The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) on Wednesday announced a major organisational and electoral reform proposal, with its national working president Nara Lokesh proposing 33 per cent reservation for women in party tickets for the 2029 Assembly elections. The announcement was made on the opening day of the party’s annual conclave, Mahanadu, held amid discussions on leadership, governance, and internal restructuring.

Lokesh stated that the party would implement the 33 per cent quota for women candidates irrespective of whether the Women’s Reservation Bill is passed in Parliament. He said the decision reflects the party’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation in politics and ensuring greater representation in decision-making roles. The proposal is expected to be formally discussed and possibly adopted during the ongoing Mahanadu deliberations.

Addressing party cadres, Lokesh emphasized that the next phase of Indian politics should be led by women in active leadership roles rather than being limited to welfare beneficiaries. He said the Telugu Desam Party aims to take a leading role in promoting gender equality in political representation and described the move as a “commitment” rather than a symbolic announcement.

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The TDP leadership, including party chief and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, highlighted that the decision aligns with the party’s broader ideological push under the “Stree Shakti” theme of this year’s Mahanadu. The conclave, held at the party headquarters in Mangalagiri, is being attended by senior leaders, ministers, and politburo members in a hybrid format.

The party also pointed to its recent steps in enhancing women’s representation within organisational roles, including the appointment of MP Byreddy Shabari as its first woman National General Secretary. Leaders said these moves reflect a sustained effort to expand women’s leadership across party structures.

Lokesh further said that opposition parties had not done enough to advance women’s empowerment, contrasting it with the TDP’s stated commitment to practical implementation of gender-inclusive policies. The announcement is expected to be a key political highlight of the Mahanadu session and may influence internal debates on candidate selection ahead of the 2029 elections.

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