Mangalagiri: IT minister Nara Lokesh is on a charm offensive as he tries to wrest Mangalagiri seat for TDP.Lokesh is always willing to pose for a selfie with supporters despite the restraining hand of security officials.Lokesh makes sure that he walks up to the elderly during his campaign and enquires about their wellbeing. He is also asking them whether they are receiving Rs.2000 pension granted by chief minister Chandrababu Naidu.He finds out if there are any issues in receiving the pension and whether they are happy with the hike. He moves on only after seeing a cheerful response from beneficiaries.Lokesh is not seeking vote for TDP only because of welfare programmes. The elderly are telling Lokesh that they would support Naidu. Lokesh is also meeting members of women groups to gauge their views on Pasupu-Kunkuma.Lokesh is not particular about addressing public meetings as he wants to meet as many people as possible.TDP has not won in Mangalagiri since 1989. Lokesh’s entry has galvanized the party at the grassroots. “The party has strong base here. Lack of unity and allocation of the seat to allies had spoiled our chances. Now we are all working together to see that Lokesh wins with a record majority,” said Ganji Chiranjeevi, municipal chairman and TDP leader.Lokesh visited Navulur, Nirukonda, Bethapudi,Kuragallu and Nidamarru villages on Tuesday. CPI(M) councilor Vangara Sakunthala and 200 supporters joined TDP in Lokesh’s presence.A group of Brahmana Seva Samithi workers, including former mandal parishad president Rudru Mohanbabu, Kuchipudi Ramesh, Navuluru panchayath vice-president Sambasiva Rao and Pachala Suvartha joined the party in the presence of Lokesh in Navuluru village.

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