One of the major criticisms against YS Jagan during his tenure as Chief Minister was his limited accessibility to the common public. In his five-year term from 2019–24, Jagan rarely met citizens personally to hear their grievances. Although there were reports of plans to hold Praja Darbar events, these initiatives never really took off.
In contrast, IT Minister Nara Lokesh has been highly proactive and effective in this area. Soon after the formation of the new government, Lokesh prioritized interacting with the public, collecting grievances, and ensuring they are addressed in a timely and sensitive manner. His mass outreach program quickly gained significance, with thousands of people attending Praja Darbars in Mangalagiri and other parts of the state.
Interestingly, Lokesh’s effective approach seems to have inspired Jagan. The former CM has now started a similar initiative, called Raja Darbar, at Pulivendula and is actively participating in it. A neutral observer noted, “During his five-year tenure, Jagan did not take any steps toward a mass outreach program. Now that Lokesh has successfully reconnected with the masses, Jagan appears to be finding the mood and energy to follow a similar path.”
Lokesh’s efforts have thus not only strengthened public engagement but also set a benchmark for political leaders to stay connected with the people.