Did Union Minister Lokesh Fund His Own Air Travel?
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Synopsis
In a surprising revelation, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh reportedly funded his own air travel for 77 flights to Hyderabad, dismissing allegations of misuse of public funds. This news, unveiled through RTI inquiries, showcases a commitment to transparency amidst political scrutiny. Find out how this impacts the ongoing political feud.
Key Takeaways
- Nara Lokesh used personal funds for 77 flights.
- RTI responses confirm no travel expense claims were made.
- Political tensions between TDP and YSRCP intensify.
- The TDP defends Lokesh's actions amid opposition criticism.
- Transparency in governance is crucial for public trust.
Amaravati, Nov 27 (NationPress) - Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh financed his own 77 flights to Hyderabad, according to responses received from various departments via a Right To Information (RTI) request filed by an activist.
Documents reveal that he has not claimed any travel expenses for these journeys.
Nara Lokesh, who serves as the Minister for Human Resources Development, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, and Real Time Governance, is the son of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) refuted claims made by the Opposition YSR Congress Party, asserting that allegations regarding Lokesh using a special aircraft for his 77 trips to Hyderabad are 'outrageous lies.'
“None of these trips were personal; nonetheless, Minister Nara Lokesh covered the costs from his own funds,” the TDP stated in a post on X.
Further, it was disclosed through the RTI application that Minister Nara Lokesh has not utilized any funds from the departments he oversees for these flights.
The TDP also shared responses from relevant departments to the RTI inquiries made by Kodamala Suresh Babu from Guntur district.
Departments including Higher Education, Skill Development and Training, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, and Real Time Governance confirmed that Lokesh did not claim any travel costs.
The YSRCP has been critical of Lokesh regarding his frequent flights to Hyderabad, accusing him of misappropriating public funds for personal trips.
They assert that Lokesh has traveled to Hyderabad by air 77 times since the TDP-led coalition assumed power 18 months ago, suggesting he visits the city weekly.
In light of the RTI responses clarifying that Lokesh covered his flight expenses personally, TDP leaders have countered the YSRCP's allegations.
The ruling TDP has accused the opposition YSRCP of disseminating unfounded claims against the Minister.
Point of View
This situation raises critical questions about transparency and accountability in governance. The RTI findings provide a clear insight into Minister Nara Lokesh's actions, allowing the public to evaluate the claims made by both the ruling party and the opposition. It's essential to assess these developments fairly, fostering a discourse rooted in facts rather than political rhetoric.
NationPress
27/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nara Lokesh pay for his flights?
Minister Nara Lokesh financed his flights to demonstrate transparency and accountability, as he did not claim expenses from the government.
What are the allegations against Lokesh?
The YSR Congress Party alleged that Lokesh misused public funds for personal trips, claiming he traveled to Hyderabad 77 times.
What does the RTI reveal?
The RTI responses indicate that Lokesh did not claim any travel expenses from the departments under his purview.
How has the TDP responded?
The TDP has refuted the allegations, asserting that Lokesh's trips were not personal and were entirely funded by him.
What is the significance of this revelation?
This revelation highlights the importance of transparency in politics and addresses public concerns regarding the misuse of funds.
