The influence of Nara Lokesh’s “Red Book” initiative has transcended the boundaries of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), sparking a ripple effect in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana politics. The concept, first introduced as a means of protecting TDP supporters from alleged harassment by YSRCP leaders and certain government officials, was initially dismissed by many YCP leaders. Figures such as Kodali Nani and Ambati Rambabu ridiculed the idea during the 2024 election campaign, claiming that they were unperturbed by it.

However, the narrative surrounding the Red Book has dramatically shifted. It has not only gained significant traction but also provoked reactions from various political quarters, including the YSRCP and even Telangana’s BRS. The emergence of the Red Book as a political tool was first seen as a tactic for morale-boosting among TDP supporters. Over time, it has evolved into a symbolic gesture of resistance, signaling a tangible response to perceived political oppression.

The acknowledgment of the Red Book’s impact by none other than YSRCP’s Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy suggests the growing relevance of the initiative. Leaders from the YSRCP, including Ambati Rambabu, have recently claimed that they too are maintaining their own versions of the Red Book in retaliation to Lokesh’s original idea. This direct acknowledgment of the Red Book’s influence marks a significant shift, underscoring the momentum behind Lokesh’s initiative.

The reach of the Red Book has now spread beyond Andhra Pradesh. BRS leader K. Kavitha’s recent statement regarding the “Pink Book”—a countermeasure to the Red Book—further illustrates the wider political resonance of this campaign. In her comments, Kavitha revealed that BRS leaders are recording the names of individuals they believe are targeting them, and once the party returns to power, they will take action. The “Pink Book,” which mirrors Lokesh’s Red Book, has now become an emblematic response to the latter’s political maneuvering, demonstrating how Lokesh’s initiative has shaped the discourse in Telangana as well.

The influence of the Red Book is noteworthy because it has ignited similar initiatives across rival political factions, both in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It has become more than just a campaign tool for Lokesh and the TDP; it has set the stage for a new form of political rivalry, where each party feels the need to respond with their own version of accountability. This rare instance of political cross-pollination highlights how an initiative, initially perceived as a mere tactical move, can evolve into a powerful symbol of resistance and influence in contemporary politics.

Looking back, it is difficult to pinpoint the last time a political campaign had such widespread influence, compelling opposition parties across state lines to adopt counter-campaigns of their own. The last major political campaign that saw such an effect was likely the massive anti-corruption movement that led to the rise of regional and national parties like AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) in 2013, though even that did not spark such a direct mirroring of a political tool. The Red Book campaign is, therefore, a testament to the growing role of symbolic political gestures in shaping the regional power dynamics in the Telugu states.