Lokesh urges Telugu diaspora in Australia to support Andhra Pradesh’s growth
Andhra Pradesh IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh on Sunday appealed to the Telugu community in Australia to come together and contribute to the State’s development. Speaking at a meeting organised by the AP Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) at the Sydney Cricket Ground’s Brewer’s Pavilion, he said, “The time has come for Telugu people to hold their heads high once again.”
Mr. Lokesh recalled the global recognition brought by actor Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR) and the leadership shown by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He also acknowledged the diaspora’s active role in protests following Mr. Naidu’s arrest in the skill development scam case and credited their support for the TDP-Jana Sena Party-BJP alliance’s strong win in the 2024 elections.
Highlighting the government’s priorities, Mr. Lokesh said development and welfare remained twin objectives, noting that Andhra Pradesh attracted investments worth ₹10 lakh crore in the past 16 months. He emphasised the government’s “one State, one capital, and decentralised development” approach.
Mr. Lokesh said the State’s efforts to bring Google’s AI data centre to Visakhapatnam were possible with support from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. He also thanked the Centre for facilitating the AM&NS steel plant in Anakapalli district.
Commenting on party dynamics, the Minister described Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan as a “trustworthy partner” and said minor differences between ruling parties would not hinder progress.
Earlier, Mr. Lokesh met Jodi McKay, Director of the Australia-India CEO Forum, seeking to include Andhra Pradesh in the Forum’s State Engagement Agenda and highlighting the State’s investment potential. He also requested support for the upcoming Australia–AP CEO Round Table, organised jointly by the AP Economic Development Board, Business Council of Australia, and CII. Ms. McKay assured full cooperation.
The gathering was also attended by S. Janaki Raman, Consul General of India in Sydney, APNRTS president Vemuri Ravi Kumar, and other dignitaries.