt of Andhra Pradesh has failed to provide him with the timely medical care he urgently needs while he remains in prison. He has already lost 5 kg weight, and any further weight loss could have severe consequences for his kidneys. The overhead water tanks are unsanitary and pose a serious health risk. These dire circumstances create a clear and immediate threat to my husband’s life,” Nara Bhuvaneswar posted on X .

Telugu Desam party spokesperson Kommareddy Pattabhi said that Chandrababu Naidu is suffering from severe dehydration and his current condition is not good.

“We all know that he is suffering from severe dehydration. If this dehydration continues there is a chance of kidney problems. Yesterday we came to know that the doctor team have moved to prison to take care of Naidu’s health. Our party leaders met him and his condition is not okay,” TDP spokesperson said.

Adding that the party is thinking of filing a petition to move Chandrababu Naidu to a super speciality hospital, he said, “We are not sure what kind of medicine is he getting and he has a separate doctors team outside in his day-to-day life. But we are very much worried about his condition. We do not know what sort of medicine is he getting. We are going to file a plea at court to shift him to a private super speciality for further medication and or else to provide his regular doctor for his treatment.”

Earlier a team of dermatologists on Monday examined former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in Rajahmundry Central Jail after he complained to the jail authorities about his skin allergy. One associate professor of dermatology and one assistant professor of dermatology have been deputed at Rajamundhry Central Prison to take care of former CM Chandrababu Naidu.

Naidu was arrested by the Andhra Pradesh Criminal Investigation Department (CID) last month for his alleged involvement in a multi-crore skill development ‘scam’ case. CID said that TDP chief Naidu is the prime conspirator in this case.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

As Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief, N Chandrababu Naidu, continues to remain in jail in connection with the skill development scam case, his son and the party General Secretary, Nara Lokesh, on Wednesday met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and expressed his concerns about the safety of his father’s life.

He alleged that there is a blatant misuse of state machinery by the YSRCP Government in Andhra Pradesh.

“Met with the Hon’ble Union Home Minister @AmitShah Ji and apprised him of the blatant misuse of state machinery by YSRCP Govt in Andhra Pradesh, the regime revenge against Hon’ble @ncbn Garu, and the appalling condition in which he has been lodged in prison where his life is under threat,” Nara Lokesh said in a post on X after his meeting with Amit Shah.

Apart from the skill development scam case, Chandrababu Naidu has also been booked in the Amaravati Inner Road alignment and the FiberNet scam-related cases.

Naidu has been in judicial remand in the Rajahmundry Central Jail of Andhra Pradesh since September 11 in connection with the skill development scam. The judicial remand of Naidu has been extended till October 19 by the ACB Special Court in Vijayawada.

In the skill development case, the ACB court rejected Naidu’s bail petition for the skill development case on Monday.

Lokesh’s meeting with Shah also came a day after the Andhra Pradesh CID initiated its interrogation of Naidu in connection with the Amaravati Inner Ring Road scam case.

Nara Lokesh was also questioned by the CID in the Inner Ring Road case for the second day on Wednesday.

After the questioning, Lokesh told the media that the CID officials asked the same questions that were not related to the case.

He mentioned that he attended the investigation on the second day, despite the Andhra Pradesh High Court instructing him to attend for only one day.

Nara Lokesh asserted that he had nothing to hide, and he attended the second day based on the instructions of the CID officials.

New Delhi:

TDP National General Secretary Nara Lokesh has said that the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister is putting false cases against them and it’s nothing but a political witch-hunt.

Nara Lokesh and party supporters on Monday staged a hunger strike at Lodhi Estate in Delhi against the arrest of TDP Chief and former Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.

The party workers held ‘I am with CBN’ posters demanding the release of Former Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu.

“Mr Naidu is known for efficiency, transparency and integrity. Today, we have a madman as the CM of Andhra Pradesh and he is putting false cases against a credible politician. It’s nothing but a political witch-hunt. They have kept two cases ready, in case Naidu gets bail in this case, he can be put on remand again in two other cases,” Nara Lokesh said.

He further said that the government is putting false cases against him too and also threatened to put his wife and mother in jail.

“It’s not just him, they have put false cases against me. They have now given a notice to appear in a matter totally unrelated to my ministry when I was the minister. They are sending notices to numerous people. They’ve also threatened to put cases against my wife and my mother and send them to jail. This is the kind of madman administration that we are dealing with in the state of Andhra Pradesh,” Nara Lokesh added.

“So I urge every Indian to stand and support Mr Naidu,” he said.

From candle marches to rallies, TDP workers have been demanding the release of Chandrababu Naidu by showcasing their outrage across the country.

Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief, N Chandrababu Naidu, was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on September 9 in connection with the multi-crore skill development scam case.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)