TDP Leader Faces Backlash Over Lokesh–IndiGo Remark
Telugu Desam Party spokesperson G Deepak Reddy has landed in a storm after claiming on Republic TV that IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh is “keenly monitoring” the IndiGo Airlines crisis. The remark has sparked three days of mockery across political and media circles.
During the debate, Republic TV chief Arnab Goswami questioned how Lokesh or the TDP could be linked to a national aviation issue. Social media soon joined in, asking how a state minister could oversee a crisis outside his mandate.
The IndiGo disruption, which has triggered thousands of flight cancellations nationwide, has already left passengers frustrated. As anger mounted, political reactions intensified, with several parties criticising the Centre’s handling of the situation.
It was against this backdrop that Reddy tried to praise Lokesh’s “proactive leadership,” implying he was tracking the crisis closely. The attempt backfired.
“Parties often try to place themselves in national conversations,” said Dr Anita Rao, a political communications expert. “But credibility collapses when claims do not align with authority or responsibility.”
The trolling was swift. Memes questioned the idea of “remote monitoring,” especially since Lokesh is currently on a goodwill tour in the United States. Critics asked how a minister abroad could oversee aviation operations back home.
“Projecting influence over matters outside one’s scope looks like overreach,” said aviation analyst Capt. Raghav Sinha. “Aviation is a Central subject. Suggesting state-level oversight invites ridicule, not respect.”
Communication professionals call the episode a strategic slip. “Leaders need to know when visibility helps and when it hurts,” said public affairs strategist Lakshmi Narayanan. “This sounded like unnecessary exaggeration that embarrassed the party.”
Neither Lokesh nor the TDP has responded to the trolling. Lokesh is expected to return later this month, but for now the online criticism continues unchecked.
The incident underscores a familiar political dilemma: staying relevant without stretching credibility in an era where every statement is instantly dissected, shared and mocked.